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Best Travel Cribs

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Daniel Ganjian , M.D., Pediatrician, Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.  American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained , July 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics, Suitable Sleeping Sites: Safe at Night & Naptime , June 2022. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products .

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The Best Travel Cribs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

A safe and comfortable travel crib is an essential accessory for parents who want to travel with their little ones without restriction. Sleepovers with friends and family, local road trips, and even international adventures—the world is your oyster with the right one. Some can be used as a permanent sleeping place for your baby or toddler, while others adapt throughout the first stages of their life from bassinet to cot or playpen. Things to consider include how long you want to use the crib, what you want it for (and, therefore, whether lightness or size is the greater priority), and how much you’re willing to spend. 

To help you find the travel crib best suited to your requirements, we tested 19 of the most popular options in the TripSavvy lab. Each one was scored for ease of setup, portability, quality, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value—giving us our overall winner, the Maxi-Cosi Swift 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot, and Playpen. This crib stood out for its attractive, high-quality design and the fact that it works from birth to approximately 3.5 years. Read on to find out which other models earned themselves a spot on our roundup of the best travel cribs currently on the market.

• How We Rated

Other Travel Cribs We Tested

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, maxi-cosi swift lightweight portable play yard.

• Ease of Setup 4.8 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

Beautiful, high-quality design

Incredibly easy to put up and take down

3-in-1 design suits newborns to toddlers

Not the lightest option for air travel

The Maxi-Cosi Swift was a clear winner for us due to its ingenious design that combines three baby essentials—bassinet, cot, and playpen—in one high-quality product. The mattress unzips to fit the newborn bassinet, then zips together again to create an extra thick, comfy mattress for the toddler cot and playpen. This versatility means you can use the travel crib day and night through all stages of your little one’s growth from birth up until approximately 3.5 years—saving you plenty of money in the long run. 

The manufacturer’s description claims that the crib takes one second to fold or unfold; however, our tester timed assembly at three minutes and disassembly at less than two. We did find it incredibly easy to set up, earning the crib a near-perfect score for this element of the testing process. At 15.4 pounds, it isn’t the lightest cot on this list and probably not the most convenient choice for air travel. However, we loved that its full size and sturdy construction meant it could double as your permanent crib. 

We also fell for its beautiful design and high-quality fabric—in fact, our tester called it the most stylish pack n’ play they’d ever seen. We felt it was durable and likely to last a long time, with a convenient carry bag that makes it ideal for taking with you on your next road trip or staying at Grandma’s house.

Dimensions: 41.7 x 33.9 x 29.9 inches | Weight: 15.4 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 pounds

Best Budget

Munchkin travel bassinet.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5

Incredibly lightweight

Folds down flat

Mesh panels for maximum airflow

Relatively short use window

Available online for a fraction of the price of our overall winner, the Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet is the perfect fit for those on a budget. It’s also a very different product, intended for occasional use only during the newborn stage. Brica recommends stopping using the bassinet when your baby reaches three months, 15 pounds, or can push up on their hands and knees—whichever comes first. Nevertheless, we found it almost unbelievably easy to set up, with assembly taking one minute and disassembly taking less than 30 seconds. 

With side walls constructed of breathable fabric and mesh panels for maximum airflow, the bassinet is also incredibly lightweight (less than 3 pounds). Its tubular steel frame is held in place by a four-point Safe-T-Lock system but folds flat for effortless transport. We felt it would be ideal for air travel—although we wished it came with a carry bag to help keep it clean. We thought it was relatively sturdy and easy to spot clean, though the removable mattress pad comes with a water-resistant sheet.

Dimensions: 30 x 21.25 x 11.75 inches | Weight: Under 3 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 15 pounds

KidCo Peapod Travel Bed

• Durability 4 /5
• Portability 5 /5

Essentially self-assembling

Great age range from 6 months to 3 years

Ultra lightweight

The material could be a little thicker

If you’re looking to spend under $100 on a product that still guarantees good quality and an extended lifetime, we recommend the KidCo PeaPod Travel Bed. It weighs less than 3 pounds and is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry using convenient shoulder straps. Once opened, the tent-like travel bed pops up on its own. We found that, including the time taken to attach the removable sleeping pad, it took less than two minutes to assemble and disassemble, and we felt that it would also be a great fit for outdoor uses such as backyard campouts and the beach. 

The tent crib features a large zippered panel for easy access and walls made of lightweight mesh. These are great for maximum airflow and also double as an insect screen. The material is coated for UV protection, while anchor straps help to secure the tent against breezes (or active occupants!). We felt it would hold up well to the toddler years and be easy to spot-clean when necessary. Choose yours in colors ranging from Midnight to Cranberry or Tangerine.

Dimensions: 46 x 18 x 28 inches | Weight: 2.45 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 3 years

Best for Playtime

Chicco alfa lite lightweight travel playard.

• Value 4.5 /5

Quick, intuitive setup

Smart safety features

Side panel for easy access

The mattress could be a bit thicker

For a travel crib that doubles as an on-the-go play yard, we love the Chicco Alfa Lite. It assembles in just three minutes with a snap-open motion that locks the legs in place and takes less than a minute to disassemble. We found both steps so intuitive that the instructions were unnecessary. The zip-open side panel was a particular highlight for us, allowing the gentle placement of younger babies and the freedom to come and go for older children. Best of all, the zipper is lockable from the outside to prevent wandering at night. 

The full-size mattress creates ample space for playtime and is made extra secure by buckling underneath the cot to eliminate any risk of suffocation. If you need to move the cot around, we found it easy to do so with side handles that provide a good grip. Both the materials and the structure felt solid, and the crib survived our drop test undamaged. When folded back down into its zippered carry bag, we found it pretty light, too. Finally, the GREENGUARD Gold Certified materials are removable for machine washing.

Dimensions: 43 x 29 x 25 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 30 pounds

Best Portability

Zoe the cloud.

• Ease of Setup 4 /5

Packs compactly into a backpack

Wipe-clean, mesh walls

Extra comfortable plush mattress

Disassembly may require some practice

If you’re traveling with a crib, the chances are you’re also traveling with the rest of the paraphernalia a small child needs. The Cloud from Zoebaby keeps your hands free for other gear thanks to its clever backpack-style carry bag and compact design. Although it weighs 15 pounds (more than most others on this list), it felt light to carry and also features wheels for moving it easily once set up. Setup and take-down took us around five minutes, though we thought this time would be much shorter once we were familiar with the crib’s straps and buttons. 

The walls are breathable mesh with water-resistant Luxe fabric accents. The crib floor floats 3 inches off the floor, keeping your little one away from potential drafts—while the mattress was a particular highlight for us, being thicker and plusher than standard mattresses. The crib withstood our durability tests well, and we liked that its shallow depth made it simple to clean. There are six attractive colors to choose from, including practical gray to pastel pink or blue.

Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 26.5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 30 pounds

Best 2-in-1

Baby joy travel crib 2-in-1 playpen.

• Portability 4 /5

Zippered side entry panel

Very stable and secure

All fabrics are removable for washing

Not particularly easy to carry

Those searching for a travel crib that can act as a generously sized play area will appreciate the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen. We timed setup and take down at approximately three minutes each, with most of that time used to attach the mattress’ Velcro straps. The actual cot is incredibly easy to unfold and lock into place. It’s designed for babies from birth to 3 years, with breathable mesh walls offering excellent visibility from across the room. A zippered side door provides easy access for crawling and toddling children. 

We particularly liked how stable this crib is. With aluminum tubes reinforcing each corner, it felt rock solid even when we dropped a 25-pound sandbag into it and threw it around. We found it hard to tip over, even for an adult. Materials are high quality, while the mattress cover and crib fabrics can all be removed and washed as needed. The only downside was that the crib lacked portability. We felt an over-the-shoulder strap would have been more useful than the short carry handles included and that it was too wide for convenient air travel. 

Dimensions: 45.5 x 31 x 27 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 pounds

Best Compact

Kidco peapod plus.

The age limit is up to 5 years

Folds flat for easy storage and transport

Adjustable sun screens and UV protection

Not particularly structured

For the maximum blend of space and compactness, choose the KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Bed. As the larger version of the standard PeaPod already mentioned on this list, it’s for children aged 6 months to 5 years, yet still weighs in at just 3.65 pounds. When not used, it folds flat into a compact circle that can be easily slung over the shoulder or carried in hand. We loved that it’s small enough for easy air travel or to realistically keep in the trunk of your car for “just-in-case” situations. 

It took us seconds to pop the tent up and less than two minutes to attach the Micro-Lite sleeping pad (this snaps on underneath the crib floor to avoid any risk of suffocation). Take down time was less than three minutes. Like its smaller sibling, the PeaPod Plus features lightweight mesh walls with a tight-enough weave to protect from insects and UV protection and adjustable sunscreens. Entry is through an extra-large, zippered side panel. The pod comes in Midnight or Camo and would be easy to spot clean.

Dimensions: 52.5 x 34 x 22 inches | Weight: 3.65 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 5 years

Best Splurge

Uppababy remi portable playard.

Buy Buy Baby

Zip-on bassinet attachment

Stood up to durability tests perfectly

Zippered panel for easy access

The heaviest option on this list

The UPPABaby Remi Portable Playard retails for roughly seven times the price of our budget pick; however, its excellent quality and intuitive design make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers or those who plan to use it as a primary sleeping space. It’s intended for babies up to 18 months old and comes with a zip-on bassinet attachment that allows easy bedside access to your newborn. Setting up the crib frame takes a matter of seconds and can be completed with one hand. 

We did find that figuring out the bassinet attachment took us several minutes—however, once learned, this process would be much shorter. The crib also features a zip-open panel for easy access, mesh walls for clear views and optimum ventilation, and a triple-layer mesh mattress for ultimate breathability. We found it very sturdy even when moved around and subjected to our sandbag tests. The quality of the materials is top-notch. It is relatively heavy (20 pounds)—however, a good quality carry bag with handles on the top and bottom makes transportation easy.

Dimensions: 40.5 x 28.5 x 26 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 pounds

Best Bassinet

Chicco lullago anywhere portable bassinet.

Moving it around the house is easy and simple

Fabrics zip off for machine washing

It takes less than a minute to set up

A relatively short window for use

We love the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet for its high-quality design, which stood up well to our durability tests. It features a firm, flat sleep surface with mesh side panels for maximum visibility and ventilation; with metal legs that snap into place and a convenient shade canopy. It took us less than a minute to set it up and the same amount of time to fold it flat and fit it into its low-profile carry bag. At just 12 pounds, it’s wonderfully light—so much so that you can easily move it from one area of the house to another to keep an eye on baby during naptime.

Other thoughtful features include a mesh storage pocket for keeping essentials handy and a waterproof mattress with a fitted sheet. Best of all (during a stage when accidents happen often), all fabrics zip off for easy machine washing. For added peace of mind, the bassinet is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it’s been independently tested for low chemical emissions to ensure your little one is breathing the healthiest air possible. It comes in several colors, including Sandstone or Grey Star.

Dimensions: 30 x 28 x 18 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 pounds

How We Rated the Travel Cribs

• 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best travel cribs we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
• 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These travel cribs are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
• 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great travel cribs, but others are better.
• 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These travel cribs are just average.
• 3.4 and below: We don't recommend travel cribs with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

Chicco Dash Instant Setup Playard : This was a solid crib with high-quality materials—however, we found it so difficult to attach the mattress' Velcro straps that we gave up, and it's too bulky and heavy for easy travel. 

Graco My View Travel Crib With Stages : Compact and well-made, we liked that this crib was quick to assemble. It lost points due to its relatively small size, and the bassinet section doesn't fit in the carry bag. 

Baby Jogger City Suite Multi-Level Playard : We loved this crib's look, quality materials, and lightweight construction. We didn't love that it required two people to set it up or that the mattress buckled slightly in play yard mode. 

Pamo Babe Deluxe Portable Nursery Center : This crib initially impressed us by offering a bassinet mode, a travel crib/play yard mode, and a changing table. However, it started to collapse during testing, which made us question its safety. 

4moms Breeze GO Playard : We assembled this crib without instructions and liked its sturdiness and simple mattress design. However, we felt the price was high for relatively few bells and whistles. 

Dream On Me Nest Portable Play Yard With Carry Bag And Shoulder Strap : Although four separate testers tried, we could not successfully assemble this crib, which we found to be frustrating and useless. 

AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot Playard : This crib was easy to set up, although the zipper for the bassinet section broke. It wasn't particularly structurally secure, either, and when folded, it was heavy and awkward to carry. 

Gladly Family Merritt Portable Playard Suite : We loved this crib on most fronts—it's incredibly durable and sturdy, easy to clean, and boasts plenty of smart features. The only downside? It's possibly too heavy to be a true travel crib. 

MiClassic Foldable 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet : This bassinet was a win for us; easy to set up, light, easy to clean, and with a nice carry bag. Our only complaints were the jerky rocking function and the product's limited window of use. 

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Harmony Baby Bed : This baby bed is super lightweight and essentially assembles itself upon being taken out of the box. However, it has a minimal use period—only until the baby starts to roll over. 

First, we timed how long it took to assemble the crib and evaluated how easy the setup process was. Where relevant, we checked how simple it was to adjust it to its different stages (from bassinet to cot, for example). We assessed whether the mattress would fit a standard crib sheet or required a special size; then, we moved the crib across the room while fully assembled to see how easy it was to do so and whether all the parts remained securely in place. We also examined each feature and shook the frame to determine its sturdiness. 

Next, we placed a sandbag in the crib to replicate a baby or toddler (depending on the weight the product was certified for). We checked how the added weight affected the crib’s stability, then dropped the sandbag from 6 inches to simulate a toddler jumping up and down. Finally, we timed how long it took to disassemble the travel cot. Once packed away, we tested how easy it was to carry the crib before dropping it from waist height to test its durability further.

Each product was scored from 1 to 5 for ease of setup, portability, quality, durability, ease of cleaning, and value.

What to Look for in a Travel Crib

Weight and dimensions.

Travel cribs generally come in two styles. "Full-size" cribs that last through to the toddler years often double as a play yard, and smaller bassinets are meant exclusively for newborns. When choosing which one to purchase, consider your needs and whether the extended lifespan of a larger crib might make the trade-off of it being a little less portable worth it. The best option for you depends on your child's needs and how you plan on traveling—cribs for air travel will need to be much lighter than those packed in the car. 

How much you can expect to pay for a travel crib depends on the style and brand you go for. For example, our category winners range in price from just under $50 to nearly seven times that much—but what you get for your money differs considerably, too (one’s a foldable bassinet, the other’s a bassinet, crib, and play yard that could be used permanently). When deciding how much to spend, consider what you can afford and the long-term savings of purchasing a product that can be used throughout your baby’s early life, from newborn to toddler. 

Other Features

Other features to look out for range from the bassinet and changing table attachments to zippered side panels that provide easy access to the crib when you want it to double as a play yard. Any parent knows the value of baby equipment that’s easy to clean, so look for wipe-down surfaces and removable, machine-washable fabrics. Setup shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes, and if it’s possible to do it one-handed, so much the better. Finally, the best cribs fold down for easy over-the-shoulder or backpack-style carrying, keeping your hands free for everything else. 

You should always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before cleaning your travel crib since best practices differ from one model to the next. However, most can be spot-cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth, while the best feature fabrics can be removed and machine-washed when necessary. Many come with waterproof mattresses that can also be wiped clean. If yours doesn’t, after-market mattress protectors are often available, although you should always consult an expert before adding anything to your baby’s sleeping environment.

Some travel cribs fold flat and are small enough to pack in your suitcase. Others are compact enough to count as carry-on luggage and can be stowed in an overhead compartment. Often, even if your travel crib is substantially bigger, you can take it as checked luggage. Many airlines allow you to take a travel crib as an additional piece of checked luggage for free. However, rules vary, so check specific airline regulations for flying with children before deciding whether to take your crib with you.

Some parents choose to invest in a pack-n’-play-style travel crib as their child’s permanent sleeping place. Otherwise, having a travel crib as a backup is worth it if you travel regularly and don’t want the hassle of always having to check whether your hotel or vacation rental can provide a cot (or if you simply want the peace of mind of knowing the cot’s history and quality). Many parents also purchase one to keep at a place their child regularly sleeps—a grandparent or shared custodian’s house, for example, or even in another room of their own home.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor to family travel articles. A mom of two who’s always up for the next adventure (from road-tripping around South Africa’s national parks with an 18-month-old to hiking up Scottish mountains with a six-week-old), she has traveled extensively with her kids and personally tested many different brands of travel cribs.

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10 Best Travel Bassinets 2023 Reviews

While traveling with a baby might be a bit difficult for new parents, it’s definitely not impossible. Travelling with a baby is only enjoyable if your baby sleeps peacefully. If your baby can’t get a cozy and comfortable space they need and are familiar with, then your trip will most probably be a stressful one. If you’re accustomed to traveling light, bringing along a travel bassinet might feel like a burden.  This is where you need to choose the best travel bassinet, especially designed for your needs and budget.

In this article, we go through the basics that parents need to consider if they are to get the best travel bassinet for a family vacation. We will analyze the features of each bassinet and take a look at the pros and cons of each to help purchase the best travel bassinet for your child — so buckle up!

Top 10 Best Travel Bassinets

1. dream on me traveler portable bassinet.

The Dream on Me portable bassinet is one of the best and lightest travel bassinets out there. It weighs just 7.5 lbs. (3.4 kg) and folds to 23x20x3 inches (58.5x51x7.6cm), making it a comfortable fit inside the trunk of even the smallest of cars.

This bassinet is extremely easy to set up bassinet and has plenty of room, which means you can continue to use it as your baby continues to grow. The Dream on Me portable bassinet comes with both a mattress and a travel bag.

As with anything, however, this travel bassinet has a few shortcomings. The leg height is not adjustable, which can become an inconvenience when you are trying to interact with your baby on the same level. The sides are not meshed, and the mattress sometimes becomes bunched when your baby starts to move around.

2. Lulyboo Bassinet To-Go Infant Travel Bed – Baby Lounge

The Lulyboo Baby Lounge is another excellent choice for a travel bassinet. It is a lightweight, easy-setup, travel-friendly, and multi-functional bassinet. You can use this baby bed as a changing station, a rest & play area, and it can also be placed on the bed as a co-sleeper bassinet.

Another great feature of the Lulyboo Baby Lounge is that you can convert it into a backpack and carry it on your back. This frees up your hands to hold other luggage you might need to carry.

If you and your baby like the great outdoors, this is the bassinet for you. The Lulyboo Baby Lounge also comes with a detachable canopy, which will protect your baby from harsh sunlight and flying insects and also hang toys, so that your baby is kept entertained. The bottom of this bassinet is waterproof, and the liner can completely be removed and washed. Like the Dream on Me Traveler, the Lulyboo is exceptionally portable and is great for car travel.

The bottom of this bassinet is, however, somewhat soft, so moving the whole bassinet once the baby is asleep in it can be a bit difficult. The Lulyboo Baby bassinet is also a bit more pricey than most of the other bassinets. This should not discourage you, though, as this is one bassinet that is worth every penny.

3. Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet

The Brica Fold and Go Bassinet is ideal for kids below 3 months. At just 3 lbs. (1.36kg), it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to set up and pack away. It has mesh sides making it easy to interact with your baby. This travel bassinet has a double locking tubular steel frame and solid bottom, which means sturdy and secure enough for you to move your little one between spots without waking them up.

It folds to just 22x17x3 inches (55.9×43.18×7.62cm) and can easily fit in a plane overhead locker or in a small suitcase. In addition to this, the bassinet is made using baby-friendly materials. It is BPA free, lead-free and latex-free.

The downside to this bassinet is that it’s just designed for immobile infants. Once your baby reaches the 3-month mark, you will have to get a replacement portable bed.

4. SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper

If you want your baby safely sleeping with you in your own bed, the Swaddle Me by Your Side baby sleeper is an ideal choice. It is definitely one of the best co-sleeper bassinets for travel.

As the baby lies on top of the bed with you, this is an excellent choice for breastfeeding moms. A typical characteristic of co-sleeper bassinets is that they are small and compact in order to fit comfortably and safely on the bed. This makes them perfect for travel. Also, the Swaddle Me by Your Side baby sleeper has high walls, making it a great, safe co-sleeping option.

This bassinet is very easy to move the baby in and out of and can fold down easy enough to fit inside a small suitcase. It includes musical vibrations to keep your baby entertained, and is one of the easiest bassinets to clean.

If parents want the baby to sleep in-between them, they need to have a big bed though, as fitting two adults and the bassinet on a queen-sized bed can be a bit difficult. The bottom of this bassinet is not waterproof, so if you don’t want to wake up to a huge wet spot in your bed, you need to have a waterproof layer underneath the fitted sheet.

5. Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet

Basing on buyer opinions, the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Portable Bassinet comes highly rated. Most parents are happy with the rocking motion that effortlessly sends their babies to a peaceful sleep.

The Fisher-Price Portable Bassinet is perfect when you need a safe and comfy place for your baby to sleep on a short day trip. It’s a bit on the bulky side, so you have to be traveling by car and don’t have space or weight limits.

The bassinet takes a few seconds to set up and take-down. You can either get a version with an automatic rocker or one that rocks with a gentle push from you. If you buy the electronic version you, however, may need a plug converter when traveling.

6. Chicco Lullago Travel Crib

This portable bassinet can be placed right next to your bed if you need to be close to the baby without sharing the bed.  The Chicco LullaGo Travel Bassinet is extremely easy to move around, and you can set it up in another area of the bedroom — all you need is a little free floor space.

This travel bassinet is extremely easy to set up and comes with a travel bag. You can also strip down all the fabrics for easy washing and cleaning. It also has a slight incline, which is excellent for babies with reflux.

Like the Dream on Me Traveler Portable Bassinet, not adjustable and may not reach the height of your bed.

7. Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Lite Crib Playard

The Graco Pack n Play Bassinet is a playpen that doubles as a travel bassinet or a Pack n Play bassinet. Many parents love this bassinet, and for good reason too.

You can use this crib from when your baby is born up until he or she is a toddler as a crib and playpen. The bassinet has a push-button fold system makes it easy to set up and pack away and a space-saving construction that can fit in most hotel bedrooms. The Graco Pack n Play Bassinet Crib has mesh sides, making it possible for parents to see in and baby to see out.

At 20 lbs. (9.07kg) and measuring 39.5x29x29 inches (100×73.6×73.6cm), this is the heaviest and bulkiest option on this list. This is, of course, partly due to its quality material and sturdy construction. It has wheels make it easy to move around and is still portable enough for car travel.

8. BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light – Silver

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light is widely regarded by many parents as the best travel bassinet. This is because it’s straightforward to set up – you just lift it up, put in the mattress, and you are good to go. The mattress is soft and comfortable enough for your baby to sleep comfortably. As the bed rests on the floor, the bassinet does not have an upper weight limit. You can even use it up until your baby is three!

The mesh sides allow you to see what your baby is up to without having to look over the side and also will make sure the baby does not get anxious as they can see out. The fabric is removable and machine washable, making it easier to clean. At 44x32x24 inches (111.76x81x61cm), the cot is compact, yet spacious and folds down to 23.5x19x5.5 inches (60x48x14cm). Folding the cot away takes a bit of skill, but once you get the hang of it, it is quick and easy.

9. Guava Lotus Travel Crib

The Guava Lotus crib has long been a favorite portable bassinet for many travelling families. It’s setup up is almost similar to that of the Baby Bjorn – just lift it up, put in the mattress, and you are good to go. At 13lbs (5.9kg), it is also the same weight as the Baby Bjorn and has almost the same dimensions as well. It also has mesh sides allow you to see what your baby is up to without having to look over the side and also will make sure the baby does not get anxious as they can see out.

In addition, it has zip-down sides that make it easy to move your baby in and out the cot. When folded, the Guava Lotus bassinet is suitable for plane carry-on luggage as it can fit in the overhead locker. It also comes with a handy backpack carry bag.

The Guava Lotus crib can be used from birth to around 3 years old. It does not come with sheets, but these can be purchased independently.

10. Scuddles 3-1 Portable Bassinet for Baby

The Scuddles- 3-1 portable bassinet is, hands down, the best travel bassinet for airplane travel.  It also functions as a mobile changing station and has five zipped pockets (one which is insulated) for keeping your baby’s diapers, favorite toys, and hot or cold bottles. The bassinet has an easy-to-carry on the shoulder carrying structure.

This portable bassinet can also be used in an adult bed as a co-sleeper! It features and snap-in bars that keep the sides stable and reduce the risk of entrapping the baby. The mattress is waterproof and washable, which means hustle-free cleaning.

How to Choose the Best Travel Bassinet

What on earth is a Travel Bassinet? A travel bassinet is a portable baby travel bed that you can easily bring with you when traveling or on vacation. A travel bassinet is usually foldable and is lighter than regular baby bassinets.

When all is said and done, when you are traveling with your little one, you want a bed that is lightweight, portable, easy to set up, and that you can take literally anywhere with you with minimal stress.

Key features to consider when choosing a travel bassinet

When you are browsing through online markets, you are obviously trying to choose the best travel bassinet for you, your baby, and how you usually travel. In this quest, there are a few things to consider if you are to get the best value for your hard-earned money.

How portable is the travel bassinet?

Some bassinets look so cute that you may be tempted to buy at first glance, but they would hardly suitable for travel. Portability should be your number 1 priority when looking for a travel bassinet. Your baby’s travel bed needs to be easy to transport from one place to the next. Adding your baby supplies is already going to make you feel like you’ve tripled your usual travel gear. You definitely don’t need something that is going to add on some more weight and make your travel that much harder.

The bassinet’s weight limit

There are two weight limits that you need to consider when trying to choose the best travel bassinet.

How much your bassinet weighs is undoubtedly something you need to keep in mind. If you are travelling by air, or if you’re backpacking , you are will need the lightest available bassinet. The Lulyboo To Go Bassinet  weighs only 1 pound and is definitely an option worth considering.

If you always travel by car, then weight might not be a significant concern but is still an essential factor to consider.

The other weight you need to consider is your baby’s weight. If your chosen bassinet is designed to be supported by a bed or other safe surfaces, then your baby’s weight might not be an important consideration. However, if your bassinet is self-supporting, it might have a limit to how much baby weight it can safely carry. If your baby is a bit bigger or heavier than most, you need to ensure your bassinet can safely and securely hold their weight.

The bassinet’s dimensions

How you intend to travel will limit the size of bassinet you can comfortably carry. If you are driving to your intended destination, bassinet size might not be a major consideration. If you are flying, however, you might need a bassinet that can be folded into the smallest possible dimensions.

The best travel bassinet for flying is one that will fold enough to fit in your suitcase but still provide roughly the same sleeping area size as much larger bassinets.

Our team voted the  SwaddleMe By Your Side  or the  Lulyboo Baby Lounge as the best choice in terms of bassinet size.

How quickly and easily you can assemble and fold the bassinet

After a long day of travel, and both you and your baby just want to crash down into deep sleep, the last thing you want to do is start cracking your head and try to figure out how to set up your bassinet! Please take our word on this. A bassinet that has clear instructions and does not occasionally surprise you with new difficulties will make your travel experience all that much more enjoyable.

Materials of construction

When it comes to our little ones, the importance of safety can never be overemphasized. It’s quite unfortunate, however, that there are many baby products on the market that have ever so often resulted in accidents. It’s, therefore, vital that the materials used are safe and robust enough to guarantee the safety of your child. It’s always a bonus and will help you rest easy if the bassinet you are going to buy has a recognized safety endorsement.

It is essential for the fabrics that are used to be natural, or at least not be treated with chemicals that may harm your baby. It’s also a plus if the fabrics are breathable, so your baby does not become hot and sweaty. Mesh sides, though not a necessity, provide better air circulation and make it much easier for you to see what your baby is up to inside the crib. Another major point is the quality and durability of zippers or Velcro if any is used.

Sometimes babies can make the biggest mess in the shortest time. If your baby’s bassinet can be wiped down with minimal effort, using soap and water, that is definitely a plus!

The best travel bassinet is one that has accessories

Once you buy your travel bassinet, you will realize that several accessories are going to make your life and that of your baby much easier.

A canopy not only makes you baby bassinet look cuter but help block out sunlight and flying insects from bothering your baby. You can also hang toys to the canopy so that your baby is kept entertained and you can get extra freedom to enjoy the trip. A bassinet that has its own bag to pack it in is a lot easier to travel with.

Although you probably don’t want to skimp when it comes to the needs of your baby, the best travel bassinet doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are plenty of very affordable bassinets that can fully cater for your needs if you know how to choose one. Lucky for you, this article will help you do just that. We’ll go through the top 10 travel bassinets, the questions that you ought to ask before buying one, and the answers to these questions. Please read on!

What is a travel bassinet?

A travel bassinet is a portable travel bed for babies under 3 months old. A travel bassinet is usually foldable and is lighter than regular baby bassinets and is generally used when traveling or on vacation.

Why should I buy a travel bassinet?

If you need to travel with a baby, your journey is only going to be enjoyable if your baby sleeps peacefully. A travel bassinet is an easy and portable solution to ensure that your baby can sleep safely and comfortably while you are out and about with him or her.

Can I use a travel bassinet at home?

The great thing about travel bassinets is that you can take them just about anywhere. You can even choose to get your baby to sleep in a travel bassinet at home. That way, no matter which room you are spending time in, your little one can tag along and still have a safe and familiar place to sleep.

