The main difference is that travel cribs fold up small, are compact (some fit in their own backpack or in a plane's overhead locker) and are much lighter than a standard PNP. They are designed to be super portable making them easier to take with you on vacation.
Pack 'n plays on the other hand are portable but they tend to be larger, clunkier and more cumbersome.
What can I use a travel crib for?
The short answer is - whatever you'd use a normal pack'n'play for.
Travel cribs are useful for when you’re staying with friends and family and need a cosy place for your little one to snooze.
It can be because you just feel more comfortable knowing baby is in a safe sleep space that you’ve already done the research on and approved for use with your little one (versus borrowing an unknown one).
They can also be used as a place for baby to play without you having to worry about baby exploring an unknown home or hotel room (which can lead to little fingers being stuck in sockets or banged heads on glass surfaces).
Travel cribs generally accommodate newborns to toddlers about three years old.
The top 3 most popular travel cribs we see our customers using are (and the good news is that SnoozeShade for Pack'n'Plays fits them all):
Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib
And a new travel playard has arrived which we love for its ease and speed at putting together and pulling apart... drumroll for the
Safety first: When using your travel crib, make sure you only use sheets recommended by the manufacturer. Do not use regular crib sheets on a smaller mattress as you could end up with loose fabric and that can be a suffocation hazard. As always, it's advised not to leave things in baby's sleeping area. No bumpers, quilts or blankets, and make sure to pull out any toys and stuffed animals at bedtime.
