Guava Lotus Travel Crib: Mom of 5 Honest Review

Looking for an honest Guava Lotus travel crib review? As a mom of 5, I’ve tested it through naps, trips, and everyday life. Here’s what you should know before buying.

**Just a real mom review, I bought this travel crib myself, and after using it on trips and at home, I wanted to share what’s truly been helpful (and what hasn’t).

Outgrowing the Bassinet: What’s Next?

When our fifth baby started outgrowing his bassinet, I knew it was time to find a new sleep setup, but I wasn’t quite ready to move him into the crib in the shared room with his big brothers just yet.

Our old Pack and Play had been through it (eight years and multiple kids later, the mattress was torn, the fabric stained… it had definitely seen better days), so I figured it was finally time for something new.

I started researching travel cribs, not just for home use, but because as a military family living far from relatives, we do a lot of traveling.

We needed something lightweight, easy to pack (and carry through airports) and comfortable enough for naps at Grandma’s & Grandpa’s or even quick weekend getaways.

That’s when I came across the Guava Lotus Travel Crib, and after using it daily, I’ve got a lot to share.

Here’s my honest review, mom to mom, what worked for us, what didn’t, and whether I think it’s actually worth the price.

What Is the Guava Lotus Travel Crib?

While researching sleep solutions for my soon-to-be 4-month-old, I wanted something that offered more space than a bassinet but didn’t require moving him into the crib just yet.

That’s when I found the Guava Lotus Travel Crib.

It felt like the perfect in-between, something that could help us through this little transition at home and work beautifully for travel.

If it could do both, I figured it was worth trying.

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is a lightweight, fully foldable travel crib that is designed for families (like us!) that need safe sleep solutions for baby.

It folds down flat and is designed to be carried as a backpack.

I love that it combines the comfort of a traditional crib with the convenience of a travel-friendly design, it’s perfect for families on the move, weekend trips, or easing baby into bigger sleeping spaces without a full nursery transition.

Why I chose the Guava Lotus

After researching travel cribs and having firsthand experience with the good ol’ Pack and Play, I knew I needed something different this time around.

With five kids in tow, I’m often juggling babies, bags, snacks, and whatever else the day throws at me.

Sometimes I travel solo with all of them, so the idea of hauling a bulky, heavy play yard just wasn’t going to cut it. I’ve tried toting that thing around more times than I can count and it’s just heavy and bulky and not realistic with 5 kids.

So what really sold me on the Guava Lotus was how lightweight and portable it is.

It folds down compactly and can be worn as a backpack, which means I can keep both hands free, which is essential when wrangling little ones through an airport or in and out of the car.

I also loved that it’s made with non-toxic materials, has breathable mesh sides, and doesn’t have a weight limit, which means it’ll grow with our baby well past the infant stage.

I needed something that would work for everyday sleep in our bedroom while we waited to transition him into the shared room with his brothers.

And the fact that it could also double as a travel crib for the occasional weekend getaway was a huge bonus and the Guava Lotus checked both boxes.

First Impressions & Setup

The Guava Lotus actually arrived earlier than expected and I was so thankful it did.

We had an unexpected issue at home which meant we were staying in a hotel for the night, and I hadn’t even unboxed the travel crib yet (it was still sitting by my front door).

I grabbed it straight from the box and loaded it into the van, hoping it would be as easy to use as people said.

Right away, I could tell it was designed with parents in mind. It was lightweight, compact, and didn’t feel bulky at all. The backpack straps were locked nicely within a zipper pocket.

I’ll admit, I was a little anxious about setting it up. If you’ve ever dealt with a Pack and Play, you know how frustrating those things can be to open and close. I swear ever time I use it, it’s just a massive headache.

But to my surprise, the Guava Lotus was so simple to put together. Even at the end of a chaotic day, I had it up in just a couple minutes with no wrestling involved.

It made a stressful situation feel just a little easier, and that alone made a big first impression.

Real-Life Use

The first time I laid my baby down in the Guava Lotus, I immediately noticed how much more room he had compared to his bassinet.

