Our Go-to Travel Crib: The GoCrib Adventure Crib

Way back when we were pregnant with Bergen (now nearly 2 years old) one of the few big items that we actually purchased ourselves (rather than receive as a shower or pre-baby gift) was a travel crib.  We knew from the beginning that we were not going to let a little one stop us from continuing to explore the world, visit family and friends, and just generally get out and about, so a good place for the baby to sleep on the go was a must.

Wandering around REI one weekend, as we love to do, we stumbled upon the GoCrib by Guava Family.  The crib was set-up and on display, and we were intrigued.  So many features caught our eyes:

• Lightweight: The crib together with it’s accessories weighs only 11 pounds.
• Easy Assembly: Simply pump-up to assemble, and deflate and fold-up to breakdown.
• Easy to Transport and Store: Everything fits nicely into it’s own small GoCrib backpack.
• Other Uses: We liked that it could be used both indoors & outdoors.  Camping, beach shelter, and play yard were just a few of the ideas that popped into our minds.

Needless to say, we ordered our own in preparation for the arrival of our mini adventurer, and now that we’ve put it to use for nearly 2 years, we couldn’t be more pleased with it’s performance in fulfilling our travel crib needs.

How the GoCrib Works

The crib has just a few parts and accessories:

• Backpack that houses all pieces
• Blow-up sleeping mat (27″ x 39″)
• Hand Pump
• Crib (43” x 54” x 25.5” when inflated)

To Set-up:

1. Blow-up sleeping mat with a few breaths and set aside.  Note: If keeping the crib out for multiple days, it’s a good idea to check the mattress each night for possible reflating.
2. Layout crib, insert pump into the legs of the crib in two locations (opposite each other) and pump until the indicator reads green. Carefully close valves and pump slots to prevent unwanted deflation.
3. Lay sleeping mat into the bottom of crib making sure to press each of the corners for a secure fit.  Optional: Specially fitted sheets can be purchased separately for added comfort. 

To Breakdown:

1. Open pump slots and push in flaps to let the air out.
2. Fold crib in half twice while pressing down to push all of the air out.
3. Unscrew valve of  the sleeping mat, fold and press down with knees to let all of the air out.
4. Repack the bag: Mat first, then crib.  Pump is stored in it’s own zipper pouch on the side of the backpack.

What’s to Love?

Since taking our first big trip across the country to visit family on the east coast when Bergen was about 3 months old, we’ve found the GoCrib extremely easy and convenient for travel.  Back when we brought along his infant carseat, we also were able to squeeze the GoCrib into the carseat bag to streamline our luggage even more.  Now when we travel with his much larger convertible carseat, the GoCrib even fits into that carseat bag. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, and since it doesn’t have hard parts, it can be added to other bags or parts of the car (when road tripping) without a lot of hassle.

When we finally get to our destination, the last thing we want is to have to take a lot of time to put Bergen’s sleeping area together.  I can assemble the GoCrib in less than 5 minutes, and breaking it down is just as easy.  Even on vacations where we’ve incorporated multiple mini-destinations into the trip, it’s never been an issue to setup and re-setup the crib.

Slaed and I have trekked around the country with Bergen for almost 2 years now, and the GoCrib has held up well.  And we don’t just use the crib when traveling.  Bergen has a playmate who naps at our house twice a week, and he too finds the crib suitable for his sleeping needs.  The fabric is highly durable and it’s made to withstand the elements of sun, sand, and other outdoor factors.  The sides of the crib are made of mesh, creating good airflow throughout the space.  The mesh sides also provide an unobstructed view for us to see Bergen, and for Bergen to look out.  We’ve also found the crib to be very sturdy, and never worry about the boys falling out or tipping it over on it’s side, even when used as a play fort!

I am extremely impressed with the company as a whole, particularly the customer service.  I panicked when the pump suddenly broke on me a few months ago.  We had a trip coming up in just a few days and I needed a working crib! I immediately called Guava Family, and was surprised when a real, live person actually answered the phone. I explained the problem, and the gentlemen took my information, and rushed a replacement pump to our house free of charge. The pump (new and updated) arrived in time for our departure and we all breathed a huge sigh of relief.

What’s to be desired?

Other than the pump issue that I explained above, we’ve really had no complaints about the product.  Bergen has used the GoCrib as his sleep-home-away-from-home on more trips than we can count now, and he’s always managed a good night’s (or nap’s) rest.  We did find that with Bergen just sleeping on the bare mat, it could get a little cold because the mat lays all the way on the ground.  We quickly remedied that though by purchasing a sheet from Guava Family that fits the mat perfectly. Both a regular cotton and a quilted sheet are available to buy separately from the crib.

*Note: While the Go-Crib is no longer available, you can learn more about their current travel cribs on the Guava Family website.

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter! You can also keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email.

• More of our Recommendations for Baby Adventure Gear

• Best Baby Travel Gear