If you plan to have your little one snuggle up to sleep at grandma and grandpa's house regularly, you're going to want to invest in a portable crib, play yard, or bassinet for grandparents' home. These options not only give baby asafe sleep space, but can also be used for play time if needed.
Reviewed & Approved
TheDream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Cribis foldable with locking wheels and doubles as a playpen. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend theGRACO Pack N' Play Portable Playard.
Before you make your purchase, you'll want to consider a few factors and features, such as the weight and size of the product, and whether it will be too heavy for traveling. Also, think about which bassinet or crib will work best forbaby's grandparentsas some may be more user-friendly for those who are older. We carefully considered design, including product weight, material, and additional features, as well as value when reviewing products.
Here are the best crib options for baby when they head off to grandma and grandpa's house.
Best Overall: Dream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib in Espresso
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Locking wheels
No tools required to adjust from one function to another
Foldable
Wheels are not removable
Not convertible
Who else recommends it?MomLovesBest also picked the Dream On Me Portable Stationary Side Crib.
What do buyers say?90% of 1,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
The Dream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib earned the top spot on our list because it features a patented design that allows the crib to double as a playpen. No tools are required to adjust from one function to another.
Easily foldable for storage, this model comes with a 1-inch mattress, but the company also sells more substantial mattresses if the crib will get heavy use. It's an affordable choice for grandparents who want a crib that looks and works like astandard cribbut is just a little smaller and easier to store.
Price at time of publication: $220
Product Weight:32 pounds |Dimensions:40 x 26 x 38 inches |Weight Capacity:35 pounds
Best Budget: GRACO Pack N' Play Portable Playard
Courtesy of Walmart
Affordable
Foldable
Travel bag included
No bassinet attachment included
Sheets sold separately
At just over 50 bucks, this crib option for grandma and grandpa's house is not only budget-friendly, but can be used immediately after baby is born. Children can use this play yard until they reach 30 pounds, and it's easy to set up.
When not in use, place in the included travel bag or simply fold up for easy storage. It even features two front wheels so it's easy to move to a desired location.
Price at time of publication: $70
Product Weight:19 pounds |Dimensions:39.5 x 28.25 inches |Weight Capacity:30 pounds
Best Modern: Bloom Alma Mini Urban Folding Crib Frame
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Available in various finishes
Foldable
Costly
Cannot be used for children ages 12 months old and up
Advertised as a crib for urban living spaces, this crib will please grandparents seeking an edgier look who don't mind paying a higher price. Described as a bassinet with extended life, this model should accommodate babies up to around 12 months. It's also portable and folds up into a neat little bag. When fully open, however, it is still narrow enough to fit through standard doors, which is not true of many portable cribs. Made from birch, the crib is available in various finishes, including frost gray and gala green.
Product Weight:Not Listed |Dimensions:19.2 x 37 x 33 inches |Weight Capacity:Not Listed
Best for Travel: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light
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Amazon
Lightweight
Designed for children up to 3 years old
Travel case included
Expensive
Sloping sides may be harder for grandparents
This travel crib weighs only 13 pounds and can be set up in one easy movement. The sloping sides make it extra snug and secure. A recent redesign made the mattress attachment easier to use and made the sides completely mesh so that it's easier to keep an eye on your grandchild. Appropriate for children up to 3 years, it comes in its own travel case. The fabric is soft and can be removed for washing. Baby Bjorn is a Swedish company best known for itsbaby slings. One possible issue: The sloping sides might make it harder for some grandparents to reach into the crib.
Price at time of publication: $300
Product Weight:13 pounds |Dimensions:32 x 44 x 24 inches |Weight Capacity:Not Listed
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Verywell Family / Ashley Ziegler
Best Luxury: Stokke Sleepi Mini
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Courtesy of Bloomingdale's
Lockable swivel wheels
Mattress base is adjustable
Unique oval shape
Expansion pieces sold separately
Costly
With its unique oval shape, the Stokke Sleeping Mini is a functional crib and also a lovely piece of furniture. The lockable swivel wheels allow for easy moving, and the mattress base is adjustable to make it easier for grandparents to lift the baby. It has another great benefit. It can be expanded into a full-sized bed that will accommodate a child up to 3 years of age. In addition, extra expansion pieces can be purchased that will make it suitable for a child up to age 10. This crib is great for grandparents who don't mind spending a little extra for a distinctive baby crib and who are looking at the long range.
