Lotus Travel Crib Review

If you’re looking for the easiest crib to transport that’s packed with fun and safe features, look no further than the Lotus Travel Crib.

SAFETY | Toxic-Free and Sturdy Build

When it comes to pack and plays, they don’t get safer than the Lotus Travel Crib by Guava Family. This company has gone to extreme lengths to make sure that this pack and play has the safest materials and construction for your little ones, and they’ve got the certifications to prove it. There are NO: flame retardants, PVC, Phthalates, Lead, or heavy metals used in the materials of the Lotus, and it has low-VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions.

There are NO: flame retardants, PVC, Phthalates, Lead, or heavy metals used in the materials of the Lotus.

Surprisingly (and scarily), many baby products emit some form of VOC, and most companies don’t address this safety hazard when marketing their products. Fortunately, Guava Family has pushed their products to the limit and achieved the Greenguard Gold Standard, a rigorous and independent certification. In addition to the extremely safe materials used, the Lotus Travel Crib has breathable mesh on all four sides of the crib, allowing for full airflow and an unobstructed view of your kiddo. The zipper side door is also only unzippable from the outside and has a lock on it, discouraging any little fingers from unzipping the side door.

As far as weight limits go, you don’t have to worry about your babe outgrowing the weight limit for this crib because…there are none! The Lotus Travel Crib doesn’t have a weight limit, as the mattress is supported by the floor. This feature makes it safer for your child as they start turning into a monkey and think they can climb out of the crib. Because the crib is lower to the ground, it’s a shorter distance for those who think they can crawl out of their crib. However, once your little monkey is able to crawl over the side of this pack and play (or any crib) it’s time to discontinue use. Guava Family also states that once your kiddo reaches 35 inches tall, it’s also time to retire the Lotus.

COMFORT | Entertaining and Cozy

One of the greatest features of this pack and play is the zip open side door. This sets the Lotus Travel Crib apart from other pack and plays, making it more versatile, easy to use, and fun for your kiddo. They not only feel like they are secure and comfortable in their crib, but the side door makes it feel less like a baby prison and more like a fun little fort.

Zipper side door makes for easy play

…the side door makes it feel less like a baby prison and more like a fun little fort.

One big complaint by parents who’ve purchased the Lotus Travel Crib is the thickness of the crib mattress. The Lotus Travel Crib mattress is a little on the thin side, but it is a safe thickness as dictated by Federal Safety Standards and is meant to protect your baby from suffocating. Once your baby is 1 year or older, Plush Quilted Sheets for the Lotus are available and are very soft with extra padding built in. The 1-year recommendation is set by the American Academy of Pediatrics as extra padding isn’t recommended in order to prevent suffocation.

Because the Lotus Travel Crib is a floor-based pack and play, the mattress is thermally insulated, designed to keep your baby warmer because of its contact with the floor. If you know you have a cold floor you can trust the thermal insulated mattress, but dress your baby accordingly to be on the safe side.

EASE OF USE | No-Fuss Design

The last thing you want to worry about when traveling with baby gear is fussing with it. The Lotus Travel Crib has you covered with its 15-second setup and easy take down. It also features a zipper side door for easy child access and fun play. To wrap it all up is the amazing size it folds into, allowing it to be transported as a tight little backpack for hands-free carrying at only 13 pounds.

Hands free transport

Size

The compact size of the Lotus Travel Crib has almost every other pack and play beat. The setup dimensions are very comparable to other travel cribs, with the exception that the Lotus mattress is a little longer than the standard pack and play. This allows for longer use as baby grows taller. Setup dimensions for the Lotus are 45 inches x 32 inches x 25 inches (LxWxH) which are pretty standard. The footprint might be a little bigger than other pack and plays due to the support bars that slant outwards slightly on the ground, but this doesn’t hinder the folded dimensions whatsoever.

When it comes to easy transportation and size, the Lotus beats out the rest of the market.

The packed dimensions make this crib an even bigger winner compared to other pack and plays. With one of the smallest folded dimensions on the market, and even smaller than its competitors, the Lotus Travel Crib is a winner for easy transportation. The packed size is 24 inches x 7 inches x 11 inches (LxWxH) and weighs in at 13 pounds, making it more than easy to lug around with all your other baby gear. Additionally, this size makes it storable in overhead storage on airplanes. When it comes to easy transportation and size, the Lotus beats out the rest of the market.

