Any parent who travels with babies and infants understands the struggles of trying to find a safe place for them to sleep. The best travel bassinet is essential for any family overnight trip. A travel size bassinet will give your baby a secure and comfortable place to nap. This is especially important when you are staying in a place that doesn’t provide cribs for children.
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It is very important to get a travel bassinet that will fit your needs. You will need a crib that is lightweight, comfortable for your child, small enough to fit in your luggage, is affordable and is safe with no recalls. This article will provide you with travel bassinet reviews to help you find the perfect crib for your needs.
We have reviewed dozens of travel bassinets in 2024 and will go over the pros and cons of each one. Whether you are flying, traveling by car, going to the beach or staying in a hotel room, we have found the best travel bassinet that will fit your needs. Please use the Table of Contents below to find the category that matches your situation or scroll down to read travel bassinet reviews and to find more information about what to look for when choosing the best travel crib.
Table of Contents
Travel Bassinet Reviews
Best Travel Bassinet for the Beach
Poray Portable Baby Beach Tent Review
If you are going to be spending a day on the beach with your baby, then we recommend you check out the Poray Portable Baby Beach Tent. This travel bassinet is designed to protect your baby from the sun, sand and bugs. The outside of the tent is made from high quality nylon fabric that is UPF 50+. This nylon absorbs ultraviolet sunlight and will protect your baby from 99% of UV rays. The breathable mesh insert allows your child to enjoy the fresh air while still being protected.
The Poray Portable Baby Beach Tent includes a comfortable sleeping mat and cooling pad. The sleeping pad is made from a soft cotton that will keep your child cool and comfortable on even the hottest days at the beach.
One of our favorite features of this travel beach bassinet is the easy assembly. It uses a self-expanding technology that allows you to set up with just one hand. You don’t even have to set your baby down. It takes just 3 seconds to set up while holding your infant. Just unzip the provided storage bag (another great feature) and the tent pops out. How cool is that!
Finally, we really like how lightweight it is. It folds down to a tiny 15 inches by 14 inches and can fit into any beach bag or suitcase. The entire thing weighs less than a pound so it won’t add too much weight to your carry-on. When it is open, it provides plenty of room for your baby to play or sleep. The dark fabric blocks the sunlight which makes it the perfect place for nap time. We think the Poray Portable Baby Beach Tent is one of the best travel bassinets for the beach and recommend that you check it out.
Poray Portable Baby Beach Tent Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It is fully screened to keep bugs out while still allowing fresh air to come in. There is a flap to cover the screen if needed.
- The included travel bag makes it really easy to carry it with you to the beach. It can easily fit in a suitcase or beach tote.
- Hands-free assembly allows you to set up this tent in less than 3 seconds while holding your baby in your arms.
Cons:
- The sleeping mat is smaller than the tent and is very thin. This makes it lightweight and easier to travel with, however, it might make sleeping in the tent a bit uncomfortable for your child.
- The sides are mesh which can allow sand to blow in if it gets really windy. There are flaps that you can close to prevent this, but then you won’t be able to see your baby.
- It can be difficult to put the tent back into the bag when you are done using it. You will need two hands to fold it up.
Best Travel Bassinet for an Airplane Flight
DIPUG Travel Baby Bag Review
When you are flying with your baby, you need everything right at your fingertips. That is why we love the DIPUG Travel Baby Bag. When you first look at this bag, you will think that it is simply a diaper bag. However, it is so much more. The side pocket opens and turns into a handy bassinet.
The bag itself will keep you super organized. It has pockets for everything you could need. There is even a pocket specifically made for wet wipes. Everything you need is right at your fingertips. Traveling with your baby will be a piece of cake when you use the DIPUG Travel Baby Bag.
This travel bassinet/diaper bag combo can be carried onto the plane and includes everything you need for a smooth flight. It comes with the diaper bag, two stroller straps, a shoulder strap, two backpack straps, a changing mat and a waterproof bag.
The DIPUG Travel Baby Bag can be carried in four different ways. It can be carried as a shoulder bag, as a backpack, on a stroller and as a handbag. This makes it incredibly versatile while traveling. Any parent who wants a painless flight with their child should consider the DIPUG Travel Baby Bag.