When must I not use a bassinet?

You should stop using a bassinet, and start using a crib, once your baby is older than 3 months. When your baby can sit up, they may venture over the sides and may easily tip over and fall out.

What is the difference between a bassinet and a crib?

A bassinet and a crib are for all intents and purposes quite similar. They mainly differ in terms of size and the age of babies that they can carry. Travel bassinets are much more compact compared to travel cribs and are mostly used for sleeping and are only for babies under 3 months.

One way to make sure you can still enjoy your trips is to make sure you have the best travel bassinet as part of your luggage. But with so many options available, it’s a bit tricky to decide which one is best for you. In the end, the choice will be determined by your specific needs, budget, and your preferences in terms of quality and comfort.

Our team recommends the  Lulyboo Baby Bassinet and the Scuddles 3 in 1 bassinet as these bassinets have all the necessary features at a very reasonable cost.

After going through this guide, however, we hope you are now in a better position to identify your specific needs and narrow down the particular type of bassinet that will make traveling with your baby the most enjoyable experience.

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Angelita McCrory

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The 17 Best Travel Cribs & Bassinets in 2023 [Toddlers & Babies]

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What Is the Difference Between a Crib and a Bassinet?

Why use a travel crib or bassinet, things to consider with travel cribs and bassinets, 1. a roomie travel crib that’s bigger than most, 2. a travel crib lighter than your baby, 3. award-winning design that creates a darkened environment, 4. unique design from a big name brand, 5. folding feet and wheels for a compact folder, 6. a fully washable playpen for peace of mind, 7. simple assembly and easily collapsible, 1. folds up in handy backpack carry case, 2. airy design for good supervision, 3. expands from a travel crib to a play yard in seconds, 4. easy 1-push open, 1-pull close, 1. amazon’s choice for bassinet, 2. nap anytime, anyplace, anywhere, 3. the bassinet that is also a diaper bag and changing station, 4. lightweight, versatile, and can be used outdoors, 5. conveniently folds into a backpack, 6. keep your baby close and protected, final thoughts.

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Going on holiday with your little one means finding the right equipment to make them feel at home, wherever they are. Travel cribs and bassinets give your baby somewhere safe and secure to sleep. This helps them to remain calm and gives you the chance of a peaceful night’s sleep, even when you are on vacation.

There are many to choose from on the market, and below we outline what you should look for and the best options you can buy right now.

Travel cribs and bassinets both provide a cozy, safe sleeping area for your baby, both at home and on vacation. While they both have many uses for parents on the move, there are differences between the 2 options that you should consider before you buy.

What Is a Travel Crib?

A travel crib is a lightweight and portable alternative to the traditional wooden crib your baby may use at home. Designed to be taken anywhere with you, a travel crib has soft sides and a collapsible structure, making it easy to fold up and pack away when in transit.

Made from durable and breathable materials, these kinds of cribs can double up as a safe play space for your little one, both at home and away.

What Is a Travel Bassinet?

A bassinet, on the other hand, is smaller, more compact, and designed to better suit the needs of newborns and very young babies. These safe sleeping areas are perfect for babies who cannot yet sit up unaided and will keep them snug while they sleep close beside you.

Most travel bassinets have soft sides that can be folded up for ease of transport and handles for you to carry. Some can even be used as an inner lining for the bassinet that attaches to your stroller .

Some hotels may offer to provide you with a crib or bassinet in your bedroom. Vacation apartments or Airbnbs may also have separate infant sleeping facilities, but you will need to check before you book.

However, you may not want to put your baby in a crib that has previously been enjoyed by somebody else, or you may be staying somewhere that doesn’t offer additional facilities.

Whatever your reason for wanting one, here are some compelling reasons why you should indeed use your own travel crib or bassinet on your next trip.

Help Your Baby Sleep Better

Young infants can become very unsettled when they are taken away from their usual routine. Having a travel crib that they use regularly will feel familiar to them , even if they are vacationing with you a long way from home. You can also swaddle them in their favorite blanket or throw in a special toy to help your little one feel relaxed and settled.

They Can Be More Hygienic

If you are taking your own travel crib with you, you know exactly how clean it is before you set your baby down to sleep in it. You can also be sure that you have your own sheet that fits the crib properly or any other special items that your baby likes to sleep with.

You Can Keep a Watchful Eye

Travel cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby as they sleep or play. This means that you can keep a close eye without disturbing them, all the time knowing that they are safely placed in a secure crib on the floor.

Give Your Baby a Safe Space To Play

When you need a moment to yourself, or simply want to give your baby some downtime, your travel crib also makes an excellent playpen . Secure, visible, and always within easy reach, you can pop your baby in the crib with his or her favorite toys and let them play. The crib can be used as a playpen at home, too, making it an even more worthwhile investment.

If your baby is very little, you may want to consider a travel bassinet instead. These lightweight and incredibly portable safe spaces make cozy beds for babies who are not yet on the move. Safer than just laying your baby on your bed, you can keep your baby comfortable and close at hand without worrying about them rolling or falling.

Hot Tip: Like travel cribs, travel-sized bassinets can once again be very useful in your own home. Keep your baby next to you by the sofa, sleeping in the kitchen, or even just as a spare sleep space for taking with you when you visit friends and family.

Not all baby travel cribs and bassinets are the same, so before you invest, consider the following:

Size and Weight

With the focus being on travel, your crib or bassinet needs to be made of lightweight material that can be folded up small enough to carry with you. It will also need to be large enough to comfortably house your baby without them being squished when sleeping. It should also be able to fold down small enough to be able to be stowed away in transit easily.

Materials and Durability

Travel cribs and bassinets are designed to be incredibly lightweight, of course, but they also need to be durable and hard-wearing. With this in mind, most of them are made from high-grade nylon and breathable mesh to withstand the movement of your baby, as well as the bumps and knocks caused by travel.

A travel crib, in particular, will last your baby well into the toddler years, so it will need to be durable enough to go the distance, as well as sturdy enough to withstand opening and closing over long periods.

Your Child’s Age

Travel cribs and bassinets are designed to accommodate babies and toddlers of different heights, weights, and ages. Your bassinet will only suit your baby in the first few months, while your travel crib could be with you for a couple of years.

Check out the best recommendations for your child’s age, weight, and height before you buy , and make sure you know what the maximum age recommendations should be. Be aware that as soon as your toddler can attempt to get out of the travel crib, they are way too big for one.

Hot Tip: Travel cribs may be unsuitable for tall toddlers as they won’t feel comfortable sleeping in a restricted area. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and measure them against the size of your child before you buy it.

Folding and Portability

Getting your travel crib upright and locked into position can take a bit of practice, but pretty soon, you will become an absolute expert at it. Making sure you can fold it back down and stash it back in its carry bag will become equally as important, too.

Before you purchase, check out the weight of the crib as well as the folded dimensions to ensure that you will be able to carry it with you on your journey realistically. Better still, if the crib comes with a carry bag that has a strap, you can simply stow it over your shoulder and go!

Safety and Comfort

As well as being lightweight, portable, durable, and made to last, your travel crib or bassinet also needs to be proven to be safe for your little one. Check out the reviews and compare different makes and models before you commit, and always settle for the best quality travel crib or bassinet you can afford to buy.

Cheaper models may have very thin mattress bottoms, which may not be comfortable for your baby or toddler. More importantly, they may not be made to withstand the most curious of tiny fingers or the lifetime of assembling and disassembling that your travel crib is required to go through.

The 7 Best Travel Cribs Under $150

• Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard

Designed to provide parents with peace of mind when your baby is on the move, this traditional-style travel crib is strong enough to contain your toddler while still being plush enough to offer babies of all ages an excellent night’s sleep.

Complete with its own fitted mattress with a cotton sheet, the Room2 is slightly bigger than some other cribs on the market , yet it still folds small enough to be carried in transit in the matching travel bag included. For your convenience, the large mesh sides provide a perfect 360-degree view both in and out, and with nearly 10 square feet of interior space, this is not just a great travel crib — it is a pretty awesome play space, as well.

Designed and built by the baby-loving experts at Joovy, the Room2 is an affordable and incredibly practical playpen and travel crib that is well suited to older babies and toddlers on vacation. Newborns can also be accommodated, but you’ll want to invest in the additional bassinet attachment for your convenience.

What We Like

• Has a soft, comfortable mattress

What We Don’t Like

• Quite a heavy travel crib
• phil&teds Traveller Crib

This incredibly lightweight travel baby crib weighs just 6 pounds and has a super compact design that opens out to become a comfortable, breathable, and useful sleep and safe space for both you and your baby to enjoy.

Designed to be strong and sturdy, despite its featherweight proportions, the full mesh sides allow for easy viewing and complete ventilation. There is a side opening with easy zipper access so your bigger baby can crawl in and out as and when they want to, and a self-inflating mattress and fitted sheet for use when it is time to hit the hay.

Being able to fold up small enough to carry on most airlines, this crib is a winner for families heading away on vacation. Being made by one of the most innovative providers of baby gear out there , it is no surprise that the Traveller Crib looks incredibly stylish, is uber-cool and functional, and even has top-quality fabrics, making it soft and gentle on baby’s delicate skin.

• Small enough to pack in your luggage
• The mattress could be thicker
• SnoozeShade Pack N Play Crib Canopy and Tent

Designed for parents by a mom herself, this breathable, net canopy for play yards, travel cribs, and playpens is designed to provide a calm, dark, and distraction-free environment for your little one.

Perfect for trips away where bright sunshine or busy bedrooms might throw your baby’s sleep habits out of whack, this simple canopy is like a tent for your baby’s bed.

Free from complicated attachments, and small enough to fold and carry with you wherever you may go, the Snooze Shade simply stretches over the travel crib and attaches using nothing more than Velcro. It also offers excellent protection from mosquitoes, bugs, and cats.

• Blocks out 94% of light
• Can get warm inside
• Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome

This supercute travel crib is perfect for younger babies and makes a safe and secure cocoon for them to enjoy midday naps or nighttime sleep close to mom or dad.

Suitable for babies under 20 pounds and those that are not yet able to push up on their hands and knees, this is an excellent addition to your newborn baby inventory, and perfect for those first few nights away.

The Baby Dome is particularly useful for parents visiting warmer climates or those planning on spending time outdoors. With a canopy offering UPF20 protection and a bug shield, this is a soft, cozy, and protective shell for your little one to sleep in.

The overhead play bar comes with 2 colorful toys to keep your baby amused, and the dome itself folds up, ready for you to pick up and go when you are ready to move on. Cute, comfortable, and perfect for the little person in your life, this offers your baby their own safe space, even when they are very small.

• Has an adjustable sun canopy
• Quite heavy to carry
• Pack ‘n Play On The Go Playard with Bassinet

Be sure that your little one is comfortable on the go with the Pack ’n Play travel crib from brand leaders Graco. Featuring 2 fantastic features in 1, this portable sleep station has a removable full-size bassinet and a travel crib for older babies. There is also a supercute toy bar that features a selection of soft toys to keep your baby amused.

Incredibly easy to set up, this model features the signature Graco push-button fold that makes for super speedy assembly when you need it , and fast fold-ups when it’s time to move on. It also comes with a convenient carry bag and fold-up wheels that make for a 20% more compact fold.

Suitable from birth using the bassinet, you should remove this completely when your baby can push up on their hands and knees, and the main crib can be used until your child can climb in and out. Made from durable and wipeable nylon and mesh, you and your baby can enjoy this safe sleep station on the go.

• Has a removable bassinet
• Not the easiest to clean
• BABY JOY Baby Foldable Travel Crib

For use, both indoors and out, this easily portable travel crib is perfect for use in the home, in the garden, at the beach, and even on vacation. With its very own custom bag with carrying handles, it can be carried with you, wherever you are heading.

You’ll be set up in seconds with the push of a button, and your little one will love sleeping on the comfortable and completely washable mattress. Parents will also be relieved to know that the mesh surround is detachable and safe to pop in the washing machine (should any accidents occur).

When your baby is old enough to crawl and walk, the side can be zipped down to make a fun and easily accessible play space, as well as offer an alternative access point for parents to set the baby down for the night.

• Easy access through the side door
• The mesh walls could be more durable
• Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib & Bassinet

With a lightweight design and compact size, this is a great, multi-purpose travel crib for parents on the go. The simple folding mechanism is quick and easy to use, while the carry case converts into a backpack, meaning you can keep your hands free when traveling.

With 2 levels, you can choose between a lower-level playpen or upper-level bassinet for newborns. The playpen’s side zipper can be opened to create a crawl-through door for your little one and an alternative access point for you. With breathable mesh fabric walls, you can keep an eye on your baby and be sure that they will stay cool with a healthy airflow.

The plush, insulated foam mattress is perfect for nights away from home , whether used in the crib or bassinet.

• Easy to set up and break down
• The included sheet can shrink after washing

The 4 Best Travel Cribs Under $300

• Lotus Travel Crib

Offering a modern take on traditional travel cribs, the Lotus Travel Crib is suitable for babies from 0 to 3 years old. The unique zippered bottom panel transforms the crib into a safe and fun space for your toddler to enjoy, then a cozy crib when it’s time to go to bed.

Designed to be super portable and perfect for taking on vacation, this crib can be set up in around 15 seconds , and when you are done with it, you can carry it in the included backpack, keeping your hands free.

Your little one will love the freedom that the Lotus crib offers, and you will like the way it keeps your baby safely contained when you need it to. Most of all, this lightweight, portable, and easy-to-set-up travel crib will give you the reassurance you need when traveling away from home.

• Can be transported as a backpack
• Can be difficult to get back inside the carry bag
• BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light

Weighing in at 11 pounds, this travel cot from the brand leaders at Babybjörn is a little more expensive than some of the others of the market, but its innovative design and impressive build quality make it worth every last cent.

The sides of the cot are made from mesh material, allowing air to circulate and giving you a great view of your baby, whatever he or she is up to. With its unique click and fold frame, the Travel Crib Light can be set up in just seconds, and the upside-down design means it will remain stable and safe, even as your baby gets bigger.

Suitable for babies from birth to 3 years old, it comes with a comfy mattress and a waterproof, breathable cover to help your baby sleep peacefully wherever they may be. When not in use, you can leave it set up as a safe play space for your little one, or fold it back up to stash in its very own practical carry bag.

• On the expensive side
• Doesn’t come with a fitted sheet
• Skip Hop Portable Playard and Foldable Expanding Travel Crib/Playpen

Offering an innovative 2-in-1 solution for parents on the go, this expandable travel crib can easily switch from a quiet sleeping space to a fun-filled play yard in a matter of seconds. The crib mattress and sheet can be used for nap time and night time, then unzip the sides to use the comfy, wipe-clean mat as a playpen as the entire crib expands up to 60% to make a perfectly square play yard.

The mesh sides allow for excellent ventilation and will ensure that you can see your baby at all times, whether they are fast asleep or wide awake in there. Suitable for babies from newborn to 3 years old, this is a travel crib that really will grow with your child to last them even longer.

• Expandable for more room
• Quite heavy for a travel crib
• 4moms breeze GO portable travel playard

Complete with its very own super cool-looking carry bag, the 4moms GO portable travel crib and play yard is an excellent choice for use both at home and away for an overnight stay or on your next vacation.

Suitable from birth until around 30 pounds, your baby can sleep, play, and chill out in this sturdy and well-built travel crib and play yard. Wipe-clean, breathable fabrics help to keep the crib hygienic, and the mesh sidewalls allow for easy viewing both inside and out.

One of the best features of this particular model is the super-easy “push open, pull close” mechanism that allows mom or dad to set it up in just a matter of seconds . Simply push down on the central hub to open and pull it back up to close while the automatic latches click into place, making a safe, secure, and super-cozy crib and play area for your little one, wherever you may be staying.

• Has one-handed setup and breakdown
• Not a standard size playpen, so it doesn’t fit universal sheets

The 6 Best Travel Bassinets

2in1 stationary&rock mode bassinet one-second fold travel crib portable newborn baby.

Perfect for parents that want their little one to sleep close by, either at home or away, this bassinet is super easy to set up and incredibly comfortable for your baby. With a rocking mode to soothe your baby to sleep and a stationary mode for when they do drift off , you should all be able to get some sleep after a busy day on vacation.

With its very own carry bag, the MiClassic Bassinet can easily be stowed in the trunk of your car, kept at Grandma’s house, or even taken on a plane. The unique 1-second open and fold system means it is quick and easy to put up and take down again, and the breathable mesh sides will keep your baby safely within sight at all times.

This is a tremendous little bassinet for babies on the go — those who like to be rocked to sleep while still being close to mom or dad.

• Has a soothing rocking mode
• Quite a low bassinet
• Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet

This cute and cozy portable bassinet is perfect for keeping your baby safe and sleeping soundly both at home and away. Suitable for babies up to 3 months old or 15 pounds, this is a great addition to your newborn baby equipment that offers a comfortable and safe space for your little one.

Lightweight and incredibly portable, this travel bassinet can be set up and folded down in a matter of seconds, and the carry handle makes it super easy to take anywhere with you. The locking frame and durable sidewalls keep it feeling strong and sturdy, while the breathable, mesh sides help the air to flow around your baby  and allow you to see them at all times.

The specially-designed firm mattress and fitted sheet will allow your baby to sleep soundly, and while this should not be used on an elevated surface, this is a good travel bassinet for overnight stays and vacations with your newborn.

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• No mesh-covered top
• Scuddles 3-1 Portable Bassinet for Baby – Foldable Baby Bed

This fabulous little baby bed offers everything you need as a parent on the go . As a portable changing station, a travel crib, and a diaper bag, you and your little one will be set for any kind of vacation adventure.

The same size as a regular diaper bag, you can store diapers, creams, spare clothing, wipes, and all of your usual baby gear in the smart-looking pockets and carry bag. When it is time for a change, the travel crib can be used as a clean, hygienic changing station that protects your baby from dirty surfaces or hard floors.

At bedtime, the cozy sleeping area has an extra thick pad that can be used as a mattress, and the sturdy sides will keep your baby safe and sound as they sleep. Suitable for babies up to 3 months old, this is a brilliant idea for parents taking their newborn away with them.

• Has an insulated bottle pocket
• No padding on the bag straps
• Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Made of lightweight polyester with a strong metal frame, the Dream On Me Karley Bassinet combines all the useful features of the stroller and a travel crib and is perfect for taking on overnight stays, leaving at Grandma’s, or simply as an extra crib in your own home.

Suitable for babies from birth up until they weigh around 25 pounds, you can use this portable bassinet as an extra sleep space in your home, a safe space in the garden, or a changing station with additional storage.

With a double canopy and a soft, comfortable sleeping pad, your baby can sleep soundly either on the integrated stand or on the floor, and the compact and quick folding mechanism means you can store the crib away when not in use.

• Has an adjustable double canopy
• Thin mattress
• Lulyboo Bassinet To-Go Metro

This wonderfully portable little baby bed can go anywhere with you. Have your baby asleep close by at home or in your hotel room, or use it to let your baby join you outside on your next adventure. The 2-position canopy will protect your baby from the sun and wind , and the machine-washable fabric can be removed for cleaning while also being waterproof along the bottom.

Whether you chose to use this bassinet as a travel crib, a co-sleeper, a playpen, or even just a changing station, the affordable price tag and the ability to be quickly folded and carried as a backpack, make this an excellent choice for parents on the move.

Suitable for babies up to the age of 3 months old or weighing less than 15 pounds, the hanging toy bar will keep your baby amused and the cozy cocoon with mattress and canopy will give them a safe space to sleep in.

• Has a folding design that turns into a backpack
• Quite short for taller babies
• Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Portable Infant Lounger

This small and portable bassinet keeps your baby comfortable and close to you while offering a safe space for lounging or sleeping.

The mesh sides ensure that you have full visibility of your baby as they sleep, while also keeping the lounger well-ventilated. The low but sturdy sidewalls mean you can easily reach your newborn for soothing, changing, or generally monitoring the well-being of your baby throughout the day.

Suitable for newborn and very young babies, the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest also features a removable, washable sheet and cover, and the whole thing folds up compactly, so it is ideal for travel.

• Fits comfortably in a queen bed
• The sides could be sturdier

Taking your baby away with you is an exciting time. Having everything you need to keep them comfortable is the key to a successful trip, and having their own space to sleep and play in will help your little one enjoy their time away even more.

Get a good night’s sleep with a safe and secure bassinet or full-size travel crib, specially designed to fold up small for easy transportation, wherever you are headed. These robust but portable sleep spaces also make useful playpens and extra beds when back at home, too.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

What do babies sleep in when traveling.

A travel crib or travel bassinet is the best option for your baby to sleep in while traveling. A bassinet will be more suited to newborns up to the age of 3 months or so, but this varies depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. A travel crib, on the other hand, will be suitable from 3 months right up to toddler age.

Can a toddler sleep in a Pack 'n Play?

Generally, most playpens or play yards also double up as suitable sleep environments for toddlers. It is best to check with the product manufacturer as this can vary by make and model.

Do hotels have cribs?

Not every hotel will have a crib, so it’s best to call ahead and check. That being said, if you have the space and the budget, it is well worth investing in your own travel crib to ensure that your baby is sleeping in a familiar and hygienic environment.

What are the best travel cribs and bassinets?

Some of the best travel cribs and bassinets include:

• MiClassic Bassinet

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• Travel Essentials & Accessories

17 Best Travel Bassinets for Safe Family Vacations

Published: March 31, 2022

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Angela Magsajo

• Family Travel
• Tech & Gear
• Travel Tips

A travel bassinet is an essential for families with infants who love to travel. Whether you’re going on short, cheap weekend getaways or long holiday vacations, you’ll want your little ones to feel safe, secure, and comfortable. While some hotels and other accommodations offer cribs and bassinets for babies upon request, having a familiar place to sleep in can help avoid restless nights — both for the baby and the parents.

So, what should you look for in a travel bassinet for a baby? The best travel bassinet is portable, secure, and easy to use. Here’s a rundown of the 17 best travel bassinets that will provide your baby a safe place to sleep while on the road.

1. Best Overall: Besrey 3-in-1 Bassinet for Baby

Photo from Amazon

The 3-in-1 travel bassinet from Besrey is our top pick as the best bassinet for babies for several reasons. First, it is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM International. Meeting these safety standards means you are guaranteed that its aluminum-alloy frame and other components are sturdy, high-quality, toxic-free, and safe for the baby. Furthermore, it’s a foldable bassinet that’s incredibly easy to set up — no tools required!

This top-rated bassinet features two modes — Sleep Mode and Rocking Mode. Switch on Rocking mode to lull your little one to sleep, and then Sleep mode once they’ve drifted off. This rocking bassinet for baby comes equipped with a mosquito net that will protect them from insect bites. Its four-sided mesh sides not only provide ventilation and breathability but also allow visibility for parents. Moreover, it has a storage basket at the bottom, which can hold baby essentials such as diapers and wipes. Lastly, it’s reasonably priced, as well! The only downside to Besrey’s infant bassinet is the thin mattress. You may want to opt for extra padding to ensure ultimate comfort. 

• Equipped with rocking mode
• Meets CPSC and ASTM safety standards
• Storage basket
• Thin mattress

Get the Besrey 3-in-1 Bassinet for Baby on Amazon

2. Best Airplane Bassinet: Lulyboo Indoor/Outdoor Cuddle & Play Lounge

Frequent fliers will surely appreciate the Lulyboo infant bassinet . This lightweight baby sleeper weighs less than four pounds and conveniently folds into a backpack in just seconds. When laid out, it measures 32 inches in length and fits across two people’s laps. Admittedly, though, it is rather small, so the baby could quickly outgrow it. The padding is another drawback; while it is waterproof, it isn’t removable and is not the easiest base to clean. On the other hand, it has a machine washable cover that you can just throw in with other loads.

Besides being a travel bassinet , parents can also use it as a changing station or playpen when the baby is awake. The removable activity bar and two toy loops is such a convenient feature that can easily keep your little one entertained throughout the flight. The adjustable canopy comes in handy in protecting babies from bright lights. 

• Suitable for air travel
• Innovative backpack-like design
• Comes with a toy bar and adjustable canopy
• Small for some babies
• Hard to clean mattress

Get the Lulyboo Indoor/Outdoor Cuddle & Play Lounge on Amazon

3. Best Co-Sleeper Bassinet: Mika Micky Baby Bassinet

If you want your newborn within arm’s reach, choose a co-sleeper bassinet . Also called a bedside bassinet , this type of baby sleeper allows parents to quickly attend to their infants while still providing them their own separate space. Our top pick for the best bedside bassinet is the one from Mika Micky. It comes with hooks and straps, which lets parents securely tether this portable bassinet to their beds. In addition, it has seven different height adjustments, so you can adjust the height of your baby’s bassinet to the same level as your hotel’s mattress.

It takes some time to assemble it, though, and there is a slight wobble when it is not attached to a bed. Nevertheless, it’s still an excellent option for parents who want a greater sense of closeness with their newborns. Finally, a feature you’ll certainly love about the Mika Micky bassinet is the built-in wheels that lock the bassinet in place. 

• Convertible into a co-sleeper
• Safety straps and hooks
• Adjustable frame 
• Feels wobbly when not attached to a bed

Get the Mika Micky Baby Bassinet on Amazon

4. Best Pack and Play With Bassinet: Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard

In the market for a portable bassinet with a play yard ? If so, then the Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard is exactly what you need! From one of the most trusted baby gear companies in the US, this Graco portable bassinet grows with your child. The full-sized bassinet can be utilized as a safe sleeping space as well as a changing table. It even has a toy bar that will keep them distracted when changing their diapers. When your little one is big enough for the bassinet, you can transform it into a playpen. The best part? With just a press of a button, it collapses quickly for easy storage.

The Graco travel bassinet is rather bulky, especially compared to other options on this list. Despite this, it’s still among the best pack and plays with a bassinet available within its price range.

• Bassinet and playard combo
• Easy to disassemble and pack
• Bulky and heavy

Get the Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard on Amazon

5. Best Newborn Bassinet: Baby Delight Snuggle Nest 

On the hunt for the best bassinet for newborn babies? Whether you’re at home or staying at the best Big Sur hotels , the Snuggle Nest bassinet from Baby Delight will provide your newborn with a safe place to sleep in and lounge on. The waterproof mattress comes with a fitted, machine-washable removable sheet, so you can just throw it in the washing machine. Moreover, it folds in half and has handles for easy pack up and storage. Albeit, this feature seems to be a double-edged sword. While it makes it convenient for travel, unless it’s on a bed that is extremely firm, it may not stay entirely flat. 

• Folds in half for easy storage and portability 
• Machine washable 
• Lack of support in folding joint

Get the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Portable Infant Lounger on Amazon

6. Best for Small Spaces: Babybjorn Cradle

Depending on where you’re staying, you won’t always have the most spacious accommodations. When staying in small hostel rooms , you’ll need the best bassinet for small spaces. Measuring only 26 inches in height and 31 inches in width when assembled, the Babybjorn Cradle is a fairly small bassinet that won’t take up much space. Boasting a sleek design, parents can fold it up into a mere five inches. Thus, making it easy to store and travel with. 

Despite this, it has an incredibly solid frame with anti-slip padding that guarantees it won’t move around. Additionally, it’s easy to clean too since the components are machine washable. The gentle rocking capability is an added feature that parents will love about the Babybjorn Cradle. Admittedly, though, it’s considerably more expensive than other travel bassinets.

• Sleek design
• Rocking feature
• Machine washable components 
• Expensive 

Get the Babybjorn Cradle on Amazon

7. Best Budget-Friendly: Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet

Finding the right travel bassinet for your baby doesn’t mean spending hundreds of dollars. The Munchkin Brica Travel Bassinet is a no-frills portable bassinet with an affordable price tag. It’s lightweight, incredibly portable, and easy to use. The four-point locking system ensures safety and provides peace of mind to parents. The durable sidewalls come with mesh panels that enhance air circulation, thus keeping your baby cool. It likewise allows you to see them at all times. Meanwhile, you can easily move this portable bassinet anywhere since it is equipped with integrated handles.

Just note that this relatively cheap bassinet is not meant to be used on elevated surfaces. Instead, it’s meant for when you’re having picnics at the park or at the beach and your baby’s nap time beckons. Simply place it on top of your favorite beach blanket and your baby can safely and securely enjoy naptime anywhere. It’s worth noting that it is only recommended for infants up to three months old.

• Affordable 
• Four-point locking system 
• Integrated carry handles
• Not meant for elevated surfaces 
• Not suitable for babies three months old and above

Get the Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet on Amazon

8. Best Rocking Bassinet: Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet 

Looking for a travel bassinet that rocks and lulls your little one to sleep? The Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet is certainly among the best rocking bassinet for babies. Just give it a gentle nudge and it will safely sway back and forth, soothing your baby until they drift off. It’s a breeze to set up too. All you need to do is unfold it then lock it into position.

When folded up, the Fisher-Price rocking bassinet measures about four inches and weighs around two pounds. While the frame is relatively lightweight, the bulky size makes it unsuitable for air travel. However, it’s a fantastic option if you’re traveling cross-country in a car or in an RV motorhome .

