Do you travel a lot with your baby or toddler, especially by air, and need a portable travel crib and playard to take with you, that fits in to a backpack, leaving you 2 hands free, so you can carry the baby and diaper bag as well?
If this is you, consider the Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard.
So, what is so good about this crib?
For those who do not have time to read my full review click here to go to amazon
How Light and Portable is the Travel crib?
The crib, including the backpack and mattress, weigh only 13lbs, so not heavy at all, and because the carry bag comes with optional backpack straps, it can be easily transported around. This makes it very portable, and you still have 2 hands free for all the other things you need to carry!
How easy is it to set up/put down?
It takes less than a minute to set up. However do allow a bit of extra time for the Velcro tabs, it takes a while to get good at connecting those up!
Watch this video to see how easy it is
What age is it suitable for?
The travel crib can be used from birth, and because the mattress is on the ground there is no weight restriction. You can get inside the crib with your child if you want to! However, the mattress is 42” long, so you need to bear in mind how tall your child is, as to how long it will be suitable for.
How safe is the Lotus Travel Crib for my baby?
Your baby is very safe in this, from birth all the way through to 3+ years. The crib is sturdy, so it won’t fall over, and because it is tapered even a toddler isn’t going to pull it over. There is a breathable mesh all the way round, so wherever your baby sleeps, he’s always going to be able to breath. The mattress is also on the ground, so no way is baby going to fall out.
The Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib also meets and exceeds all relevant safety standards, as well as meeting all the required flammability standards without the need for chemical flame retardants.
Is it machine washable?
The sheet and mesh are both machine washable, the mattress is removable and can be either washed or wiped.
Is it comfortable for my baby?
The mattress does feel a bit thin, but babies are light, and they don’t seem to have a problem with it, so not something to worry about.
Click here for great prices on the Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard
Is it smelly?
Short answer, no. The mesh is breathable, and the whole thing is non-toxic, so no horrible smells from this travel crib.
Is it also a bassinet?
There is an optional bassinet that can be purchased directly from The Guava Family, if this is something you would like, however the travel crib is suitable from birth, and if you are worried about leaning over in to the crib, you can unzip the side and get to baby that way.
What about the zipper, is it noisy?
No, it is pretty quiet, and one of the great features is that the zipper is only accessible from the outside, so baby can’t try and escape. Even better, the zipper is also sibling proof, so there won’t be any jailbreaks!
Can I take it as hand luggage on a plane?
Yes, when you pack the travel crib in to the backpack it is only 24″ x 7″ x 11″ , which means you don’t have to take the crib as checked luggage, it can go in the overhead locker on most flights (do check the dimensions allowable with your airline first, just to be sure).
Could I use this at home as an everyday crib?
In theory, yes, however the mattress is a little on the thin side, and to have your baby sleeping in it for 10 hours a day, day in day out is not something I would do.
Could I use it as a playard every day?
Again yes, in theory, and I might use it occasionally like that, I would not personally use it every day as a playpen because it is a bit on the small side.
Do I need to buy the sheets from Guava Family?
You don’t have to, but it is better if you do, the mattress is longer and narrower than most other cribs, plus you need the holes for the Velcro tabs to go through
Is there anything else?
The zipper on the side allows you to open up the whole side of the crib, and easily get your child in and out of the crib without leaning right over, which is a great feature for those who are shorter, or have trouble leaning over in to the crib.
Are there any cons?
The mattress doesn’t lie flat until your child lies on it, and the Velcro tabs and holes they go through can be a bit of a challenge, but as they say, practise makes perfect.
Vital Statistics
External Size 45″ L x 32″ W x 25″ H
Internal Size 42″ L x 24″ W x 24″ H
Packed Size 24″ L x 7″ W x 11″ H
Total Weight 13 lbs (including crib, mattress and backpack)
In Summary
The Lotus Travel Crib and Baby Playard is not cheap, but for your money you get a good, robust piece of equipment. You can use it for more than one child, and it has dual purpose as a crib and a playpen. If you are out and about a lot with your baby, the backpack style works very well. The backpack can be checked in as hand luggage on a plane, and the zippered side makes it easy to get the baby in and out.
