Best Travel Cribs and Playards | Strolleria Comparison
Why is a Travel Crib / Playard an essential purchase?
A Travel Crib/Playard is an essential item that every parent should include on their registry or shopping list. These versatile systems offer immense convenience and utility for families, making them an indispensable purchase. Don’t underestimate their value! Travel cribs provide a secure sleeping environment for babies when away from home, whether for weekend trips, extended vacations, or sleepovers with grandparents. However, their usefulness isn't limited to travel; they can also serve as a primary sleep solution, replacing the need for a bedside bassinet. Additionally, once your baby is ready for playtime, these systems transform into a safe play area where your child can entertain themselves, giving parents and caregivers some much-needed hands-free time to tackle daily tasks.
How to choose the right Travel Crib / Playard:
Now that we've established the importance of having a travel crib / playard, let's guide you through selecting the right one. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit can feel overwhelming. So, what should you look for? Safety is always the top priority—look for breathable mattresses and mesh sides, especially if you plan to use the system for sleeping. Beyond safety, ease of use is crucial. Quick and simple folding mechanisms, along with machine-washable components, can significantly ease the burden on parents. For traveling families, consider the crib's folded dimensions, weight, and whether a travel bag is offered. Those seeking versatility should look for available accessories that enhance utility and convenience.
In this article, we'll compare our top picks for travel cribs and playards, helping you determine which system best meets your family's specific needs. By the end, you should have narrowed your choices down to one or two favorites!
What are the best Travel Cribs?
Without further ado are picks from the best Travel Cribs/Playards are:
- 4moms Breeze Plus Playard
- BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
- Bugaboo Stardust
- Nuna COVE Aire Go
- Nuna PAAL
- Nuna SENA Aire and Changer Bundle
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go
- UPPAbaby Remi
Which Travel Cribs can be used from birth?
- 4moms Breeze Plus Playard
- Bugaboo Stardust
- Nuna COVE Aire Go
- Nuna PAAL
- Nuna SENA Aire and Changer Bundle
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go
- UPPAbaby Remi
All of the systems on our list can be used from birth. However, if you plan to use a travel crib as a newborn sleep system, it is best to consider one that offers a bassinet mode. Each of these systems, with the exception of the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, comes with a bassinet attachment that elevates the baby to bassinet height for convenient use from birth. The Bugaboo, Nuna and UPPAbaby systems all feature mattresses crafted with layers of mesh for premium breath-ability and they are machine washable!
What is the best Travel Crib for bedside use? Nuna COVE Aire Go:
The Nuna COVE Aire Go and Nuna PAAL are the narrowest options and will be the best fit for bedside use and smaller spaces.
Which Travel Cribs provide the most versatility for home use? 4moms Breeze Plus Playard vs. Nuna SENA Aire vs. UPPAbaby Remi:
When selecting a travel crib or playard for everyday home use, it is wise to consider available and compatible accessories. A few of these systems stand out for their versatility and the utility they offer parents. The 4moms Breeze Plus, Nuna SENA Aire and UPPAbaby Remi all have the option to add a changer. The 4moms Breeze Plus and Nuna SENA Aire are both offered as a bundle with the changer included, while the Remi Changer is sold separately. UPPAbaby also offers a Changing Station Organizer for storing diapers and other essentials.
While an upstairs nursery is likely stocked with all of the baby's essentials, these three systems can serve triple duty on the lower level as a napping station, changing station, and play space.
Which Travel Cribs are the best for Playard use? Nuna PAAL vs. Silver Cross Sleep & Go vs. UPPAbaby Remi:
All of these systems are designed for play, but three models stand out. Parents planning to use one of these systems exclusively as a playard should opt for the larger models that offer ample play space. We recommend the Nuna PAAL, Silver Cross Sleep & Go Travel Crib, and UPPAbaby Remi for play because of their unique zipper openings. The Remi features a zip-front opening, while the PAAL and Sleep & Go Travel Crib offer side zipper openings. This feature allows easy access in and out for tiny crawlers and facilitates parent-child engagement during playtime.