• Gentle rocking motion
• Extremely lightweight 
• Not suitable for air travel

Get the Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet on Amazon

9. Best with Wheels: Skip Hop Baby Bassinet

The Skip Hop bassinet takes the spot as the best portable bassinet with wheels. A two-in-one portable baby bed, it serves as a bedside sleeper and stand-alone bassinet. Nursing mothers will especially appreciate the sliding door panel that allows them to reach out to their babies for late-night feedings. Although, it’s important to note that the sidebar doesn’t go down completely, which can be a deal-breaker for some.

The pivot-and-lock system allows portability while ensuring that it won’t accidentally roll away. If you’re still worried even after locking the wheels in place, use the handy straps to safeguard it to your bed. In addition, the lightweight design of this portable baby bassinet means you can wheel it from room to room with ease. Another commendable aspect of the Skip Hop bassinet is the eight fully adjustable height positions. Because of this, it will surely match the height of the beds regardless if you’re in a hotel or in one of the Airbnb Chicago rentals . 

• Pivot-and-lock wheel system
• Slide down sidewall 
• Security strap attachments
• Sidewall doesn’t lower all the way down

Get the Skip Hop Baby Bassinet on Amazon

10. Best Ease of Use: Dream On Me Traveler Portable Bassinet

The Dream On Me Traveler Portable Bassinet is extremely easy to set up with its snap-on legs and one-piece top structure. On top of that, its lightweight frame is easy to fold. Traveling with it is a breeze too, thanks to the convenient travel bag included. Just note that it may not be the easiest to wash. Another possible deal-breaker for most is that while it comes with two mesh side panels, it doesn’t provide full visibility of your baby from all angles. On a more positive note, the Dream On Me bassinet can hold up to a maximum weight capacity of 25 pounds, which is a lot more than what most travel bassinets could carry. 

• Easy to assemble and fold up
• Greater weight capacity
• Not machine washable 
• Poor visibility 

Get the Dream On Me Traveler Portable Bassinet on Amazon

11. Best with Storage: Milliard Bedside Bassinet

If you’re looking for a travel bassinet with easy storage , look no further than the Milliard bassinet . It has several side pockets to keep the baby’s essentials organized and within reach. Besides being a portable crib , it acts as a bedside bassinet , making it a suitable option for breastfeeding moms. The included fitted sheet is machine washable , while the waterproof mattress cover only needs to be wiped down with a damp cloth.

The biggest drawback to this bassinet is its sidewalls. Since it’s not made from mesh or other sheer fabric, you won’t have any visibility from the sides. On the bright side, it is simple to put together and is one of the baby bassinets that rocks with just a gentle push on the handles. 

• Multiple storage pockets
• Rocking mode

Get the Milliard Bedside Bassinet on Amazon

12. Best with Diaper Bag Backpack: Happy Luoka Diaper Bag Backpack with Changing Station

At first glance, the Happy Luoka diaper bag looks just like any other mommy backpack. But it can easily double as a travel bed for infants. This 3-in-1 backpack is a must-have for parents always on the go. Its ultra-roomy exterior can hold all baby essentials. And when it’s time to change your baby’s diaper or midday nap, simply unfold and expand it to use as a changing pad or a lounger. There’s even a secret pocket on the backside to store valuables. What’s more, it comes with insulated pockets to keep the baby’s milk warm. The tissue and wipe side pocket is also a handy feature for nursing mothers. Along with its stroller attachment clips and charging port, it’s certainly among the best diaper bags for families who love to travel. 

Note that while it is relatively easy to assemble you may find it difficult to fold it back up, especially if you have your child in your arms. There is a learning curve in figuring out how to transform it back into a diaper bag from changing station or lounger. Moreover, the zippers can be rather delicate, so take extra care when zipping and unzipping. 

• Multi-functional
• Insulated pockets
• Roomy inner compartment 
• Can be difficult to fold back up
• Fragile zippers 

Get the Happy Luoka Diaper Bag Backpack with Changing Station on Amazon

13. Best for Outdoors: KidCo Peapod Travel Bed

Planning to take your youngster on an outdoor adventure? Or maybe just your backyard? The KidCo Peapod is definitely a must-have camping gear . Designed for kids aged one to three years old, the KidCo Peapod is a tent-like pop-up travel crib for toddlers. The protective canopy and mesh linings keep insects out, while still promoting proper ventilation. Since the material is UV coated and fire retardant, you don’t have to worry about it overheating. 

A downside to this product is that it can be challenging to clean. Furthermore, while it is relatively easy to set up, there’s a learning curve to folding it back up. Once you do learn to set it up, though, you’ll have a compact travel sleeper that can fit into carry-on luggage. This means you can bring it with you during air travel. 

• UV protection 
• Difficult to fold back up
• Hard to clean

Get the KidCo Peapod Travel Bed on Amazon

14. Most Durable: Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

Constructed from a blend of steel and aluminum, the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet is made to last. Despite the durable materials, it’s surprisingly lightweight, coming at only 12 pounds. Admittedly, it is still heavier (and bulkier) than other entries on this list. However, its well-built snap-on metal legs that can carry up to 20 pounds make it a breeze to assemble and disassemble. It folds flat and comes with a carry bag for enhanced portability and convenience when traveling.

Other highlights of the Chicco LullaGo portable bassinet you’ll love include its mesh pocket, mesh sidewalls, and streamlined design. The waterproof mattress, fitted sheet, and zip-off fabric are all machine washable, making it an easy-clean option!

• Durable materials
• Snap-on legs
• Machine washable components
• Heavier and bulkier than most models

Get the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet on Amazon

15. Best Bassinet Crib Combo: KoolerThings 3-in-1 Folding Portable Crib

This bassinet crib combo can be used as a standalone crib , bedside bassinet , and playpen. Breastfeeding moms can simply pull down the zippered side to convert it from a crib to a bedside bassinet before feed time. It features five adjustable heights so you can easily match it to your hotel room’s bed frame. It’s likewise a suitable option for older babies and toddlers since it functions as a play yard . 

The built-in wheels of this travel crib for babies and toddlers make it easy to move around, but at 25 pounds, it isn’t the most lightweight option out there. Moreover, it leans on the bulkier side compared to other options. Another negative aspect of this product is its sidewalls. When in crib mode, only one side comes with mesh paneling. However, in playpen mode, you have a mesh lining on all sides. 

• Multi-functional 
• Equipped with wheels
• Adjustable height 
• Heavy and bulky
• Poor visibility in crib mode

Get the  KoolerThings 3-in-1 Folding Portable Crib on Amazon

16. Best Value: Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet

Looking for the best baby bassinet that won’t break the bank? The Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet offers all the essential features you will need in a travel baby bed and more. It’s equipped with advanced features such as a Bluetooth speaker, which parents can use to play lullabies or other soothing sounds. Meanwhile, the built-in nightlight and room temperature monitor help create the coziest atmosphere possible for a peaceful night’s sleep. Its sleek design and easy-to-fold construction make it great for travel. 

Although, the lack of a carry bag means you may have a difficult time lugging it around. The mattress pad is firm yet can be too stiff for some. Moreover, since the mattress itself folds in the middle, there’s a defined crease that may sink under weight and pressure. You can remedy this by adding a second layer of padding, or a bassinet mattress.  

• Bluetooth speaker
• Built-in nightlight 
• Room temperature monitor
• Poor mattress quality 
• Doesn’t come with a storage bag

Get the Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet on Amazon

17. Best with Mosquito Net: LuckyDove Travel Bassinet

The LuckyDove Travel Bassinet is a great option when spending a day outside or going out on a night camping. Its mesh panels and canopy promote airflow while also serving as a mosquito net to protect your baby against pesky insects. Boasting a firm yet comfortable mattress and soft fitted sheet, it’s an excellent baby bed for afternoon nap times or just a simple lounger. Unlike other options, the sidewalls are not all made from mesh. Thus, you don’t have visibility on all sides. In terms of how easy to clean this product is, the mattress isn’t waterproof and the sheet it comes with is not machine washable.  Moreover, you will need to wipe the fabric of the sidewalls with warm water and soap to clean them. 

Rest assured that your little one is secure thanks to the sturdy locking frame and extra-high sidewalls. Setting it up and folding it back is super easy, too. After using it, simply press the release buttons then fold it flatly. There’s even a travel bag included! Finally, since it weighs less than three pounds, it’s extremely lightweight and portable! It can easily fit in most carry-on luggage bags ! 

• Mesh canopy acts as a mosquito net
• Extra-high sidewalls
• Not all sidewalls are sheer

Get the LuckyDove Travel Bassinet on Amazon

How to Choose the Best Travel Bassinet

Size and weight.

When traveling, you’ll want to pack as light as possible. That said, a small, lightweight bassinet will be easier to travel with. Opt for one made from lightweight material and can be folded up as small as possible. The size of your bassinet can depend on your mode of travel. A  road trip from Phoenix to Sedona in the family SUV might not need the most compact travel crib out there. Although, for air travel, the smaller and lighter, the better.  

Maximum Weight Limit

Babies grow fast and you should always check the maximum weight limit of the travel bassinet you’re purchasing. Different manufacturers have different recommendations for their bassinets’ height, weight, and age limits. Some options can only be used until your baby is three-months old, while others can be used until they reach toddler age. It’s important to note that once a baby is old enough to roll over and sit by themselves , they are too old for your standard standalone bassinets.

Material and Comfort 

Your child’s comfort and safety should be your top priority when choosing a travel cot. While soft and plush materials can be extremely comfortable, they are also suffocating hazards. Instead, opt for a travel bassinet for babies with mesh sides since they provide better air circulation and breathability. Plus, a mesh bassinet makes it easier to always keep an eye on the baby. Since babies’ skins are delicate, make sure to check the quality of the fabric used in a bassinet and avoid those that are treated with chemicals. 

Safety and Durability

All travel bassinets and portable cradles sold in the U.S. must adhere to the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. As a rule of thumb, the safest bassinet comes with a sturdy frame with a wide base and smooth surface. The best travel bassinet for babies should be lightweight and compact, yet they also need to be durable and hard-wearing enough to withstand collapsing and re-assembly over time. If you’re looking for a portable bassinet with wheels, make sure the wheel locks are strong and sturdy to keep it safely in place. What’s more, a firm yet comfortable mattress that fits snugly into the bassinet is a must — there should be no gaps between them. The sheet it comes with should be tight-fitting, as well.

Portability  

As the name suggests, travel bassinets are meant to be travel-friendly. That said, the best portable bassinet is lightweight, collapsible or foldable, and compact. Some options are small enough to fit into a weekender bag ! You can find some portable baby bassinet options with built-in handles for easy transport, while others come with a carry case. 

Ease of Use

After an exciting day of visiting the must-see landmarks in New Orleans , your baby is probably tired. And a tired baby can oftentimes be a cranky baby. All they’ll want is to get some rest and relaxation. When this happens, you wouldn’t want to spend more time trying to figure out how to set up a bassinet. As such, it’s important that the travel bassinet you invest in is easy to assemble and disassemble. Furthermore, make sure that the bassinet comes with simple and clear instructions. Practice setting and dismantling it as well when you’re at home.

Extra Features

The main purpose of a travel bassinet is to have a safe place for your child to sleep on while traveling. However, there are some extra features that can make you and your baby’s sleep routine while on vacation much easier. Bassinets with side pockets or lower storage space are great for keeping diapers and other baby essentials within easy reach. Bedside bassinets with adjustable heights and lockable wheels come in handy when you want to keep your child close. Meanwhile, some newer models even have advanced, smart features that can help your child fall asleep faster. This includes the likes of such as fancy lights, built-in sound machines, and vibrations.

The Best Travel Bassinet for Holidays

A travel bassinet is a comfortable, familiar, and safe place for your baby to sleep in while on vacation. It’s also a convenient way to keep your baby close for late-night feedings and nighttime comforting. Families who love to travel need a portable bassinet for your baby that isn’t just lightweight and compact, but snug and cozy too. And of course, it goes without saying, travel bassinets should prioritize your baby’s safety. With these things considered, we hope we were able to help you pick the best travel cot for your little one. 

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Mommy is a Hero

Ultimate guide to best travel bassinets.

Traveling with your baby can seem like a giant ordeal as a mom. With so many different things to consider, the idea of researching and finding a suitable baby travel bassinet can add to your worries. I’ve done the research myself, so let me help and cross at least one thing off your list.

Depending on your specific needs, the type of travel bassinet for the baby you choose may differ. I’ll break down the different considerations that will help you find the best travel bassinet. 

Then, whether you’re traveling to visit family or vacation, you can be sure that you make the right choice in the bassinet so your baby can stay comfy and calm during your trip.

Without A Stand

What is a travel bassinet.

New parents are often unfamiliar with the idea of a portable baby bassinet. Don’t worry if you don’t know. It’s just another in the long list of baby supplies you may or may not have heard of. 

A travel bassinet is fairly simple as far as baby accessories go. It’s simply a portable bassinet so that your baby has a place to sleep, nap, and be comfortable wherever you go. You can use them when you travel or as a comfy spot to use in your own home. 

Some moms will set one up next to their desk or even in the kitchen while washing dishes so you can get stuff done while keeping an eye on your little one. 

It’s important to remember that travel bassinets cannot replace a permanent bassinet for your baby. The mattresses for portable bassinets are usually not as comfortable since they aren’t meant to be used long-term. It’s an excellent supplement for on the go, but it’s still only a temporary accessory.

What Makes A Good Travel Bassinet?

Travel bassinets vary, so you can use their differences to determine which is best for you. There are two main types of travel bassinets: those with a stand and without a stand. 

With A Stand

Many travel bassinets have a built-in stand or frame as part of their structure, making them slightly less portable but ultimately better suited for long-term or frequent use than those without a stand. 

Because the mattress itself is lifted by the stand, it allows for better airflow. Better airflow is essential for frequent use as it reduces the need for constant cleaning. 

The stand also makes it convenient to check on, pick up, and put down your baby. Most stands allow the bassinet to stand at around waist height, meaning less bending down when you need to pick your baby up. 

Travel bassinets without a stand are generally less expensive and are better if your key characteristic is portability. 

These bassinets work better for temporary and short-term use. They work especially well for letting your baby take a nap in a place other than their crib where you can keep an eye on them. 

These work well for overnight trips that aren’t particularly long. They are also ideal for those looking to find the best travel bassinet for airplane rides. 

Of course, a bassinet with a stand or frame would have no chance of fitting in the tiny area you have on a plane, but a super portable bassinet works great for this option and gives your baby a better chance of staying asleep for your plane ride. 

6 Recommended Travel Bassinets: A Review

Here are some of the best-rated travel bassinets that I’ve found. I pulled all of the options from Amazon as it’s one of the most accessible options for any parent. 

Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome

The Fisher-Price Baby Dome works just as great outdoors as it does indoors, making it an excellent choice for parents who love being outside but don’t want to leave their baby out of sight. 

It’s especially nice because it has an adjustable canopy so that you can shield your baby from the sun’s harmful rays. The canopy can be a great light-blocker when used inside so your little one can sleep soundly. 

The bassinet also works well as a small playtime area, especially for tummy time play. It comes with two removable hanging toys so your baby can work on their hand skills. 

A majority of reviewers were happy with this bassinet. Many were pleased with the product’s affordability, and many reviewer photos show off the bassinet’s outdoor capability. 

• Great for outdoor use
• Works for sleep and playtime
• Not as portable as other options

Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

The Dream On Me Bassinet is a standing bassinet that is pretty spacious compared to others. The stand itself is made of aluminum, so it’s pretty lightweight. 

Many reviewers mentioned that the bassinet is very sturdy and lives up to its claims of a twenty-five-pound weight capacity. The bassinet also comes with an additional storage area at the bottom of the frame. 

This bassinet isn’t as portable as smaller options, but it makes up for that in its sturdiness and features. 

For example, the product has a double canopy that you can adjust to cover the entire top of the bassinet. 

A few different reviewers said that they used the adjustable canopy to keep their pets from climbing in or messing with their baby at night, a common concern of many parents. 

• Thick, adjustable canopy
• Less portable 

Lulyboo Indoor/Outdoor Cuddle & Play Lounge

The Lulyboo Cuddle & Play Lounge is probably the most portable option on my list, great for parents who are always on the go. Because of its unique design, this travel bassinet can be folded and used as a backpack! 

This feature makes it super convenient to take a bassinet anywhere you need it. It’s especially great for airplane rides since the backpack design means one less thing to carry, and you can set it up easily in your seat. 

The bassinet comes with a removable canopy, a machine washable cover, a storage pocket, and two plush toys. 

There are also two loops for toys, so if you decide to remove the plush toys it comes with, you can replace them with any toy of your choice. Many reviewers mentioned that they used this bassinet on airplane rides and had no trouble.

• Portable, folding bassinet
• Backpack design 
• Waterproof base
• A smaller size means you may not be able to use it as long

Mika Micky Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper

This bassinet comes with an adjustable stand. Because of the Mika Micky Baby Bassinet’s “bedside sleeper” design, this is an excellent option for those looking into co-sleeping. 

The bassinet comes with adjustable walls so that if you would like to co-sleep or need to grab your baby from the side, all you need to do is lower the wall, and you’ll be directly next to your baby. 

The bassinet also comes with wheels on its frame, which you can adjust to be in a mobile or stopped position. The wheels make it easy to move the bassinet around your home. 

A few different reviewers mentioned that the wheels are solid in the stopped position, so there’s no worry the bassinet can be moved away during the night. 

In addition, it comes with additional straps that can be attached to your mattress and you can sleep completely soundly knowing the bassinet isn’t going anywhere. 

• Perfect for co-sleeping
• Mesh fabric for breathability
• Wheeled frame
• Expensive (when compared to other options)

MOMAID Baby Lounger

The MOMAID Baby Lounger is the most affordable option on my list. It’s pretty simple as far as travel bassinets go, without the extra features that others may have. 

It works perfectly as a “baby nest,” a comfy spot where your baby can rest while feeling like they’re being snuggled from the side walls. 

Many reviewers mentioned that the fabric of this travel bassinet seemed high-quality and was very soft to the touch. Most people wrote that they use this product primarily for napping and that their babies enjoy it. 

In addition, the bassinet has a removable cover, so whenever you need to wash it, you can take it off and throw it right in the washer.

• Soft, high-quality fabric
• Removable cover
• Not great for frequent or long-term use

MiClassic All Mesh 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet

The most notable aspect of the MiClassic Bassinet is that it has a rocking option and the standard stationary option, which is great if you know your baby sleeps or falls asleep better when rocked. 

The bassinet comes with a stand, and you adjust the frame to switch from stationary to rocking mode. The entire bassinet is mesh which is great for breathability and reducing the need for constant cleaning. This rocking travel bassinet is a bulkier option but great if you’re looking for something that you can use daily. 

• Great for frequent use
• All mesh fabric
• Optional rocking mode

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know, you can choose whichever travel bassinet works for you! The most important thing to remember is that your baby can stay comfy on the go with any of the options I’ve gone over.

Also, if you are looking for a great rocking bassinet, I made another guide that you’ll love!

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The best baby travel bassinet 2022 – our top 10.

Planning a family trip is one thing and planning a family trip with a baby is something else entirely. You’re not only thinking of how to make packing easier but also how to give your baby all the comforts without giving up your freedom. How to ensure a safe and comfortable place your baby will sleep in. If this is your worry right now, you need the best baby travel bassinet.

A baby travel bassinet is smaller than the regular spacious baby crib that is quite large and heavy. It has an efficient folding system that allows you to fold and take them wherever you want. A travel bassinet is practically a long-term investment as its use goes beyond the simple transfer during those occasional trips. Having a travel bassinet at home means that your baby can have a special place where they can play in a safe and controlled place —allowing you to give a second life using them as a play park adapted to the little one’s needs.

It does not matter if you’re going for a long trip or an outdoor barbecue party. You can go wherever you want with your baby without any inconvenience —thanks to these travel bassinets. The truth is that you should know which is the best to buy. Baby products are always too many in the market, some with similar characteristics that could be confusing. In this article, we want to tell you about the best baby travel bassinets  so that the little ones in the home enjoy their trip as much as you do. 

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Table of Contents

How To Choose The Best Baby Travel Bassinet

Travel bassinets are an essential accessory for the whole family’s vacations, short weekend getaways at the grandparents’, and even sleep at a relative’s home. Depending on what you’re looking for in a brand, the characteristics of these bassinets will vary. You can find different sizes, colors, designs, and unique accessories that will make your life as a mother during a trip much easier and more fun in the market.

But the most important characteristics to look out for are; the ease in moving around the travel bassinet, portability, foldability, adjustable height, and possibly simple accessories like a transport bag will be a great plus. Here is a list of our favorite models.

  Best Baby Travel Bassinets Reviewed

1. babybjörn travel bassinet.

If you’re looking for a super simple travel bassinet, then here’s a good pick. It has the excellent feature for a travel bassinet and an impeccable design that makes its quality even more noticeable.

It’s made of a polyester mesh, which significantly lightens the whole, reaching a weight of only 6kg. The BabyBjörn crib undoubtedly highlights the comfort of the mattress integrated into the set. With this, you don’t have to buy a separate bed.

Although many mothers prefer to buy a replacement and place it to increase the support’s thickness, one of the many benefits of this travel cot is premium quality materials. Which offers more excellent durability, resistance, and quality. The BabyBjörn travel bassinet has accessories (a travel bag) designed for moms’ and babes’ comfort.

2. Fisher-Price One-the-Go Baby Dome

Indeed, you can always trust the Fisher-Price brand to go all the way in designing one of the best baby travel bassinets . Attached to this baby crib is a canopy where the child feels protected and at home, indoors and outdoors.

This is due to the comfortable padding so your little one can sleep or play and the canopy and visor that protect him from the sun and insects.

It includes two bright, attractive toys that hang above the child’s head to stimulate the visual sense and keep the baby playfully engaged as they try to reach for it.

Before leaving home, you have to fold the crib and use the comfortable handles to take it anywhere. It can be used until the baby reaches 9 kilos in weight.

3. TLDAM Portable Travel Bassinet

One common thing about baby travel bassinet is how basic and simple they are —lovely layers, breathable fabric, transparent mesh, and other regular features. But it’s designed way beyond the normal for this portable travel crib from the TLDAM brand.

The TLDAM portable travel bassinet is a convertible multifunctional crib. Multifunctional because it doubles as a playpen.

How do you see a travel bassinet that can be converted within seconds into a fun trampoline? Fancy, right? We say super fun!

In addition to the regular features of a travel bassinet, this pack n’ play crib has a side zipper door that allows the baby to crawl in and out, a comfortable mattress, and a small canvas zipper bag for easy movement.

4. Lotus Travel Crib

If you’re looking for a travel bassinet with a lightweight, hand-free backpack you can easily sling onto your back as you set out for your trip, then the Lotus travel bassinet is perfect.

This is one of the trending modern travel cribs many parents consider the best. Although it’s pretty pricey, the Lotus bassinet is a safely contained personal space your baby will fall in love with.

This travel bassinet model has a practical and straightforward set up system that can be done within 15 seconds. Practically anyone can set it up, even grandma.

Besides the cozy mattress that makes nap-time and playtime conveniently fun, it has a side zipper door as well that allows your little munchkin to crawl in and out. It’s super portable, giving you the reassurance you need whenever you’re traveling with your child.

5. Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib & Bassinet

Perhaps you want a travel bassinet similar to the Lotus travel crib but more budget-friendly, then consider the Flisko 2-in-1travel bassinet. It’s designed with a solid frame and excellent structure to prevent any unfortunate collapse, just like Lotus. In addition, the folding mechanism is super easy and the setup.

It’s made with quality breathable fabric that allows proper ventilation and a transparent mesh through which you can monitor the baby sleeping. The carry case is lightweight and highly portable. You won’t have to worry about your arms hurting. This bassinet is perfect for sleepovers, picnics, and other impromptu trips away from home.

6. Fisher-Price Stow N’ Go Bassinet

Another lovely travel bassinet from Fisher-Price is the Stow N’ Go. A travel bassinet with a simple assembly and disassembly system is excellent for mothers who have long trips or decide to leave this crib to the child’s grandparents.

This Fisher-Price Stow N’ Go bassinet offers such convenience. It’s a portable travel bassinet that could also double as a bedside co-sleeper. Many moms choose this Fisher Price’s bassinet because of its versatility.

The Stow N’ Go bassinet is made with a high-quality soothing mattress that offers so much comfort as well as a calming vibration feature —an incredible coziness your baby will love! In addition, it comes with a convenient tote travel bag for greater comfort and efficiency.

7. Dream on Me Portable Bassinet

The following fantastic travel bassinet on our list is the Dream on Me bassinet. According to which this excellent crib has been developed, the concept is based on a design that, while comfortable, takes care of the parents’ worry about accidental messes. It’s one of those simple designs that are highly portable, convenient, and stylish.

To highlight concise detail, it weighs just 7.5lbs. The frame is designed with lightweight aluminum and has a mesh fabric around it to ensure proper ventilation while your baby sleeps.

The assembling and folding mechanism are very easy —it takes just a few seconds to do that— and it comes with a durable carry-on bag to make your journey convenient.

8. Simmons Kids Ultra-Compact Travel Bassinet

Simmons Kids is one of the major players in the baby product industry. Their nursery products are always of spectacular finishes, and this Mini Ultra-compact Travel Bassinet doesn’t fall short of that.

This particular travel bassinet is a fine combination of simplicity and luxury as it has a rare feature. This electronic pod plays soothing music with gentle vibrations and a soft glow night-light to lull your little one to sleep.

It’s constructed with a breathable mesh fabric that assures the baby a safe and comfy nap while you monitor them. In addition, the lightweight frame is very portable, with an easy folding mechanism that offers many conveniences during those week-long trips, picnics, and even sleepovers at grandmas. Undoubtedly one of the best baby travel bassinets .

9. Pamo Babe 2 in 1 Quick Foldable Travel Bassinet

It weighs just 20. lbs, the Pamo babe travel bassinet is a beautiful, sturdy design with an extra-large storage basket attached to its firm snap-on legs.

Unlike other travel bassinets, this crib can be folded in finger-snap seconds by lifting the ribbon in the center of the soft, comfy mattress—one reason why it has been a bestseller with excellent reviews.

The thoughtful storage basket is another reason. With that, you can keep your baby essentials while you’re out on that picnic, beach, or an evening chill with your relatives.

It also doesn’t steal your comfort as it has an easy setup and fold-up steps and comes with a portable transport carry bag.

10. Scuddles 3-1 Portable Bassinet for Baby

Perhaps you’re scouting for a travel bassinet that would save you the stress of carrying too many baby bags, then consider this lightweight multifunctional mini crib that doubles as a diaper bag as well as a changing station.

As moms, we all understand how hectic it can be, pulling along two or three bags all for baby stuff, and that’s why this is on the list as one of the best baby travel bassinets.

This portable bassinet has over seven spacious pockets, including an insulated one that keeps the baby stuff warm and clean.

It allows you to attend to your baby anywhere, with all your baby essentials only a reach away. In addition, the premium cozy mattress is durable, washable, and perfect for your baby’s skin.

Here, there’s no longer any excuse to postpone your trips, and ladies hang out because of your little one. With these portable travel bassinets, you and your baby can enjoy any journey conveniently. All you have to do now is consider the events you’ll be using it for and buy the best travel bassinet suitable for your child. We hope this review article helps you with that!

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Best Travel Bassinets for Babies in 2022

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When you have a baby, it seems like everything in your life changes.

Suddenly, you have to think about things like car seats and strollers —and if you're planning to travel with your little one, you'll need a travel bassinet.

A travel bassinet can make traveling with a baby much easier, as it will allow them to sleep comfortably while on the go.

There are a lot of different travel bassinets on the market, so it can be tough to know which one is right for you and your baby.

To help you make a decision, we've put together a list of the best travel bassinets for babies.

No time to read the whole article? Our top pick is the Chicco Lullago Anywhere Travel Bassinet.

Do i need a travel bassinet for my baby.

You don't need a travel bassinet, but there are many advantages to bringing a safe sleep space for your baby when you travel.

First, a travel bassinet is a great way to ensure that your baby gets enough sleep while you're on the go. Keeping the sleep space as close to their regular space as possible will hopefully not interrupt their sleep habits.

Second, a travel bassinet is often smaller and more lightweight than other types of bassinets, making it easy to take with you on trips. We have shared several options, but they all fold up easily for travel – some better than others!

Finally, a travel bassinet can help keep your baby safe and comfortable while you're traveling. If you're counting on a crib being at your travel destination , make sure you know exactly what you're getting.

What is the best travel bassinet for babies?

Not only does it depend on your baby's age and size, but many other factors also contribute to choosing the best travel bassinet.

• Where will the bassinet be set up? Do you have plenty of floor space or do you need something that fits on a bed or couch?
• How are you traveling with the bassinet? By car or plane? Will you save the box it came in?
• How long do you expect to use the bassinet? Do you need it for one trip or do you have years of travel you'd like it to extend through?

Figuring out what you need in a travel bassinet before you purchase one will make your choice much easier!

Best Travel Bassinet for Newborns

The chicco lullago anywhere portable bassinet.

• Price: MSRP $100
• Size: 30″l x 18″w x 28″h
• Ages: up to 20 pounds or until baby can push up on hands and knees
• Includes: open-top carrying bag, fitted sheet

The Chicco Lullago Anywhere Portable Bassinet is our top pick for the best travel bassinet.

There are several versions of the Lullago – the “Anywhere” is the smallest size.

If you need something slightly larger, look at the Lullago Nest .

The Chicco Lullago Anywhere is super easy to set up and take down by snapping four legs into the unfolded bassinet.

