Phil & Ted's Traveller

Full-Size Travel Crib

Why Shelly recommends it:

It only weighs 8 lbs.--compare that with other play yards! Add to that its terrific versatility and its hard to find a better travel bed. The Traveller is Phil & Ted's new and improved replacement to the T2 Travel Cot. Use it from birth on up through three years, indoors and out. Rugged, waterproof fabrics, and breathable mesh panels let you take this to the park and beach just as easily as Grandma's house (where rubber feet will protect her floors). Zip the mesh cover closed to protect against insects or help create a tent within your tent on your coldest nights of camping. The self-inflating air mattress works much like a Therm-a-Rest (or backpacker's mattress), providing good insulation from the cold ground as well as padding from hard floors. An optional UV-protective cover (sold separately) zips onto the top to offer UPF 80 protection outdoors. If it isn't versatile enough already, consider this great new feature: The new Traveler also has a zipping side panel to allow in and out access for playtime on the beach, and for older children who are ready to come and go on their own from their "travel bed." It stands 51" x 24.8" x 31" when open, and folds to 24.8" x 8.6" square packed in its carrying case.

Find it online at:    Amazon.com    TipToeTurtle.com

Eddie Bauer Baby Travel Bed

Why Shelly recommends it:

So much easier to take along than the play yard or portacrib (and cheaper), and it saves precious space in hotel rooms, cruise ship cabins, and on trains. This bassinet-size bed folds flat to look much like a laptop case, complete with shoulder strap. Wear it over your shoulder, or sling it over the stroller. Storage in the sides for just a few diapers, wipes, etc. (great for on-the-go diaper changes, too). Includes fitted sheet. Weighs under 3 lbs. and unfolds to 15 1/2" x 30" x 4 1/2".

Find it online at:   Amazon.com   

The Peapod

Why Shelly recommends it:

This is a truly multi-purpose bedding solution that works from babyhood up to preschool. An inflatable air mattress (shown to left) not only provides cushion, but it provides insulation from cold floors indoors and chilly nights outdoors (it slips into its own zipped compartment beneath the tent). It also comes in handy for naps by the lake or in the park, offering protection from insects and a barrier from moist soil, plus UV protection. If you need a solution that will also help keep your toddler contained when needed, you might both prefer the T2 Travel Cot (your child won't be able to stand up in this). Folds ups like the popular infant shade tents to a mere 14" diameter and about 5" thick in its carrying case. Unfolded dimensions are 48" x 30" x 18".

Find it online at:    Amazon.com   BabiesRUs.com   Baby Earth   

Baby Universe   

The Peapod Plus

Why Shelly recommends it:

The Peapod Plus can be used from infancy well through preschool, and includes a lightweight sleeping bag. In addition to the UV mesh found in the smaller Peapod, the Plus also has roll-down nylon sides for added wind protection. Other differences: The poles used in the Plus are thinner and more lightweight than the very heavy-duty ones used in the original above, keeping its weight down, but at the cost of some stability (if you have rowdy rompers in the house, you may prefer the original Peapod). Travels at 19" diameter and 6.5" thick in its carrying case. Unfolds to 52.5" x 34" x 25".

Find it online at:    Amazon.com   Baby Earth    

Baby Universe   

Why Shelly recommends it:

The very popular Snuggle Nest has been improved with new safety features, including increased airflow through breathable sidewalls, an adjustable sleeping positioner, and a 2" wedge to help elevate baby's head--very helpful should a little nose get stuffy during your travels. Includes a detachable nightlight and two sheets. Cover can be removed and washed. Open dimensions are 37.5"L x 15"W x 5"D. Folds in half for travel.

Find it online at:   Amazon.com   One Step Ahead

Why Shelly recommends it:

For an extra measure of protection, this co-sleeper buffers your baby from head to toe, making it a suitable sleeping spot for infants both in the "family bed" and out. It also features a built-in nightlight, which can be helpful for late-night checks, especially when staying in new and unfamiliar places. Machine washable cover and sheet included. Overall dimensions are 38" x 16" x 6". Folds to 19" x 17" x 7 1/2" with carrying handle.

Find it online at:   Amazon.com   One Step Ahead

Toddler Travel 'n Trundle 

Why Shelly recommends it:

Once he's graduated to his "big boy bed," there's no need to lug along the portacrib (hallelujah). This works for most children from around 2 years to around 6 years with a 1" thick foam mattress framed-in at 48" x 22" x 6". Includes bed sheet. Folds virtually flat to fit in your trunk or the bottom of your suitcase (or simply check for your next flight). Shoulder strap and carrying handle as shown.

Find it online at:  Amazon.com    Baby Universe

Oversized Travel 'n Trundle 

Why Shelly recommends it:

This larger Travel Trundle offers a sleep area of 52" x 26" with a 1 1/4" vinyl-covered mattress and fitted sheet. Instead of folding flat with a shoulder strap like the Toddler Travel 'N Trundle, it rolls up to fit in its own duffel at 27" x 11" x 12".

Find it online at:  One Step Ahead

Inflatable Travel Bed with Electric Pump 

Why Shelly recommends it:

Your princess shall feel no peas beneath this cushy, Cadillac of airbeds. Great for sleeping on the floor at Grandma's or in the tent with Mom and Dad. Sleeping area is 47" x 24" within the raised bumper, which helps keep kids from rolling off. Total dimensions are 60" x 35" x 6"H. But how durable is it really? The heavy-gauge PVC supports up to 150 lbs. Inflates and deflates in minutes with its own electric air pump. Recommended for ages 2 and up.

Find it online at:   One Step Ahead

Smart Guard Ultra II Portable Bed Rail 

Why Shelly recommends it:

Makes the most of available beds at hotels, vacation rentals, and friends' homes. Works with twin, full, or queen mattresses. Mesh side panel folds down. Opens to 56"L x 20"H, and folds to approximately 32" x 11" in travel case. Recommended for ages 2 and up.

Find it online at:  Amazon.com   One Step Ahead