What Travel Crib is the best for outdoor use? UPPAbaby Remi:
UPPAbaby has parents covered who love spending time outside! The Remi Canopy is UV protected and provides full coverage against sun and bugs!
Which Travel Cribs are the best for travel? BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light vs. Bugaboo Stardust vs. Nuna PAAL vs. Silver Cross Sleep & Go:
Whether packing up the car for a road trip or traveling by plane, the weight and size of your gear should always be a priority. The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, Bugaboo Stardust, Nuna PAAL and Silver Cross Sleep & Go are designed to make traveling easier. All of these systems are lightweight, provide a compact fold, and come with a travel bag included.
The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is the lightest, followed by the Bugaboo Stardust and then the Silver Cross Sleep & Go.
The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is the most compact when folded, followed by the Nuna PAAL and then the Silver Cross Sleep & Go.
Comparing Specs and Dimensions:
Open Dimensions:
- 4moms Breeze Plus Playard: 43"L x 30"W x 29"H
- BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light: 32" W x 44" L x 32" H
- Bugaboo Stardust: 25" L x 38.8" W x 33.5" H
- Nuna COVE Aire Go: 40" L x 24.5" W x 30" H
- Nuna PAAL: 28.5"H x 40"L x 26"W
- Nuna SENA Aire: 29"H x 41.3"L x 30"W
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go: 44”L X 31.5”W X 26.4”H
- UPPAbaby Remi: 40.5" L x 26" W x 28.5" H
Folded Dimensions:
- 4moms Breeze Plus Playard: 30"H x 13.25"W x 12"D
- BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light: 19" W x 23.5" L x 5.5" H
- Bugaboo Stardust: 25.6" L x 5.5" W x 33.5" H
- Nuna COVE Aire Go: 14.5" L x 10" W x 34.5" H
- Nuna PAAL: 28.5"H x 13"L x 11"W
- Nuna SENA Aire: 31.5"H x 13"W x 11"L
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go: 35”L X 13.4”W X 6.7”H
- UPPAbaby Remi: 11" L x 10" W x 28.5" H
Weight:
- 4moms Breeze Plus Playard: 23 lbs
- BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light: 13 lbs
- Bugaboo Stardust: 14.8 lbs
- Nuna COVE Aire Go: 22 lbs
- Nuna PAAL: 19.8 lbs
- Nuna SENA Aire: 22 lbs
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go: 15.2 lbs
- UPPAbaby Remi: 20 lbs
Recommended Use:
- 4moms Breeze Plus Playard Bassinet: birth to 18 lbs / Playard: Birth to 30lbs
- BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light: Birth to 3 years
- Bugaboo Stardust: Bassinet: birth to 19 lbs / Playard: up to 33 lbs or 35"
- Nuna COVE Aire Go: Bassinet: birth to 15 lbs / Playard: Birth to 30 lbs or 35 in
- Nuna PAAL: Bassinet: birth to 15 lbs / Playard: Birth to 30 lbs or 35 in
- Nuna SENA Aire:Bassinet: birth to 15 lbs / Playard: Birth to 30 lbs or 35 in
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go: Bassinet: birth to 4-6 months / Playard: up to 50 lbs
- UPPAbaby Remi: Bassinet: birth to 20 lbs / Playard: Birth to 35 in
What's in the box:
- 4moms Breeze Plus Playard: Playard, mattress, bassinet, changer, travel bag
- BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light: Travel crib, mattress, travel bag
- Bugaboo Stardust: Travel crib, mattress, zip-in bassinet, storage bag
- Nuna COVE Aire Go: travel crib, bassinet attachment, mattress, organic cotton sheet, carry bag for travel
- Nuna PAAL: Playard, insect net, mattress, bassinet attachment, organic sheet, travel bag
- Nuna SENA Aire: Playard, mattress, bassinet attachment, organic sheet, travel bag
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go: Travel crib, newborn mattress, mattress, travel bag
- UPPAbaby Remi: Playard, bassinet attachment, mattress, organic cotton mattress cover, storage bag
Warranty:
- 4moms Breeze Plus Playard: 1 year
- BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light: Lifetime
- Bugaboo Stardust: 2 years
- Nuna COVE Aire Go: 2 years
- Nuna PAAL: 2 years
- Nuna SENA Aire: 2 years
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go: 3 years
- UPPAbaby Remi: 2 years
Which Travel Cribs have the best features?
