What can my baby sleep in at grandma's house?

When your baby visits their grandparents, they should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or play yard approved for sleep. It's important to follow safe sleep guidelines wherever your baby is napping or sleeping. The choice among many options for cribs, bassinets, and play yards largely depends on space constraints, budget, portability, and how closely you're hoping to recreate your child's usual crib.

Should grandparents have a crib at their house?

Keeping a crib at your baby's grandparents' home can be hugely helpful, whether you'll be staying for a week or are simply visiting for the afternoon, since baby will need a safe place to snooze. Of course, your choice of crib and overall baby setup will depend on how much time your baby will spend there and how much room is available to you. In most cases, a portable crib or bassinet is the perfect option, as it's a safe sleeping spot for your child and can be easily packed away when they're not there.

What do all new grandparents need?

Deciding what supplies new grandparents need to have on hand for their grandchild really depends on how much time the baby will be spending at their home. But there are a handful of items that every new grandparent should have. A safe place to sleep is at the very top of this list. Other basics include feeding gear, diapers and wipes, a place to change diapers, a blanket, a bouncer seat to put them down for a while, toys, and of course, a car seat if you plan to drive them anywhere.

The 8 Best Baby Crib Choices for a Grandparent's House of 2023

If you plan to have your little one snuggle up to sleep at grandma and grandpa's house regularly, you're going to want to invest in a portable crib, play yard, or bassinet for grandparents' home. These options not only give baby a safe sleep space, but can also be used for play time if needed.

Before you make your purchase, you'll want to consider a few factors and features, such as the weight and size of the product, and whether it will be too heavy for traveling. Also, think about which bassinet or crib will work best for baby's grandparents as some may be more user-friendly for those who are older. We carefully considered design, including product weight, material, and additional features, as well as value when reviewing products.

Here are the best crib options for baby when they head off to grandma and grandpa's house.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dream On Me Portable Stationary Side Crib at Amazon

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Best Budget:

GRACO Pack N' Play Portable Playard at Walmart

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Best Modern:

Bloom Alma Mini at Bambibaby.com

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Best for Travel:

BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light at Amazon

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Best Luxury:

Stokke Sleepi Mini at Amazon

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Easiest Assembly:

KidCo Peapod Travel Bed at Walmart

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Best Pack N' Play:

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib at Amazon

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Best Bassinet:

4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for in a Baby Crib for a Grandparent's House
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Good-looking and value-priced, this Dream On portable crib is great for a grandparent's house. Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Locking wheels
No tools required to adjust from one function to another
Foldable

Cons

Wheels are not removable
Not convertible

The Dream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib earned the top spot on our list because it features a patented design that allows the crib to double as a playpen. No tools are required to adjust from one function to another.

Easily foldable for storage, this model comes with a 1-inch mattress, but the company also sells more substantial mattresses if the crib will get heavy use. It's an affordable choice for grandparents who want a crib that looks and works like a standard crib but is just a little smaller and easier to store.

Price at time of publication: $220

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 32 pounds | Dimensions: ‎40 x 26 x 38 inches | Weight Capacity: 35 pounds}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Affordable
Foldable
Travel bag included

Cons

No bassinet attachment included
Sheets sold separately

At just over 50 bucks, this crib option for grandma and grandpa's house is not only budget-friendly, but can be used immediately after baby is born. Children can use this play yard until they reach 30 pounds, and it's easy to set up.

When not in use, place in the included travel bag or simply fold up for easy storage. It even features two front wheels so it's easy to move to a desired location.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 19 pounds | Dimensions: 39.5 x 28.25 inches | Weight Capacity: 30 pounds}

The modern look of this crib will please some non-traditional grandparents. Courtesy of Amazon.com

Pros

Available in various finishes
Foldable

Cons

Costly
Cannot be used for children ages 12 months old and up

Advertised as a crib for urban living spaces, this crib will please grandparents seeking an edgier look who don't mind paying a higher price. Described as a bassinet with extended life, this model should accommodate babies up to around 12 months. It's also portable and folds up into a neat little bag. When fully open, however, it is still narrow enough to fit through standard doors, which is not true of many portable cribs. Made from birch, the crib is available in various finishes, including frost gray and gala green.

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: Not Listed | Dimensions: ‎19.2 x 37 x 33 inches | Weight Capacity: Not Listed}

4.5

Amazon

The Babybjorn Travel Crib Light Offers Portability and Effortless Setup

Pros

Lightweight
Designed for children up to 3 years old
Travel case included

Cons

Expensive
Sloping sides may be harder for grandparents

This travel crib weighs only 13 pounds and can be set up in one easy movement. The sloping sides make it extra snug and secure. A recent redesign made the mattress attachment easier to use and made the sides completely mesh so that it's easier to keep an eye on your grandchild. Appropriate for children up to 3 years, it comes in its own travel case. The fabric is soft and can be removed for washing. Baby Bjorn is a Swedish company best known for its baby slings. One possible issue: The sloping sides might make it harder for some grandparents to reach into the crib.

Price at time of publication: $300

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 13 pounds | Dimensions: 32 x 44 x 24 inches | Weight Capacity: Not Listed}

Verywell Family / Ashley Ziegler

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Pros

Lockable swivel wheels
Mattress base is adjustable
Unique oval shape

Cons

Expansion pieces sold separately
Costly

With its unique oval shape, the Stokke Sleeping Mini is a functional crib and also a lovely piece of furniture. The lockable swivel wheels allow for easy moving, and the mattress base is adjustable to make it easier for grandparents to lift the baby. It has another great benefit. It can be expanded into a full-sized bed that will accommodate a child up to 3 years of age. In addition, extra expansion pieces can be purchased that will make it suitable for a child up to age 10. This crib is great for grandparents who don't mind spending a little extra for a distinctive baby crib and who are looking at the long range.