DIPUG Travel Baby Bag Pros & Cons
Pros:
- This bag is made of a durable 600D water-resistant polyester that can withstand the abuse of travel.
- The bassinet can be set up in seconds and the sides are designed to be taller so your baby won’t roll out.
- The bottom of the bassinet is padded and is made of a soft cotton to keep your child cool and comfortable during nap time.
Cons:
- The bassinet is the perfect size for babies younger than 6-months old. If your baby is older than that or is on the larger size for their age, it may be too small.
Best Travel Bassinet for Twins
Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center Review
To be honest, there aren’t many travel bassinets for twins available. It might be a good idea to buy two single baby bassinets instead and use them side-by-side, however, if you need a version designed specifically for twins, the best we could find is the Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center. It’s large and bulky which makes it less than ideal for traveling but it gets the job done. This would be great for hotel rooms or when visiting family.
The Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center features two comfortable side-by-side bassinets that sit above a large playpen. You are able to remove the bassinets and each one contains a quilted mattress pad so your babies will be comfortable while napping. The play yard is roomy and provides plenty of space for your children to play.
When you are ready to hop on a plane or in the car, it folds up into a convenient carrying case. Traveling with twins can be a hassle but the Twin Nursery Center helps take stress off so your family can enjoy your vacation. Right now, it’s the only travel bassinet for twins that we can recommend.
Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The bassinets can be removed to create a large, roomy play area for your children.
- Built-in canopies will shield your twins from bright lights and sun.
- Mesh sides provide plenty of ventilation for your children.
Cons:
- It weighs 29 pounds which can get heavy, especially if you need to carry it through an airport or up a flight of steps at the hotel.
- This nursery center is not easy to set up or take down. If you are staying in one spot for more than a few days, this would be fine. It is not ideal if you will be traveling to a different city every night.
Best Travel Bassinet with a Mosquito Net
Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet Review
There is nothing worse than waking up to find your baby covered in welts caused by bug bites. If you are planning a trip where your baby will be sleeping outdoors, then it is important to pack a bassinet that includes a mosquito net. The Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet gives your baby a safe place to sleep outdoors.
The Brica Fold N’ Go is lightweight, can be set up or folded down in just a few seconds and includes a carrying handle. A mesh mosquito net will protect your child from bugs while they sleep comfortably on the included mattress. The frames and sides of the bassinet lock in order to provide stability. You will have peace of mind knowing that your baby has a safe sleeping space.
Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet Pros & Cons
Pros:
- This travel bassinet weighs only three pounds and folds flat so it can easily fit into a suitcase or slip between luggage.
- One thing that we love about this bassinet is that it comes with a removable, water-resistant mattress pad and fitted sheet set. Most other bassinets don’t include the sheets.
- The Munchkin Brica is super easy to set up and take down. When setting it up, the sides lock into place so you know it is safe for your baby. When you are ready to put it away, just press a button and it folds flat in mere seconds.
Cons:
- Even though it folds flat, it can take up a lot of space in your luggage.
- If your baby is older than 7 or 8 months, they may be too big for this bassinet. It is best to measure them before purchasing the crib to make sure they will fit.
- The mattress is really thin which helps save space when folded up, however, it might be uncomfortable for your baby.
Best Travel Bassinet for Toddlers
Lotus Travel Crib Review
Traveling with toddlers is no easy task, especially if they have no place to sleep or nap. The Lotus Travel Crib is designed to give your toddler a safe, comfortable napping area. This is more than just a travel crib. It’s a crib that you can take everywhere – home, friends’ house, playdates, airports, hotels and more. It is portable, lightweight and sets up in 15 seconds.
The Lotus Travel Crib is one of our top choices when it comes to best travel bassinet for toddlers. You child will have a lot of fun playing in this crib. The sides can be unzipped which opens up the crib and turns it into a playroom. Adults can even climb in with their kids for play time. When it’s time for a nap, the sides zip back up creating a safe, secure and comfortable bassinet for sleeping.
Lotus Travel Crib Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The ClearView Mesh covers the top and sides of the crib which allows for ventilated airflow and an unobstructed view of your toddler.