While it comes with a travel bag for easy transport, it is an open-top design so it can't be checked through an airport. This is a good time to save the box and check it, (for free,) to your destination.

We love that all fabric on the Lullago Anywhere is machine washable. Babies are messy, but everything – including the sides – can be undone and washed.

The mattress is waterproof and includes a fitted sheet, so it's ready to go out of the box!

This is one of the smallest bassinets on the list, so while it is very compact, it won't be a long-lasting sleep option for your baby.

Best Travel Bassinet that Grows with Baby

Century travel on 2-in-1 compact playard with bassinet.

• Price: $150
• Size: 37″ x 21″ mattress
• Ages: bassinet – up to 15 pounds; playard – up to 35″ tall
• Includes: carrying bag, removable bassinet, fitted sheet, canopy with toys

The Century Travel On is our next pick for the best travel bassinet.

We love this one because of its longevity of use. When your baby outgrows the bassinet, it can be used as a regular pack ‘n play for toddlers.

The removable infant bassinet hangs from the top so you can easily access your baby through the night.

The sides are completely mesh for safe sleep and viewing your baby while you sleep next to them.

The mattress is more padded than your typical pack-n-play mattress for a comfortable sleep environment. A fitted sheet is also included with the Travel On.

This bassinet is nearly the size of a regular pack ‘n play, but it is not as wide making it easy to fit next to hotel beds or in tight spaces when you travel.

The LX version of the Century Travel On features a canopy top with hanging toys.

Best Multi-Use Bassinet for Travel

Fisher price on-the-go baby dome.

• Price: MSRP $86
• Size: 31″ x 21″
• Ages: up to 5 months
• Includes: Fitted Sheet, canopy, toys

The Fisher Price On-The-Go Baby Dome may not be your first thought when looking for a travel bassinet.

However, it is a great sleep space for babies under 5 months.

We love it because it is multi-functional and can be used at the beach or during other activities your baby needs a safe space to spread out.

With carry handles, it folds flat – in half. While it's not super compact, you can easily transport it when traveling by car.

The mattress includes a fitted sheet and the mesh sides allow plenty of airflow.

The canopy folds up from each side covering the entire sleep, (or play,) area with UPF 20 protection.

Removable toys are included and dangle from the canopy.

Best Travel Bassinet for Co-Sleeping

Munchkin brica baby travel pod.

• Price: MSRP $48
• Size: 30″ x 21″ x 12″
• Ages: max 15 lbs or when baby pushes up on hands and knees (whichever comes first)
• Includes: fitted sheet

The Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod is a legless bassinet.

It is our best bet for co-sleeping because you can put it in bed beside you. Be sure to follow safe co-sleeping guidelines .

The Brica Baby Travel Pod can also be laid on the floor if you don't have pets or young children running around.

It folds directly in half, but does not come with a carrying case. It has a handle to carry it while closed.

It is also the lightest bassinet on our list at just 3 pounds and could fit in your suitcase for airline travel.

While this one doesn't come with any bells and whistles, it is also the lowest priced travel bassinet on our list.

Best Travel Bassinet for Your Baby

Whether you're planning a road trip or just want to be prepared for anything, having a travel bassinet is essential for any parent who wants to keep their baby close by when they travel.

Not only will your baby have a comfortable, safe space to sleep, but you'll also be helping them continue to have good sleep habits.

With so many different options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you and your family—but we hope that our list of the best travel bassinets will help narrow down your choices!

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Best Travel Bassinet – 7 Portable Bassinets to Bring Your Baby On Your Trip

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When you’re on the go with your child, it can be difficult to have them sleep comfortably in a crowded space. Many people opt for taking their child’s crib along with them when they travel, but that isn’t always an option. A portable baby bed is another great choice… especially travel bassinets that you can take anywhere.

The best bassinets for travel are lightweight and easy to fold up quickly, which makes them a great choice for parents who want a bassinet that is convenient to bring along with them anywhere they go. Looking for the best travel bassinet? We got you covered! We’ve rounded up seven of the best options available to make it easier for you to choose the best portable bassinet to bring your baby along with you – no matter where you go.

From best lightweight option to best option for car travel, this buying guide will walk you through the top seven best travel bassinets available online today.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Travel Bassinet

When purchasing a new portable bassinet, there are many things to consider. You want to look at the best travel bassinets on the market and compare them carefully to find the best bassinets for your needs.

If you’re having a difficult time choosing the best one, don’t worry! We’ve listed everything you need to know about finding the best travel bassinet below. The basics of finding the best baby bassinet are as follows:

• The best travel bassinets should be lightweight and easy to pack away.
• Bassinets that come with a carry bag are best for traveling because they’re able to fold up and be stored easily.
• A good travel bassinet should have breathable mesh sides or a light canopy for ventilation, as well as a firm mattress.
• A travel bassinet with wheels is best if you plan to use it while traveling in a car.
• A portable baby bed should have a place to strap your baby in , both for safety and to prevent them from rolling around.
• A travel baby bassinet should be easy to clean so you can keep it free of dirt and debris while traveling.
• Bassinets with accessories like storage bags or carrying cases are best for busy parents who want a travel bassinet that can be packed away quickly.

Best Bassinets on the Market Today: 7 Portable Bassinets Parents Swear By

We’ve reviewed seven of the best travel bassinets on the market today to make it easier for you to choose the best portable travel crib for your child.

1 – LALUKA Diaper Baby Bag Bed Portable Bassinet

This polyester travel bassinet from LALUKA has a wide base, making it easy to travel with your baby. Aside from its big size, it is also functional. You can fit all your baby’s needs, such as large wipes and other baby gear, in this ultra-compact travel bassinet. You do not need to worry about your baby’s food spoiling because the bassinet has an insulated pocket.

Also, it can be converted to a portable sleeper, baby co-sleeper bassinet, and nest bed. Aside from this, you can also use this foldable baby bed as a changing station, play toy bar, and stroller organizer, among many others.

Taking care of young babies is easier because of the pockets for wipes and bottles, clip for keys and pacifiers, and drawstring bag for unclean items. Comfort is also considered when this bassinet was made because of the padded straps. Because this portable baby bed is ideal for home and travel use, you can do your everyday baby duties in a clean and familiar area.

Suppose you are looking for an ideal gift for a baby shower. In that case, the LALUKA portable bassinet is recommended since you can give it to boys and girls. This must-have baby item is likely the best travel bassinet parents can buy.

2 – LuckyDove Portable Baby Bed Bassinet

LuckyDove understands how important safety is for portable bassinets. That is why their portable baby bassinet has a lockable frame for protection. Baby sleep is more comfortable, and parents have better peace of mind because of the soft recliner and sturdy and curved sides.

Another safety assurance of this portable bassinet is that all the materials used to make it are odor-free and non-toxic. These high-quality materials will not cause harm to your baby’s skin. Cleaning is a breeze because you can wash the fabrics using damp cloth and soap.

The LuckyDove portable bassinet provides good airflow thanks to the walls and 100% polyester fiber mesh baby bed. This can be the best travel bassinet if you want an absorbent baby bed with good airflow.

When you go outdoors, or at home, you can protect your baby from mosquito bites and give better airflow because of the mosquito net. If you have pets at home, the net also prevents them from getting too near to your baby.

You can easily store this foldable bassinet by pressing the release button to fold it and keep it in a carrying bag completely. If you are ready to use it, you simply click the frame locks.

3 – Dream on Me Travel Portable Bassinet

Are you looking for a light and mobile portable bassinet? You should consider this one from Dream on Me. The light aluminum frame allows you to carry it around easily. Though it is light, you do not need to doubt its sturdiness.

It is simple to set up because of the one-piece top structure, snap-on legs., and foldable padded mattress. As a result, you can fold and keep it in your travel bag.

Your baby’s skin is protected because this traveler bassinet is made of soft fabric and breathable mesh sides for better visibility and airflow. You can also easily remove its mattress and zipper for cleaning.

Aside from being functional, it also has a clean and contemporary look. You can choose from cloud gray, twinkle gray, fusion coral, starlight blue, and berry, depending on the theme of your room.

4 – Chicco LullaGo Baby Travel Bassinet

Some of the best features of this baby travel bassinet are that it is space-saving, easy to carry, and lightweight. Your baby sleeps soundly at home and when you are traveling because their carry bag makes it easy to bring. Assembling it is easy and quick because of the durable snap-on metal legs.

The mattress is also firm, flat, and waterproof, making it ideal for a newborn baby. It also has a fitted and zip-off sheet and is made of machine-friendly fabrics. The sides are made of mesh for good airflow and to keep a better eye on your baby. You can also keep your baby’s essentials close because of the mesh pocket, such as burp cloth or pacifier.

This portable baby bed is made for infants who weigh up to 20 lbs or until they can start pushing up on their knees and hands. To guarantee safety, it is also JPMA- and GREENGUARD Gold-certified.

5 – Delta Children EZ Fold Portable Travel Crib

If you are searching for a portable bassinet for your baby that you can bring when going out or a portable baby bed for your home, this is one of the portable baby beds that you can check out. This Delta Children portable bassinet provides comfortable sleep to babies.

This is the best compact full-size bassinet available in the market. This means your baby has ample space to sleep comfortably. Aside from better visibility and ventilation, it also provides the quality rest babies need. Its removable canopy safeguards your baby from pets, mosquitoes, and other insects. When not needed, you can easily zip it off.

There is no assembling needed making it simple to set up and store. This is one of the full-size portable baby bassinets that can be folded flat. You will not have a hard time bringing it with you everywhere because it has a lightweight structure. The travel bag included in the package makes traveling with your baby stress-free .

The recommended usage for this baby travel bassinet is from birth until 5 months of age. It has a decent weight limit of 15 lbs.

This can be the best travel bassinet because Delta Children is a company that focuses on creating quality, affordable, and safe furniture for children that all families can afford.

The company understands that safety is a priority for a child’s environment. This is the reason why their portable bassinets and other products are made from durable materials that last for many years of wear and tear. Moreover, the products go through rigorous tests to ensure to meet and exceed safety standards.

6 – Dream On Me Poppy Portable Baby Bassinet

Some of the best portable bassinet features of Dream on Me portable bassinet are its weight and mobility. You can set it up in seconds because it has a one-piece top structure and snap-on legs.

What makes this portable baby bed lightweight is its aluminum frame making it easy to bring around with you everywhere. The padded mattress is also convenient because it is removable for easy storage. You can fold and keep it easily because it comes with a travel bag.

Its fabric is not only comfortable but also functional. The soft and secure polyester foam fabric is not difficult to clean. You can see your baby easily and make sure they get enough ventilation. The weight limit is 25 pounds and can be used by babies 0 to 3 months or until they can roll over or push up on their own.

It is safe to say that this portable baby bassinet keeps your baby safe when sleeping or playing. It is JPMA-certified to meet or exceed the CPSC and ASTM standards. There is also no need to worry if your baby creates a mess because this baby bassinet is easy to clean. The zipper can also be easily detached and cleaned.

Besides being roomy, it also has a modern design making it a perfect gift for chic parents. You can also choose from 4 single and two-tone finishes. This makes it easy to match your room’s aesthetic.

7 – Pamo Babe Easy Portable Crib and Rocking Bassinet

The Pamo Baby portable travel baby bed is compact and foldable. You can open and fold it within a second. If you are an on-the-go parent, this is the ideal folding bassinet for you because it is easy to carry, transport, and store.

Ventilation is given much importance because the side of this bassinet is made from soft and breathable mesh. The breathable mesh sides make it easy to see how and what your baby is doing in the crib and give your baby better airflow.

This is a useful and quality bassinet because you can keep it still or rock it if you want to put your baby to sleep. You can also keep your baby’s essentials within your hand’s reach because of the neat storage basket found under the bassinet.

Pamo Babe bassinet is one of the most comfortable portable baby beds because it has a cuddly, soft-to-touch, and thick mattress. Your baby can sleep safely and soundly thanks to the huge lying space. This means fewer worries for you. The structure is also stable. It is made from a quality, sturdy, and lightweight aluminum alloy.

It is good to know that Pamo Babe has been in the manufacturing industry for 14 years. They are experts in crib research, development, and design. Their mission is to provide loving parents with innovative cribs that focus on durability and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions When Buying A Travel Bassinet

A portable baby bed or portable crib is best described as the enclosed-like structure where your baby can sleep, play, and relax.

It can be easily brought around due to its compact design making it the best travel bassinet at its best. Just like regular beds, these types of best travel bassinet should be made from the best materials. Parents should also consider the portable baby cribs length, width, and height measurements to ensure that the best travel bassinet will last long.

Can you use a travel crib as a bassinet?

It depends. Travel cribs and bassinets do not mean the same thing. A travel crib is a portable bed, and a bassinet is a smaller, stationary bed for your baby to sleep in. It’s usually fairly small and made for newborns. If you want to use a bassinet for trips, buy a travel bassinet which makes a great baby travel bed.

Is a portable bassinet worth it?

Yes, it is. If you’re on the fence about buying one, it is best to read travel bassinet reviews to give yourself an idea of what to expect. Travel bassinets can make traveling with a baby easier and more comfortable for the little one. Folding bassinets are the best baby travel beds.

How can I clean my portable travel bassinet?

The best way to properly clean your travel bassinet is to wipe it down with a disinfectant solution. You can also use wipes because they are quick and convenient for cleaning messes fast.

Is a travel bassinet worth it?

Yes, it is. It’s best to read bassinet reviews before buying one. The best travel bassinets are portable and comfortable, so you don’t have to worry as much about your baby being irritated or unhappy with their sleeping spot.

As our article best travel bassinet stated, the best portable baby bed is one that has ergonomically designed features. The best features make it easy to clean and comfortable for babies to sleep in. We hope you enjoyed our best travel bassinets article and gained a lot of information about travel bassinets. Traveling with kids , and especially babies can be challenging because there is a lot to pack. Choosing the best travel bassinet can come in handy because it is designed for convenience and durability.

You might also like our reviews about the best travel strollers , the best travel car seats , and must-have items when traveling with kids .

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Best Bassinets of 2024

A bassinet keeps your baby safe and close during those first few months., by jen labracio | medically reviewed by brittany dibardino do.

Keeping baby close, especially during sleep , is something that’s often on the mind of many new parents. A bassinet is a great option—they’re loved for their convenience and for their safety. Plus, they have a small footprint, much like a mini crib but lighter, and are usually baby’s first sleeping spot before moving into a larger crib . The American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines recommend keeping baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep for at least the first six months. Wanting baby even closer? Check out our picks for best bedside sleepers .

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Bassinets

• Best Bedside: Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0
• Another Bedside Option: Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet
• Best Co-Sleeper: Arm’s Reach Mini Ezee 2 in 1 Co-Seeper Bassinet
• Best Breathable: Newton Baby Bassinet
• Best Portable: Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet
• Best Smart: Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
• Best Affordable Smart: 4moms x Babylist mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet and Sheet Bundle
• Best for Small Spaces: DockATot Kind Bassinet
• Best Affordable: Dream On Me Karley Bassinet
• Best Pack and Play: Graco Pack ‘n Play Close2Baby Playard
• Best for Travel: Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Portable Bassinet
• Most Versatile: Chicco Close To You 3-In-1 Bedside Bassinet
• Best Minimalist: BabyBjorn Cradle
• Best Rocking: Baby Delight Slumber Deluxe Rocking Bassinet

In This Article

How we chose the best bassinets.

• Our Top Picks

What Is a Bassinet?

Do you need a bassinet, how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet, what is the best bassinet for a newborn, babylist’s picks for the best bassinets, best bedside bassinet.

Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 - Warm Grey

• Fully customizable for height and position, 360-degree swivel
• 2-in-1 design converts to portable nest
• One side lowers for easy access and diaper changes

What Our Experts Think

Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this sleeper gets bedside positioning just right thanks to the 360-degree swivel and adjustable stand. Better yet, the base tucks under your bed, so it doesn’t take up a ton of floor space. And as if you need one more thing to love, the bassinet portion pops off the stand for a portable—and safe—nest for around the house. (Just note that portable nest isn’t for sleeping when it’s detached from the BassiNest base.)

Parents love the retractable wall that lowers to provide easy access to baby, which is helpful during recovery from birth and for nighttime nursing sessions. And the sheer mesh sides provide more visibility and breathability, which equals more peace of mind for parents.

What’s Worth Considering

Although one side of the Halo’s base does tuck under most beds, the legs on the other side will stick out quite a bit, which can get in the way, especially in a smaller space.

For a more affordable option, check out Halo’s BassiNest Flex Sleeper , which works for both home and travel.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Love that this bassinet has an adjustable stand so I can make it the height that I need. It’s very portable to be able to move from one room to another. Can move just the bassinet or the stand and all. Has an hourglass shape to be able to have beside the bed at night. Especially perfect if you are breastfeeding or just had a C-section. The side will collapse down only if you are holding it down. Very easy to assemble.” -Virginia

Additional Specs

Another Bedside Bassinet Option

Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet - Classic Graphite

• Beautiful design, neutral look
• Adjusts up and down and side to side
• Folds for travel

The Maxi-Cosi Iora is another popular option if you’re looking for a fully adjustable bedside bassinet. There’s a lot to love about this bassinet, starting with its good looks. The minimalist design and neutral colors blend with any type of decor. (The Classic Oat color is a Babylist exclusive, so you’ll only find it here.) The other standout feature is the bassinet’s adjustability. It slides both up and down and side to side, so you can find the perfect fit for your bed’s height (and you). It also makes it easy to slide the bassinet close to you in bed for quick, easy access to your little one.

Need to take your bassinet on the go? While certainly not the lightest option, the Iora does fold down flat for travel, a feature you don’t often see in full-size, adjustable bassinets. We also love the ample storage down below and the breathable mesh sides.

The Iora is on the pricier side. It’s also fairly heavy and has a large footprint. And unlike some bedside bassinets, there’s no drop-down side, so it wouldn’t be the best choice post-C-section.

Note that you don’t need to add a sheet to the mattress, either; in fact, the brand recommends against it. You can simply use it as-is and pop the whole thing in the wash when needed.

“Absolutely loving our bassinet! I sleep soundly knowing my baby has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. While it is on the large side, I like that she will be able to use it for a long time. I love that it can collapse to be completely flat and came with a travel case for easy transport. Product is incredibly versatile, def must have for new mamas!” -ECimino

Best Co-Sleeper Bassinet

Arm's Reach Mini Ezee 2 in 1 Co-Sleeper Bassinet - Grey

• Safest way to co-sleep
• Can be used as a freestanding bassinet or a bedside sleeper
• Lots of storage

As the name implies, this sleeper keeps your baby in arm’s reach—consider it your bed’s side-car. While it can be used as a freestanding bassinet (with four breathable sides), the differentiator here is that one side drops down and securely attaches to your bed, making it simple to scoop up your little one for feedings. There’s storage space underneath for diapers, wipes and extra swaddles. And parents love the ease of moving it from room to room thanks to the built-in wheels. Plus, it packs compactly for travel.

This co-sleeper is designed for beds starting at 24” (measuring from the floor to the top of your mattress). If your bed is higher, then you’ll need to purchase a separate leg extension kit.

“BEST thing we bought! It made middle-of-the night breastfeeding so much easier, but still kept them safe. They were also easy to transition to the crib because the cosleeper didn’t hug them the way the other types of bassinets do.” -J.C.

Most Breathable Bassinet

Newton Baby Bassinet - Grey

• 100% breathable, washable mattress
• Height-adjustable and zip-down side for easy access to baby
• Collapses for travel

We already know (and love) the Newton brand for their bestselling breathable crib mattress , so when we heard they were launching a bassinet, we had a hunch it would be just as amazing—and we were right. Besides being beautiful, this modern birchwood bassinet features a sized-down version of the brand’s crib mattress. It’s 100% breathable, washable and lightweight. Why is this a big deal? As new parents, we appreciate any product that can manage our anxieties and help everyone sleep a bit easier. Other bassinet features to love include a large sleep surface, a bedside sleeper mode with a zip-down side for easy access to your baby, eight adjustable height settings and a light weight and travel bag for easy portability.

The biggest con parents note about this bassinet is that the zip-down side is made from fabric, not mesh. While this is not a safety concern (the bassinet is approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission), parents wish the bassinet had four mesh sides instead of just three. And while the bassinet does break down flat for travel, you’ll need tools (and time) to make that happen, so it’s not a great choice if you need something that’s easily portable.

“Such a beautiful piece and it fits so nicely next to my bedside with my little one. It’s such a relief to not be concerned when your newborn moves and wiggles onto their side and puts their face into the mattress. The most reassuring and peace-of-mind baby item I purchased as a first-time Mom. So thankful for Newton!” -Jessica

Best Portable Bassinet

Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet - Sandstone

• Lightweight and ultra portable
• Simple, straightforward and well-priced
• Breathable mesh sides

The Lullago is a sleek, simple bassinet that’s perfect for travel but just as great if you plan on using it only at home. It’s light (about 12 pounds), compact and breaks down so you can easily carry it on your shoulder in the included tote. And did we mention a sleep-deprived parent can set it up in seconds? Done and done.

The bassinet comes with a fitted sheet so you won’t need to purchase one separately. Since there’s no bottom shelf, there isn’t a ton of storage, but there is a mesh pocket on the side.

To pack up this bassinet, the mattress folds in half. Your baby probably won’t notice the small ridge in the middle when the mattress lays flat, but some parents worry about the comfort.

“Used this until our son was 5 months old in our bedroom. Also great when we traveled, easy to break down and transport. Absolutely a must-have.” -Hilary

Best Smart Bassinet

Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet

• Responds to baby’s cries with movement and sound
• Developed by a pediatrician

Parents clearly can do it all…but why not have a little help when it comes to getting your baby the best possible sleep? Dr. Harvey Karp (the brains behind The Happiest Baby on the Block book and video series) developed this automated bassinet with a built-in swaddle that responds to your baby’s cries. The Snoo monitors and soothes with just the right amount of white noise and gentle rocking motion to promote great sleep and turn midnight meltdowns around.

There’s no getting around the fact that the Snoo is really expensive. If you don’t want to invest, you have two options. You can now purchase a Certified Pre-Loved Snoo that has undergone a refresh and reconditioning process for about 25% off. There’s also a rental option for $159 per month (one-month minimum rental commitment), which works out to around five dollars a day.

“Love my Snoo. My daughter is six months, and she is still in it. I love that it has the wean function, and it will shut off if baby needs you. The Snoo was a godsend to me, it helped my daughter get the sleep she needed.” -Ashley

Best Affordable Smart Bassinet

4moms 4moms x Babylist mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet and Sheet Bundle

• A motion bassinet at a more affordable price
• Five unique motions mimic human movement and built-in white noise
• Can control manually or via 4moms app on your phone

If you’re looking for a more affordable option to the Snoo, the mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet from 4moms—a brand we love for their innovative baby gear—is a sleep solution you’ll definitely want to consider. While this bassinet doesn’t automatically respond to baby’s cries like the Snoo does, there are still plenty of smart, tech-forward features both you and your baby will love. Just like the mamaRoo swing , this mesh-side bassinet mimics human motion to help soothe your baby to sleep and help them sleep for longer stretches. There are five unique motions here: car ride, wave, kangaroo, tree swing and rock-a-bye, as well as four built-in white noise options. Everything can be controlled either manually via the touchscreen panel or via an app you can download to your phone. This bundle includes the bassinet (which comes with a firm and flat water-resistant mattress) and an organic cotton sheet.

There’s no continuous run option for movement here; while you can set a timer via the app, the run time for motion maxes out at four hours. There’s also a noticeable jerky motion when the bassinet turns off and/or switches between motions. It’s not a big deal for most babies, but for others who are lighter sleepers, it could be an issue. 

For another affordable smart bassinet option, take a look at the EVI Smart Bassinet from TruBliss . It’s just under $400 and features motion, lights and sound. It also connects to Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

“We were so unbelievable sleep deprived. As soon as we put our newborn down in his bassinet, he’d scream. We bought this bassinet that day. INSTANTLY no cries! My newborn makes it a good 1.5-3 hours before waking up for feedings. Game changer and worth the price (assuming it continues to work).” -TJ

Best Bassinet for Small Spaces

Dockatot kind bassinet - willow boughs.

• Cardboard construction
• Sustainable and eco-friendly
• Lightweight, portable

If a cardboard bassinet sounds strange to you, we totally get it. But hear us out, because it’s actually pretty genius. Many parents use a bassinet for the first few months of their baby’s life to keep their little one close. But bassinets can be expensive, and babies outgrow them quickly. And many have really large footprints, which isn’t ideal if you live in a smaller space. So while we do wish this option from DockATot was a bit cheaper, we love it for its simplicity, sustainability and safety. It’s easy to put together, has a small footprint and is lightweight, making it simple to move it around your home. It’s also sustainable; repurpose it as a bookshelf or toy bin after your baby outgrows it, or recycle it. Plus, Finnish babies have been using cardboard bassinets for decades—so maybe we have something to learn.

If you’re worried about messes, don’t be. The cardboard is treated with a non-toxic protective varnish for easy cleanup and the bassinet comes with a foam core mattress fitted with an organic cotton (and washable) sheet.

“I was a little skeptical when buying this, but love so many other DockAToT products and needed somewhere for my little one coming this spring. You guys… this thing is really cool. Yes it’s made of cardboard, but it’s so sturdy and beautiful, and I love the fact that it folds down flat and is so easy to move around. 10/10 recommend!” -Kristin

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Best Affordable Bassinet

Dream on me karley bassinet.

• Super affordable
• Light and quick-folding
• Can use outdoors

At well under $100 and with tons of praise from parents, this affordable bassinet has a lot going for it, especially considering the price. It’s just over 12 pounds, so it’s easy to move around your home. (You can even use it outside thanks to the double mesh canopy that keeps out bugs.) It folds easily but has a spacious interior for your baby to stretch out. And there’s even a storage bag underneath to hold whatever you need.

The zippered overhead canopy is not only perfect for keeping away the bugs, but pet parents say it’s also great for keeping curious cats out of their baby’s sleeping space.

Best Pack and Play Bassinet

Graco pack 'n play close2baby playard - derby.

• Multi-use product that goes the distance
• Five configurations
• Well-priced

A bassinet-plus-playard combo is a great choice if you’re looking to save space, minimize the amount of baby gear you’re bringing into your home and invest in a product with more longevity than a traditional bassinet. This Graco has five different configurations: a portable Newborn Seat with infant head support, a full-size infant bassinet (that’s also portable), an elevated full-size bassinet for older infants, a wipe-clean diaper changer and a toddler playard. It’s well-priced and also includes a travel bag for storage and on-the-go.

Like many playards, this one is heavy, weighing almost 30 pounds. There are wheels to help make moving it around your home easier if you need to, but keep the weight in mind if you think it might be an issue for you.

“Our girl just turned 1 and we have used the heck out of our play yard. In the early stages, we used the changing table every 2 hours multiple times a day and the bassinet was great for naps or for hands free moments after diaper changes. After that phase the play yard became a great spot to roll around in. Once our girl was standing and crawling it was essentially for times when mommy desperately needed a shower. I would wheel it right into the bathroom and watch after my baby while I took care of my needs. Now we take it with us while we travel to visit family and for outdoor picnics.” -Lovelunapaul

Best Travel Bassinet

Baby delight snuggle nest portable bassinet - driftwood grey.

• Folds flat for travel
• Weighs less than 7 pounds
• Travel bag included

If you plan to travel frequently during your baby’s first few months, a travel bassinet is a great investment. While many full-size bassinets can be used for travel, most of them are heavy, bulky and time-consuming to break down and set up again. Save yourself time and effort and check out the Snuggle Nest from Baby Delight. It’s super basic, but that’s exactly the point. It lies right on the ground so it’s easy to place beside your bed or move around your home. To use, simply pop it open, lock the top bar and fold the legs into place—that’s it. The travel bag is included and the sheet, mattress and bassinet cover are all removable and machine washable

This bassinet should be used only on a firm, flat floor surface, never on an elevated surface or in a bed.

“I can’t be more happy with my Snuggle Nest by Baby Delight. It’s just the perfect item to have if u have a baby, it’s so convenient. We take it with us every time we go to visit our family so our baby is more comfortable and safe when we lay her down instead of just laying her on the couch or somewhere else that is not that safe. The bassinet is very sturdy, and I love that it comes with the travel bag too so it can be put away easier and easy to carry. Highly recommend!” -Lore81

Most Versatile Bassinet

Chicco close to you 3-in-1 bedside bassinet.

• Slides under bed to save space
• Adjustable; even works for tall beds
• Doubles as a changing station

Adjustable, portable and versatile are the words that come to mind when describing the Close To You Bassinet from Chicco. This bedside bassinet is designed to slide right under your bed, so it saves space while also bringing baby safely close to you during the night. You can also adjust the height based on your comfort level and the height of your mattress. (Lots of parents comment that it even works well for really tall beds.) Swivel wheels make it easy to pull from room to room, and the mattress flips over turning the bassinet into a waterproof changing pad when it’s time for a new diaper.

This bassinet is heavy and doesn’t break down easily, so it’s not a great idea if you want something to use for travel or if you live in a two-story home and want a bassinet you can move up and down stairs. It’s also on the pricier side, but it’s also really durable so can be passed on if you have multiple children.

