Help Your Baby Sleep with the Best Portable Crib
While toddlers are a blessing that brightens up a household, they limit your movement quite a bit. And with a toddler in your life, it’s never more important to consider how you will manage outings in town, especially if your day’s agenda will last into the afternoon. Luckily, with an excellent portable crib you’ll be able to keep your kids safe during your next trip to the park or shopping center.
A portable crib is only as effective as its durability and design, and their mass production can prove to be a bit overwhelming to new and experienced parents alike. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the leading portable cribs of 2023!
Finding Your Next Portable Baby Crib: A Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to babies, nothing is more critical for growth than proper sleep. A crib might look like just a spot to tuck in your baby during the day, but at night it may not prove to be the safest place for them to sleep.
This buying guide will help you understand the do’s and don’ts of portable baby cribs.
Types of Portable Cribs
The average cost of portable cribs varies from $100-$3,000. The following features can affect your final price point.
Affordable cribs
Manufacturers utilize cheap materials and hardware to produce economical cribs. Plus, they usually have simple designs and finishes. While you can utilize lacquer or paint to hide slight cosmetic wood defects, minor finishing flaws are common in this price range.
Mid-price cribs
Tons of models exist at this price point. Mid-priced cribs can be converted into different bed types. For example, 4-in-1 cribs can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and full-size bed.
The best cribs will showcase zero signs of glue residue or exposed nails.
Expensive cribs
Most of these are imported from Europe and have unique finishing. Most high-end manufacturers offer customized cribs, like metal frames and heavy springs that aim to support their mattresses.
Additionally, expensive cribs can be converted into other beds too. The only downside is that custom cribs are unlikely to be certified.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Crib
It can be daunting to choose one crib from so many options. Below are some factors that will help you narrow down your search.
Construction and finishing
Previously, cribs were only manufactured with hardwood as they can be easily painted and are sturdy. The most common wood types are cherry, ash, maple, birch, oak and mahogany. Nowadays, pine wood cribs tend to be what’s in trend.
The variety of stains and paint colors is diverse too. Just know that even if a brand claims to have a cherry finish, it does not mean that it’s derived from cherry wood.
Mattress adjustability
An adjustable mattress height is available in all except cheap cribs. This feature lets the mattress be higher to lay down your sleeping cherub easily. While you can look for cribs with a minimum of two mattress heights, three is way better.
There are many types of mattress supports. Examples of mattress supports are metal bars, wood slats and metal frames. As for springs, these are typically made of strong wire.
Caster wheels
This is a great feature. Make sure to assess the caster wheels to ensure that they are not flimsy, as you will vacuum underneath it, get toys and change sheets. Caster wheels are essential when your baby is under four months of age.
Also, make sure that the caster wheels are locked in at all times. You should only unlock them when the crib needs to be moved.
Ease of assembly
Before buying a portable crib, be sure to have a look at the assembly instructions. If the guidelines are way too complicated, get another one or ask whether the retailer offers assembly service. Based on the assembly service cost, it can be worth paying for it.
Another point to consider is whether or not the crib will have to be disassembled to be moved. This is especially crucial if you want the crib in your room for the first year and move it to another room after your baby turns one years of age.
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Top Portable Cribs Worth Considering in 2023
Dream On Me Portable Play Yard – Fun Color Options
Portable cribs don’t need to look basic in order to be functional and comfortable. The Dream On Me Portable Play Yard comes in many adorable colors and designs to match your baby’s aesthetic, and its lightweight aluminum frame will remain sturdy once you activate the locking casters. With the airy mesh promoting breathability and letting you keep an eye on your baby at all times, its functional, waterproof nature makes it easy to clean.
If you have a restless and messy baby, this is the perfect crib.
Pros
- Features various color options
- Features padded floor for safety
- The mesh screen is visible
Cons
- Difficult to lock sides
Graco Travel Lite Crib – Convertible Design
The Graco Travel Lite Crib is an effective investment as it is capable of converting into different products as your child grows. It acts as a crib for newborns, and for older infants and toddlers you can turn it into a bassinet and a play yard. It also comes with a wheeled design and can be easily packed into a compact bag to ensure better portability.
The mesh sides help your baby stay cool and allow you to keep an eye on them. One of its best features is the canopy, which promotes better sleep in well-lit rooms.
Pros
- Multifunctional crib design
- Includes a canopy with toys
- Wheel design promotes mobility
Cons
- Has a thin mattress
Lotus Portable Travel Crib – Easy to Pack
If you’re the type of parent who often travels with their child, the Lotus Portable Travel Crib is the perfect product since it’s so easy to pack. The foldable design passes many airport security checks, so you don’t have to worry about making last-minute arrangements. And when it comes to versatility, it’s spacious enough to act as a playpen during the daytime and allows restless babies to kick and move about during the late hours.
Sourced from non-toxic materials and lightweight in nature, it’s ideal for babies with sensitive skin and is great for traveling.
Pros
- Perfect for airport travel
- Sourced from non-toxic materials
- Thick foam base is great for naps
Cons
- Does not have color options
Baby Trend Nursery Center – Best Design
In terms of design and utility, the Baby Trend Nursery Center is one of the most well-designed baby cribs. The crib has toys to keep an infant busy until they fall asleep and has a diaper stacker attached to the crib for emergency changes. You can also take out the sleeping station and turn it into a bassinet for playtime when the child is older.
Its lockable wheels promote movement and ease of positioning after setting it up, and you can also instantly pack the crib since it has a compact storage design.
Pros
- Easy to install and pack
- Comes with canopy toys
- Features attachable diaper holder
Cons
- Does not have a foam bed
People Also Asked
A: On average, babies can sleep in a portable crib until they become 35 inches tall, have a 30 pounds weight and are no older than three years of age.
A: A bassinet or a portable crib is the best choice in most scenarios because it can move. This can prove particularly useful for parents who plan to switch their crib’s location at home or are always on the go.
A: If you're a frequent traveler or usually visit your parents' house, a portable crib is a wise investment. But if you rarely travel and currently have an extra toddler bed, there's no need to buy one.
A: Since your baby’s safety and health is of the utmost importance, it’s highly recommended to avoid fixing product flaws on your own. If your portable crib is broken, you should replace it.