- When fully closed, this lightweight crib turns into a backpack that you can carry with you handsfree.
- The Lotus Travel Crib is large and provides plenty of space for play and sleep. It will take a while before your child outgrows it.
Cons:
- Keeping the crib folded up may cause the mattress to wrinkle. This could make it uncomfortable for your child to sleep. As long as you don’t keep it stored away or closed up for an extended period of time, it should be okay.
- The mattress is firm so you may want to bring an extra blanket or two if you child wants a softer sleeping surface.
Best Lightweight Travel Bassinet
Baby Delight Go with Me Bassinet Review
The Baby Delight Go with Me Bassinet is one of the top travel bassinets for newborns on the market in 2024. This bassinet can be used stationary or it can be used in a rocking motion to help soothe your newborn. It only takes a few seconds to set up or to store. The “quick pull up” feature makes folding it up very easy. It comes with a compact carrying bag for traveling.
Once set up, the Baby Delight Go with Me provides a soft, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Your baby will be surrounded by a breathable mesh that will allow fresh air in and makes it easy for you to communicate with them.
Baby Delight Go with Me Bassinet Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Rock mode is a great way to soothe your baby and rock them to sleep.
- The one-second fold system makes it easy to set up, take down and store. It comes with a travel carrying bag.
- Bassinet is comfortable and safe for your baby with a thick cotton mattress and mesh sides.
Cons:
- The mattress has a crease in the middle where it folds in half when storing it.
- Mattress cannot be removed to be cleaned.
- It can be hard to find sheets that fit the mattress.
Best Travel Bassinet for Newborns
KidCo Uno+ Carry Cot Review
Your baby will be able to enjoy safe, comfortable naps while traveling with the KidCo Uno+ Carry Cot. This is one of the best lightweight travel bassinets on the market in 2024. The bassinet can fold down or set up quickly and is incredibly portable and travel friendly. It is so compact that it can easily fit in a suitcase or can be carried onto an airplane. This is great for sleeping in the hotel or for naps at the park or beach.
The bassinet is made with a breathable mesh that promotes healthy airflow and ventilation. It can be used as a stroller or a car seat when you purchase the additional accessories. This lightweight travel bassinet is designed for babies 0-5 months and comes with an easy to clean machine washable pad.
KidCo Uno+ Carry Cot Pros & Cons
Pros:
- This bassinet is safe for your baby. It features a see-through mesh that allows you to see your baby while they sleep.
- It will rock back and forth when set on the ground to help get your child to sleep.
- This lightweight travel bassinet folds up into a compact size and comes with a soft padded mattress.
Cons:
- Not for babies older than 5 months which means your baby may outgrow this bassinet quickly.
Best Travel Bassinet for Hotel Room
Baby Trend E-Nursery Center Review
Our choice for the best travel bassinet for hotel room is the Baby Trend E-Nursery Center. This crib is great for hotel rooms because it is a larger bassinet that allows plenty of space for your baby or toddler to play, yet it is compact enough to save space and is easy to carry. Our favorite thing about this bassinet is that it is designed to grow with your child.
The Baby Trend E-Nursery Center folds down into a compact size and can fit into an included carry bag to make traveling with it easy. The bassinet can be set up in minutes and can be placed next to your bed so your baby will be safely by your side.
Baby Trend E-Nursery Center Pros & Cons
Pros:
- This crib weighs less than 20 lbs and folds into a convenient compact size. The included carrying bag makes traveling easier than ever.
- Built-in wheels located at the base of the bassinet allows you to quickly move it anywhere in the room.
- All of the sides are made from a breathable mesh which provides maximum ventilation.
- The three different configurations of this crib means that your baby won’t grow out of it right away.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a mattress, however, the bottom of the crib is comfortably padded. You can purchase a mattress specifically designed for this crib if you need it.
- The Travel Lite is too large to fit in some hotel bathrooms. If you prefer to have your child nap or sleep in the bathroom during the day, then this bassinet may not be the right one for you.
Types of Bassinets
There are many different types of travel bassinets on the market. We have highlighted a few of the options available to help you figure out which one is right for you and your child.