Performance

Easy use is a top feature of the Lotus Travel Crib. 15-second setup is a pretty outstanding for a pack and play. This is done by unpacking the Lotus, opening it up, and having the sides automatically snap into place. The mattress is more of a pain as it needs to be secured with Velcro straps, but this seems like a pretty normal standard for many pack and plays. To pack it away, just squeeze the indicated spots on the rails, and fold each leg with a tug. One downside to the Lotus is that it doesn’t come with a bassinet. But, due to the features that ARE included, you really don’t need one.

15-second setup is a pretty outstanding for a pack and play.

A sheet isn’t included with this package, but the mattress cover is approved to be slept on, is removable, and is machine washable. Being machine washable is rare to find with most pack and plays as many on the market seem to be spot-clean only. However, if you are interested in buying sheets, there are Organic Cotton Fitted Sheets that is specially made to fit the Lotus, and there is also a Plush Quilted Sheet that adds some padding for kids over 1 year of age. Another fun accessory is the Lotus Fun Crib Shade, great for use outdoors or for rooms where you need a little extra darkness for sleep.

Zipper side door promotes nursing and bonding

Probably the coolest feature of the Lotus Travel Crib is the zippered side door. This awesome feature allows for many different care techniques and fun play with your kiddo. It’s especially nice if you have a sore back or are recovering from a c-section as it allows you to place baby into the side of the crib instead of bending over from above. It could also be great for camping in a tent where there’s limited space to place baby into the crib from above! Other awesome ways to use this feature are:

• Soothing and Nursing – Laying inside the crib with your baby is an option with the side door, unlike any other crib. This allows you to nurse, soothe, and dream feed when needed. Just zip the side door up when you’re done.
• Their Own Space – Giving your babe an easy way in and out on their own helps them think of this crib as their play area instead of a little baby jail. It becomes their own little space, especially helpful for traveling with unfamiliar surroundings.
• Play Area – Many parents keep the Lotus up at home with the zipper side door open to use it as a play area and for toy storage. When it’s time to clean up, just toss toys into the crib and zip it up.

PRICE + LONGEVITY | Bang for Your Buck

Longevity

Longevity for the Lotus Travel Crib is very similar to other pack and plays. The manufacturer’s website states it can be used for 3 years and up, as long as your kiddo can’t climb out of the top or is over 35 inches in height (which is a federally mandated warning set for all pack and plays). Due to the fact that the mattress is supported by the floor, you don’t have to worry about a weight limit. This is a huge plus as you can really use it for a longer time than other travel cribs with a weight limit.

The manufacturer’s website states it can be used for 3 years and up…

The longer length of the Lotus Travel Crib (45 inches) compared to the standard pack and play gives your kiddo a little more growing room, which could also lengthen the use you get out of it. All-in-all, the Lotus might be able to outlive most other travel cribs on the market, giving it a great score for longevity.

Price

Due to all the awesome features of the Lotus Travel Crib, the price is extremely reasonable (Check it Out Here!) You are really getting your money’s worth with this pack and play, especially if you are a frequent traveler who needs an easy transport crib. It has fun and fresh features that promote growth and development as well as child-parent bonding and closeness.

You are really getting your money’s worth with this pack and play, especially if you are a frequent traveler who needs an easy transport crib.

There isn’t a warranty attached to the Lotus, but an email address is provided for use in case there are any problems with the crib. Due to the Guava Family being a small company, customer service is a top priority for them, so this aspect helps if there are ever any problems or questions with a purchase.

PROS

• Compact, sleek, and durable design
• Easy transport size and backpack portability
• Affordable price
• 15-second setup
• Machine washable and toxic-free materials

CONS

• No bassinet
• Floor-based mattress can make sleeping environment cold at times

THE BOTTOM LINE | Great All-Around Travel Crib

Although there is no bassinet included, keep in mind that the lower height (due to being directly on the floor) makes it easy to access and place your newborn in the crib. You also have the option of placing your baby through the side door or use it for easy nursing and soothing, making it extremely friendly for bonding and comforting your kiddo no matter where in the world you are. The Lotus Travel Crib is also made with toxic-free materials and sturdy construction, ensuring the utmost safety for your little one. This is truly a great all-around pack and play!