As a mom of three kids ages four and under and someone who travels semi-regularly, I have had my fair share of experience with travel cribs. I’ve tested many travel cribs, and my second even spent almost her entire first year and a half sleeping in a pack n’ play in our room! I also know how overwhelming it can be with all the options, and I hope to help you decide if the Newton Travel Crib and Play Yard is right for you.
If you only have a minute and want a quick review (I get it… mom life), the Newton travel crib is unique in that it is breathable, washable, GREENGUARD GOLD certified, has organic materials, and (my favorite feature) is bigger than most traditional travel cribs. It is an excellent option for your toddlers or as a play yard for when your 6-month-old starts crawling everywhere like my third just did..This makes it GREAT for the toddler years and families looking to use it more than just a safe sleep environment.
If you are ready to buy, Newton Baby gave me a discount code for 35 dollars off. Click here and use code STROLLER35.
Not convinced yet? Keep reading for all the details!
Disclosure—I received this travel crib as a gift, but all opinions are mine. If you have seen my stroller reviews, this is very important to me! This post also contains affiliate links. You don’t get charged any extra, but my family receives a small commission when you shop through one of my affiliate links, and we are grateful for your support!
Table of Contents
How does the Newton Travel Crib compare to other travel cribs?
I want to start by sharing some of my experience with travel cribs (also known as pack-n-plays) and how I ended up with this one! When building my registry for my first baby, we were amid the global pandemic, and I came to terms that I would not be having a baby shower. We needed to pick more affordable options in many areas, and the travel crib was one of those. The funny thing is we had our baby sleep in the travel crib in our room for the first several months, so in hindsight, we probably shouldn’t have gone cheap… I’ll blame it on my minimalist wannabe side.
While our very affordable travel crib has served us well for several years, it also left much to be desired. I remember being at my friend’s house, who was pregnant with her first child with my husband and talking about baby product regrets. He quickly said, “Our travel crib. I wish we had one that is easier to take apart and put together.”
Well, now that baby number three is here, we have upgraded to Newton, and I will never go back. Not only is it great for road trips, but it has some features that make it very easy to use and safe for sleep!
What does it cost, and what are the stats?
Travel Crib & Play Yard:
Price: $299 (the 2023 version is on sale for $199)
Weight: 17 lbs
Overall size 51” x 34.5” x 28.5”
Folds to 35” x 12.5” x 11” (pretty compact-when-folded)
Weight Limit: (none since it is on the ground)
GRENGUARD Gold Certified
Bassinet Insert:
Price: $99
Weight: 5 lbs
Bassinet insert size 31.5” x 19.5” x 8”
Folds to 20.5” x 9.5” x 9”
Max Weight: 15lbs
GREENGUARD Gold Certified
What are the differences between the 2023 Newton Travel Crib ($100 cheaper) and the 2024 version?
Now, if you are confused like I was, Newton does sell its 2023 version for $100 less HERE. This version offers the same breathability, washability, and space but with a few more steps to disassemble the travel crib. It is still a great option if your budget doesn’t allow for the new version, but I will say an easy set-up and tear-down…might be worth the extra money. Here is a short video I made that shows you how to disassemble the 2024 version.
If you plan to buy, Newton gave me a code just for you! Use the link HERE and code STROLLER35 to save $35 on any order of $175 or more.
My Favorite Feature of the Newton Travel Crib!
This is the biggest travel crib on the market! The fact that they included “play yard” in the name is very fitting! Because of its size and being so easy to clean, this is a great washable portable playpen option for your mobile baby. I hated using my original pack-n-play for this and ended up getting a large playpen instead. My third baby just became mobile, and I popped this play yard up in my living room to help keep her from pulling the dog’s tail.
Another reason the size is great is that it will work well for your baby and TODDLER! With the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending keeping children in cribs until 3, most pack-n-plays are not big enough to accommodate this (most are the size of a mini crib, which most kids age out of around 2). I will never forget my two-year-old (99th percentile for height) sleeping in a little ball on vacation because she outgrew her pack-n-play. Kids are resilient, but I wish the Newton Crib had existed a few years ago.
Does the SlumberPod fit over the Newton Travel Crib?
Yes! This is a question I have gotten a lot on instagram and I am happy to report that the SlumberPod (save 10% with this link) does fit over the Newton Travel Crib.
What if I need to fly with it? Does size matter?
I love the size, but it can also be a downside to some because it stores bigger (though I wouldn’t say it’s heavy—it weighs only 17 lbs). If you fly regularly or take public transportation, you may want something with more of a compact size, but let’s be honest, most of us with young kids do not fit this category.
I travel semi-regularly and have found that 99% of the places I travel to with my babies have a pack-n-play or crib that I can use (hotels and Airbnb). I have never had to fly with my travel crib.
Here are some other reasons why I love it!
1. Easy Setup and Disassembly
The Newton Travel Crib updates have made it easy to assemble and disassemble. In fact, of the travel cribs I have tested, it is the easiest. When I asked my husband in the car that day, the # 1 reason he said he wished we got a different travel crib was because of how hard it was to set up. The Newton is so very intuitive and straightforward, and they even have a QR code on the inside of the storage back that takes you to how-to videos.
2. Ultra-Breathable & Washable
Like all Newton products, it is crafted from Newton’s premium Wovenaire® technology material. It’s designed so that your baby can breathe right through it, ensuring optimal airflow for their comfort and safety. Our whole family tested it, and I can attest to it being very breathable and pretty comfortable as well (more so than the hard cardboard of traditional pack n plays).
It is also easily washable, which is one of my favorite parts of this product. You do not need a sheet because you can easily remove the cover and put it in the washing machine (I do recommend washing it in its own load). The core can be cleaned in the sink, tub, or shower—keeping it bacteria-free and clean. If you prefer sheets, Newton Baby sells them, and I would recommend getting theirs. I tried putting a traditional crib sheet on it, and it did not fit because of how the feet are attached to the mattress.
3. Safer Choice
Independently tested by an accredited lab, the Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard is certified not to pose a significant suffocation risk. Unlike other play yards on the market, it’s designed with your baby’s safety in mind, allowing them to breathe easily through the fabric. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring low chemical emissions for safer indoor air quality. This is a big deal for me! Having a baby made me a low-tox parent, and baby products are something that I am willing to pay more for if it means a safer environment for my baby.
Another note on safety: I also love that they have a button that doesn’t allow your toddler to unzip the play yard.
4. Larger & More Versatile
With the largest surface area of any travel crib, the Newton Play Yard provides ample space for your baby to get better sleep and play comfortably. I mentioned this above, but it is one of the biggest benefits of going with this travel crib and play yard. My VERY tall 4 year old could sleep in this comfortably if we needed her to.
It also can be used with an optional zip-in bassinet insert for added versatility during the early months. If you plan to use this as a regular sleep space for your baby’s first months, getting the optional bassinet insert is worth it. It folds down small and comes with a convenient travel bag.
The Wrap Up
The Newton Travel Crib and premium Play Yard is not just another piece of baby gear — it’s a long-term investment in your child’s safety, comfort, and well-being. Whether at home or on the go, this versatile crib ensures that you and your baby can enjoy peace of mind and convenience through their entire travel crib journey.
Ready to experience the Newton difference firsthand (Newton offers an 100 night trial, guarantee)? Shop HERE and use Stroller35 to save on your Newton Travel Crib and Play Yard!