“I searched ALL the bassinets it seemed like and this was the only one that went taller than the others. We have a pretty tall king bed and we wanted one that would be able to go over our bed and this did just that. Even with how high it goes, it is sturdy. We like that it doubles as a changing pad.” -Nicole

Best Minimalist Bassinet

Babybjörn bassinet cradle - white.

• Clean, modern look
• Light and easy to move from room to room
• Expensive but heirloom quality

Hello, beautiful. If (gorgeous) minimalism is your thing, then this meeting of form and function is definitely worth the investment. Featuring a gentle rocking movement that’s generated by you or your little one, this bassinet is also light and compact, making it easy to move from room to room. Parents love the breathable mesh sides, and the fact that everything—from the fabric and mattress cover down to the mattress itself—is completely machine washable.

The Cradle is definitely an investment, but if you’re planning on having a large family or passing this along to others, it’s certainly durable (and timeless) enough to justify the spend.

“It’s a beautiful bassinet, I love the wood finish and the overall minimalistic design. It was also extremely easy to put together. When going on an overnight with my newborn, I opted to take this bassinet over the Pack ‘n Play. Well worth the cost!” -Hannah

Best Rocking Bassinet

Baby delight slumber deluxe rocking bassinet - charcoal tweed.

• Can be stationary or in (manual) rocking mode
• Lightweight and compact
• Also great for travel

Most babies love motion, but lots of parents don’t want to spend a ton of cash on a motorized bassinet. Enter this rocking bassinet—old school in all the best ways. The bottom legs rotate easily from the stationary position to the rocker position and a quick push sets the bassinet in gentle motion. Other things to love: affordability, easy setup and breakdown for portability, light weight (12 pounds) and an optional canopy for sun and bug protection if you’re using it outdoors.

This is also a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, portable bassinet for travel. Just note the mattress is very thin and some parents report not loving that feature.

“This is AMAZING. Honestly the hardest part was opening the box. It comes inside the travel bag and all you have to do is pop on the legs canopy and rocking rails and BAM! Done. Sheet is already on the mattress pad , mesh is already around the bassinet, everything is basically ready to go. It looks super roomy and comfortable, doesn’t take up a ton of space and is easy to collapse and place back in the bag for storage or travel.” -Ax4c

More Bassinets We Love

There are a lot of bassinets to choose from, with tons of options depending on your needs, budget and aesthetic. Here are a few more favorites to consider and some newer bassinets to keep an eye on.

• Cradlewise ($1,999) is a newer addition to the world of smart cribs and combines a bassinet, crib and monitor all in one. It runs on AI technology that learns the sleep patterns of your baby and creates a customized soothing approach with motion and white noise. It’s expensive, but can be used with a toddler up to about two years old.
• If Scandi design is your thing, you’ll want to consider the Stokke Snoozi ($399), the iconic Norwegian brand’s newest bassinet. It boasts clean, minimalist lines and an elevated design that complements any modern space.
• Another international favorite: SnuzPod , a UK bassinet now available in the US. Made from sustainably sourced wood, this sturdy bassinet has a modern luxury feel. The top portion lifts easily off the base so you can use it around your home.
• With zero assembly required, the Boppy Bassinet ($169) is an affordable option that sets up in seconds and is lightweight enough to move easily around your home.
• In addition to their more traditional line of co-sleepers, Arm’s Reach also makes a Versatile Co-Sleeper Bassinet ($250) with cleaner, more modern lines. Parents like the ease of assembly and adjustability and that it works well in small spaces.
• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled almost 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many bassinets.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

A bassinet is a sleeping space that is smaller than a crib and designed for newborns and younger babies. Bassinets are typically placed next to your bed to give you easy access to your baby throughout the night, and many are mobile so your baby can nap near you during the day.

A bassinet has multiple benefits, but convenience and peace of mind likely top the list.

Because your little one will be within arm’s reach, a bassinet makes those middle-of-the-night feeding sessions a little bit easier. (And at 2 a.m., we’ll take all the easy we can get.) Whether you’re nursing or using a bottle , you’ll be able to reach over and pick up baby when it’s time to eat without having to venture too far from the comforts of your bed. Especially if you’re a new parent recovering from delivery and have limited mobility, this can be a big plus.

Bassinets also provide peace of mind during those first few months of parenthood when it seems like worrying is about the only thing that’s coming naturally to you. Most bassinets are positioned at the same height as your bed, making it easy to get a glimpse of your newborn to reassure you (and them) that everything is fine. Keeping them in such close proximity will also make it easy for you to hear if they’re starting to wake up or get fussy so you’ll know it’s almost time for a cuddle or a feeding. They’re also a great option for parents who want baby as close as possible but do not want to bed-share, which the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend.

Not all parents will love having baby so close, though. If you’re a light sleeper, or if hearing every grunt and squeak is actually making you more anxious, placing your baby to sleep in the nursery crib may work out better for everyone. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician about it to figure out what’s right for your family.

Bassinets are used during the newborn stage until your baby is able to move around, push up on their hands or roll over, usually between three months and five months old . Some bassinets have weight restrictions as well, which vary depending on the model you purchase.

Deciding on the best baby bassinet depends on personal preferences and budget. Here’s what to consider when you’re weighing your options.

• Footprint . How much space do you have in your sleeping area? This often determines how large (or small) of a bassinet you should purchase or add to your baby registry. If you live in a small space, you may also want to consider a bassinet with multiple functions and configurations so you’ll get the most use out of it.
• Portability . Will you be traveling with your bassinet? Do you need to move it around your home? Features like a compact fold or legs with wheels are things to think about as you decide which bassinet is best for your family.
• Height and weight limits . If you plan on keeping your baby in a bassinet as long as possible, you may want to consider a larger bassinet with a higher weight limit. If you’re leaning more toward using your bassinet as a very short-term sleep solution, this won’t matter as much.
• Motion . Smart bassinets , sometimes also called smart cribs, add technology to the mix. Most smart cribs feature motion, sound, lights and vibration. Some even detect your baby’s cries and respond accordingly or learn your baby’s sleep patterns so they can start soothing them before they fully wake up. Keep in mind that smart bassinets are more expensive than most traditional bassinets. And while some parents swear by motion, others say it didn’t make a difference.
• Budget . Think through how much you want to spend on a bassinet if you’re purchasing it yourself. Also, consider if you’re planning to use your bassinet for more than one child. A sturdy, well-made bassinet may be more expensive but worth it over the long haul.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

Best Travel Bassinets & Portable Baby Beds

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Table of Contents

TRAVEL BASSINETS FOR BABIES

Do you want to travel with your baby in peace and comfort? Well, this is the blog post for you! We’re going to explore what goes into picking the best bassinet for travel.

We’ll be reviewing some of the top-rated and most popular brands in this market to help make your decision easier.

We’ll also offer our own opinion on which product is best based on, safety, portability, durability, and convenience.

Disclosure: “Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click  here  for the full disclosure statement.”

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect portable crib:

• What does it fold down?
• Is it easy or hard to fold up?
• How much space does it take up?
• Are there additional accessories included?
• How much space do I need to use my new bassinet/portable crib when traveling with my baby?

We’re going to help you with all these questions, so without further ado, let’s get started.

DO I NEED A TRAVEL BASSINET?

One of the questions we’re asked by parents is if they need a travel bassinet for their baby. The answer to this depends on how your little one sleeps at home.

We didn’t co-sleep with our son when he was a baby. For the first 1.5-2 months, he slept in a bassinet in our room, and once we stopped being paranoid first-time parents, we moved him to his crib.

If your baby sleeps in a crib at home, it’s best to use a portable baby bed when traveling with your baby. Putting them in a travel bassinet helps keep their sleep routine, even if they’re sleeping in a different place.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

We did make the mistake of co-sleeping a few times when we traveled to Oahu, and it didn’t go well when we got back home. He didn’t want to sleep in his crib, but by this time he was 8-9 months old.

It was difficult to get him adjusted to sleeping in his crib again after 10 days of sleeping with us.

We quickly learned that we needed to stay consistent with his sleeping arrangements, so having a bassinet for travel can make your life easier.

Related Post: Our Kidco Travel Tent Review

Our Favorite Baby Travel Essentials

Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

BEST TRAVEL BASSINET COMPARISON TABLE

TOP 5 TRAVEL BASSINETS FOR BABIES

The travel bassinets in this section are perfect for newborn babies up to 3-months-old. They can be used to co-sleep with your little one, or placed inside of a pack and play .

When our little guy was a baby, he slept on the floor next to our bed. We used the stand for a while, but we kept bumping into it at night and stubbing our toe, so we just put him on the floor next to us.

This made it easy for me to grab him to breastfeed , but different things work for different parents, so I included different types of portable bassinets.

Luckydove Travel Bassinet

No products found.

The Luckydove Travel Bassinet is the most affordable travel bassinet on our list. It has everything you need to enjoy your vacation with a baby.

Easily fold this baby travel bed for your next family vacation. The mesh panels make it breathable for your baby, so they can sleep comfortably.

Outdoor families will love the mosquito net, so explore nature while protecting your little one from bugs.

This travel bassinet folds nearly flat, so you can easily fit it inside of your suitcase or carry it onto the airplane and store it in the overhead compartment.

Overall, I highly recommend this travel bassinet for parents planning to travel with their infant.

• Lightweight
• Release button to fold
• Mosquito net included
• Low weight capacity
• Thin mattress

Baby Delight Infant Sleeper

The Baby Delight Infant Sleeper is the best-selling portable baby travel bed. This is the best choice for parents that co-sleep with their baby.

You can use this sleeper at home, on vacation, or keep it at your parent’s house for long weekends.

My favorite thing about this lounger is the light and sound machine. With five levels of volume, your baby can sleep peacefully through the night (if you’re lucky).

The walls are sturdy with mesh panels providing circulation and breathability for your little one.

No need to worry about blow-out or spit-up, because clean-up is easy with the machine washable cover.

This baby travel bassinet is a no-brainer for co-sleeping parents in need of a quick vacation.

• Nightlight & sound machine
• Machine washable
• Mesh panels
• Little support for baby

Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet

The Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet is the best-selling portable baby bed. The Munchkin brand is known for everything baby and toddler-related , so it’s no surprise it’s one of the top-selling baby travel bassinets on Amazon.

The Sate-T-Lock system makes it easy to set up on the go. There are four locking points with an audible click, so you know your little one will be safe.

The best thing about this baby travel bassinet is the quick-release button, which makes it the easiest portable baby bed to set up on the go.

This portable bassinet comes with a water-resistant mattress pad and fitted sheet set to keep your little one comfortable. Standard bassinet sheets will also fit if you want a different pattern

Your baby will love the mesh panels, which provide great airflow for your little one and visibility for you.

Note: It’s recommended that you do not use this travel bassinet on elevated surfaces.

• Easy to clean
• Safe-T-Lock system
• Can be uncomfortable

Simmons Kids Ultra-Compact Travel Bassinet

The Simmons Kids Ultra-Compact Travel Bassinet is a sturdy, comfortable, and spacious portable baby bed.

This bassinet for travel has everything a full-size bassinet has without the additional size. Although it’s heavier than the other travel bassinets on our list, it’s perfect for placing next to your bed at an Airbnb, hotel, or grandparent’s house.

I love the electronic pod, which plays music, has a light, and even vibrates. This is perfect for babies that need white noise or vibrations to fall asleep.

This travel baby bed folds up quickly, so no need to worry about setting up. It’s the perfect travel bassinet for families, but can also be used at home for nap time in the living room.

I highly recommend this travel bassinet for families on the more, or as an additional sleeping space for your baby.

• Electronic pod
• Comfortable
• Travel bag included
• No all-around mesh paneling
• Heavier than other travel bassinets

Lulyboo Lounge

The Lulyboo Lounge is the perfect portable baby lounge for newborns and infants. This is a great alternative to a boppy pillow for babies because it’s hands-free and portable for traveling with a new baby.

Whether you are heading to the beach, spending some time at the park, or just getting away for the weekend, this lounger is the perfect portable travel bed.

The sun canopy offers sun protection for your little one. Also, there are universal toy loops, so your baby can play with their favorite toys while relaxing.

My favorite thing about this travel baby bed is how portable it is. There is no need to drag a large bassinet to the airport, just fold and go.

This bed can be work as a backpack, so you can easily put it in your suitcase, without any effort.

• Waterproof base
• Universal toy loops
• Thin cushioning
• Can only be used with young babies

BEST PORTABLE BASSINET FOR BABIES

As a family that travels , we know the importance of traveling light. We like to save ourselves a lot of hassle by traveling light, but not forgetting the essentials.

Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

The  Dream On Me Karley Bassinet  is the most affordable and versatile portable bassinet for babies.

This is the perfect travel bassinet to keep at your grandparent’s house or to take on vacation with your little one. Your baby can sleep in peace with a 1-inch thick mattress pad, which provides comfort, but will keep your baby safe.

The additional storage makes it easy to quickly change your baby’s diaper in the middle of the night with access to diapers and wipes close.

For parents that love to spend time outside, this portable baby bassinet has a double canopy to protect your little one from the sun and bugs but has breathable material to keep them cool.

Many parents love the dual canopy to keep older siblings or pets from bothering sleeping babies.

If you need a travel bassinet for your next vacation without spending the fortune, this is it.

Babies up to 25 lbs can use this portable baby bed, so you’ll get your money’s worth, even if you aren’t a frequent traveler.

Dream On Me Karley Bassinet Features:

• Includes mattress pad (1″ thick)
• Quick folding mechanism
• Double canopy
• Dual canopy
• Additional storage
• Lots of color options
• Spacious inside for your baby
• Includes a storage bag
• Need to purchase fitted sheets
• May be too small for long babies
• May need to purchase a different mattress

ComfyBumpy Travel Bassinet

The  ComfyBumpy Travel Bassinet  is the perfect baby travel bassinet for families on the go.

This is one of the most compact baby bassinets for travel. You can take it on a quick vacation, weeklong getaway, or to your parent’s house for the weekend.

The height is perfect for many parents, especially moms healing from a c-section, so use it at home after bringing your little one home from the hospital.

The sides of this portable baby bassinet have mesh material, making it easy to keep your infant cool at night.

Everything you need to travel with your baby is included with this baby bassinet. You not only get the portable baby bassinet, but you also receive a carry case, urine pad, mosquito net, sheet, and mattress.

There are several reviews of parents using this travel bassinet while camping. The mosquito net is included so you can protect your little ones.

ComfyBumpy Travel Bassinet Features:

• Rocking mode
• Mosquito netting
• Breathable mesh
• Compact design for travel
• All-inclusive bundle (includes everything you need)
• Includes urine pad
• Quick set with no tool assembly
• Provides airflow to keep baby cool
• Rock & sturdy mode
• Mattress pad is thin
• Too low for some parents

MiClassic Portable Bassinet

The MiClassic Portable Bassinet is the only travel bassinet that can accommodate babies up to 30 lbs, which makes it a great bassinet for adorable babies with chunky legs.

MiClassic is our favorite brand when it comes to portable travel cribs for babies. They offer some of the best products at an affordable price.

This is our favorite baby bassinet for travel. We love this travel bassinet because it is affordable, portable, easy to assemble, and has a high weight capacity.

Everything about this travel baby bed is made to keep your infant safe. The all-around mesh gives maximum ventilation, making it safer for your baby, plus giving you 100% visibility.

What I love most about this travel bassinet is how easy it is to assemble when needed.

Simply snap the legs on and off, so you can quickly set up at home, at your Airbnb, in a hotel, or when your baby is staying with their grandparents for a few days.

MiClassic Portable Bassinet Features:

• All-around mesh
• Carry bag included
• Easy to fold
• Carry bag is included
• High weight capacity
• Doesn’t lay completly flat, due to folding center

Dream On Me Traveler

The Dream On Me Traveler is the lightest baby travel bassinet on our list. At only 7 lbs, it’s the ultimate portable baby bed.

Enjoy spending a few days at the beach, at a resort, or enjoying a staycation a little closer to home without worrying about your baby. This bassinet has everything you need to enjoy your vacation.

With so much space, your little one has room to grow, so you’ll get your money’s worth. The maximum weight capacity is 25 lbs, so many parents use this bassinet for up to five months.

The bassinet cover unzips, making it easy to clean after an unexpected blow-out or spit-up. Although it isn’t machine washable, a warm rag and water should do the trick.

Dream on Me Travel Features :

• Quick setup
• Mattress pad included
• Compact fold
• Includes carrying bag
• 1-year warranty
• Different colors
• Low visibility
• May be too short for some parents

Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

The Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet is a close 2nd when it comes to our favorite travel bassinet for babies. You can’t deny it’s one of the most popular brands when it comes to baby and toddler travel gear .

This baby travel bassinet is lightweight, easy to clean, quick to assemble, and has convenient storage. Many parents love everything this portable baby bed has to offer.

What parents love the most about this baby travel bed , is the zip and wash feature. Just unzip the bassinet from the frame and throw it in the washer. How easy is that?

Along with being easy to clean, this baby bassinet is perfect for families on the go. The pieces are easy to assemble, so you can take this baby bed anywhere.

The all-around mesh makes it easy to keep an eye on your baby while they nap, so you can travel with peace of mind. Watch them on the baby monitor while you relax.

Overall, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular travel bassinets for babies.

Chicco LullaGo Features:

• Flat sleeping surface
• Waterproof mattress
• Metal snap-on legs for fast setup
• Mesh side panels for visibility and airflow
• The extra fitted sheet included
• Zip-off, machine washable fabrics
• Mesh storage pocket
• Storage pockets
• Difficult to find sheets

Popular Portable Bassinets

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRAVEL BASSINET FOR YOUR BABY

Now that we’re considering baby #2, we’ve been looking for some of the best baby travel gear. Part of that search includes looking for a baby travel bassinet, now that we’re a full-time travel family.

There are several things we considered when determining the best bassinet for traveling with a baby.

The most crucial essentials we considered were safety, comfort, portability, ease of use, and extra features.

When looking for the best travel gear for babies, our priority is always safety.

We thoroughly research the products on our list, so each baby bassinet is designed to travel with a baby.

Comfort is a consideration for newborns, especially since they can’t have anything in their crib for the first year.

We tried to include as many bassinets as we could with mesh material, which is safer for babies, but give parents peace of mind.

Portability

When traveling with a baby it is important to only travel with the essentials.

We (moms) tend to overpack and overthink everything. It is not necessary to pack everything in the nursey when traveling with a baby .

The best travel bassinet is lightweight and maneuverable. If it is lightweight you will be more likely to use it. This will allow you to be flexible and save you a lot of time and stress.

Anything that’s machine washable automatically is a winner for me.

You don’t have the time to handwash everything with a newborn, so we look for bassinets that are easy to clean.

We loved our travel bassinet because we could use it for a lot of things. The bassinet does not have to only be used for bedtime.

We used ours as a changing time, for nap time, and even attached a few toys for our son to play with while we tried to get a few things done.

It is a great accessory to take to the beach to avoid your little one being on the sand .

Extra Features

There are a few things that are nice to have when looking for the best travel bassinet.

If your baby likes to be rocked, having a portable bassinet with rocking mode could be helpful.

Also, if you plan on taking this bassinet to your parent’s house, it may be easier to have additional storage space to keep diapers and wipes close to the baby.

Some portable beds have a sun canopy, mosquito net, and even a white noise machine attached.

Although these extra features are nice to have, how you plan on traveling with your baby will make a difference in the best travel bassinet for your baby.

Disclosure: Itz a Family Thing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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1 thought on “best travel bassinets & portable baby beds”.

Great post, Corritta. I found your article on the best travel bassinets and portable baby beds really informative and helpful. It can be challenging to find the right sleeping solution for our little ones while on the go, but your recommendations have given me some great options to consider.

Speaking of sleep, I couldn’t help but wonder about your thoughts on sleep training. herf=”https://busymommy.us/does-sleep-training-really-work/”>does sleep training really work I’m sure many parents, myself included, would love to hear your take on this controversial topic. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.

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A Complete Guide to Booking and Using an Airplane Bassinet

Everything You Need to Know About Booking and Using an Airplane Bassinet

An airplane bassinet sounds ideal for long flights, but we know you have questions…

• Are airplane bassinets safe?
• Do airplane bassinets cost extra?
• How do you book an airplane bassinet?
• Which airlines have bassinets for infants?

We answer these questions (and more!) below. Then, scroll down for a complete list of which airlines offer bassinets for infants on their planes and their policies.

What Is an Airplane Bassinet?

An airplane bassinet is a detachable cot that is sometimes available for those flying with a lap infant. Airplane bassinets are set up on the bulkhead seats. They are reserved in advance. Different airlines have different policies regarding booking and/or using bassinets (see below). However, most will suggest they are for infants that are six-months-old or younger, have a weight limit of under 20lbs, and can only be used for babies who are not yet able to sit upright unassisted.

Is it Safe to Use an Airplane Bassinet?

Without question, the safest place for a baby to sit on an airplane is in their own seat, in a FAA-approved car seat . But, this is not a legal requirement. On most airlines, children under 24-months are fly for free or for a small service fee if they fly as a lap infant.

Having a baby on your lap for a long flight can definitely become tiresome. Flying with a newborn or young infant is stressful enough as it is, so having a space where baby (and your arms!) can have a rest may definitely be welcomed.

Safety restraints in airplane bassinets…

Most bassinets do not have any safety restraints beyond a velcro strap. That’s the main reason they are not advised for older babies who can sit up or pull up. During take-off, taxi, landing, and during bouts of turbulence when the seat belt sign is turned on, you must take your baby out of the bassinet and hold them in your arms. Most recommend that baby’s feet are towards the aisle, probably so flight attendants can see baby’s face when walking past and to prevent baby’s head from being knocked if someone stumbles in the aisle.

Having said that, most pictures on the internet show smiling babies sitting up in the bassinets or various arms and legs hanging out. It’s clear that not all airlines enforce what appear to be universal guidelines.

Should you just buy baby a seat?

Not everyone can afford or wants to purchase a seat for a baby on a plane if they don’t have to. And flying with car seats can definitely be a pain. An airplane bassinet is not any safer than your lap or arms but is not unsafe under most flying conditions.

Sometimes the bassinets are already set up when you board. And sometimes the flight attendants distribute them after take off. Clarify with the gate agent prior to boarding for peace of mind.

Do I Need to Use an Airplane Bassinet Cover?

Obviously you would want to give the bassinet a wipe down before putting your baby in it. But knowing the messes babies can make, I’d feel more confident with a barrier of some sort. A playpen sheet or large-ish receiving blanket would likely be sufficient.

The bulkheads are pretty busy places on a plane. Keeping stimulation to a minimum is key to help babies and toddlers sleep on planes .  The CoziGo travel cover was created for that very purpose. British Airways even suggests using it on their website!

How to Book an Airplane Bassinet:

On any given flight, there is only a limited number of bassinets available. Bassinets are often free. But, sometimes you must pay extra to secure the bulkhead. Prior to booking, familiarize yourself with the policies of the airlines you will likely fly on. And the earlier you book your flights, the better.

Travel Agents…

If you’re booking using a travel agent, ensure said agent is familiar with the process of securing an airplane bassinet and remind them of the importance of having one. Here you are putting the responsibility of this in someone else’s hands. However, you’ll have someone to blame if things don’t work out.

Direct with the airline…

If you’re booking directly on the airline’s website, you will need to call them immediately after making your reservations to reserve your seats and the bassinet. and since many airlines don’t charge extra for pre-booking seats if you are flying with children (in order to keep everyone together) you would have to do this anyway. Plan to remain on hold for a very long time. Lastly, have all your documentation handy, your reservation and confirmation numbers, as well as paper and a pen to jot down important details.

Using Online Travel Agents…

Booking flights using Expedia or similar means you will have to follow the above and call the airlines directly. Keep in mind your flights may not all be on the same airlines. Pay special attention to connections and if the flights you’ve chosen are being operating as a code share, meaning partner airlines are booking seats on other airlines’ aircraft. Doing all of this will add to the time you spend on the phone. But, it’s worth it to have your ducks in a row pre-flight.

Lastly, Following Up…

If you’re booking and reserving several months out, follow up with your airline in the weeks and days leading up to your trip. Yes, this means more time on hold and on the phone. Again, it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Which Airlines Offer Bassinets for Infants?

Not all airlines offer bassinets, and not all airlines’ policies on booking and using an airplane bassinet are the same. Below is a complete list of which airlines offer bassinets for infants, and what their policies are.

Select from the table of contents below or scroll down to peruse the different options.

Table of Contents

Alphabetical List of Airlines’ Bassinet Policies:

Aer lingus airplane bassinets.

From the Aer Lingus website :

Bassinet seats are offered for transatlantic flights, however they are subject to availability and require pre-booking. You could also consider opting for increased comfort by purchasing a dedicated seat for your infant at a child rate. Basinet seats are unfortunately not available for infants with confirmed seating. For more information, please contact our reservations department. Keep your booking reference handy for speed of assistance!

Aeroflot Airplane Bassinets

From the Aeroflot website :

Airplane bassinets are designed for children under the age of 1 and weighing no more than 11 kg. If you would like to use a bassinet on board, please notify us at least 36 hours before the scheduled departure by contacting the sales office or calling the Contact Centre. The service is not guaranteed. Bassinets are provided only if it is technically possible to install it. The number of spaces for bassinets depend on the type of aircraft. When the airline prepares a flight for check-in (24 hours prior to scheduled departure), bassinet seats are preselected for passengers who have made a reservation. To receive a boarding pass for a bassinet seat, passengers must refer to a check-in desk at the airport. Please note: The use of online check-in may result in the system changing the seat preselected by the airline and the loss of the ability to select seats in the bassinet row. Before installing the bassinet on board, the staff will check your child’s weight and instruct you on how to use the bassinet during the flight.

Aeromexico Airplane Bassinets

From the Aeromexico website :

On board, our priority is that you and your family travel with greater safety and comfort. We offer this service so that you can travel with ease and confidence, and so that you may relax during your flight.

A limited number of cribs are available upon request and subject to availability. We provide cribs for infants weighing no more than 24 lbs. Cribs are complimentary, but availability is not guaranteed. During the check-in process, crib availability will be confirmed. Priority boarding will be required. Infants must be lap-held during takeoff and landing. The adult will have to buy an AM Plus seat, to receive the crib service

Air Canada Bassinets

From Air Canada’s website :

If you’re travelling with a young (or small) infant in Economy Class, you may request a bassinet in advance of travel by contacting Air Canada Reservations . However, we are unable to confirm availability until the time of your flight’s departure.

Bassinets are assigned on a first come, first served basis, subject to availability at time of flight departure.

Bassinets may be provided on the following aircraft:

Boeing 787-9 (789) The Boeing 787-8 (788) Boeing 777-300ER (77W) Boeing 777-200LR (77L) Airbus A330 (333) Boeing 767-300ER (763)

For safety reasons:

Bassinets can be used only for infants weighing less than 12 kg (25 lb) who are unable to sit upright.

The cabin crew is responsible for installing the bassinet once the seat belt sign has been turned off.

Please note that bassinets are installed at bulkhead rows where armrests do not lift.

Air France Bassinets

From Air France’s website :

On board our long-haul flights in the Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, we can provide you with a bassinet if available. Please contact us ahead of time to make your request. Bassinets are designed for infants weighing less than 10kg/22lbs and measuring less than 70cm/27in. They must be stowed away in the event of turbulence. Baby-changing tables are also available. To check availability and submit your request for a bassinet, please  contact us  by phone as soon as possible after booking your flight, and at least 48 hours before your departure.

Air India Bassinets

From Air India’s website :

The preferred seat select scheme is available on the website on select routes operated by Air India. … The paid seat selection doesn’t include Bassinet seats for infants which are free of charge.

According to Seat Guru :

Bassinets can be requested for at the time of reservation, ticketing, or reconfirmation of the booking. Call Air India’s reservations center, the nearest Air India office, or the travel agent to request a bassinet. The bassinet provided is 71 cm x 36 cm x 19 cm (L x B x H). The infant must be under two years old and can fit in the bassinet.

Air Mauritius Bassinets

From the Air Mauritius website :

For your infant’s comfort, there are cots available on all Air Mauritius international flights. The number of cots available on the aircraft is limited, therefore, please make a request at the time of booking and we will confirm your request at the time of your check in, as far as possible.  Our baby cots can accommodate infants up to 12 months old and/or weighing up to 11 kg, and up to 74 cm tall. Since the baby cots need to be stowed at take-off and landing, we’ll give you a special seat belt extension to carry your infant safely in your lap at such times. Further, we request you to remove your infant from the baby cot for safety reasons whenever the seat belt sign is switched on, especially in case of turbulence.

Air New Zealand Bassinets

From Air New Zealand’s website :

On international flights bassinets may be installed on Air New Zealand Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft and are designed for infants of average size up to 8 months old. The bassinet dimensions are 29 inches (73.66 cm) long x 13.5 inches (34.29 cm) wide and made up with sheets, a pillow and blankets and are designed for infants up to 8 months old and weighing a maximum of 11.8kg/26lb. Bassinets can be requested when selecting your seats. However, please note that when selecting your seat online, not all seats in a Bassinet Row have bassinet fittings. Those that do are indicated with a bassinet icon and state that they include a bassinet. If you are travelling with an infant aged between 8 months and 15 months (weighing a maximum of 11.8kg/26lb) and have not prepurchased a bassinet seat, a bassinet seat may be allocated to you if one is available at the time you check in on the day of travel.