Price at time of publication: $599

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 35 pounds | Dimensions: 32 x 34 x 36 inches | Weight Capacity: Not Listed}

4.8

The multipurpose Peapod is a great choice for grandparents. Courtesy of Amazon.com

Pros

Easy to set up
Affordable
Can be zippered closed

Cons

Some grandparents may have trouble putting baby in/taking out

This innovative take on the portable crib can actually be used for infants and for small children. It is basically a tent that comes with an inflatable mattress; the total weight is only 2.5 pounds. Because it can be zippered closed, it protects children from insects and is thus perfect for camping with kids. It also provides protection from wind and sun. Indoors, it can be left unzipped for easier access. Since it sits on the floor, some grandparents might have trouble putting the baby in and taking the baby out.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 2.5 pounds | Dimensions:‎ 16.5 x 3 x 16.5 inches | Weight Capacity: Not Listed}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Quick/easy setup
Side zipper door

Cons

Additional mattress not recommended to be added

Weighing in at 11 pounds, this pack n' play is lightweight and can be set up in about 15 seconds. It comes in a designated carrying bag, which only adds a couple of pounds to the total product weight, and is perfect for traveling. There's also a zipper door that can be quietly opened for play time or easy access for nursing.

Price at time of publication: $280

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 11 pounds | Dimensions: 42 x 32x 25 inches | Weight Capacity: Not Listed}

Amazon

Pros

Features motions, white noise, and speeds
Mesh sides

Cons

Heavy

Naptime and bedtime just got a whole lot better thanks to the many features this bassinet has. Parents and caregivers can download the 4moms app and control the bassinet straight from their smartphone. There are five different motions to choose from, along with four white noise options and five different speeds.

The bassinet also features a timer, so you can decide how long you want a feature to last. While it may be costly to some, there are so many great features with this bassinet, you'll get your money's worth.

Price at time of publication: $375

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 30 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 29 x 39 inches | Weight Capacity: Not Listed}

Final Verdict

Easily foldable for storage, the Dream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib (view on Amazon) earned our Best Overall pick for several reasons. No tools are required to adjust from one function to another, and it's an affordable choice for grandparents who want a portable crib that works similarly to a standard one. There's also the BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light (view on Amazon), which is easy to set up and take down. Appropriate for children up to 3 years, it comes in its own travel case and has mesh sides for easier visibility.

What to Look for in a Baby Crib for a Grandparent's House

Weight

Before you decide on a crib for grandma and grandpa's house, you'll want to consider the weight of the crib not only for yourself, but for baby's grandparents, too. Will the crib be traveling back and forth from your home to the grandparents' place? Or are you looking for a more permanent option?

If need a crib specifically for traveling, a lightweight option will be your best bet. With a lightweight crib, you can easily transport it around, and it's easy for grandparents to move if necessary. However, if you're looking for a crib that will stay put all the time, grandparents may prefer a sturdier, heavier version,

Bassinet vs. Crib

Just like with standard cribs and bassinets, there are big differences between the two, and it really comes down to what you're looking for. You'll want to consider the age of your child and how often grandma and grandpa will be in charge of little one.

Many parents and caregivers of newborns opt for a bassinet, because they're smaller than a crib and take up less space. However, the age and/or weight capacity of a bassinet is usually limited. Cribs, on the other hand, can typically be used immediately after birth and then for months and even years to come (with some converting into toddler and full-sized beds).

No matter which option you choose, both are great (and safe) for baby to sleep or lounge in at grandma and grandpa's house. If you're unsure, ask grandma and grandpa for their input.

Size

Because this crib will be traveling often, or live at baby's grandparents' house, size is extremely important. You don't want an option that takes up too much space, especially if it will be staying there permanently. Even if it's just traveling, you'll want to know just how much space you have to work with during baby's stay.

If you need to save on space, look for a crib that's foldable so it can be stored when not in use. Be sure to check the product's dimensions, too, to ensure it will fit the available space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can my baby sleep in at grandma's house?

When your baby visits their grandparents, they should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or play yard approved for sleep. It's important to follow safe sleep guidelines wherever your baby is napping or sleeping.
The choice among many options for cribs, bassinets, and play yards largely depends on space constraints, budget, portability, and how closely you're hoping to recreate your child's usual crib.
Should grandparents have a crib at their house?

Keeping a crib at your baby's grandparents' home can be hugely helpful, whether you'll be staying for a week or are simply visiting for the afternoon, since baby will need a safe place to snooze. Of course, your choice of crib and overall baby setup will depend on how much time your baby will spend there and how much room is available to you. In most cases, a portable crib or bassinet is the perfect option, as it's a safe sleeping spot for your child and can be easily packed away when they're not there.
What do all new grandparents need?

Deciding what supplies new grandparents need to have on hand for their grandchild really depends on how much time the baby will be spending at their home. But there are a handful of items that every new grandparent should have. A safe place to sleep is at the very top of this list. Other basics include feeding gear, diapers and wipes, a place to change diapers, a blanket, a bouncer seat to put them down for a while, toys, and of course, a car seat if you plan to drive them anywhere.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and bought the GRACO Pack N' Play Portable Playard (view on Walmart) for her child. She loves how easy it is to set up, the mesh sides, and the carrying bag it comes in.

Best Overall

Dream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib in Espresso

Best Budget

GRACO Pack N' Play Portable Playard

Best Modern

Bloom Alma Mini Urban Folding Crib Frame

Best for Travel

BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

Best Luxury

Stokke Sleepi Mini

Easiest Assembly

KidCo P3012 Peapod Portable Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed

Best Pack N' Play

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib

Best Bassinet

4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet