- How to choose baby formula - September 4, 2023
- Best amino acid-based formulas 2024 - September 4, 2023
- Best hypoallergenic formulas 2024 - August 30, 2023
One of the most useful things you can register for when having a baby is a good travel crib. Of course, that means committing to one that not only has all of the qualities you’re looking for, including comfort, price, and longevity but also how reputable it is. So when comparing the Lotus Travel Crib vs. the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib, those are no doubt some of the things you’ll be considering.
Anyone can purchase a simple portable travel crib or playpen, but when you look at either of these options, you’re getting a lot more than your standard travel crib.
Both Lotus and Baby Bjorn are trusted brands for a plethora of baby accessories and supplies, so there’s no real differentiator there. Both are also designed in a similar way, but with the Lotus Travel Crib and Baby Bjorn Travel Crib, there are certain aspects to each that outweigh some of the qualities of the other one.
Lotus Travel Crib
The Lotus Travel Crib is designed to be totally portable, with the ability to be folded into its backpack shape and a 15-second set-up. If you’ve had a child before your current one, you may think you’ve seen it all when it comes to portable playpens or cribs, but the Lotus Travel Crib brings it to a whole new level with its zippered side door that can be opened to either allow your little one to crawl out or for you to get down on the floor with them.
The mesh siding of the travel crib also goes all the way down on each side, making it totally breathable for your baby or toddler. It’s no secret that the idea of a playpen is lost on a lot of babies who would rather be outside of the confines of it and playing with Mom and Dad.
But the Lotus Travel Crib makes it possible for your baby to feel less boxed in by giving them more freedom, provided that you’re nearby of course. And since you can crawl into it and lay with them, your little one can get used to it faster.
Features
- Set-up And Take Down: The Lotus Travel Crib has a 15-second set-up and equally fast take down, as the crib folds up into a backpack shape with detachable straps.
- Materials Used: The travel crib has four sides of breathable mesh and is free of PVC, lead, phthalates, and formaldehyde, making it Green Guard Certified for emitting no toxins.
- Size: When putting together, the crib has a 42 x 24-inch crib mattress, and is 25 inches deep. In total, the Lotus Travel Crib is just 13 lbs.
Pros
- The portability of the Lotus Travel Crib makes taking it pretty much anywhere a breeze.
- The mesh sides can give parents peace of mind as their baby or toddler has a good night’s sleep in the crib.
- It’s so easy to set up, you likely won’t even need to do it by the instructions.
- The mattress pad is secured with Velcro tabs beneath it, preventing any sliding.
- Functions better as a portable play yard as well (due to the flap opening)
Cons
- Since the Lotus Travel Crib is lower to the floor, bending over each time to get your baby in and out might become more of a hassle.
- Even though the mattress has tabs to hold it in place, once a sheet is on it, the corners might be pulled up a bit.
- While it’s convenient for travel, some families might find it to be too small.
Worry free airport travel - Designed to be easy to fly with the compact, light backpack carrying case. Set up is simple in 15 seconds and only weighs 13 lbs packed.
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light
Like the Lotus Travel Crib, the Baby Bjorn Crib Light is perfect for travel and can be set up fairly easily. It doesn’t fold into a backpack shape, but the Baby Bjorn Crib Light does fold down to fit into a slim bag with handles for easy travel.
The sides, made from mesh from top to bottom, making for an easy way to see your newborn or toddler while they are sleeping while also providing an airy, comfortable and breathable safe sleeping area. The crib can also be used for your baby from infant, newborn babies up to three years old.
For all intents and purposes, you can consider the Baby Bjorn Crib Light to be a pop-up travel crib of sorts. It doesn’t have any legs or pieces to put together once you take it out of its travel bag. Instead, you take it out and it virtually pops back up to its form with a soft mattress inside for your baby or toddler.
Features
- Set-up And Take Down: The set-up takes just a minute or two once you take it out of the bag. And when it comes time to put it away, you simply fold the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light into its travel bag.
- Materials Used: The sides are made of mesh and the specially fitted sheet, which is sold separately, is made of soft organic cotton.
- Size: When setting up, the Baby Bjorn Crib Light is 32 x 44 x 24 inches and weighs 13 lbs when folded down into its bag.
Pros
- The simple set-up of the Baby Bjorn Crib Light means a lot less fuss and trouble when you want your little one to get rest while traveling.
- The mattress is not only softer but also thicker than that of the Lotus Travel Crib.
- It is a lightweight travel crib that weighs enough to take it everywhere, not just on big family trips.
- The fabric parts of the crib are easy to take off and are machine washable.
Cons
- Without the zipper door, your baby might feel more confined in the Baby Bjorn Crib Light.
- Like the Lotus, it’s fairly low to the ground and makes for awkward bending down for your baby.
- It folds up into a bag, but the bag is not good for the carry-on size.
The Verdict – Lotus vs Baby Bjorn Travel Crib
While both the Baby Bjorn Crib Light and the Lotus Travel Crib have some distinct similarities and a very similar design, the Lotus Travel Crib is the more reliable option in this case.
Both cribs for babies sit low to the ground, but the Lotus has that zippered window that makes getting to and interacting with your baby or toddler easier than bending over a low travel crib. It’s also the appropriate size to be used as carry-on luggage when traveling, which takes the travel part of the Lotus to virtually limitless possibilities.
Of course, picking out the right travel crib might mean different things to different families, but between the Lotus Travel Crib and Baby Bjorn Crib Light, both are fair options for travel cribs for both babies and toddlers. In the end, when it comes to cost, versatility, and size, one of these options will likely be the most reliable.
My Personal Take: I would opt for the more versatile Lotus travel crib here, but it’s a close match.
Recommended Reads
- The Full Regalo My Portable Review
- How to Find the Best Pack n Play
- The 9 Best Travel Crib Reviews: 2019
- Nuna Sena vs Baby Bjorn Portable Travel Cribs Comparison: Which is Better?
- A Guide on How To Clean A Pack n’ Play
- 5 Best Bedside Bassinet That Moms and Babies Love
- BABYBJORN Travel Light Crib Review
- Munchkin Sleep Bed Rail vs. Dream On Me Mesh Security Crib Rail
- Best Organic Crib Mattress Options (2019 Version)
- How to Find the Best Baby Cribs (& Top 10 Choices to Consider)
Leave a comment