4moms Breeze Plus Playard Features:
- One push open and close
- Easy, one-handed setup and take-down
- Playard includes a detachable flip changer and comes with a removable bassinet
- All-in-one care station that grows with baby
- Water-resistant 2-in-1 mattress
- Streamlined, airy design provides clear views of your little one
- Convenient travel bag included
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light Features:
- Easy, one movement set up and lightweight design
- Suitable for newborns and up to 3 years, or until your child is able to climb out
- Includes a practical carry bag for travel and storage
- Mesh design is airy and breathable while allowing you to keep an eye on your baby
- Fabrics and mattress cover are machine washable
- All fabrics that come in contact with baby's skin meet the requirements of OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class 1 for baby products
- The travel crib complies with the EN 716 safety standard for folding cribs and national fire safety requirements.
Bugaboo Stardust Features:
- Patented aerospace folding technology means easy folding and unfolding
- Unfold in 1 second, fold in 3 seconds
- User friendly with no assembly or special techniques needed
- Comfortable multi-layered mattress which is thicker and firmer than average means restful sleep for your baby, longer afternoon naps, and more time for you
- All-around mesh material adds extra breathability
- Durable, high quality fabrics, free of chemicals
- Included zip-in bassinet for newborns or co-sleeping makes it easy to lift your newborn in and out without bending over
- Compact size is designed to set up anywhere in and out of home
- Premium Velcro closing bag makes travel with the Stardust even easier
- Lightweight design allows for easy transport
Nuna COVE Aire Go Features:
- Triple layered mesh mattress, fresh thinking mattress design
- A chic look—perfect for home and away.
- Perfect for traveling. Sets up and folds easily.
- Unique zigzag legs pop cot open quickly and easily.
- The bassinet folds with the frame. No need to remove before packing up.
- Unique zip-off bassinet is easy to detach for play yard use.
- Triple layered mesh mattress, fresh thinking mattress design
- Ventilated mattress panels easily remove for deep cleaning.
- Zip-off mattress cover is machine washable and dryer safe.
- Above-ground base keeps baby draft-proof.
- Skid-proof feet keep sleep quiet and still.
- Sturdy, aluminum zigzag frame
- Woven threads blend together to create an easy-to-clean fabric featuring a soft, subtle texture.
- No extras needed—even the GOTS™-certified organic sheet is included.
- Travel bag included. Easy carry handle makes toting it around a breeze.
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure
Nuna PAAL Features:
- Functions as a bassinet and travel crib that transforms to baby’s needs
- Removable bassinet provides added flexibility for younger babies
- Tidy compact fold for portable convenience
- Seamless unfold so you're set up in seconds at home or on the go
- Completely washable mattress for hassle-free refreshing
- Clip lock secures the zip-open door
- Tamper-proof Velcro® tab discreetly hides the bassinet zipper
- Padded edges offer enhanced protection for active toddlers
- Sturdy aluminum frame allows baby to rest and play securely
- Breathable mattress insert is supportive and provides a flat surface with optimal airflow
- GOTS certified organic cotton sheet for better-for-baby comfort
- 1-way hinges diminish gaps in the mattress for a smoother resting surface
- Floor-level mattress position option provides the benefits of a sturdy sleeping surface
- Mesh side panels for unobstructed views of your little love and plenty of ventilation
- Contemporary design and premium fashion options ensure baby's space will complement yours
- Single button for an easy fold even with the bassinet attached
- Zip-open side panel for crawl-friendly fun and face-to-face interaction with baby
- Lightweight and comes built for travel with a convenient travel bag with duffle handles
- Includes an insect net for protection from all things with wings
- GOTS certification is an international standard that ensures textiles are not only organic but also produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way
Nuna SENA Aire Features:
- No extras needed—even the organic sheet is included
- A chic look that seamlessly integrates both at home and away
- Triple layered mesh mattress, fresh thinking mattress design
- Ventilated mattress panels easily remove for deep cleaning.
