Bringing a crib along for baby while traveling is something that we have tried, but that we no longer do. We try to minimize our luggage and stuff that we bring along with us, especially when we are flying. Especially when we travel internationally, we are often only allowed one 23kg (50 pounds) bag for each of us. Adding even a lightweight compact crib to the luggage equation will result in bulk and unnecessary weight.
My husband and I have found a portable crib to be just another unnecessary thing to travel with, although we do own a couple. Our daughter has slept in bed with us since she was born, and now at 14 months she is capable of safely getting out of bed feet first. Having her in bed with us is comfortable for everyone- we know she is safe and secure, she feels safe and secure, and we’ve all slept well from the first day because no one has to get up to get her- she just finds my breast and falls back to sleep; and no, we have not crushed the baby. Millions of moms and babies in the world have been sleeping like this since the beginning of time, and still do. It also makes it convenient for traveling because we don’t have to lug around a crib, sheets, and accessories. If co-sleeping is not for you, though, the following portable cribs/ bassinets may be good travel options:
The KidCo PeaPod Portable Travel Bed SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED OR USED. I had previously recommended this as a travel bed option due to its packable size, convenience, and mosquito protection based on other parents’ reviews. However, there has been a recent death of a 5 month old baby that SUFFOCATED sleeping in this bed. The autopsy showed that the baby did not die of SIDS, but of SUFFOCATION.
For small babies still using bassinets, the First Years Close and Secure Sleeper is a good option for parents that want baby to be close in bed with them, but still have a designated space for babies. It is used in adult beds between pillows and has head and foot barriers. It’s lightweight at only 3 pounds, and folds compactly to fit easily into luggage.
The Brica Fold N’Go is also light at under three pounds and folds with sturdy and safe side walls. It also comes with a carrying strap to easily carry. However, it folds in half and might be rather awkward to pack, unless you were packing it on the bottom or top of a wider suitcase. This style of bassinet would not be used in bed, but rather next to mom and dad’s bed. There are several other brands available like this.
If you are stuck on having a traditional crib to travel with, the Graco Playard Pack’N’Play is a good option that is as lightweight and compact as a crib is going to get with lots of hard metal parts. It is sturdy, reliable, and a great crib if you need one when traveling. It folds up nicely into its bag into a size that can fit in a large checked bag, although it is going to take up most of the room and weight in the bag, so you have to be really committed.
One last option to consider is the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper Mini Bassinet Convertible. This attaches to the side of the parent’s bed for co-sleeping with a designated space for baby, and is for younger infants. Like the Playard, it is a heavier option and has bulky metal parts, but can be packed into a suitcase (that, again, will take up most of the suitcase and weight allowance). This also converts into a playard for parents interested in having both a safe sleeping place and playing place while traveling.
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We have a Peapod, and have mostly used it when camping in my parents’ trailer. It is so compact, it could fit in my suitcase. I think it will be a fun play tent for when bub gets older, too! We have the bigger one, which looks like it could fit two kids!
Dear Shannon, Thanks for your feedback regarding the Peapod. I think it looks like a great option, myself, and am considering buying one. It’s great to know that the larger one could potentially fit two babes! Thanks.
We use a Chicco play yard with the MamaDoo Kids mattress topper (for much needed extra comfort). We love both of these items, so easy to carry and use. We visit family all the time and have use them every day for naps and when away from home. Thank you!
Dear Grace, Thanks for letting everyone know about the Chicco play yard and MamaDoo Kids mattress as being a good option for home use and travel. I will be sure to check those out, as well. Thanks!
Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic now. I usually cosleep when traveling (Pack n Plays are such a pain! though my 15 month old is quite the spinner) but I also use a Phil & Ted’s Traveller Crib (http://www.amazon.com/Phil-Teds-Traveller-Crib-Red/dp/B004H7RT5Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333384053&sr=8-3) when it’s needed. The only bummer is that that sucker is like assembling a tent! No easy pop up and pop down which is something that I would really love to find in our next traveling bed. What do you use now that Veda is getting older?
Hi Morgan,
At 16 months, we still haven’t made the leap to having Veda sleep in a separate space. I’m still breastfeeding, and she still chows down a couple times a night, so it’s still easier. Although, because she is also a big time spinner/ slapper/ kicker/ blanket thrower-offer, we discuss moving her into her own bed. Now in South Africa we have just made a little nest for her on the floor next to us with a big spare blanket and pillows around her- it’s cozy enough and she sleeps well, but she usually still ends up in bed with us at some point during the night.
So, all this to say, I’m sorry I can’t give a further product review since I’m still mostly relying on co-sleeping while traveling. However, after looking at the Phil and Teds, it looks like the KidCo Peapod might be a better option for you since it’s lighter and look like it sets up/ fold sup much easier. I noticed the links I had on my blog are broken, and for some reason doesn’t look like Amazon.com is selling them anymore. You can check out their web page: http://www.kidco.com/products-page/peapod-standard/p101/
I hope this helps some! I plan on buying the Peapod soon for future use- until then “I love baby feet in my face” is my mantra :).
Thanks for your feedback! When you make the switch you’ll have to let me know what you think of the PeaPod. Right now it seams like most toddlers would stand up and walk right out of it – and that zippering them in would be tough unless they were immobile (maybe ideal for when they’re an infant). I’m a huge fan of co-sleeping too :).
Dear Morgan, After being alerted to a recent death of a 5 month old that suffocated in a PeaPod, I definitely will NOT be purchasing or trying out this product: http://gypsymomma.com/2012/04/13/warning-infant-suffocation-in-peapod-travel-portable-bed/
Dear all, I want to make sure the word gets out about this tragedy of a 5 month old that recently suffocated in a PeaPod. For those of you currently using it, please reconsider. http://gypsymomma.com/2012/04/13/warning-infant-suffocation-in-peapod-travel-portable-bed/
Thank you for the update, what a heartbreaking story. My prayers go out to this momma.