Backpack Bassinets: These types of bassinets usually pop out of a backpack or fold out of the side of a diaper bag. They typically feature soft sides and collapse easily. These are great for when you are hiking, going to the park or when you are in an airport and your baby needs a quick nap anywhere you happen to be.
Folding Bassinets
Folding bassinets are made from metal or plastic rods that are covered in plastic. When you are traveling, they collapse or fold into a compact size and can fit into a suitcase or bag. They are great for hotel rooms or when visiting family or friends.
Playpens
Playpens are designed for toddlers. They are much larger than most bassinets or cribs and feature a soft, padded bottom and sides that will often zip down. This gives your child a safe place to play during the day and sleep during the night. They are a great option when visiting family. They usually fold flat so you can carry them with you when you travel.
Stationary Cribs
A stationary crib is a smaller bassinet that is perfect for a newborn. They are great for hotel rooms as they are compact in size and can fit just about anywhere in the room. They fold flat and will often come with a carrying bag.
Rocking Cribs
Rocking cribs are also a smaller sized bassinet designed for newborns. They will rock back and forth to help your child sleep. It can be difficult to find a rocking bassinet that is designed for travel but there are a few on the market.
Features to Consider
The main features you need to consider before purchasing the best travel bassinet are the size, weight, price and what play features you need.
Safety
Safety should be your number one priority when looking for a bassinet or crib. Try to choose a bassinet that has no extra padding or fluffy pillows or sheets. Mesh sides are ideal for preventing your baby from suffocation. When using a travel crib, or any crib for that matter, place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Size
The size of travel bassinet you need will completely depend on the size of your child. If you have a newborn, you will just need a small bassinet. However, if you have a toddler, then you will need a large crib with plenty of space for them to sleep and play.
Weight
This goes without saying – lightweight bassinets are much easier to travel with than heavier ones. Try to choose a bassinet that weighs less than 50 lbs but 20 lbs is ideal.
Play
Is your child old enough to play with toys? If so, then you might want to choose a bassinet that also converts into a playpen. Some travel bassinets come with toys attached for young babies to play with.
Price
Finally, you will want to consider your budget. Travel bassinets range in price from $50 up to $500 so it is important to set your budget before you start looking. Keep in mind that the more expensive the crib, the more features it will have.
A Warning About Recalls
Always try to buy your bassinet new and from a reputable seller. If you do decide to buy a used bassinet, make sure you check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and make sure it hasn’t been recalled due to safety issues. You can search for recalled cribs and bassinets here: https://cpsc.gov/Recalls?combine=cribs
Best Travel Bassinet Brands
Here are our top 3 favorite travel bassinet brands:
Baby Trend
Baby Trend sells customizable portable nursery centers which are great for traveling. These nursery centers are wonderful for visiting family or friends and they work well in hotel rooms.
Fisher-Price
When most people think of Fisher-Price, they think of toys. You may be surprised to learn that they also sell travel bassinets. Both the Stow ‘n Go Basket and the On-The-Go Baby Dome are high quality, affordable travel bassinets.
Lulyboo
Lulyboo specializes in backpack bassinets. They sell a few different models in a variety of sizes and colors. The Lulyboo Mod Carrycot it great for travel because it collapses in seconds and can be carried on your back.
FAQ’s
How to Wash a Travel Bassinet
Washing a travel bassinet is easy but how you wash it will depend on the type and brand you own. Many bassinets will have a mattress cover that can be removed and washed in a washing machine. Some bassinets will also have fabric sides that can also be removed and washed in a washing machine. If your travel bassinet does not have these features, then you can use a baby-safe, non-toxic cleaner to spray down the bassinet and let it air dry completely before putting it away or using it again.
What is the Difference Between a Bassinet and a Crib?
There isn’t much difference between a bassinet vs a crib. The main difference is the size. A bassinet is smaller and is designed for babies ages 0-5 months. A crib is much larger and is designed for an infant or toddler.
Can I Carry a Travel Bassinet onto a Plane?
In most cases, yes, you can carry a travel size bassinet onto the plane. Be sure to check with your specific airline’s carry-on luggage policies before your vacation just to make sure. You can find a full list of 2024 airline carry-on luggage policies here: 2024 Airline Carry-On Luggage Policies
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