TOP 10 PACK N PLAYS FOR TRAVELING WITH A BABY OR TODDLER
Traveling with a baby or toddler can be exhausting, but the right pack n play for travel can make it much easier. This blog post will help parents, like you, decide on the best pack n play for traveling with their little one.
These products are lightweight, portable, durable, and perfect for getting your child to sleep while you’re away from home. Whether you’re going overseas on vacation or just across town to visit family this holiday season, these picks will keep your little one happy and comfortable!
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As a family, we’ve traveled to over 11 countries, 12 states, and thousands of miles with a baby, now toddler; I’m very familiar with travel crib or baby travel bassinet alternatives for little ones.
Read More: Best Baby Bassinet for Travel
BEST PACK N PLAY FOR TRAVEL COMPARISON TABLE
Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
THE 5 BEST TRAVEL PLAY AND PLAYS FOR LITTLE ONES
Here are the top five packs and plays for traveling with babies and young toddlers.
The play yards on this list provide lightweight, compact, and portable sleeping options for babies and young children while on vacation.
Each pack n play had unique features, so I’m sure you’ll find the perfect one to fit your family’s needs.
Read More: Best Age to Travel with Babies
Dream On Me Travel Light Playard
The Dream On Me Travel Light Playard is the most affordable travel size pack and play on our list. It sets up and folds down in minutes, making it the ideal travel companion.
It’s perfect for vacationing at the beach, in the mountains, or for a quick visit with the grandparents. This travel play yard folds up flat and can be stored in its durable carry bag, so it doesn’t take up much space at all!
Another plus is the mesh walls and nylon bottom. You can clean this travel-size pack and play with a damp cloth and soap, which means no taking apart to clean or putting pieces in the washer.
The Dream On Me Playards comes with a soft mattress, so your baby can play peacefully. This pack n play offers comfort, safety, and convenience at an affordable price.
Pros
- Affordable
- High weight capacity
- Lightweight
- Color options
Cons
- Takes longer to set up
- Not great for heavier toddlers
- Smaller than other pack n plays
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is the second most popular travel size pack and play. It’s the perfect solution for parents who want to take their baby on trips.
This travel crib is easy to set up and takedown, and it weighs just 13 lbs. Plus, there’s no upper weight limit, so you can use this until your toddler is old enough to climb out of the play yard, which is typically 3-years-old.
Another thing parents love about this small travel pack n play is that it’s machine washable. You can even machine wash the soft mattress that comes with it. Your baby will love sleeping in this cozy little bed wherever you go!
With its lightweight design and simple one-move setup/folding mechanism, taking care of your child has never been easier or more convenient!
It doesn’t take up much space, so unfold it anywhere in the house or hotel room for your little one to play and sleep. There’s no better way of getting some shut-eye while away from home than with the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
- Portable
- Color options
Cons
- Expensive
- No side zipper/entry
- Does not include fitted sheet
Lotus Travel Crib
The Lotus Travel Crib is the only play yard with GreenGuard Gold non-toxic certification, so your baby is safe. That means this travel pack and play does not contain lead, heavy metals, PVC, or phthalates.
It’s easy to set up and weighs less than 14 lbs packed inside the backpack-style traveling case. You can put it in the overhead area on an airplane, gate check, or check it with your luggage if you don’t want to carry it throughout the airport.
It’s easy to see why this is the best pack and play for travel for many parents. The full-height mesh provides breathable airflow for your little ones to stay cool while they nap or play.
The side zipper makes it easy to access your baby, or you can lay and cuddle with them before naptime. Some parents like to nurse their babies in this travel play yard, but it would be a little uncomfortable to lay on the floor, but if it works for you, go for it.
Honestly, besides the hefty price tag, I can’t find too many cons with this lightweight pack n play. It has everything you need to enjoy a vacation with your baby or toddler.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Backpack style travel bag
- Two-year warranty
- Side zipper door
Cons
- Expensive
Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib
The Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib is our favorite pack n play for travel because of its affordability and versatility. This is the best pack n play for sleeping because it converts to a baby bassinet, plus a pack n play, without the additional weight.
At only 15 lbs., you get to have the convenience of two products for the price of one. This pack n play grows with your little one, so they can use the bottom portion when they are 3 months or older.
Read More: Best Ear Protection Headphones for Babies
There is a side zipper for your baby to crawl in or out when open or cuddle beside them as you pat them to sleep. Much like the other pack and plays on our list, the outside material is breathable meth, which will keep your little one cool while they nap or play.