Air Seychelles Bassinets

From the Air Seychelles website :

Baby bassinets may be requested for infants up to 6 months of age and not weighing more than 11kg/25 lbs. Bassinets are subject to availability. Requests should be made at the time of reservation.

Air Transat Bassinets

From Air Transat’s website :

Maximum infant weight 11 kg (24 lbs) Infant’s size may not exceed the dimensions of the bassinette: 68 x 30 x 15 cm (27 x 12 x 6 in) Safe for non-active infants who are unable to sit upright; your bassinette will remain on request until a crew member has assessed the suitability once on board Limited availability, at bulkhead seats only

Alaska Air Bassinets

Bassinets are not available for infants on Alaska Air.

Alitalia ((ITA Airways) Airplane Bassinets

From their website :

Some long-haul flights offer on-board bassinets, for children less than 76 cm long and weighing no more than 11 kg, which can be requested when booking. For operational reasons, this service might not be guaranteed on board, even if booked. In this case, the child must travel in the adult’s lap. 

American Airlines Bassinets

From the American Airlines website :

Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 767-300, 777-300 and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available in First/business Class cabins.

Asiana Airplane Bassinets

From Asiana’s website :

A baby bassinet is provided for passengers traveling with an infant.

Avianca Airplane Bassinets

From Avianca’s website :

Baby cot or bassinet

• You can purchase the service when booking your flight at the  contact centre  or at the airport counters. You can also request it at our  chat . 
• You can apply for this service if your baby is 12 months old or younger, 74 centimetres tall and weighs up to 11 kilograms.
• The cradle will be installed when the aircraft takes off and uninstalled before landing. 
• We take care of every detail so that your baby flies on well-maintained equipment in good condition, so we have a limited quota of  3 cots per type of aircraft  and chairs selected to provide this service.
• Due to operational issues, the aircraft assigned to the trip may change. In this case, we cannot guarantee the service.
• Flights operated by Avianca Ecuador S.A. do not have this service.

British Airways Bassinets

Seriously, British Airways rules when it comes to flying with an infant. (See Flying British Airways with a Baby ). Not only do they offer bassinets, they have child seats for older babies as well. Read on, from the British Airways website :

On our long haul services, we provide carrycots and infant seats free of charge for babies up to 2 years old, weighing under 12.5 kg (27.5lbs) that can be used in flight when the seat belt signs are off. If you’ve chosen a carrycot seating position, your crew will offer you a carrycot or infant seat for your baby, subject to availability and aircraft type.

Carrycots Our specially designed carrycots are only for infants up to 6 months old, weighing no more than 8kg (17.5lb), so your baby can sleep in comfort in the best seat on the flight. You can bring your own  CoziGo carrycot cover  to lessen distractions from light and movement. 

Infant seats Our infant seats can be used by little ones from birth up to 24 months, who weigh no more than 12.5kg (27.5lbs). These seats are secured onto the carrycot position by cabin crew and are adjustable to two positions: reclined or upright. For infants under 6 months, the seat should always be used in the reclined position. For infants over 6 months, either position can be used.

Please note that, even if you’ve chosen a carrycot seat position, we may have to move you and your baby to another seat if there is someone who has greater need for the space, such as a wheelchair user.

Bring your own CoziGo carrycot cover

You can bring your own CoziGo carrycot cover which can be used with all styles of carrycots on our long haul flights.

Cathay Pacific Airplane Bassinets

From the Cathay Pacific website :

For infants under 6 months old, we recommend booking a baby bassinet in advance, so you can ensure you and your baby can get some comfortable rest during your flight. Bassinets are available for all of our flights – with the exception of Airbus A321neo aircraft. When you make your reservation with us, you’ll need to request a bassinet so we can check availability. Measurements:  76.2 cm x 38.1 cm x 20.32 cm (30 in x 15 in x 8 in) Maximum carrying weight:  12 kg (26.5 lbs) A bassinet is designed for infants under 6 months old . Infants over this age may be more comfortable in a car safety seat instead, especially on long flights.

China Airlines Bassinets

The information on the China Airlines website is limited:

We provide a limited number of bassinets for infants in-flight (except model A321neo). Bassinets are designed and can be used only for infants measuring less than 71cm/28 inches and weighing less than 11kg/24.2 pounds.  Passengers travelling with infants have priority to sit in the bulkhead seat that has more space to place the bassinet.  We encourage you to request for a bassinet when you book an infant ticket, as only a limited number of bassinets and bulkhead seats are available on board and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

China Southern Airlines Bassinets

From the China Southern Airlines website :

I. Applicable Routes

In the Economy Class and Premium Economy Class of flights operated by B777, B787, A330, and A350 with a duration of more than 3 hours, China Southern Airlines provides Infant Bassinet (BSCT) Service for the infants who do not occupy seats.

II. When to Apply

If you wish to use this service, please apply to the ticket office affiliated with China Southern Airlines at the origin of the flight 24 hours prior to departure.

III. Applicable Passengers

Passengers who hold infant tickets and are at the age of one year old or below on the day of travel, with weight no more than 12 kg (25 lbs) and height no more than 70 cm.

Since there is a limited number of bassinets provided for each aircraft, if you need to use this service, please request as soon as possible by logging in to  China Southern Airlines’ official website , calling China Southern Airlines Customer Service Center 95539, or visiting the local ticket office affiliated with China Southern Airlines.

V. Change and Refund

For passengers who have successfully reserved the infant bassinet service, flight/ date change or service cancellation shall be handled as per the ticket use rules; upon ticket change, if the service is still needed, please apply for it again according to the application procedure.

In case of flight abnormality, we will:

1) After obtaining passengers’ consent, help special passengers and their companions change to flights where special services are available, which is free of charge;

2) After obtaining passengers’ consent, perform involuntary refund for special passengers and their companions.

Condor Airplane Bassinets

From Condor’s website :

Upon request and subject to availability, bassinets/baby carriers can be reserved in Premium Class and Business Class on longhaul flights (Zones 3, 4 and 5).

Please note that bassinets/baby carriers are only suitable and intended for infants up to 6 months and/or max. 8 kg. These can be reserved Monday – Friday via our Special Reservations service no later than 48 hours prior to departure.

Czech Airlines Bassinets

From the Czech Airlines website :

Children under 2 years of age may travel in a baby cot with load capacity of 11kg and sizes of 75 x 34 x 22cm (but only on Airbus A319/A330 Business Class and on Airbus A330 Economy Class). Please request the cot via our  Contact Centre during your seat booking.

Delta Airplane Bassinets

From Delta’s website :

For some of our smallest passengers on some international flights, we offer onboard baby bassinets. They’re ideal for babies weighing up to 20 lbs. (9 kg) and up to 26 inches (66 cm) long. Onboard bassinets, also known as SkyCots, are available free of charge for passengers in select seats on equipped aircraft for some international flights SkyCots can be requested by contacting  Reservations  before arriving at the airport and then speaking with the gate agent at the boarding gate, but cannot be guaranteed due to a limit of two SkyCots per aircraft and weight restrictions Please note that all infants must be held during takeoff, landing and whenever the seat belt light is on

EasyJet Airplane Bassinets

There is no information on EasyJet’s website about bassinets. But they do appear to allow you to gate check strollers and an any additional item for free, so that’s nice.

El Al Airplane Bassinets

From El Al’s website :

Bassinet measurements: 74 cm long, 34 cm wide, 22.5 cm high/deep. Passengers traveling with an infant up to 9 months of age, are entitled to a bassinet seat free of charge, except for Lite tickets which are entitled to a bassinet seat for an additional charge. Only 1 free bassinet seat to one accompanying passenger will be granted. On flights to/from North America, passengers are entitled to 2 bassinet seats free of charge. The entitlement depending on availability, aircraft type and configuration.​ For your baby’s safety, please inform the flight crew of his/her current weight before the bassinet is installed. The bassinet will be installed after takeoff and will be removed by the flight crew before landing. Whenever the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign is illuminated, you must remove the infant from the bassinet and hold him/her in your arms. The flight crew will assist you and guide you personally. The flight crew will do whatever it can to assist you but cannot watch over your infant throughout the flight. The infant’s safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult. EL AL may refuse to provide a bassinet for the infant if the flight crew believe it would be a safety hazard for the infant. For safety reasons, it is not possible to purchase a business class seat for an infant in the 787 fleet (Dreamliner)​.​ Seats next to a bassinet can be booked through the  Service Center  or a travel agent.

Emirates Airplane Bassinets

From Emirates’ website :

With our baby bassinets, you can rest easy while your baby sleeps soundly and securely. Request a seat with a bassinet for babies up to two years old when you book online or add one later through Manage a Booking. Just remember that you can’t request a bassinet if you have booked a normal seat on child’s fare rates. Also note that our bassinets have specific dimensions and are limited in number.

Etihad Airplane Bassinets

From Etihad’s website :

The safety of your child is our number one priority. For infants weighing up to 11kg, our bassinets are specially designed carry-cots to help your baby sleep flat during the flight. Your baby must weigh less than 11kg and be up to 75cm tall, and they must be able to fit comfortably in the bassinet. Our cabin crew will confirm that your infant fits comfortably and safely in the bassinet before affixing it at your seat position. You may request a baby bassinet when you book your flight or through  Manage my booking . All bassinets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. For safety reasons, you may only use a bassinet when the seatbelt sign is switched off and when the cabin crew permit you to do so. When the seatbelt sign is on, you must secure your child on your lap using an infant seatbelt; our cabin crew will provide a seatbelt for you and show you how to use it. You may also use an approved car seat or child restraint device.

EVA Air Bassinets

From EVA Air’s website :

• Baby bassinets are available aboard all EVA Air aircraft, but for safety reasons, height and weight limitations apply. Please advise us of your baby’s date of birth, height and weight when you make your reservation.

The bassinets list on EVA Air’s aircraft :

Garuda Indonesia Airplane Bassinets

From the Garuda Indonesia website :

Baby Bassinet is available on Garuda Indonesia selected aircraft and its free of charge. Passenger must be requested well in advance via Garuda Call Center. Due to limited numbers of baby bassinet available on each aircraft, baby bassinet service is based on first come first serve. Passenger will inform by check-in staff regarding the limited numbers of bassinet. Maximum weight of infant that can be accommodated in one bassinet is 9 kg.

Gulf Air Bassinets

From Gulf Air’s website :

Infants up to 7 months old, weighing no more than 10 kg and not more than 26” in length can travel using the onboard bassinets* (carry-cots). Please request a bassinet when you book your ticket to ensure availability and to obtain advance confirmation. Should the baby – irrespective of age and advance confirmation from the airline – exceed these set limits, our Cabin Crew will not allow the use of a bassinet as this is perceived as being unsafe and not in compliance with civil airline safety regulations. Remember to pre-reserve a bassinet on all flights during your journey, not just the first sector. *Please note that bassinets are not available in Falcon Gold cabin on our new Boeing Dreamliner 787 

Jet Blue Airplane Bassinets

Jet Blue does not offer bassinets on any of their aircraft, but they are renowned for being a very family-friendly airline .

Hawaiian Airlines Bassinets

From the Hawaiian Airlines website :

We want your children to be as safe and comfortable as possible. Bassinets are available on our flights listed below.

To use our bassinets, your child must be:

• Under the age of 2 years old and
• Cannot  weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kgs).

The bassinet is 32” in length, 14.5” in width and 7” in height.

You may  reserve  bassinets in Extra Comfort on our A330 flights to/from the following cities:

• Auckland, New Zealand (AKL)
• Austin, Texas (AUS)
• Boston, Massachusetts (BOS)
• Chitose – Sapporo, Japan (CTS)
• Haneda -Tokyo, Japan (HND)
• Incheon, Korea (ICN)
• Fukuoka, Japan (FUK)
• Narita – Tokyo, Japan (NRT)
• New York City, New York (JFK)
• Orlando, Florida (MCO)
• Osaka-Kansai, Japan (KIX)
• Sydney, Australia (SYD)

To  reserve  a bassinet, the accompanying adult must purchase a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat. Please follow the below instructions to complete your reservation:

• Call  Hawaiian Airlines Reservations
• Request to reserve a bassinet for your international, AUS, BOS, JFK, or MCO flight
• If you prefer, you may purchase a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat online and reserve the bassinet over the phone once you have a confirmed seat in Row 14
• Once your seat is purchased and bassinet is reserved, your reservation will be confirmed

If you’d prefer not to purchase an Extra Comfort seat, you may see an airport customer service agent at check-in (on the day of departure) for bassinet availability. If the Extra Comfort upgrade is provided as a courtesy, only one guest (adult traveling with the infant) is eligible for the upgrade. If available, Hawaiian Airlines will accept up to two (2) requests per flight. Confirmed bassinets will be assigned during the boarding process. Priority will be given to the customer with the earliest check-in time.*

*Bassinets are not guaranteed if requested upon check-in.

Iberia Airplane Bassinets

From Iberia’s website :

There are a certain number of cots for infants who weigh up to 11 kg on each Iberia aircraft on inter-continental flights. These cots, like the seats for the adults who accompany the infant, do not have to be booked online. Please book a cot through an  Iberia Office  in your country, where you can also get information about booking a seat for yourself in the designated cot area in advance. Depending on the cabin class, booking a seat will incur an additional cost. 

Icelandair Bassinets

Icelandair does not offer bassinets on any of their flights.

JAL Airplane Bassinets

From JAL’s website :

Our bassinets are ideal for infants weighing up to 10.5kg (age 2). Dimensions (length: 72 cms, width: 30cms, and depth: 15 cms). Available on routes: All Routes JAL Group Offices and Contact Us Advance reservations are required. Please note that bassinets are available in limited numbers and reservation may not always be possible.

KLM Airplane Bassinets

From KLM’s website :

Are you flying intercontinental, and your baby does not have their own seat? A carrycot might be a comfortable option for both your little one and you. You can request one by contacting the KLM Customer Contact Centre. When you request a carrycot, we’ll do our best to arrange one for you, although there are no guarantees until you board. The sooner you reach out to us, the better the chances are. We advise checking how tall your baby is and how much they weigh. Carrycots are suitable for babies weighing no more than 10 kg and are up to 65 cm tall on the day of the trip.

Korean Air Bassinets

From Korean Air’s website :

Passengers on international flights requiring a baby bassinet can request this through the travel agency or the Korean Air Service Center.

Baby bassinets

The bassinet cannot be used if your child is taller or heavier than specified even if you have requested it in advance.

LATAM Airlines Bassinets

From the LATAM Airlines website :

If you are traveling with your baby, we offer you the possibility of carrying them during the flight (in Economy Cabin) in a  comfortable and safe bassinet.  Your baby must weigh up to 10 kilos and measure less than 71 cm. 

You can request the bassinet service by calling our  Contact Center  up to 4 hours before the flight.  

Service conditions

• You can request it on all routes operated by LATAM on Boeing 767, 777, 787 and Airbus 350. However, the service is subject to the availability of each flight. 
• The service is at no cost if you are traveling in a LATAM+ seat.  If you are traveling with a companion who needs to travel next to you, they will have to purchase their seat.
• If you are traveling with more passengers , seat reservations are subject to the availability and conditions of the ticket you purchased. 

In-flight considerations

For safety reasons, the bassinet will be installed once the airplane departs and will be removed before arrival.

Lufthansa Airplane Bassinets

From Lufthansa’s website :

On our entire long-haul fleet we have special baby cots available to you. The bassinets are perfectly suited for babies up to 14 kg in weight and up to 83 cm in length. The number of bassinets on board is limited. You can reserve the baby cots up to 48 hours before flight departure. Please note that a seat reservation fee for the seat with bassinet may apply depending on your ticket condition. For further information please contact our Lufthansa Service Center .

Malaysia Airlines Bassinets

From the Malaysia Airlines website :

Depending on the aircraft, a number of bassinets are provided onboard, free of charge due to safety and storage reasons, passengers are not allowed to carry their own bassinets into the cabin. This Bassinet service must be requested at least 24 hours before departure through: 1. Call our Global Customer Contact Centre:  1 300 88 3000 (calls within Malaysia) or +603 7843 3000 (calls outside Malaysia) or 2. For Travel Agent’s booking, kindly refer to the respective appointed Travel Agent for assistance.

Porter Airlines Bassinets

There are no bassinets available on any Porter Airlines fights. They are a very infant-friendly airline otherwise.

Primera Air Bassinets

According to Primera Air’s website , they do not provide child seats or bassinets, but they have a number of seating options for infants, including child fares.

Qantas Airplane Bassinets

From the Qantas website :

All infants booked online are booked without a seat and must travel either in the lap of the adult travelling with them or be placed in the bassinet if available when permitted during flight.   If preferred, you can choose a Seat with Bassinet in advance online, so you and your family can travel together in more comfort. Seat with Bassinet is available for a charge, subject to availability, for customers travelling in international Economy and is complimentary for customers travelling internationally in First, Business or Premium Economy cabins, on flights operated by B787, A380 and A330 aircraft. This charge includes the seat with bassinet only. A cost may apply for any adjacent seats booked. To select your seats, visit  Manage booking . In order to select a Seat with Bassinet, the infant:  Must be booked and travelling with an adult (parent or guardian) Must be less than 2 years of age, weigh less than 11kg and be able to lie flat in the bassinet at the time of travel. (Bassinets on Qantas flights are approximately 71cm long, 31cm wide, 26cm deep.)  If the infant doesn’t comfortably fit within the specifications of a bassinet, they must travel in the lap of the adult travelling with them. In this situation, you may be moved from your Seat with Bassinet to accommodate other customers travelling with infants. When booking online, there is a limit of one infant per adult booked. If you need to book an infant with a seat or book travel that involves more infants than adults, please contact us to  make your booking . When more than one infant travels with one adult, each additional infant must occupy a seat and be able to sit upright without assistance or travel in an approved child car seat or restraint. Please be aware that you’ll also need to confirm directly with any other airlines operating flights on your booking their policies in relation to infants occupying a seat and ensure you comply with them.

Qatar Airways Bassinets

From the Qatar Airways website :

Qatar Airways provides bassinets for infants. Please contact your nearest Qatar Airways office to request bassinet seats. Please note that the maximum body weight of the infant should not exceed 11 kgs (24 Lbs) and the age must not exceed 24 months. Additionally, the infant must fit within the confines of the baby bassinet. *Bassinets are not available in the First Class cabin on-board the Airbus 380.  To check availability of a Bassinet position seat on a specific aircraft and within a particular cabin, please contact the nearest Qatar Airways office.   

Ryanair Bassinets

According to the Ryanair website , bassinets are not available on Ryanair flights, but they do have a number of seating options for infants, including an “Infant Comfort” seat where baby is required to be held during taxi, takeoff, and landing, but may occupy the additional seat (without a car seat or restraint) during the flight.

Singapore Airlines Bassinets

From the Singapore Airlines website :

Bassinet seats in Premium Economy and Economy Class are reserved for passengers with infants, on a first-come-first-served basis. Each bassinet measures at 768mm (L) x 298mm (W) x 158mm (H), and can support a maximum weight of 14kg. If you have a Scoot flight in your itinerary, please note that  bassinets  are not provided on board Scoot flights.​

South African Airways Bassinets

From South African Airways’ website :

The use of a baby bassinet is restricted by the infant size and weight. Infants not exceeding 10kg and 75cm are eligible for a baby bassinet, subject to availability. We highly recommend eligible customers reserve a bassinet at their earliest convenience, by calling their  nearest SAA office . At a bulkhead seat, a cabin crew member can help to position a baby bassinet after take-off, once the seat belt signs have been switched off. The crew member will be required to confirm the age, weight and length of the infant prior to bringing the bassinet, to ensure the safety of the infant. A bassinet cannot be used during take-off and landing and can only be used during the flight when the seat belt signs are off. If the seat belt signs are illuminated, the infant must be removed from the bassinet.

Southwest Airplane Bassinets

Southwest does not offer bassinets on any of their flights but, according to their website , they offer a number of infant seating options (including infant fares) and flying Southwest with a baby is typically a more welcoming experience.

SriLankan Airlines Bassinets

From the SriLankan Airlines website :

Depending on the type of aircraft operating the flight, there is a limited number of bassinets available on board. You can order a bassinet through our  Global Contact Center or at your nearest ticket office . Bassinets will be provided based on the below criteria For the infants who are still not able to sit up unassisted. For infants who weigh above, 16kg bassinets cannot be provided. The infant should be able to fit into the bassinet. The legs should not be extending out of the bassinet. (our bassinet size is approximately 24” X 12” X 8”). When in use, the Infant shall be secured using the bassinet restraints. The bassinet shall not be fixed during taxi, take-off, and landing. For safety reasons, they can only be used once the aircraft is airborne and seat belt signs have been switched off. If the aircraft experiences turbulence and the seatbelt signs have been switched on, infants must be removed from the bassinet and secured on their adult’s lap using the infant seat belt.

Sunwing Airplane Bassinets

Sunwing does not offer bassinets on any of their flights. However, for a charter, flying Sunwing with a baby is a pretty decent experience.

SWISS Airplane Bassinets

From the SWISS website :

Baby bassinets are available in all flight classes on long-haul flights and in Business Class on European flights. They are approved for babies of up to 8 months and weighing a maximum of 11 kg. The number of cots is limited, so please be sure to contact our  ​ Service Center  in good time.

TAP Portugal Airplane Bassinets

From TAP’s website :

You can ask us to provide a cot if you are travelling with a baby. This service is free only on TAP-operated flights. The following rules apply for the use of cots: They are only available on long-haul flights (except in the Executive Class of the A339) and Executive Class of some medium-haul aircraft; The baby must not weigh more than 11kg/24lbs and the baby must be no more than 12 months old; The cot dimensions are 75cm / 29 in long by 34 cm / 13 in wide and 22.4 cm / 8.8 in high; The baby must always fit comfortably inside the cot; The cot can never be used during take-off/landing and during periods of turbulence; There are designated seats on the aircraft for cots and their number is limited. Therefore, please inform us when booking of all the flights on which the infant needs a cot; The number of seats available for cots varies from one type of aircraft to another and if there is availability. This information is immediate and it will be confirmed when you book; Each adult may take only one baby.

Thai Airways Bassinets

From the Thai Airways website :

The Bassinet for babies less than 6 months of age, weighing less than 10 kg and not exceeding 62 67 cm in length.

Thomas Cook Airlines Bassinets

Thomas Cook Airlines does not offer bassinets or carrycots on their website , and a lap infant’s fare is 10% of an adult’s.

TUI Airways Bassinets

TUI does not offer bassinets or cots on any of their flights, including long-haul destinations.

Turkish Airlines Bassinets

Strangely, Turkish Airlines is very vague on whether or not they offer bassinets, despite there being a picture of one on their website . does not offer bassinets or special infant seats on their flights. However, according to their website , you can request a flight attendant to be a “carer” to assist you during the flight.

United Airplane Bassinets

From United’s website :

We provide free onboard bassinets in United Polaris® business class and in Economy on some international flights. They can be used anytime during the flight when the seatbelt sign is off.  Contact us  to request yours.

Virgin Atlantic Bassinets

From Virgin Atlantic’s website :

All cots/bassinets need to be pre-booked before your flight. You will need to speak to our contact centre to pre-book a cot/bassinet. This is because each of our aircraft carries a limited number of cots/bassinets, so we need to check the availability before pre-booking one. • If you already have a booking, please log in to ‘ My Booking ’ where you can speak to an advisor via web messaging. • If you have not yet made your booking and wish to check the cot/bassinet availability before you book, please  Contact Us   by telephone. When a sky cot/bassinet has been pre-booked, seat numbers will be assigned by the airport on the day of departure. When a sky cot/bassinet has been pre-booked, seat numbers will be assigned by the airport on the day of departure. Refer to the tables below to help you understand cots for your baby or infant. Economy and Premium sky cots Boeing 787-9, Airbus A330 and Airbus A350 Dimensions 28.6cm wide x 72.7cm long (11.25” wide x 28.6” long) Maximum weight of baby 11kg (24.25lb) Maximum height of baby 760mm (30”) Upper Class sky cots Boeing 787-9, Airbus A330 and Airbus A350 Dimensions 35cm wide x 24cm deep x 76cm long (13.8” wide x 9.4” deep x 29.9” long) Maximum weight of baby 11kg (24.25lb) Maximum height of baby 750mm (29.5”)

Virgin Australia Bassinets

From Virgin Australia’s website :

Bassinets are available onboard all our international long haul flights and on domestic flights operated by A330 aircraft, subject to availability. Our bassinets are designed for use by one infant at a time and size and weight restrictions apply.  Bassinets are limited, so please request a bassinet for your infant at the time of booking. Pre-allocation of bassinets is on a first come, first served basis. Please contact our Guest Contact Centre to request a bassinet.

Westjet Airplane Bassinets

There are airplane bassinets on WestJet ‘s 787-9 aircraft only. Request a bassinet when booking your flight or go to any WestJet counter at the airport. The infant must be a maximum of 9 kilograms/25lbs, a maximum length of 66cm/26 in., and unable to sit upright unassisted.

Westjet is a pretty baby-friendly airline

Have you flown with a baby using a bassinet? Please share your experience in the comments below or join the conversation on Facebook .

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• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
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• A Complete Guide to Traveling with a Newborn
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• Baby Travel Gear
• Tips for Coping with Time Changes & Baby Jet Lag
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• Surviving Early Morning Flights with a Baby or Toddler
• What to Wear when Traveling with a Baby or Toddler

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7 Responses to A Complete Guide to Booking and Using an Airplane Bassinet

Thank you so much!! 😉

Check out the Parenting Survival Guide for the best practical tips and advice on parenting.

Super helpful! Thank you for the detailed info.

Hey, Hi, I really enjoy your article. Very informative and useful content here. Thank u so much for the great tips. Keep sharing like this.

Hi! I only read about the bassinets on lufthansa and Turkish airlines and the information on both was incorrect. Turkish does offer bassinets and the size of Lufthansa’s bassinets is much smaller than you have listed.

Thanks, Mimi — I went through and updated the post. The information is only as accurate as what the airlines share. Thanks again!

Really great article!! We only ever flew in US so never got to use the bassinet, but I used to dream of it as I’d usually be travelling alone with a tiny baby. I’d definitely be pinning this

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• Mom Confessions

Is the Nuna Mixx Worth Buying? I Tried it to Find Out!

As my son nears 16 months old, we’ve been using the Nuna Mixx for over a year in many different iterations. When he was a newborn, we used it with the bassinet and car seat and now that he’s older, it’s our go-to when we’ll be out for a good chunk of the day and want lots of storage.

But is it worth buying at the hefty price tag? Let’s chat about the pros and cons of the Nuna Mixx before you make the big investment:

Table of Contents

Why Invest in Nuna?

Nuna is known for being one of the higher end brands that are Greenguard Gold certified, meaning the products “have been thoroughly tested and certified to meet stringent emissions standards for over 360 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemical emissions.”

This means there is less risk for chemical exposure for you and your baby. They also make their car seats flame-retardant free, further reducing exposure.

This is what led me to Nuna in the first place. I wanted something that could meet rigorous safety standards while being a quality stroller (and car seat) that I could use for the long haul. If you’re like me, that probably means you’re weighing Nuna vs. UppaBaby. I honestly like both, however we ultimately went with the Nuna stroller.

Nuna MIXX Next Specs

• Maximum child weight/height: Accommodates children up to 50 lb.
• Stroller weight: 28.3 lb.
• Unfolded dimensions: 45.3″ x 32.7″ x 23.6″
• Folded dimensions:19″ x 27.5″ x 23.6″
• Fold: One-piece compact fold; both forward- and rear-facing; automatic quick-click fold lock; stands when folded.
• Recline: One-hand adjustable, five-position recline; true flat reclining seat.
• Seat can face either direction
• Tires: Rubber, foam-filled tires; lockable front-swivel wheels; all-wheel suspension with Free Flex suspension in the rear; one-touch rear-wheel braking system.
• Compatibility: All PIPA™ car seats and MIXX series bassinets (all sold separately) can be easily paired with the stroller.

Nuna MIXX Next Pros

What I like about the stroller is it has it all – it can recline almost fully, but it also sits nicely upright. My son hates strollers that force him to slouch even a little bit, so the upright position makes this his favorite stroller.

The seat is also nicely padded. It seems like a truly comfortable ride. When we were aged out of the bassinet but not quite ready to fully face forward, it was nice being able to have him face me on walks.

The storage is the biggest perk of the stroller. When I know we’re going to be out for most of the day, I reach for this stroller since I can stash our diaper bag, a blanket, my water bottle, and purse in the bottom basket. It has an extendable divider that makes it a dual compartment. I’m not sure what the point of it is, but perhaps it helps with organization?

I have the older model of the Nuna Mixx, but all of my qualms with it have been resolved with the Next, which has an easier, magnetic buckle, and a more compact fold away axle. It can also stand on its own now. The one I have takes up most of a car trunk, but the newer model is more compact.

The canopy is also nice, with a peek a boo mesh window at the top and full coverage with an SPF 50+ material. It has a zippable extra panel that when extended, provides amazing coverage, especially when the seat is fully upright.

The handles are an ergonomic, plus feel – both the adjustable push handle and the lap handle for baby. They’re both thick and strong.

The fold is also nice. For a stroller its size, the Nuna Mixx Next folds nicely and easily. I find it easier and quicker than some of our travel strollers (like the Babyzen and Ergobaby Metro+ ).

For a stroller at this price point, you’d expect it to feel luxurious and have all of the bells and whistles, and it does.

