Before I had my son, I had no idea it could be so difficult. Then I discovered that there are convertible cribs, portable cribs, travel cribs and probably some others I don’t know about. It’s exhausting!
What is the difference between a convertible crib and a portable crib anyway? Well, a portable, or mini, the crib is designed to be easier to transport. They often have removable wheels, and in many cases can be folded for easier storage.
Convertible cribs, also known as stationary cribs, are designed to be more transitional. They are built so that as your baby grows, the crib will grow with them, turning into a toddler bed, doubling up as a changing station, etc.

I return to Dream On Me with a larger mattress that fills accommodate your child as she continues to grow. In fact, this is really a hybrid portable/convertible crib, as it can transform into a daybed.
My wife and I did eventually find a great crib for our baby, but it took a while. This guide has been created to help you find the best portable cribs on the market. If you are interested in convertible cribs or Pack’n’Play, I’ve put together a guide on the best options for those as well.
Being a parent is challenging. Shopping shouldn’t have to be.
Things to Consider
While searching for your crib, there are some things to remember. Most of these features are going to be available in any portable crib, but this also provides you with a simple frame of reference should you wish to do your own research.
1. Wheels
Most, if not all, mini portable cribs come with wheels. The wheels are one of the primary components in a portable crib. It’s also important for the wheels to be able to lock in place and/or be removed so that the crib can sit in one place. All portable cribs should have locking wheels, but how well those locks work is another matter.
2. Size
The size of the crib is another important concern. Whether your crib is going in your room or a dedicated nursery, you need to know how much space you’ll have available for a crib. Use that to determine the appropriate size of a crib to buy. You don’t want to have to return a crib because it’s too large or too small.
3. Design
For many parents, the design or appearance of a crib is very important. If you want a really fashionable crib, by and large, your best bet is going to be a convertible crib rather than a portable one. Even so, some portable cribs look better than others.
4. Mattress
A lot of cribs will come with a mattress included; others will not. This can be something to consider. You should also consider the quality of the mattress. Pre-shipped mattresses may not be all that great, so you should consider buying a mattress separately.
5. Price
Portable cribs are generally cheaper than standard cribs, but they can still vary in price by several hundred dollars. Remember that when preparing for a baby, you have a lot of expenses to prepare for. At the same time, you don’t want to buy a cheap crib and end up with a product you’re not satisfied with. Finding a good balance can be challenging.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best Portable Baby Cribs
Products | Features |
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EDITOR’S PICK
4 20+ 20+ |
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MOST REVIEWED
4.6 1,080+ 1080+ |
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TOP PICK
4.6 25+ 25+ |
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BUDGET PICK
4.5 395+ 395+ |
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BUDGET PICK
4.4 750+ 750+ |
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at Amazon
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I return to Dream On Me with a larger mattress that fills accommodate your child as she continues to grow. In fact, this is really a hybrid portable/convertible crib, as it can transform into a daybed.
Under $125
Delta Children Portable Mini Crib
Features
- Measures 39 L x 25 W x 37.25 H
- Includes a mattress pad
- Weighs 34.4 pounds
Delta Children’s Portable Mini Crib is a good choice for an inexpensive folding crib. Its lightweight design makes it easier to move, and it folds completely flat, allowing for convenient transport. It has wheels that enable it to be moved from one room to another without folding.
The crib measures 39 inches long by 25 inches wide and stands just over three feet tall at 37.25 inches. It is made out of wood and features stationary front and back rails. Delta Children don’t recommend using a different mattress, which isn’t something I was wild about.
The crib comes in three different colors: white, cherry and natural. It is certified to meet safety standards, and the crib has two adjustable height positions. This isn’t an amazing crib, but if you’re on a budget, it’ll do. Free replacement parts are provided, which is nice.
