Phil & Ted's Traveller Full-Size Travel Crib It only weighs 7 lbs.--compare that with other play yards! Add to that its terrific versatility and its hard to find a better travel bed. Use it from birth on up through three years (or more), indoors and out. Breathable mesh panels let you take this to the park and beach just as easily as Grandma's house (where rubber feet will protect her floors). The self-inflating air mattress works much like a Therm-a-Rest (or backpacker's mattress), providing good insulation from the cold ground as well as padding from hard floors. An optional UV-protective cover fits over the top to offer protection outdoors (though you'll have to throw a beach towel or something over the sides for sun protection now that they are 100% mesh (please let me know when you've finished thinking that one through, Phil&Ted). The Traveler also has a zipping side panel to allow in and out access for playtime on the beach, and for older children who are ready to come and go on their own from their "travel bed."
It stands 51" x 24.8" x 31" when open, and folds to 24.8" x 8.6" square packed in its carrying case. At 11 lbs. it weighs a little more than Phil & Ted's full-size travel crib, costs around $100 more, does not include a zipping cover, and you probably won't be able to use it as long (it also doesn't offer the unzipped side self-access for older children). That said, the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light is worth it to some parents for the 1-minute (or less) set-up time, space savings when folded and set-up, and eco-certified softer fabrics--every bit of which can be gently washed in the machine. In theory, the BabyBjorn Travel Light can be used for newborns up to around 3 years old (older children may be happier with the longer mattress of the Phil & Ted or Peapod Plus, both of which they can freely come and go from when they're ready). Measures 32” x 44” x 24” set up, and is 19" X 24" X 6" packed in its travel case. Brica Fold 'n Go Travel Bassinet This bassinet sets up in 10 seconds (okay it took us 20 the first time, but...) and features a rigid frame that locks into place, providing a sturdier alternative to some baby travel beds with soft sides.
Mesh side panels also allow for better air circulation. Includes a foam mattress and cotton mattress cover. Folds to 22" at its widest point x 16" x 2" thick and weighs less than 3 lbs. Unfolds to 30.5"L x 22"W x 10"H with a 29" x 18" mattress. For more photos and details, see my complete review here. Helps create your "tent within a tent" safely on cold camping trips, and gives a clean, safe place for baby to snooze bug-free, whether indoors or out. Folds into its own carrying case at 16.5" diameter and 3" thick, then pops up when needed to 46"L x 28"W x 18"H. Weighs less than 3 lbs. Although this is recommended for 1 to 3 years, you may prefer the slightly larger Peapod Plus, which can be used on through the preschool years (see below). The Peapod Plus can be used from infancy well through preschool, and includes a lightweight sleeping bag. In addition to the UV mesh found in the smaller Peapod, the Plus also has roll-down nylon sides for added wind protection. Other differences: The poles used in the Plus are thinner and more lightweight than the very heavy-duty ones used in the original above, keeping its weight down, but at the cost of some stability (if you have rowdy rompers in the house, you may prefer the original Peapod).
Travels at 19" diameter and 6.5" thick in its carrying case. Unfolds to 52.5" x 34" x 25". The very popular Snuggle Nest has been improved with new safety features, including ventilation through breathable sidewalls and an optional 1.5" incline wedge to help elevate baby's head--very helpful should a little nose get stuffy during your travels. Plays soft music or womb-like sounds and includes a convenient night light you'll be glad to have when checking on baby in an unfamiliar hotel room. Cover can be removed and washed. What I don't like about the new model is that the wrap-around bumper means it won't last as longer for taller/longer babies, and the new "vented" side walls actually look less breathable than the earlier mesh used. Still, for travel with a swaddled infant, this may be just what you need. Open dimensions are 17.5 x 6.5" x 18". Folds in half for travel. First Years Close and Secure Sleeper For an extra measure of protection, this co-sleeper buffers your baby from head to toe, making it a suitable sleeping spot for infants both in the "family bed" and out.
It also features a built-in night light, which can be helpful for late-night checks, especially when staying in new and unfamiliar places. Machine washable cover and sheet included. Overall dimensions are 26" x 16" x 6" (24"L within bumpers). Folds to 19" x 17" x 7 1/2" with carrying handle. Summer Infant Travel Bed with Shoulder Strap Great for the airport and possibly even on the airplane. It starts out folded into a travel bag with a shoulder strap and bottle pockets on each end. Then, when you need a clean, safe spot for baby to stretch out while you await your flight, just unfold and the toy bar is already in place. There's NOT a changing table in the lavatory on your flight? This will give you a clean, workable surface with no-roll sidewalls to use either on the airplane seat, floor, or--if the toilet design suits--in the lavatory over the closed lid. And when you get to the hotel, you'll also have a handy travel bed. The Shrunks Inflatable Travel Bed for Toddlers/Preschoolers
Great solution for occasional visits to Grandma's house, car trips, and camping (but at 6 lbs. and still bulky when deflated, you probably don't want to pack it on the plane). The mattress insert is the same size as a standard crib mattress, and you can use it with your own crib/toddler bed sheet sets. (If your child is already pushing the limits of the toddler bed, take a look at the kid-size inflatable travel bed that fits a twin-size sheet.) The inflated bumper with side rails allows you to tuck blankets deeply to help them stay put. Inflates in just 30 seconds using the included electric (plug in) pump. Phthalate-Safe, BpA-Safe and Lead-Safe. Find it online at: Amazon The Shrunks Inflatable Portable Bed Rails Make the most of extra beds where you find them by easily adding these safety bumpers to hotel beds, guest beds, cruise ship berths, and then some. Inflate with the included foot pump and slip under the side of the bed's fitted sheet to prevent roll-off.