Although I initially wanted a stroller that would be compatible with the Nuna Pipa car seat (which all Nuna strollers are), after reading more about the importance of babies not sleeping in the slouched position, we went with the bassinet as well and it was a great choice. When he was younger, it replaced our need for a travel bassinet when we took him on trips. The stroller bassinet creates a safe baby sleep environment from birth, and we could roll it right into the hotel room.

Keep in mind the stroller does fully recline, so if you aren’t leaving the baby to sleep overnight, having them strapped into the stroller for supervised naps is fine, too. For most people, the bassinet may not be necessary.

All of that said this is a large stroller that I wouldn’t necessarily try to bring all the way through security and to the gate at an airport. On road trips ? Sure. But international flights? Not so much. Many parents would, so this is a personal preference.

Nuna MIXX Cons

Although this is a great stroller for certain situations, it’s not a perfect stroller that can fit any scenario.

For one thing, all of that storage and the premium materials come with one big downside – it’s a big and heavy stroller. For me, that rules it out as a stroller I’d want to use in the airport, much preferring strollers that can fit in the overhead bin . The catch with those is they’re not great everyday strollers since they lack storage and can’t handle any bumps with their tiny wheels, so for our lifestyle, just one stroller doesn’t really cut it.

The other downside is although the wheels are good and have all-wheel suspension, they still can’t do what a bigger-wheel, all-terrain/jogging stroller like the BOB or Guava Roam can do. If you’re mostly in the city and using sidewalks, it’s just fine, but if you’re on dirt trails or want a stroller that can handle curbs, this one won’t do as well.

If you were hoping to have one stroller to meet all your needs, the Guava Roam comes close. It isn’t quite as high end as the Nuna and isn’t newborn appropriate, but we use it more often now that my son is older.

Our Full Guava Roam Crossover Stroller Review

The Nuna MIXX Next is also one of the most expensive strollers on the market. Is it really necessary to spend that on a stroller? While that’s going to be subjective, there are some nice Mixx dupes out there, and you don’t have to buy it brand new. We got ours secondhand for $250 at a local children’s thrift store, and Goodbuy Gear (read my Goodbuy review for a better understanding of who and what it is) regularly has them, and the bassinets, for a discount. The only thing I won’t buy secondhand is the car seat for safety reasons.

Not everyone wants to buy secondhand baby items, but keep in mind that since Nuna retains its value and is a quality product, you can always sell it once you’re done.

Nuna MIXX Next Add-Ons

I wouldn’t see myself having bought this stroller if it hadn’t come with the car seat connector (which we barely used since we opted for the bassinet), and the bassinet option.

However even if you didn’t get either of those, this stroller stands on its own from birth since it can fully recline, which isn’t true of many other strollers. The Babyzen Yoyo , for example, needs a baby kit, car seat adapter kit, separate foot rest, and all kinds of add-ons to have all of the features of a stroller like this one.

Nuna MIXX vs. Nuna TRIV, TAVO, and DEMI Grow

While the Nuna Mixx is the largest and most expensive — and also most popular — Nuna stroller, you don’t have to opt for this one if you want something more applicable to travel, more affordable, or meant for multiple kiddos.

The Nuna TRIV is a travel stroller weighing 9lbs less than the MIXX with a fold of L 25.3 in x W 21 x H 17.5 inches. It also costs less at $500. It can also face forward or rear and has three recline positions rather than 5 (it cannot go flat). It comes with an included rain cover, is compatible with Nuna car seats, and comes with the ring adapter. Get it here.

The Nuna TAVO is a more budget friendly option at $550. It weights 23.3 lbs, but does not include winter seat insert, canopy, or arm bar. It’s a similar fold size at L 28.4 X W 22.4 X H 20.9 inches. However unlike all other Nuna strollers, no adapters are required to snap the Pipa car seat in place. It also has 4 recline positions, including flat. You can get the whole TAVO system with the Pipa car seat for $900 here.

The Nuna DEMI Grow is able to accommodate two kids, and is compatible with Nuna car seats. It can fully recline, with space for one child on top and one below. The stroller is 27.4 lbs and 43.5″ x 39.5″ x 24″ unfolded and 35″ x 23.5″ x 24″ folded. It retails for $950. Get it here.

Nuna Mixx vs. UppaBaby Vista

For many parents, the choice comes down to Nuna vs. UppaBaby. They’re comparable premium brands that both prioritize nontoxic materials. We’ve used both at Parenthood Adventures, and honestly both are great stroller systems.

The biggest difference is how many kids the strollers can accommodate. The Vista can go up to 3 kids (the third would be on a board on the back), while the Mixx can only accommodate one (though for multiples the Demi Grow is your best bet with Nuna, and I like the configuration much better). Fold and weight-wise, they’re quite similar.

The whole Vista system with Bassinet and car seat runs $1300 new while the Nuna Mixx with car seat runs $1200 and the bassinet is an additional $350 . The Vista is also compatible with more car seats.

Uppababy also makes a smaller, more affordable stroller. Read our comparison of the Uppababy Vista vs. MINU here .

Between the two, I’d say they’re quite comparable. The Vista is a bit cheaper, and the compatible car seat is honestly great. However, I’ve tested both the Uppababy Mesa and the Nuna Pipa , and I give the edge to the Nuna Pipa.

Personally, I based my decision on which one I found a better deal on. I don’t think you can go wrong.

Final Thoughts on the Nuna MIXX

The Nuna Mixx is a great large stroller that has plenty of storage and is compatible with the associated car seats. For the days when I don’t want to wear our diaper bag on my back or strap it to the stroller handle, I love this stroller. It feels comfortable for both of us with the adjustable handle and upright seat, plus I liked how versatile it was all throughout my son’s infancy until now.

But for our purposes, it’s not the one and done stroller that can fit every situation. If we lived in a city and mostly used sidewalks, I think it would be the most obvious choice since it has so much storage and is so adjustable, but we travel a lot, and this stroller is too big to make sense for airport situations. We also like to take our strollers on trails, and this isn’t really an off-piste stroller.

This is a great product that’s low in chemical emissions and works great for us in many situations, and I’m still glad we got it. The best part is, it stays in great condition and when we’re done, we’ll be able to sell it to another family, too.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that support this site at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. Everybody wins!

Kristin is the founder of Parenthood Adventures, combining her love of travel and newfound joy of motherhood. She's the creator of one of the most-read women's travel blogs in the world, bemytravelmuse.com, with a readership in the millions each year.

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Is the $1,700 Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet Worth It? What to Know Before You Buy.

By Caitlin Giddings

I began my test of the Snoo Smart Sleeper as a robotic-bassinet skeptic, certain that it couldn’t possibly justify its cult-like fandom in the parenting world. But this attitude didn’t last long.

From the day I put my baby into his first Snoo swaddle and clipped him in, the Snoo proved to be effective at keeping him asleep longer than any other bassinet in our testing lineup.

What to know

The Snoo is the brainchild of Dr. Harvey Karp, celebrity pediatrician and author of The Happiest Baby on the Block , which has been a parenting staple for two decades.

There are other “smart” bassinets out there. But when it comes to automatically rocking and shushing a fussy infant, the Snoo is in a class of its own.

Like many baby bassinets, the Snoo is intended to be used only for a few months. Babies outgrow it when they reach 25 pounds.

At $1,700 (when not on sale), the Snoo is among the most expensive bassinets you can buy. However, you can also rent it by the month or seek out a used one.

In the earliest days—when he was just 3 or 4 weeks old—my baby didn’t sleep through the night in the Snoo. He still woke up crying every two or three hours to eat, which is a normal pattern for that age. But I was able to put him back in the Snoo immediately after a feeding without having to spend 20 additional minutes rocking him to sleep in the glider. And this added up to a lot more sleep for my wife and me throughout the night.

As the weeks passed and my little guy adjusted to Snoo life, his wake-ups became less frequent, until I had to start setting an alarm to get him up for meals. (For the first few months of life, regardless of where they’re sleeping, infants need to eat every two to four hours.) At 5 weeks old, he would have happily slept through the night in the Snoo without my intervention.

When my family was testing 10 models for Wirecutter’s guide to the best bassinets, we found ourselves returning to the Snoo because it was so effective at helping our entire family get more hours of nightly sleep. But it doesn’t work for everyone, and some experts we interviewed voiced concerns about the Snoo.

Wirecutter staffers have been testing the high-end bassinet since 2018, with very mixed results. And as desperately as new parents crave sleep in those first exhausting months—for their babies and for themselves—many people also end up having concerns and complaints about the Snoo.

Here’s everything to consider before you buy (or rent) this pricey bassinet. To read about more options for your baby’s first bed, check out our guide to the best bassinets and bedside sleepers .

Snoo Smart Sleeper

A polarizing smart bassinet in a league of its own.

Outfitted with sensors, this electronic bassinet promises to detect a baby’s needs and soothe them to sleep with automated rocking and white noise.

Buying Options

The research, what’s the story with the snoo, why you should trust us, what the snoo does, what our long-term testing has revealed, other concerns to consider, buying versus renting the snoo, what about a used snoo, what accessories are available for the snoo, snoo alternatives.

If you’re reading this guide, you likely already know this high-end baby sleep machine by name. For the uninitiated: The Snoo is an electronic bassinet—intended for babies up to about 6 months old—that relies on a series of smart sensors to recognize when a restless infant needs comforting.

For its smart features to activate, the Snoo requires the use of proprietary Sleep Sack swaddles , which have wings that clip into the side of the bassinet, securing an infant in place. Three swaddles are included with the purchase of a Snoo. (The uncanny valley –ish doll used in the photo above is 18 inches long; the average length of a newborn is 18 to 22 inches.) When the Snoo detects a baby’s cry or wakefulness, it automatically starts rocking and shushing, and this increases in intensity until the baby is soothed—or not.

The Snoo was the brainchild of Dr. Harvey Karp , author of The Happiest Baby on the Block , with help from iconic Swiss designer Yves Béhar and a handful of MIT engineers. Upon its introduction, in late 2016, it was the subject of almost rapturous admiration. “Worth Every Penny!” read just one of the many grateful reviews online (that one was from a mom who claimed the Snoo helped her 7-week-old baby go from sleeping only 90 minutes at a time to passing out for 12 hours straight).

In its early days, the high-tech bassinet garnered attention from Wired , CNET , CNN Business , New York magazine , and Fast Company , which called the Snoo “the best crib most parents can only dream about.” The New York Times profiled Karp in 2018, in How Harvey Karp Turned Baby Sleep Into Big Business .

At first glance, the 38-pound Snoo looks like a regular, if especially stylish, bassinet. Hidden underneath the mattress pad, however, is a mess of hardware that, in the company’s words , makes it “the smartest, safest baby bed ever made.” (In March 2023, the Snoo Smart Sleeper was given De Novo approval by the FDA to market itself as an over-the-counter infant sleep system for its ability to keep sleeping infants on their backs.)

The genesis of Karp’s idea came during a lecture, in which he pointed out that the number of infant sleep deaths in the US had gone largely unchanged in 20 years. “Why don’t you do something about it?” an audience member yelled up at the celebrity pediatrician. Karp decided he would invent a bassinet that was designed to keep infants alive and parents sane.

The Snoo is a natural extension of Karp’s thesis, which is the bedrock of his bestseller : that newborns are essentially in a fourth trimester and need a lot of noise and movement, as well as the feeling provided by a tight swaddle, to engage what Karp calls a baby’s “calming reflex.” In essence, the Snoo is designed to do something that parents have been doing for as long as any of us can remember: rock and soothe babies back to sleep.

When we first considered the Snoo, back in 2017, it felt like a niche product whose price put it out of reach of most parents. But since then, the Snoo has gone more mainstream, and it’s become clear that plenty of people are willing to shell out whatever it takes for the promise of more hours of sleep. (The Snoo can often be found used, and it is also available to rent, which is a more affordable option for most people.)

Karp remains a tireless advocate for his invention. His company promises that the Snoo will lead a baby to sleep one to two hours more per night, as well as sleep-train them and ease the transition into a regular crib. ( We’ve discovered that not all parents find those two things to be the case .)

There’s no doubt, though, that the Snoo secures a baby in a safe sleeping position—on a firm surface, on their back—ensuring that they will not roll over onto their stomach without a parent noticing. There’s also no question that sleep is important—both for babies and for the mental and physical health of their often-overwhelmed parents. Karp argues that using the Snoo can reduce postpartum depression and a slew of ill effects attributed to a lack of sleep, from car crashes to marital implosion. (He has expertly made the hard sell countless times, including on recent podcasts .)

The inconvenient reality is that all babies are different, and it’s impossible to know in advance whether the Snoo will work better for your family than a bassinet that costs, say, a tenth as much. As some first-time parents and Snoo owners who’ve used only the Snoo have wondered aloud, “Maybe it works? Or maybe our baby is a good sleeper?” Parents whose babies have disliked the Snoo at first but later seemed to grow accustomed to it—sleeping for stretches of three to four hours—may wonder the same thing. Was it because of the expensive technology? Or did the baby merely grow out of their initial fussiness?

Wirecutter first reviewed the Snoo (above, second from right) as part of an initial round of bassinet and bedside-sleeper testing conducted by writer Caleb Hannan in 2017. Since that original testing, the same Snoo bassinet has been passed among eight different Wirecutter parents. Some have adored it; others have been ready to kick it to the curb well before its six-month recommended-usage period was up.

I took over Wirecutter’s baby bassinets coverage in 2022, while pregnant with my second kiddo. With my first baby, I relied exclusively on the relatively utilitarian Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet (pictured above, in the middle; we continue to recommend it in our guide to the best bassinets and bedside sleepers ). When my son was born, in summer 2022, the Snoo was one of 10 bassinets my wife and I tested over those first few months.

Along the way I also studied the work of Snoo creator Harvey Karp, including his well-known newborn-sleep book The Happiest Baby on the Block . I spoke with several pediatric experts, including Rebecca F. Carlin, MD , of the Columbia University Department of Pediatrics, a pediatrician and one of the co-authors of the AAP’s 2022 safe sleep guidelines ; Aleesha Burke , IBCLC, a lactation consultant (and Snoo skeptic) in Layton, Utah; and physical therapist Stacy Conder and occupational therapist Susan Klemm of Carolina Kinder Development , in Charlotte, North Carolina, who also advise against the use of Snoo and other smart bassinets.

And, of course, I relied on the advice of the key organizations that set US safety standards, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) , the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development , and the AAP .

In earlier reporting on the Snoo and other baby bassinets, writer Caleb Hannan consulted with infant sleep experts including Dr. Karp; James McKenna, PhD, head of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at Notre Dame; and pediatrician and author Bill Sears.

At first glance, there’s nothing that reads particularly high-tech about the Snoo Smart Sleeper . It looks like a sleek and stylish bassinet, with white mesh walls anchored by a wooden base and chrome legs that give off a vaguely Scandinavian vibe.

But beneath that serene exterior, there’s a lot going on. The bassinet—which has to be plugged in to work and pairs with an app—is outfitted with a microphone and sensors that allow it to tell (via sound and motion clues) whether your baby is awake and in need of soothing. The bassinet responds accordingly with automated swaying and shushing, coaxing the baby to sleep and ultimately allowing parents to get more rest during the bleary, exhausted first months of newborn life.

When the Snoo is on and your baby is calm, it plays a quiet stream of white noise and gently sways the baby from side to side. If your baby fusses or cries, the level of swaying and shushing will gradually increase in intensity, moving up to the fourth and final level if the baby is not soothed by the milder settings. (You have the option to intervene and decrease the speed at any time during this process, if you think it’s too much.)

If the highest level doesn’t quiet and soothe your baby within a designated period of time, the Snoo stops moving entirely and notifies you via its app to attend to your baby. Basically, it’s tagging you as a parent to do a diaper check, get a bottle ready, or figure out whatever else it is that your baby needs.

The concept behind the Snoo is well established. Its designer , pediatrician Harvey Karp , popularized a method of calming babies, called the 5 S’s , in his best-selling book The Happiest Baby on the Block ( published in 2002). Caregivers have long embraced and implemented the S’s (swaddling, shushing, swinging, sucking, and holding a baby in a side or stomach position). But the Snoo does a lot of that work for you, enabling an infant to sleep longer and more deeply with less parental intervention.

It’s not like humans are totally forgotten in the process: The Snoo’s features are designed to mimic the relaxing sounds and motions of the womb. The idea is that a baby feels comforted by the familiar during the so-called fourth trimester—a time when the outside world is an unfamiliar and unsettling place. That’s when it works as promised, of course.

The Snoo’s app is easy to use, and it lets you track your baby’s sleep patterns over time. You can also activate the Snoo’s sound and motion without Wi-Fi or the app, by pressing a button on the front of the bassinet that takes you through the various motion levels. Most people don’t do this because the app is so convenient. But if you have unreliable Wi-Fi, or you find yourself suddenly without it, the Snoo will still be functional. (You do, however, need to plug it into an electrical outlet.)

The decibel range of the bassinet’s white noise varies according to the different levels. The all-night baseline sound—which mimics the womb’s soothing rumble, according to a company spokesperson—comes in at 65 to 70 decibels, whereas Level Four, the highest level, is about 84 decibels. “That sound cannot last, [since the] Snoo automatically stops if a baby crying continues for more than 3 minutes,” the spokesperson told me.

For context: The sound of normal conversation is in the 60 decibel range . Prolonged exposure to noise over 70 decibels could have a cumulative effect. Speak to your pediatrician or health provider if you have concerns.

At 38 pounds, the Snoo is heavy to move, but it’s easy to assemble without tools—it took me only three minutes—and it has a compact footprint of 35¾ by 19 inches.

The bassinet comes with an organic cotton sheet and a starter pack of three Snoo Sleep Sacks —proprietary swaddles you zip your baby into and then hook onto two plastic clips affixed to the bassinet’s base. (The device doesn’t turn on unless the baby is securely fastened in; so if a baby doesn’t like being swaddled, the Snoo’s features aren’t of any use.) By attaching the swaddle to the mattress clips, you are effectively immobilizing your child on their back within the bassinet.

The cover of the mattress is water-resistant, and the mattress and mesh can be spot-cleaned with a mild soap or detergent. Unlike some of the other baby bassinets we recommend in our guide to the best bassinets and bedside sleepers , the Snoo has no built-in storage.

The company recommends the Snoo be used until a baby is 6 months old, until they can get up on their hands and knees, or until they hit the Snoo’s 25-pound weight limit—whatever comes first (most babies still weigh less than 25 pounds at 6 months).

When considering a Snoo, you should also factor in the cost of purchasing additional Snoo Sleep Sacks (which come in different sizes), if you want to have extras. We’ve found that it’s usually possible to find them for much cheaper—both new and used—in online marketplace sites than it is to purchase them directly from Happiest Baby.

A newly purchased Snoo comes with a limited one-year warranty , which applies only to the original buyer.

Since 2017, eight Wirecutter staffers and contributors have used (with their newborns) the same Snoo bassinet we used for our original testing (above is baby number one, who kindly cooperated with our photographer even though she was not a Snoo fan). Another half-dozen Wirecutter parents have bought and used the Snoo on their own.

Of this sample, a clear majority liked the Snoo and said they would recommend it to a new-parent friend, and several people said they actively loved it. But three parents intensely disliked the Snoo—one said it brought to mind a “medieval torture device.” And some other parents were neutral on it, left unsure whether it was clearly superior to other (much simpler and less expensive) baby sleep options.

Some parents reported that the Snoo simply didn’t work for them—their babies just didn’t like it, or they found it was too much trouble to deal with, given the number of feedings and diaper changes that are required early on. Others found that once a baby was accustomed to the Snoo (which is not easy to travel with), it was difficult to travel or visit family.

Others struggled with weaning their babies from the Snoo and moving them to a traditional crib after four to six months. (The Snoo does have a “weaning mode,” which is meant to be used at around the five-month mark to prepare for the transition to a Snoo-less life. In weaning mode, the white noise continues, but there’s no motion. If the baby starts to fuss, the Snoo will increase its shushing and activate its soothing motion for a few minutes, just until the baby settles down.)

A Wirecutter editor who used the Snoo for her baby with some success noted (as some Amazon reviewers have ) that she especially liked how the integrated swaddle kept her daughter sleeping on her back. Like some other owners , however, she found that the noise and motion response sometimes didn’t actually soothe her daughter. And once her daughter started experimenting with and making more sounds, the Snoo would mistake them for cries and respond with what felt like overzealous rocking. Once that happened, the editor tended to leave the Snoo off and use it as a regular bassinet. (A small laboratory study published in PLOS One investigated several metrics associated with infants’ calming responses. It found that the swaddling, sound, and movement of a smart crib and parental soothing were both effective for reducing fussiness.)

When Caleb Hannan, the original author of our bassinets guide, found that his baby did not appreciate the Snoo, Karp offered to give Hannan and his wife some personal counseling sessions. (Every Snoo comes with the promise of robust, 24/7 customer support, though clearly our writer got the VIP treatment.)

Some of Karp’s recommendations for Hannan’s daughter (who appeared to hate the very idea of lying flat on her back) seemed laughably low-tech for such a pricey product, according to Hannan. Karp suggested that Hannan put two cans of tuna underneath the legs of the Snoo, to elevate his daughter’s legs. He recommended zipping up a pound of rice in her swaddle to give her the feeling of having slight pressure on her chest. And he suggested that Hannan roll up a blanket beneath his daughter’s legs to help her get gas out.

Hannan said that Karp knew the suggestions he was offering sounded silly, but he said Karp seemed sincere in making them strictly for the benefit of the baby’s sleep. Even with all of Karp’s suggestions, though, Hannan’s daughter resisted the many charms of the Snoo. Like a lot of infants, she simply refused to sleep much, or at all, for the first six weeks of her life. The only times she seemed to be satisfied, Hannan recalled, were when she was lying sideways on his wife or on him.

I interviewed multiple experts who were in favor of the Snoo, but I also spoke with experts who voiced concerns. Among the issues? The Snoo can work so well that babies may not wake up on their own to eat (as I myself experienced). If parents aren’t diligent about setting alarms every two to four hours for feedings, babies could potentially end up suffering from “ failure to thrive .” This is the term for when a child’s weight or growth rate falls significantly below that of their peers, cautions Aleesha Burke , a lactation consultant in Layton, Utah.

Other experts also advise against using the Snoo, including Stacy Conder , a physical therapist, and Susan Klemm , an occupational therapist—both of the Carolina Kinder Development pediatric practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. Because Snoo babies aren’t repositioned often enough, they say this could potentially exacerbate head and neck conditions such as plagiocephaly (back-of-the-head flatness), torticollis, and brachycephaly.

And since the Snoo swaddle pins the baby to the bassinet surface, it keeps the baby from practicing developmental skills, like rolling over, as they grow. A pediatrician I spoke with didn’t name the Snoo specifically but suggested that a smart sleeper that uses prolonged swaddling could hamper gross motor development, by preventing a baby from trying to roll in the 2- to 4-month window. The Snoo’s maker says it can be used for babies up to 6 months old , but that’s a long time to go without the freedom to roll over, considering how many hours infants log in their beds.

As of early 2024, the Snoo is $1,695 purchased at full price directly from the Happiest Baby site (though it does go on sale); it’s also available through Amazon and other retailers . It can also be rented directly from Happiest Baby , for $159 per month for the first four months (plus a $100 “cleaning and reconditioning” fee and a $99 refundable security deposit).

If you’re unsure about the Snoo, renting could be a good, lower-risk option. And even if you are very sure the Snoo is for you, renting is ultimately less expensive if you intend to use it only with one baby and/or you don’t want to go to the hassle of trying to sell a used bassinet.

When you buy the Snoo, it comes with three Snoo Sleep Sacks in three different sizes (small, medium, and large) for use as your baby grows. If you rent the Snoo, you’ll get just two Sleep Sacks (one small and one medium). Those are yours to keep.

The price of the Snoo can work out to the cost of a daily latte. If you actually find that the Snoo is the only thing that helps your baby sleep, this could feel like a bargain. Of course, the value is better if you use the Snoo for the full six months, and—if you buy it outright—you use it with multiple children or sell it once your baby is done using it. It’s not uncommon to see parents online renting out the Snoo in the time between when their first child is done with it and their second child is born (or even conceived).

Snoo allows customers who buy the Snoo to return the sleeper a refund within a 30-day window (minus restocking and shipping fees).

If you rent the Snoo, you can schedule delivery based on your due date. Initial shipping is free—except to Alaska and Hawaii—but you do have to pay $60 for return shipping  ($216 for Alaska and Hawaii).

The Snoo is known for having a healthy resale market, so you’re likely to be able to recoup a good portion of your initial investment if you do buy one. It’s not uncommon to see Snoos selling for about half the full price on Facebook moms groups or other online marketplaces.

In early 2024 we scanned the used-Snoo universe, finding that Los Angeles appears to have a notably competitive market for used Snoos. We spotted many for sale there, for under $700. In northern New England, around $800 was more typical. About $700 seemed average in the New York area, as well as in the Southeast. Newer bassinets with more add-ons, like new or lightly used swaddles, fetch a higher price.

Extra swaddles:

Unlike any other baby bassinet we’re aware of, the Snoo comes with proprietary Sleep Sacks (one each in small, medium, and large), which have small “wings” on both sides. The swaddle’s basic design, with its interior Velcro panels and exterior pouch, is the same as that of Wirecutter’s swaddle pick , the Sleepea , and this one is made by the same company. But the wings allow the Sleep Sack to slide into safety clips on either side of the Snoo’s mattress, to ensure your baby can’t roll over. You cannot pair the regular Sleepea swaddles with the Snoo.

You can buy additional individual swaddles directly from Happiest Baby (for about $30 to $35 each), a three-pack of the same swaddles in the three different sizes, or shop for new or used ones on secondhand marketplaces.

Spare fitted sheets:

The Snoo comes with a single fitted sheet. Additional ones cost about $20 (when not on sale) and are available in several colors and patterns. The sheets are also available in a three-pack .

Leg Lifters and Low Legs:

If you want to elevate the side of the crib your baby’s head falls on (for example, if your doctor recommends doing so due to a cold or stuffiness), you can purchase two slip-on Leg Lifters for about $20 (when not on sale). Those risers can be used either with the standard legs or with the alternative Low Legs (which you can purchase if you want your Snoo to sit lower beside your own bed; these are about $65 when not on sale). We did not test either of these add-on leg options.

Happiest Baby also sells a  Mosquito Net and a cloud-themed Sky Mobile , both of which are custom-made for the Snoo.

As we explain in our guide to the best co-sleepers and bassinets , the Snoo now has competitors. We’ve researched the field, and we tested the Snoo and two other automated bassinets side by side. And we think that if you’re convinced the Snoo is what you want, the competition is likely to disappoint. The fact is that the Snoo does more than its robotic competitors.

But if you think something more low-tech—but still tech-reliant—would meet your needs, we liked the 4Moms MamaRoo Sleep Bassinet enough to make it a pick in our guide . This bassinet provides automated rocking and shushing like the Snoo does. But with the MamaRoo bassinet, parents have to turn those motions on and off (either directly on the bassinet or through an app), instead of relying on the bassinet to sense what a baby needs.

Though the Cradlewise fell short of pick status, we also liked its features . (The Cradlewise is a Snoo competitor; it matches the Snoo’s price but has the added advantage of converting to a crib that can be used into toddlerhood.)

You can read more about both of these Snoo alternatives in our guide to the best bassinets and bedside sleepers .

Caleb Hannan contributed reporting in 2017 and 2018.

This article was edited by Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guide

Caitlin Giddings

Caitlin Giddings is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, Lonely Planet, Outside magazine, and more.

Further reading

The Best Baby Swaddles

by Kirsten Clodfelter

After 15 hours of research and testing 11 swaddles on five babies, we found the Happiest Baby Sleepea to be the most effective.

The Best Bassinets and Bedside Sleepers

by Caitlin Giddings

Want a bassinet with storage? A co-sleeper with a drop-down side? Automated rocking? Whatever your needs, here are six models worthy of being baby’s first bed.

The Best White Noise Machine

by Joanne Chen and Annie Chou

A white noise machine can mask irritating noises that make it hard to sleep or difficult to focus. The LectroFan EVO is the most effective option for the price.

The Best Breast Pumps

A better breast pump has the potential to make the significant chore of pumping milk for your baby more efficient, comfortable, and, ultimately, more gratifying.

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I’m a Travel Agent: 4 Vacations Worth the Extra Costs in Retirement

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20 Years Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed by Experts

Trusted by Millions of Readers

After putting in decades of hard work, you want to be able to enjoy yourself in retirement . For some people who can afford it, that means splurging on a nice vacation. 

However, you don’t want to spend your money recklessly. If you’re going to go on expensive trips, you want to find ones that can provide a sense of wonder, excitement or relaxation that you might not find elsewhere.

With that in mind, consider the following four types of vacations that are worth the extra costs in retirement , according to William Lee, a travel agent at Chima Travel .

Themed River Cruises in Europe

Your first thought of taking a cruise might be going on a giant ocean liner, but there are more intimate options available that retirees often enjoy splurging on, such as river cruises.

“While ocean cruises are great,” Lee said, “river cruises and small ship cruises are able to offer a more personalized luxury experience. One of the biggest perks for many retirees is that the majority of the crowds on these boats are people in their age range, allowing them great opportunities to socialize and make new friends.

