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Travel + Leisure

As a professional travel writer, Im on the roada lot.

An Uppababy Remi Portable Playard next to a bed

Credit:Travel + Leisure

Im also the parent of a four-year-old and a two-year-old whom I bring with me whenever I can.

However,traveling with young kiddosisnt always easy.

It requires a lot of patience and also a lot of gear.

Maxi-Cosi Swift Play Yard

Credit: Amazon

After safety, ease is one of the most important features to consider when selecting a travel crib.

It also detaches from the bottom to be used separately for the bassinet.

The design is so straightforward, we didnt even need the directions to set it up.

Person stands behind a Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Its also very compact and folds down flat when not in use.

Setup was simple, however zipping the bassinet attachment in for the first time proved a bit tricky.

I am consistently impressed when it comes to anything UPPABaby.

Side view of person assembling a Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

So its little surprise to learn that the Remi Playard is an equally great investment.

We also really liked how the edges are soft and padded.

Ive used playards with plastic pieces, and this is a really good alternative to avoid bumped heads.

Close-up of a person assembling a Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

In our tests, it required virtually no set-up time and popped open in seconds.

There is a 20-pound weight limit.

It would even work as a main bassinet.

Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

The mattress pad felt a bit flimsy and could prove difficult to clean.

There are so many baby playards available, but this might be the most intuitive one we tried.

The side zipper can also be locked from the outside to prevent a child from getting out unattended.

Person stands behind a Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

The cases handles are short and wont fit over your shoulder.

It not only packs well but functions great as a crib, too.

The crib includes a removable mattress, which is machine washable along with the crib fabric.

Side view of person assembling a Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

The mattress is very thin.

Straightforward to assemble, this playard has a one-push-open, one-pull-close design.

Just unfold, drop in the mattress, attach it, and thats it.

Close-up of a person assembling a Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

However, they do have standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Cribs should also be free of blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, or other soft items.

And the side panels should be breathable in the event that a baby rolls over or gets stuck.

Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

Get a travel crib that is current from a major brand.

Get one that is CPSC-approved.

Before purchasing, be sure to pay close attention to the assembly directions.

Munchkin Brica Fold N' Go Travel Bassinet

Credit: Munchkin

Look for those that fold down small and would work best with your preferred form of travel.

Theyre also usually quite large, as many convert to changing tables or toddler beds.

Travel cribs, however, are a different story.

UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment

Credit: Buy Buy Baby

It doesnt hurt to be nice and ask, but dont expect a crib to be free, either.

When in doubt, check with your specific airline to determine which baby items are complimentary.

Woman holding folded UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Close-up of the UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment

Closeup of hand opening a zipper on the UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment

UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment on carpet floor

The UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment sitting in a bedroom

Woman holding folded UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment

Close-up of the UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment

Closeup of hand opening a zipper on the UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment

UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment on carpet floor

The UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard with Bassinet Attachment sitting in a bedroom

KidCo P4012 Peapod Plus Infant Travel Bed

Credit: KidCo

Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

Credit: Amazon

A person takes the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet out of its packaging

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Close-up of hands assembling a Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

A person assembles a Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

A person assembles a Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

A person takes the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet out of its packaging

Close-up of hands assembling a Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

A person assembles a Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

A person assembles a Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

Credit: Amazon

A person puts the Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard in its bag

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

A person carries the Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

A person assembles the Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

A person puts the Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard in its bag

A person carries the Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

A person assembles the Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

Credit: Amazon

Close-up of a person holding the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

A person assembles the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen in a living room setting

A person assembles the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

Close-up of a person holding the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

A person assembles the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen in a living room setting

A person assembles the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

4moms Breeze GO Playard

Credit: Amazon

4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

A person assembles the MiClassic Foldable 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet

Travel + Leisure

Close-up of a person holding the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

Travel + Leisure