Under $200
Davinci Alpha Mini Rocking Crib in Slate
Features
- Measures 38 L x 26 W x 35.2 H
- Includes a mattress pad
- Weighs 34.4 pounds
The DaVinci Alpha was very similar to the Delta Children crib, but it is definitely not a copy. In fact, I liked this one just a little bit better.Measuring 38 x 26 x 35, it’s roughly the same size as the Delta Children mattress. One of the big differences is that this mattress has four adjustable heights, rather than two.
I liked this because it means I could have the mattress closer to the top of the crib, so I didn’t have to reach down as far to pick up my baby (actually a doll, as my son is too big to fit in the crib).
The crib doesn’t come with a mattress, but you have the option to add one one for just a handful of dollars.Like the Delta Children portable, this crib is available in three different colors.
The crib comes with wheels that can be removed for easy rocking, and the wheels lock so baby won’t go rolling away in the middle of the night. The difference in price between this and Delta Children is very small, and I personally preferred this one.
Dream On Me 2 in 1 Lightweight Folding Crib
Features
- Measures 39 L x 5.8 W x 38 H
- Includes a mattress pad
- Weighs 31.5 pounds
Dream On Me is one of the biggest names in affordable children’s cribs, producing a variety of both portable and convertible cribs. This particular crib is a 2-in-1 model that can double as a playpen for the baby.
One thing I liked was that this is a nice-looking crib. Portable cribs aren’t always the prettiest to look at, and while this isn’t as nice as some stationary cribs, it isn’t ugly. It weighs 32 pounds and it folds flat, so it’s easy to move and store.
It’s also quick and easy to convert into a playpen, which saves you money over buying separate furniture. Like the last two cribs, it comes in three colors, including white. It has a stationary rail design and locking wheels. This is a good, inexpensive crib that has a couple of added features.
Orbelle Trading Roxy Three Portable Crib
Features
- Measures 37.2 L x 19.5 W x 32.8 H
- Does not includes a mattress pad
- Weighs 60 pounds
This is a very modern-looking mini crib that uses quite a lot of wood and is consequently pretty heavy.Designed with the urban life in mind, this folding portable crib is designed to fit through narrow doorways while providing a year of sleeping room for your baby.
Its thick wooden frame provides ample support for your child. It’s very easy to set up and doesn’t require any tools. It folds nicely for convenient storage.
While this is a very good crib, it is heavy, and the large volume of wood used in its construction means that it’s pretty expensive. While I have no complaints with it, its cost will likely be prohibitive for many parents.
Under $300
Dream On Me Full Size 2 in 1 Folding Stationary Side Crib
Features
- Measures 53.2 L x 29.2 W x 46 H
- Includes a mattress pad
- Weighs 46 pounds
I return to Dream On Me with a larger mattress that fills accommodate your child as she continues to grow. In fact, this is really a hybrid portable/convertible crib, as it can transform into a daybed.
The assembly of the crib is simple, and all necessary tools are included with the purchase. It offers a one-time installation and folds for convenient storage when not in use. It also features locking wheels that can be removed when the crib is converted. The crib is available in six different colors.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is a full-sized crib. If you are looking for a smaller crib that will be a better fit for a tight apartment complex, this may be too large for you.
LA Baby The Little Wood Crib
Features
- Measures 39.5 L x 26.5 W x 38.5 H
- Includes a mattress pad
- Weighs 50 pounds
This LA Baby Crib is a very nice, sturdy crib that is available in black or unpainted natural wood. What I liked about this crib is how well-built and sturdy it is. It is very attractive, easy to assemble, and it folds for easy transport.Although this crib is intended for industrial use in nurseries, day care, etc.
I think it is perfectly suited for use at home as well. It is very attractive and easy to move around. However, there are a couple of things I didn’t like. The mattress level is not adjustable, which might bother some people.The other complaint is its weight.
The crib weighs 50 pounds, so while it does fold for easy storage, carrying it is a burden.Despite its weight, I think it is a fair trade-off for quality, solid wood construction. If only this crib allowed for an adjustable mattress height, it would be the perfect portable crib.