The three-step setup process is quick and easy for busy parents, especially with busy babies or toddlers on the loose. A rare inclusion with this playard is fitted sheets, so no need to buy additional items.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Breathable mesh
- Sheets included
Cons
- Durability
- Learning curve to fold
4moms Breeze GO Portable Travel Playard
The Breeze GO is the easiest play yard on the market. It sets up in one push and down with one pull, so you can get your baby out of their crib or into their playpen without any hassle.
You won’t find another travel play yard this easy to set up. This pack n play is from the makers of the mamaRoo, so you can trust that their products are made with both parents and babies in mind.
The included travel bag is the perfect storage option, but this pack n play can be used at home, on vacations, or with the grandparents. Many parents love that it is not on the floor, so their baby or toddler can sleep comfortably on the padded mattress.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Easy setup and takedown
- Keeps little one off the floor
- Has other models with additional features
Cons
- Heavier than other models
- Lower weight capacity (30 lbs)
Read More: Best Travel Potty for Toddlers
BEST PACK N PLAY FOR TRAVEL ALTERNATIVES
Pack and plays are great options for little ones for sleeping on the go. Although there are travel pack n plays, like the ones mentioned above, there are a few other options.
These pack n play alternatives for travel options are more lightweight, and some even fit inside your suitcase, so check them out.
Read More: Best Rash Guards for Babies
Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SlumberPod Portable Canopy
Heading on vacation with your baby or toddler and worried about sleeping in the same room? No worries, there is a solution. The SlumberPod is the perfect solution! It’s easy to set up and take down, so you can use it anywhere.
The blackout material allows your little one to nap in bright or distracting conditions (approved for indoor use only), like a hotel room.
You don’t have to worry about them waking up early because of the sun shining through their window or if you need to get up to go to the bathroom. Plus, they will feel safe and secure inside their very own pack n play or travel crib with room to sit or stand up.
If you are worried about your little one getting hot, you can put your mind at ease. There are four ventilation flaps and a pocket for a fan, plus you can always put a travel baby monitor inside to keep an eye on your little one.
The SlumberPod is what you need on your next vacation with your little one. It’s the perfect solution to privacy on vacation, especially in a hotel room.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Ventilation flaps
- Privacy
Cons
- Expensive
- Baby monitor area too small
- Need to assemble and take down
Joovy Gloo Travel Tent
The Joovy Gloo Travel Tent is the perfect solution for families on the go. Whether you’re going camping on the weekend or taking your first international trip, this travel bed is great for babies and toddlers.
This travel tent is lightweight, compact, easy to clean, and has a sun canopy so your little one can play or sleep comfortably outside on a beautiful day or in a hotel. Plus, it comes with a travel bag that fits inside your suitcase!
You don’t have to worry about carrying around a bulky pack n play for travel anymore because this tent only weighs 5 pounds! Plus, there are no poles required for assembly; just unzip and pop up! When your little one wakes up, simply fold it back down into its original shape.
This pack n play alternative is recommended for little ones at least six months old but can be used up until 5-years-old if you purchase the Joovy Gloo Large.
Overall, this is one of the best travel beds for babies and toddlers, plus they can use it as their play tent or for quiet time. The possibilities are endless with your toddler.
Our son uses his travel tent to play with his blocks in his room, so you don’t have to only use this toddler tent while traveling; you can get your money’s worth at home too.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Fits inside suitcase
- No assembly required
Cons
- Difficult to fold
- No replacement bars available
Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome
The Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome is the perfect product for your baby if you are on the go. It has everything they need in one convenient, portable space! And it can be used indoors or in the great outdoors!
I recommend this pack n play travel alternative for road trips since there isn’t a travel bag for flights. The compact design can easily fit in your trunk, but if you want to take it on a flight, it may fit in a car seat storage bag.
This portable pack n play is great for babies up to 5-months-old, so grab it and book your next vacation. Honestly, this age is the best time to travel with a baby because they need so little.
You and your baby will love this play space and comfy napping spot. The sun canopy protects them from the sun and bugs, plus there are 2 removable toys to keep them entertained wherever you go.
It’s a multi-purpose portable playpen for babies. Use it for naptime, playtime, and even tummy time.
When not in use, it folds flat with handles, making it easy to carry for anyone.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Folds flat
- Portable
- Multi-purpose
- Sun canopy for outside
Cons
- Only UPF 20
- No travel bag
- Can only be used for babies
MiClassic Travel Bed
The MiClassic Travel Bed is our favorite travel pack n play for babies and toddlers. This pack n play is super quick to set up and fold, with only one step to move around.