“Keep in mind: Some of these cruises only have 14 rooms, so there’s not many people on the cruise to begin with. The majority of river cruises only allow around 300 people on board.”

In terms of destinations for these cruises, Lee has noticed an uptick in “theme tours,” where instead of just visiting a popular port city for the sake of it, the itineraries are based on themes.

For example, some river cruise companies have leaned into theme tours such as “Tulip Time,” where Avalon Waterways takes visitors to see the beautiful tulips of the Netherlands, Lee said.

“For the romantics and the wine lovers, they have dedicated river cruises that are focused on wine,” he added. “So instead of just doing the ‘Rhine Getaway’ package on Viking, maybe you opt for the ‘Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers’ from Avalon.”

Golf in Scotland or Spas in Finland

Golfing in Scotland and relaxing at spas in Finland are very different types of trips, but they’re grouped together here precisely for that reason. 

Lee has seen many retirees want to do these types of trips, typically with husbands wanting to golf at St. Andrews in Scotland and wives wanting to enjoy spa and wellness retreats in Finland. So, rather than have one spouse go somewhere they’re not excited about, it’s becoming more common for married couples to travel separately.

“We’ve seen a big increase in couples traveling with friends,” Lee said. “Many retirees that have been married for 30+ years are looking for experiences more akin to their desires and interests. The men and women can split into two separate groups, allowing for each person to get the experience they were looking for.”

Cultural and Historical Trips to Portugal

Portugal has risen up the ranks recently to become one of the top travel destinations, particularly among retirees, Lee said. 

Many spots throughout the country entice travelers looking for unique cultural or historical experiences. Plus, it’s a beautiful country.

“The Algarve region in Southern Portugal has some of the nicest beaches in Europe and, generally speaking, Portugal experiences great weather year round,” Lee said. “For the history lovers, Lisbon is packed with sites to see like the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower and Castelo de San Jorge.

“Portugal is also big for retirees with empty nests. Portugal is a very romantic place to visit, from the soulful Fado dinners to the incredible Port wine of the Douro Valley. There’s a lot that Portugal has to offer, and retirees are really flocking there.”

The country also includes some important religious destinations.

“At our travel agency, we’ve seen many retirees come in and ask about Portugal because of the religious pilgrimages to Fatima,” Lee said. “The story goes that three little girls were visited by the Virgin Mary, who gave the girls visions. Since 1917, Fatima has been seen as an important location for Catholics.” 

Patagonia and Amazon Expeditions in South America

Europe isn’t the only vacation spot for retirees. Many also have shown interest in more adventurous trips to South America. These can provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are worth the cost.

“The idea is that they are getting older,” Lee said, “and, if they want to experience something a bit more physically demanding, then they should do it now.”

One part of South America that retirees have been drawn to is the Amazon.

“The Amazon is incredible because it’s really unlike anything most have done before,” Lee said. “But I think there’s this idea that you ‘rough it’ with the Amazon, which is just not the case. As mentioned before, retirees are boarding small ship luxury boats and sailing the river. Periodically they stop at these beautiful resorts in the heart of the jungle where you join up with a private guide to explore the jungle safely.”

The Patagonia region is another popular part of South America.

“At our travel agency, we’ve seen recent retirees want a mix of relaxation, hiking and breathtaking views,” Lee said. “Patagonia is great for that. One of our more popular packages includes a stay at an all-inclusive resort surrounded by the mountains of Patagonia. These resorts offer a chance for rest and relaxation at the spas but are also a short distance away from some of the more popular trails in the region.”

Justifying High Costs

While many of these trips can be pricey, especially if traveling via a luxury tour operator, Lee has noticed that rising costs have made these high-end trips more justifiable in some sense.

“A typical 10-day package for Italy is around $8,500 for two people, but that’s traveling in 3- and 4-star accommodations, no transport included, and one to two group tours,” Lee said. “Instead, you can opt for a more luxury experience and stay at a mix of 4- and 5-star properties, have a private driver, and a mix of group and private tours for around $12,000.”

If you have a relatively high travel budget in retirement, it can be worth it to opt for the luxury option.

“It’s an increase, for sure, but the cheaper path doesn’t allow for you to save enough to do two of the same trips in one year if your budget is $15,000 for travel each year,” he added. “So with that said, we’ve seen more and more people opt for the experience that is going to make them less stressed, more comfortable and generally speaking is more exciting than the penny pinching for dream vacations.”

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These Notorious So-called 'Tourist Traps' Are Worth Visiting, According to Travelers

Travelers are speaking out to say these spots aren't half bad.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Alex Livesey/FIFA via Getty Images

Ah, the traveler’s debacle: To follow the crowd to major, must-see sights knowing they’ll be met with overpriced services, entertainment, food, and souvenirs — or to avoid these sites completely and search out hidden gems void of other tourists. To some, visiting Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower isn’t seeing Paris , while to others, the complete opposite is true. 

It’s a question — or way of traveling — that isn’t always black-and-white. Most of us want to see the major sites — preferably without giant tour groups and overpriced crêpe stands — and stumble upon authentic places that few others will get to experience. So when is it worth following the crowd to a site you really want to see, even though it’s probably a tourist trap?

One user on Reddit , u/MarathonMarathon, posed that question , noting that for them, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel in Shanghai was a tourist trap they ended up genuinely liking. “It's basically this short 5-minute tourist trap light show tram thing that takes you across the Huangpu River from the Bund to Pudong, with bizarre voice-overs. Sort of like some Disney attraction, but sadder, the very epitome of a kitsch tourist trap.”

The Reddit community responded, sharing the tourist-trap-inclined sites and tours that they genuinely liked and would recommend to others. Below are the “best” responses in order:

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour — Niagara Falls, U.S.

The 20-minute Maid of the Mist boat tour, which claims to be “the original Niagara Falls boat tour” — takes travelers to the foot of Niagara Falls where they can feel the power of 600,000 gallons of water crashing down and enjoy the resulting mist.

“You wait in line forever, the boat is packed, it seems cheesy ... and then you get up to the Falls and feel their power, you realize that the boat has the engine running at full power yet it struggles against the current and you realize that yeah, this is awesome,” said u/twoeightnine.

Original Sound of Music bus tour — Salzburg, Germany

The Original Sound of Music bus tour takes travelers through Salzburg, where "The Sound of Music" movie was filmed. The bus visits Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children danced in the movie; Schloss Leopoldskron, the house, where the Trapp Family lived; and Church Mondsee, where Maria and Baron von Trapp got married, along with other sites.

User u/opuntialantana said the four-hour journey included, “Glorious views, drinks, snacks, and a Maria von Trapp lookalike leading us in singalongs as we drove from one filming location to the next. It was cheesy and it was perfect.”

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours — Matamata, New Zealand

At Hobbiton , visitors can walk through the lush pastures of the Shire and through the movie set used in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film trilogies. The part-bus, part-walking tour includes visits to the series’ most famous locations, including the Hobbit Hole where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins lived. 

The 2.5-hour tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn , where a free drink concludes the tour of Middle-earth.

Guinness Storehouse — Dublin

The home of Ireland’s most iconic beer offers daily self-guided tours that include entry to the Guinness tasting rooms and a pint of Guinness. If you’re a true beer or Guinness connoisseur, you can opt for a “ premium experience ,” like a guided tasting with storytelling or a tour through the brewery’s historic sites — including their famous underground tunnels.

“When anyone came to visit [sic] me I always took them there; it never got old! It’s a well-curated museum and of course, the tap room is always fun to go to. Also, all my Irish friends were happy to go with me when I first moved there so it seems to be well-liked among people that live there too,” said u/tcpower2.

Hofbräuhaus München — Munich

Reddit user u/Triple10X said they initially went to Hofbräuhaus München “just to say that we've been there.” But after visiting several smaller German beer halls they felt that Hofbräuhaus was the best. 

The three-floor beer hall has a Bavarian restaurant and ongoing shows that take place in a historic, 16th-century building. According to u/Triple10X, “The food we got was phenomenal, the beer was obviously good and the atmosphere was eclectic with multiple couples around us all talking to each other in different languages.”

The 10 Best Travel Umbrellas, Tested & Reviewed

By Claire Volkman

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The one thing that I absolutely never forget to pack: a travel umbrella. No matter where I’m going, except for the Wadi Rum or the Sahara Desert maybe, there’s bound to be some inclement weather. Rain, sleet, thunderstorms; no destination is without them. Having an umbrella on hand allows you to keep your travel plans intact, and even see the sights in some places without all the crowds.

However, the task of picking an umbrella is about as daunting as picking a suitcase . With about a million options to choose from and all of them claiming to be “the best travel umbrella,” it’s no wonder so many just pick the cheapest option and go. However, not all umbrellas are created equally—as anyone who has found themselves with one completely inverted during a torrential downpour will tell you. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best travel umbrellas, keeping features like durability, wind-resistance, and size in mind.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Discover the best travel umbrellas:

• Best overall: Weatherman compact travel umbrella
• Most compact: Davek The Davek mini
• Best for cities: Amy's Automatic umbrella
• Most affordable: Repel windproof travel umbrella
• Most durable: Blunt Metro umbrella
• Best splurge: Pasotti Tropical umbrella
• Most lightweight: Totes mini manual umbrella
• Best patterns: Rifle Paper Company umbrella
• Most wind-resistant: Davek Elite umbrella
• Most sustainable: Totes recycled canopy umbrella

Best overall travel umbrella

Why we love it : Sturdy, wind-resistant, lightweight, and incredibly compact, the Weatherman travel umbrella is undeniably the best on the market. This umbrella has a serious fanbase, with hundreds of nearly perfect reviews on Amazon. It is surprisingly lightweight, and can easily fit in a carry-on or tote bag . It has an automatic open and close feature, a reinforced fiberglass base, and a water-resistant, Teflon-coated fabric. Plus, it shields winds up to 45 MPH and is tough enough to withstand even the heaviest of rainfall.

Worth noting : There aren’t many things to complain about this umbrella, however, it is a bit pricey coming in at $69. However, with a lifetime warranty, it’s well worth the splurge.

Dimensions:  Open diameter: 38"; Closed length: 12" Weight: 0.85 oz. Carrying sleeve included: Yes

Most compact

Why we love it: When they say mini, they mean mini. The Davek Mini is so small and compact that it fits in the palm of your hand. Measuring less than 7 inches when closed, you can easily stash this umbrella in your carry-on, backpack , or even a jacket pocket. Plus, it weighs less than a pound, making it almost unnoticeable when not in use. Made from reinforced fiberglass, it also comes in 10 bright colors so you can coordinate your umbrella with the rest of your outfit.

Worth noting: Because of its size, the canopy doesn’t provide overwhelming coverage. Additionally, it’s not built for extreme storms and functions best in light showers.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 38"; Closed length: 7"

Weight : 0.8 oz.

Carrying sleeve included : Yes

Best for cities

Why we love it : With a sleek and stylish small wooden or plastic handle, this lightweight umbrella features a wind-defying 8-rib canopy that’s also UPF 50+ certified, meaning it provides adequate sun protection, too. Small enough to walk down the busy streets of Chicago during a rainstorm without the awkward “bump and sideswipe,” it fits easily in a work tote, briefcase, or backpack. Plus, it features an automatic open and close, and comes in over a dozen bright and bold patterns and colorways, making it easy to stand out in a sea of black and blue canopies. It also comes with a five-year global warranty and is pretty affordable at only $40.

Worth noting: It’s small enough to fit in your hand, which means the canopy doesn’t offer premium protection in heavy rainstorms.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 38.1"; Closed length: 21.6"

Weight : 0.76 oz.

Most affordable

Why we love it : You can’t go wrong with this incredibly durable, lightweight, and affordable Repel travel umbrella. With over 36,000 4.5-star Amazon reviews, this is an overwhelming crowd favorite among travelers, worker bees, families, and everyone in between. I tested the durability during a heavy summer rainstorm in Chicago, and it stood up surprisingly well thanks to its 9-rib canopy, heavy-duty Teflon-coated fabric, and non-slip rubber grip. Plus, the automatic open and close feature makes it super easy to go in and out of buildings and restaurants without getting soaked or stuck. Another thing to note was how well it stood up to Chicago’s infamous winds—not bending, flipping, or even flapping during big gusts. The best part? It’s only $27 on Amazon and comes in 10 colors.

Worth noting: We didn’t find any problems with the umbrella, but some reviewers found that it didn’t stand up to heavier winds and isn't as lightweight as other comparable brands.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 42"; Closed length: 11.5"

Weight : 0.93 oz.

Carrying sleeve included : No

Most durable

Why we love it : This heavy-duty umbrella stands up to even the strongest rainstorms, and offers supreme coverage thanks to its patented wind-tip rounded edges, which work like mini umbrellas. It’s also built with a 360-degree spinning canopy which prevents it from breaking when dropped or knocked over. It’s extremely wind-resistant and has been tested to withstand the winds and rains of a category one hurricane. It’s also made from rip-resistant pongee fabric that is also super quick to dry, so you can easily go back indoors without needing a plastic cover.

Worth noting: This umbrella only features six ribs, which means it's smaller than Blunt’s other umbrellas.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 39"; Closed length: 15"

Weight : 0.85 oz.

Best splurge

Why we love it : If looking chic is just as important as staying dry, this is the umbrella for you. Handcrafted by Italian umbrella maker Pasotti, the canopy will stop people in their tracks—with a beautiful tropical pattern in sage, gold, and dark green. When I was walking in downtown Chicago, I had four people stop to ask me about this umbrella (and then a few ask to buy it from me). Although I originally gravitated to this umbrella for its looks, the functionality is why it’s my absolute go-to. The canopy extends 102 centimeters and has a 93 centimeter shaft, meaning I’m not going to get pelted by rain when it’s windy (which is everyday in Chicago).

Worth noting: At $275, this is by far the most expensive on the list.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 40"

Most lightweight

Why we love it : They weren’t kidding when they said this is one of the most lightweight umbrellas on the market, weighing only 8 ounces. Small enough to fit into most purses , carry-ons, totes, and computer bags, this umbrella doesn’t take up any more space than it needs too. One drawback with the size is that you need to activate the canopy manually (no quick release button). However, the handle is sturdy and the canopy provides ample coverage for most light-to-moderate rain storms. I love the fact that it comes in multiple colors and patterns, and the price makes it easy to stock up on a few (only $25 at Amazon).

Worth noting: Due to the size, it’s not super wind-resistant and wouldn’t be a great pick if you’re facing a heavy downpour or storm.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11.2"

Weight : 7.8 ounces

Best patterns

Why we love it : If you’re someone who buys a bottle of wine based on the label, these umbrellas are for you. Known for its bold, whimsical, and delicate patterns and floral designs, Rifle Paper Company’s umbrellas are true works of art. Each umbrella also features a sleek wooden handle and an automatic open/close feature.

Worth noting: This is not the umbrella to buy if you’re looking for durability, extreme wind resistance, or more bells and whistles. This basic umbrella provides decent coverage in light rain, but isn’t meant for heavy winds or downpours.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11"

Most wind-resistant

Why we love it : There’s a reason 81 people have given this umbrella a nearly perfect rating on Amazon—it actually holds up. Sure, it may be a splurge at $159, but it is well worth the price tag when you see how it holds up. Surprisingly compact, the canopy extends 50 inches, giving you extreme protection against even heavy rains. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in a carry-on, backpack, or large tote bag. The fabric is 201-thread count, making it luxurious to touch but also extremely powerful against rain. The best feature is the wind-tension frame system, which can withstand heavy winds and prevent inversion. We tested this against a very blustery 55 MPH wind day in Chicago, and there was barely any flapping or movement at all from the tough canopy.

Worth noting: It’s expensive, but comes with a lifetime warranty and replacement guarantee.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 50"; Closed length: 35"

Weight : 1 lb.

Most sustainable

Why we love it : Shopping sustainably is more important now than ever, and that extends to umbrellas, too. Tote’s recycled umbrella is made from 100 percent Recycled PET plastics, equating to about 7.5 recycled water bottles per umbrella. The handle and strap are also made from all renewable resources, like bamboo and hemp, and the production process uses less water overall. In terms of coverage, the Pet umbrella features Tote’s patented NeverWet invisible coating allowing the rain to drip off the umbrella 4 percent faster, leaving you with a drier umbrella once indoors.

Worth noting: Its compact design makes it easy to travel with, however, doesn’t provide a ton of additional coverage beyond your person.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11.5"

Weight : 1.15 lbs.

Arizona's 'Wonderland of Rocks': Chiricahua National Monument celebrates 100 years

One of Arizona’s strangest, most magnificent and underappreciated places will soon celebrate a milestone. On April 18, 2024, it will be 100 years since President Calvin Coolidge established Chiricahua National Monument. The monument is celebrating all weekend with a slate of free hikes, tours and other activities. 

As an Arizona travel writer, I’m often asked about my favorite places. Where are the hidden gems? Unforgettable scenery? Best hiking? My answer to almost every question is Chiricahua National Monument.  

Located in the southeastern corner of Arizona, the 12,000-acre park turns every visitor into a geologist as they ponder an otherworldly collection of gravity-defying rock formations.

Waves of serrated stone spread across the landscape where they form rows of mute and wounded skyscrapers. Massive columns, slender spires and impossibly balanced boulders loom above the timber. The pinnacles seem endless and rise hundreds of feet, yet no two are exactly the same — like fossilized snowflakes.

Called the "Land of Standing-Up Rocks" by the Apache warriors who took refuge here and the "Wonderland of Rocks" by the pioneers who came later, the Chiricahuas gnaw the clouds with broken teeth. 

Why Chiricahua National Monument is worth visiting

About 27 million years ago a savage volcanic event lashed this corner of the world. The eruption, a thousand times more powerful than Mount St. Helens, spewed ash and pumice over 1,200 square miles. The mixture slowly cooled and fused into a tuff of rhyolite.

More eruptions followed before sputtering quiet, then the usual suspects — ice, water and wind — chipped away for a few eons of garden-variety erosion, carving the welded rhyolite into the array of exotic hoodoos that crown forested mountaintops in such a stunning fashion.

Of course, Chiricahua National Monument might not exist today if it weren’t for another force of nature — Lillian Riggs. The daughter of Swedish immigrants who moved into the area in 1888, Lillian became the strong-willed “Lady Boss” who ran the homestead as a guest ranch with her husband, Ed Riggs. She named it Faraway Ranch because it was so “godawful far away from everything.” 

The couple promoted the landscape as worthy of protection. They touted the unique beauty and constructed riding and hiking trails. They gave tours to Arizona officials and wrote letters to Washington, D.C. Their lobbying efforts paid off in 1924 when Chiricahua National Monument was established. Today the Faraway Ranch Historic District preserves several buildings spread across the lower meadows.

Arizona's 4th national park? Seeking national park status for Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua Mountains: Arizona's sky islands

The Chiricahua Mountains are one of the prominent sky island ranges. Forested mountaintop islands float above a vast sea of desert and grasslands, creating lush habitats where none should be. This is Arizona’s rain forest, a hotbed of life. 

You’ll find incredible diversity among these tightly stacked ecosystems. The highest concentration of mammals in the United States and more than half the species of birds in North America can be found amid the sky islands. Binoculars-toting birders travel from all over the world to add to their life lists. Many species — such as the elegant trogon and Rivoli’s hummingbird — reach the northern edge of their range here.

The mountains once provided a home for the Chiricahua Apaches. A nomadic people, they hunted game and gathered edible plants. They were fearless warriors and fiercely resisted colonization. Yet with the discovery of mineral wealth, more settlers streamed into the territory, leading to continued clashes. American troops were dispatched and campaigns were waged.

Always outnumbered, the Apaches used fighting skill and knowledge of the rugged terrain to their advantage, returning to the mountains that provided them with shelter and food. It ended in 1886 when a small band led by Geronimo finally surrendered to the U.S. Army. 

Chiricahua National Monument things to do

My first visit to Chiricahua National Monument was in 1976. I’ve been hiking here for almost half of its century in existence. I’ve pitched my tent more nights in cozy Bonita Canyon Campground than anywhere else in the state. I saw my very first rattlesnake here, and plenty more since. The Chiricahuas are the only place where I’ve seen a coatimundi, which is the desert’s oddest critter, like a lanky raccoon that has had some cosmetic work done. 

This is also the first place I ever took my wife hiking in Arizona. It was on our honeymoon. I needed her to see this stunning, startling place and if it didn’t absolutely devastate her, that would smack of the most irreconcilable of differences. We could divvy up the wedding gifts and go our separate ways. I’m happy to report that she’s still hanging around all these years later.

The 8-mile Bonita Canyon Drive provides an excellent introduction to the monument. The paved road makes a twisting climb through oak and pine woodlands with columns of stone looming overhead. There are pullouts along the way so you can stop and ogle it all. The scenic drive ends at Massai Point (elevation 6,870 feet), a high perch with 360-degree views of Rhyolite Canyon and surrounding mountain peaks. 

Chiricahua National Monument hiking trails

But like most parks, Chiricahua National Monument is best enjoyed on foot. It holds a beautiful system of trails, many interconnected, so there’s no shortage of options. Here are a few favorite hikes: 

Massai Point Nature Trail: At the end of Bonita Canyon Drive, walk around to soak up the big panoramas of distant mountains and deep-cut valleys on this easy 0.5-mile loop. The paved portion from the parking area to the exhibit building is wheelchair accessible.

Sugarloaf Trail: Hike this trail (1.8 miles round trip) along a moderate ridgeline to snag the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the highest points in the monument (7,310 feet), still crowned by an old fire lookout tower.  

Echo Canyon Loop: This route uses the Echo Canyon, Hailstone and Ed Riggs trails for a moderate 3.3-mile journey through spectacular rock formations into a lush cove punctuated by a stuttering little stream that flows seasonally. Hike counterclockwise for a gentler ascent. For those who can’t manage the entire loop, you can venture to the Echo Canyon Grottoes (1 mile round trip), an exotic corridor of intimate formations.

Heart of Rocks Loop: The most striking pinnacles can be found on this short loop, a mystical stone gallery bristling with fanciful formations like Camel’s Head, Punch and Judy, Thor’s Hammer and Duck on a Rock. The easiest access to Heart of Rocks is a 7.3-mile hike that comes via a trio of trails: Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock and Big Balanced Rock.

Other trails form loops through canyons and forests. Consult the park map for trail lengths, elevation changes and degree of difficulty to select the right outing for you.

Do you have to pay to get into Chiricahua National Monument?

No. Chiricahua National Monument is free to enter. There's a fee for camping in Bonito Canyon Campground.

What is the closest city to Chiricahua National Monument?

Chiricahua National Monument is 36 miles southeast of Willcox, Arizona. It has lodging, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, grocery shopping and other services.

Lose yourself for a while

Chiricahua National Monument is a lost land, a strange portal. It is perhaps the most exotic spot in Arizona you can reach via paved road.

When I yearn to tumble off the edge of the known world, I come here and walk among these fractured towers, these ruddy troll bones. I touch the cool skin of ancient magma. The blast furnace of volcanoes has fallen silent, replaced by a cheery chorus of birdsong trilling from the branches and echoing through a garden of stone.  

Chiricahua National Monument

Where: From Willcox, drive south on State Route 186 for 32 miles to the junction of SR 181. Turn left and proceed 4 miles to the park.

Admission: Free.

Camping: Bonito Canyon Campground has 25 campsites plus restrooms, running water and picnic tables. There are no RV hookups or showers. Cost is $20 per night. Make reservations at recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.

Pets: Leashed pets are allowed only on the trails between the campground, Faraway Ranch and the visitor center. 

Details: 520-824-3560,  www.nps.gov/chir .

Find the reporter at  www.rogernaylor.com .  Or follow him on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZ .

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8 Hotel Afternoon Teas Around the World Worth a Visit

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Table of Contents

1. The Palm Court at The Plaza, New York City

2. afternoon tea at claridge’s hotel, london, 3. h tasting lounge at the westin bayshore, vancouver, canada, 4. afternoon hi tea at the oberoi udaivilas, udaipur, india, 5. afternoon tea at baccarat hotel, new york city, 6. afternoon tea at the ballantyne, charlotte, north carolina, 7. petrossian bar at bellagio hotel & casino, las vegas, 8. mad hatters afternoon tea at sanderson, london, how to save on a hotel tea party.

Attending a hotel’s afternoon tea party can be a classy way to experience a luxury hotel — even if you're not staying there.

Some hotel tea parties are so extraordinary that they're practically worth planning a trip around. We’re spilling the tea on eight of the most exquisite afternoon tea experiences in New York City, London and beyond — plus how to save on your bookings.

(Photo courtesy of The Plaza – a Fairmont Managed Hotel)

Like a scene straight out of the movie “Eloise at the Plaza,” sip on afternoon tea under the soaring stained-glass dome of The Palm Court in New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel. The historic hotel has been serving afternoon tea for more than 115 years in an elegant affair that requires formal attire.

Kids are welcome, and there’s even a specific version of the menu with an Eloise theme available to children under 13.

(Photo courtesy of Claridge’s)

Tea is a classy affair at Claridge’s, a British landmark that began operations in 1856. Tea is served in The Foyer & Reading Room alongside a classic combination of finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. It’s all served on fine bone china and silverware, made specifically for Claridge’s.

(Photo courtesy of The Westin Bayshore Vancouver)

On weekends, the H Tasting Lounge at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver transforms into the Hundred Acre Wood. And though Westin is Marriott’s wellness-focused brand , this particular hotel equates wellness with whimsy thanks to its Winnie the Pooh-inspired afternoon tea.

You might channel your inner bear and drizzle honey in your cup, and much of the food is honey-infused, too. That includes a snack tray dubbed “Pooh’s Pot of Gold” featuring cotton candy with honey crystals. Savory dishes include honey-smoked salmon and salad with honey-poached chicken. One of the desserts is a meringue whipped to resemble a beehive, served with — what else? — honey mousse.

The Oberoi Udaivilas sits on the banks of Lake Pichola, in Udaipur, India, a destination that ranks as one of American Express Travel's 2024 Trending Destinations . Afternoon tea at the opulent hotel is reminiscent of an English tea experience while embracing local cuisine, including shufta (a sweet dish of dry fruit, sugar and saffron) and Anjeer badam ladoo (fig and almond sweet dumplings).

(Photo courtesy of Baccarat Hotel)

The tea party at Baccarat Hotel offers another option for afternoon tea in NYC. And some of the packages — which are named for historical, royal personalities — are ultra-luxurious.

The “Princess of Monaco - Grace Kelly” package goes for $125. Meanwhile, bigger spenders might splurge on the “King Louis XV Caviar Tea,” which costs as much as $450, depending on the type of caviar you choose.

The cheapest package is designed for kids and inspired by “The Little Prince.” For $85, the tea service includes chicken and waffles, apple cider doughnuts and a mini-lobster roll.

(Photo courtesy of The Ballantyne)

The Marriott-owned Ballantyne touts its classic Southern hospitality, but its tea service embraces Western Europe. You sip tea from London-based Rare Tea Co. and nosh on French macarons.

Plus, the Ballantyne occasionally hosts themed tea service, like the “Bridgerton” afternoon tea party inspired by the Netflix hit series. There, English Regency attire is encouraged.

(Photo courtesy of Bellagio Hotel & Casino)

In a city known for alcoholic beverages, Las Vegas offers a fair amount of tea. That’s particularly relevant as more young people cut back on alcohol. Just 62% of Americans ages 18 to 34 say they drink, according to a Gallup Consumptions Habits survey of 1,015 adults conducted in July 2023. That’s down from 72% two decades ago.

For tea on the Las Vegas Strip, visit Petrossian Bar at Bellagio Hotel & Casino, which features a live pianist tickling the ivories on a grand piano.

(Photo courtesy of Ennismore)

For a whimsical experience, head to the Sanderson hotel in London. Inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” the menu includes a sandwich filled with smoked carrots and seaweed creme mousse called “The Cheshire Cat.” There’s also a White Rabbit-inspired carrot cake on the menu.

Unlike many of the other hoity-toity tea parties on this list, afternoon tea here is a more casual affair, with no fancy dress required.

While delightful, splurging on a fancy hotel tea party is typically not cheap. Here are some ways to save:

Pay with a hotel credit card: Many hotel-branded credit cards grant bonus points on hotel spending (which often includes spending at their restaurants, too).

These co-branded credit cards (usually associated with big hotels or airlines) are popular. In fact, almost 74 million U.S. consumers accrue rewards by using co-branded credit cards, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 2023 Consumer Credit Card Market Report.

Some co-branded credit cards also offer statement credits on qualifying travel purchases. Sometimes — though not always — purchases at hotel restaurants can trigger those credits.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24. Terms Apply.

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

• 3 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

• 2 points per $1 on other travel purchases (such as airfare, taxis and trains).

• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

• 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.

• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 7 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.

• 5 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.

• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

• 4 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.

• 2 points per $1 on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit and commuting.

Flex your hotel elite status: Some hotel loyalty programs offer freebies to elite status members, which can help cover the cost of tea. For example, Hilton Honors members with Hilton Honors™ Gold Status or higher receive a daily food and beverage credit at certain hotels. The credit’s value varies by property but can run as high as $25 per guest (up to two guests) per day. Marriott Bonvoy members with Platinum Elite status or higher are eligible for a similar credit, but it’s only at certain hotels, and it’s just $10 per stay. Neither credit will cover a tea service completely, but it can make it cheaper.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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