Foundations SafetyCraft Compact Size Clearview Crib
Features
- Measures 39.2 L x 26.2 W x 38 H
- Includes a mattress
- Weighs 39 pounds
SafetyCraft Compact Size Clearview Crib from Foundations is made of wood and clear polycarbonate end panels. The steel box frame comes with a 3’’ InfaPure high-density foam mattress and adjusts to two different positions.
The crib features brass casters for easy mobility. Two of the casters can lock in place. Like other portable cribs, this folds down flat for easy storage. The best thing about it is that it has polycarbonate end panels so that your baby’s feet don’t stick out when she moves during the night.
There’s only one color to go with and you won’t have much to choose from. However, I don’t really care about the range of colors if it doesn’t really stand out in the room. I prefer darker wood finishes like cherry or espresso, but that’s hardly a reason to complain.
In short, this is an excellent sturdy crib that will last you a long time and hopefully be handed down from a generation to a generation. That in itself makes it worth its going price.
Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib
Features
- Measures 39.1 L x 25.6 W x 33.6 H
- Includes a mattress pad
- Weighs 29 pounds
My wife loved this crib. She took one look at the baby blue (officially lagoon) paint and squealed with delight. Our son, of course, is much too big for this crib, but that’s neither here nor there. It comes in three other colors as well.
This crib is made out of pine taken from New Zealand pine and is painted with a non-toxic finish. It measures 39.1 x 25.6 and comes with a one-inch mattress pad. It has two different adjustable heights.
I have no complaints with this crib, but I also don’t really understand why it is so expensive. It doesn’t really offer anything that other cribs don’t for fifty dollars less. My guess is you’re paying for imported wood crib, and a cheerful finish, but if you really want a blue crib, a trip to the hardware store for paint is less expensive.
Under $400
Babyletto Maki Full-Size Folding Crib
Features
- Measures 53.6 L x 29.4 W x 37.2 H
- Does not includes a mattress pad
- Weighs 62 pounds
This is another full-size folding crib and the third in a row that is made from imported New Zealand pine. It’s a solid, well-made crib, but at 62 pounds is a little on the heavy side.
The crib features two different mattress levels, and the wheels are removable, making this a stationary crib. It folds down for easy storage, but it’s heavy and bulky enough that it would likely take two people to move it anywhere. Remember, this is a full-size model and as such might have trouble fitting into a small home or apartment.
I have no quarrels with this crib, but I feel like there are better options around the same price range. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with this crib, and it’s definitely large enough to support a growing baby for some time.
LA Baby Compact Non-Folding Wooden Window Crib
Features
- Measures 38.8 L x 26.2 W x 39.2 H
- Includes a mattress
- Weighs 43.6 pounds
This particular crib from LA Baby seems to be lacking in a railing. Rather than using wood rails, the crib uses acrylic panels on each end that allow baby to see the rest of the world more clearly while keeping him safely inside.
My primary complaint with the LA Baby cribs (other than its unavoidable weight) it’s that the mattress isn’t adjustable. LA Baby rectified that with this model, and it can be adjusted to three different heights. Perhaps best of all, this crib includes a mattress that, while not super thick, will do the trick and help save you some money.
Unlike others LA Baby cribs, this one only comes with a natural finish. But that’s not a big deal, as the natural wood color is very attractive. If you can get past the unusual implementation of acrylic, this is a top-notch crib.
Conclusion
If you are expecting and want a crib that you can move from room to room easily, but need more support than a travel crib, you need a portable crib. The portable wood crib from LA Baby is as good of one as any since it folds up easily and has wheels for easy transport from the nursery to any other room.
There are, of course, other popular options, such as the Dream On Me brand. Being a parent is stressful enough without worrying about where your infant is going to sleep. I hope this guide has helped you find the right crib for your new baby. Best of luck to you!