At only 13 lbs, it’s one of the lightest pack n plays for traveling with babies and toddlers. Take it on a road trip to visit family or on a flight for your next beach vacation.
You won’t have to worry about packing up the whole bed every time you need to move rooms or go outside because it sets up and folds down in just one step. Plus, the mesh all around makes it breathable. You don’t have to worry about your little ones overheating while they sleep inside.
The liners, including the mesh and mattress pad, are machine washable, so cleaning is a breeze. This travel bed is certified with ASTM F406-19 and complies with CPSC and CPSIA required standards for newborns, infants, and toddlers.
There is enough room for a good night’s sleep or play with their travel toys. In addition to being spacious, there is a side zipper for quick access to your little one.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to setup
- All-around breathable mesh
Cons
Kidco Peapod Plus Travel Bed
The Kidco Peapod Plus is the perfect travel bed for your little one. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to set up.
You can use it both indoors and outdoors with its UV protection and anchor straps. Best of all, it comes fully assembled, so no need to worry about putting it together!
This travel bed will make life easier for you as a parent because you can easily take your child anywhere without having to worry about them sleeping comfortably in their own space.
We’ve been using the Kidco Peapod since our son was 14 months old, and we are still using it now that he is 3-years-old. He loves to play and sleep in his big boy tent; it’s his safe place, especially when it rains.
Read More: Our Kidco PeaPod Review
It did take some time to master the folding, but we’ve taken this tent to Orlando, Williamsburg, Playa Del Carmen, Medellin, and many other cities while on our family gap year.
What I love most about the Kidco Peapod Plus and the regular version is how lightweight it is. We throw it in our car seat travel bag to save space in our suitcase, but you can put it in there too.
This pack n play for travel alternative can save you time and money while also giving your child everything they need for a good night’s sleep wherever they are!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- UPF 50 protection
- Durable
Cons
- Gets hot inside
- Takes time to learn to fold
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A PACK N PLAY FOR TRAVEL
There are a few key things to consider when looking for the best pack n play for traveling with little ones.
Although each factor is weighed differently, they are all crucial in determining the best pack n play for traveling with babies or toddlers.
The factors we used to pick our list of the top 10 travel pack n plays are safety, ease of cleaning, size, weight, durability, price, and accessories.
Safety
Our priority when writing our buying guides is always safety. We only included travel pack n plays that have a proven safety record.
A few of the options on our list have additional safety certifications, so if you want the highest safety-rated travel pack in play, check out our reviews.
You must pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommended age and weight for each product. To make it easy, I’ve added the max weight and age for each product for you to determine the best travel pack n play for your family.
Cleaning
I’m sure cleaning isn’t your favorite pastime, but it’s something that has to be done, especially with babies and toddlers.
There is always spit-up, blowouts, milk, juice, snacks, or something in their pack n play, stroller, and car seat.
Having a pack and play that’s easy to clean makes your life easier. A machine-washable option is best, but some of these only require a damp cloth and soap to clean.
Size & weight
When traveling, weight is always a concern, especially with the outrageous price airlines are charging for bags these days. Unless you are flying Southwest, I highly recommend looking for a lightweight travel pack n play.
The heaviest option on our list is almost 20 lbs, but the lighter ones are less than 15 lbs. Most airlines allow you to check baby gear for free, but be sure to double-check.
Luckily, most of the travel-sized pack and plays on our list include a carry bag, so you can take it on the plane if needed.
Ease of use
Ease of use means how easy is it to assemble and disassemble in a hurry. Most of the options on our list can easily be assembled or set up in less than 5 minutes.
If you have an active baby, I recommend getting a travel play yard that has a one-step setup, such as the Breeze GO.
Price
We know kids can be expensive, especially when you have newborns. Our lists always include affordable baby travel gear options.
One of our favorite travel pack and plays is less than $100, plus it can be used for up to three years, so get your money’s worth from the MiClassic Travel Bed.
Conclusion: Finding the best pack n play for traveling with little ones
The best pack n plays for traveling with babies and toddlers are those that make it easy to set up the playpen, take down quickly when needed, and have an excellent safety rating.
If you’re looking for a pack n play that is perfect for travel or if your kids sleep in their cribs at home but not away from home (or vice versa), we hope this blog post helps you decide which one would be right for your family!