- Zip-off mattress cover is machine washable and dryer safe.
- Unique zigzag frame pops cot open quickly and easily
- Above-ground base keeps baby draft-proof
- Skid-proof feet help keep baby's sleep quiet and still
- Travel bag included with easy carry handle
- Eight leg design provides double the durability and stability
- Sturdy, aluminum frame is easy to transport
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure
Silver Cross Sleep & Go Features:
- Bassinet for newborns
- Crib for toddlers
- Playard that’s perfect for when they’re awake
- Created with sustainable fabrics crafted from recycled plastic bottles
- Inspired by architectural decor to fit seamlessly into any home and become part of the furniture
- Soft yet sturdy mattress is expandable, growing from bassinet size to crib size with baby
- Mesh sides provide ventilation and optimal airflow
- Padded frame creates a comfy, safe space for little to sleep & play
- Covered with quality, stain-resistant fabric which feels as good as it looks
- Shake open design sets up in a second & folds down easily
- Sleep & Go fits into the included compact, weatherproof bag
- Lightweight design allows Sleep & Go to easily go anywhere
- Mesh ventilation panel double as a viewing window to ease keep an eye on baby
- Transforms to crib by unzipping bassinet & expanding the mattress to fit the base of the crib
- Perfect for overnight sleeping or an afternoon nap
- Comfortable mattress keeps baby snug
UPPAbaby Remi Features:
- Machine-washable, triple-layer air mesh mattress for improved breathability
- Included organic cotton mattress cover offers an additional layer of softness
- Included zip-on mesh bassinet for a ventilated, elevated, newborn bedside solution
- GREENGUARD® Gold Certification supporting healthier air quality during rest and play
- Lightweight, portable design for travel or moving from room to room
- Set it up and break it down in seconds, with just one hand
- Zip-open panel offers direct access to soothe baby
- Unobstructed, airy design allows you to see baby from any angle
- Unique above ground design to keep baby draft proof
- Additional accessories include: Canopy, Changing Station, Changing Station Organizer, Waterproof Mattress Cover, Organic Cotton Mattress Cover, and Travel Bag
Accessories for the 4moms Breeze Plus Playard:
Accessories for the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light:
Accessories for the Bugaboo Stardust:
Accessories for the Nuna COVE Aire Go:
- Cove Aire Sheet
Accessories for the Nuna PAAL:
Accessories for the Nuna SENA Aire:
Accessories for the Silver Cross Sleep & Go:
Accessories for the UPPAbaby Remi:
- Canopy
- Changing Station
- Changing Station Organizer
- Organic Cotton Mattress Cover
- Waterproof Mattress Cover
- TravelSafe Travel Bag
What is the best Travel Crib/Playard?
Selecting the right travel crib can be more complex than it initially seems. As you’ve discovered, there is no one-size-fits-all model. For traveling families needing an easy-to-pack crib, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, Bugaboo Stardust, Nuna PAAL and Silver Cross Sleep & Go are top choices. For dual-purpose use at home and on the go, the PAAL and Sleep & Go excel in both travel and home play. The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light stands out as the lightest and most compact option, ideal for families needing a travel-exclusive system. For those prioritizing versatility for home use, the 4moms Breeze Plus, Nuna SENA Aire and UPPAbaby Remi offer great utility as sleep systems, playards, and changing stations. The Remi's extensive list of compatible accessories makes it a standout option on our list of the best travel cribs.
Questions?
Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents.
If you have more questions about the Travel Cribs or Playard, feel free to email us at customercare@strolleria.com or chat with us today!