Price at time of publication: $599
Product Weight:35 pounds |Dimensions:32 x 34 x 36 inches |Weight Capacity:Not Listed
Easiest Assembly: KidCo P3012 Peapod Portable Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed
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Easy to set up
Affordable
Can be zippered closed
Some grandparents may have trouble putting baby in/taking out
这种创新的需要on the portable crib can actually be used for infants and for small children. It is basically a tent that comes with an inflatable mattress; the total weight is only 2.5 pounds. Because it can be zippered closed, it protects children from insects and is thus perfect forcamping with kids. It also provides protection from wind and sun. Indoors, it can be left unzipped for easier access. Since it sits on the floor, some grandparents might have trouble putting the baby in and taking the baby out.
Price at time of publication: $80
Product Weight:2.5 pounds |Dimensions:16.5 x 3 x 16.5 inches |Weight Capacity:Not Listed
Best Pack N' Play: Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
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Amazon
Quick/easy setup
Side zipper door
Additional mattress not recommended to be added
Weighing in at 11 pounds, this pack n' play is lightweight and can be set up in about 15 seconds. It comes in a designated carrying bag, which only adds a couple of pounds to the total product weight, and is perfect for traveling. There's also a zipper door that can be quietly opened for play time or easy access for nursing.
Price at time of publication: $280
Product Weight:11 pounds |Dimensions:42 x 32x 25 inches |Weight Capacity:Not Listed
Best Bassinet: 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet
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Courtesy of Amazon
Features motions, white noise, and speeds
Mesh sides
Heavy
Naptime and bedtime just got a whole lot better thanks to the many features this bassinet has. Parents and caregivers can download the 4moms app and control the bassinet straight from their smartphone. There are five different motions to choose from, along with four white noise options and five different speeds.
The bassinet also features a timer, so you can decide how long you want a feature to last. While it may be costly to some, there are so many great features with this bassinet, you'll get your money's worth.
Price at time of publication: $375
Product Weight:30 pounds |Dimensions:24 x 29 x 39 inches |Weight Capacity:Not Listed
Final Verdict
Easily foldable for storage, the Dream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib (view on Amazon) earned our Best Overall pick for several reasons. No tools are required to adjust from one function to another, and it's an affordable choice for grandparents who want a portable crib that works similarly to a standard one. There's also the BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light (view on Amazon), which is easy to set up and take down. Appropriate for children up to 3 years, it comes in its own travel case and has mesh sides for easier visibility.
What to Look for in a Baby Crib for a Grandparent's House
Weight
Before you decide on a crib for grandma and grandpa's house, you'll want to consider the weight of the crib not only for yourself, but for baby's grandparents, too. Will the crib be traveling back and forth from your home to the grandparents' place? Or are you looking for a more permanent option?
If need a crib specifically for traveling, a lightweight option will be your best bet. With a lightweight crib, you can easily transport it around, and it's easy for grandparents to move if necessary. However, if you're looking for a crib that will stay put all the time, grandparents may prefer a sturdier, heavier version,
Bassinet vs. Crib
Just like with standard cribs and bassinets, there are big differences between the two, and it really comes down to what you're looking for. You'll want to consider the age of your child and how often grandma and grandpa will be in charge of little one.
Many parents and caregivers of newborns opt for a bassinet, because they're smaller than a crib and take up less space. However, the age and/or weight capacity of a bassinet is usually limited. Cribs, on the other hand, can typically be used immediately after birth and then for months and even years to come (with some converting into toddler and full-sized beds).
No matter which option you choose, both are great (and safe) for baby to sleep or lounge in at grandma and grandpa's house. If you're unsure, ask grandma and grandpa for their input.
Size
Because this crib will be traveling often, or live at baby's grandparents' house, size is extremely important. You don't want an option that takes up too much space, especially if it will be staying there permanently. Even if it's just traveling, you'll want to know just how much space you have to work with during baby's stay.
If you need to save on space, look for a crib that's foldable so it can be stored when not in use. Be sure to check the product's dimensions, too, to ensure it will fit the available space.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cosseyhas been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and bought the GRACO Pack N' Play Portable Playard (view on buybuybaby) for her child. She loves how easy it is to set up, the mesh sides, and the carrying bag it comes in.