It was especially helpful that evening while I was trying to get the big kids ready for bed, he was content, smiling, rolling around, and chatting to himself like it was his new favorite hangout spot.

He even slept well that first night, which felt like a total win.

Once we got back home, I set the crib up in our bedroom, and it’s been part of our daily routine ever since.

I love that it gives him space to move and stretch while still feeling safe and cozy.

It’s been great for naps, nighttime sleep, and even as a safe place to set him down while I’m getting things done.

So far, it’s worked perfectly for this in-between stage, more freedom than a bassinet, but still close by while we wait to transition him into the crib in the shared room with his brothers.

What I Loved

There’s a lot to love about the Guava Lotus, especially as a mom who’s constantly juggling a baby and everything else life throws at me.

Here are the standout featuers that made this travel crib a win in our home:

Lightweight: 15 lbs (including the carry bag) compared to 18.7 lbs of a Pack N Play.

Side Zipper: I’ll admit, I didn’t totally get the hype about the side zipper at first. But after using it? I’m sold. There have been plenty of nights where my baby just needed me close, and the side zipper made it so much easier to be there for him. I can unzip it and lay right next to the crib, comforting him without awkward reaching or bending. It’s one of those little features that makes a big difference when you’re in the thick of it. It’s also really nice while traveling and baby needs just a little extra comfort from you to fall asleep.

Backpack Carrying Case: When it comes to travel gear, it has to be easy to carry and this crib delivers. It folds down into a compact size and fits into a backpack-style carrying case. Trust me, when you’re navigating airports or weaving through hotel hallways, having your hands free for your kids makes all the difference. The backpack carry makes it so much more manageable.

Cleaning: Cleaning this crib is another major win. The company really thought it through for parents, something I always appreciate. You can easily unzip the fabric shell from the frame and toss it in the washing machine (yes, machine washable!). The mattress is waterproof, and the metal legs wipe down in seconds. When you’re dealing with spills, spit-up, or just everyday messes, that kind of design makes a big difference.

Setup & Breakdown: One of my favorite features of the Guava is how incredibly easy it is to set up and take down, especially when you’re juggling kids, bags, and everything else.

There’s even a little instructions tag right on the frame (genius!).

To set it up, you just expand the sides to pop the frame open, then push the legs out until they lock.

To break it down, you pull a small lever on the frame and push the star corner to the star corner and the moon corner to the moon corner (yes, it’s actually labeled like that, so helpful). Then fold in the legs and you’re done.

What I Didn’t Love

Sheets aren’t included: One thing I didn’t love? The sheet isn’t included. I always get a little annoyed when you buy a product and then realize you have to buy extra pieces just to use it comfortably and this is one of those cases. Technically you could use it without a sheet, but let’s be real… no one wants to do that. That said, I did purchase the plush quilted fitted sheet, and it’s incredibly soft, like, I’d sleep on it myself if I could.

Price Point: The biggest downside for me is the price. The crib is $299, and the fitted sheet, sold separately is $34. And let’s be honest, you’re probably going to need at least two. I ended up buying a second sheet because… well, late-night accidents are just part of life with a baby. For the price, I do wish at least one sheet was included. That said, the quality and design really are impressive, so if you travel often or plan to use it regularly, it starts to feel worth it.

Final Verdict: Is the Guava Lotus Worth it?

If you travel often, visit family, or just want a high-quality, easy-to-use travel crib that won’t make you break a sweat at setup, yes, it’s worth it.

The Guava is an investment, but for our family, the ease of setup, the comfort, and the ability to travel light (hello, backpack carry!) make it one we haven’t regretted.

Would I buy it again? 100% yes.

If you’re looking to save money, consider watching for holiday sales and open-box options on Amazon!

Where to Buy + Tips

If you’re ready to order, the Guava Family website offers a few bundle options on their site depending on your needs, and how many extras you want included from the start:

• Travel Crib: This is just the travel crib which includes a mattress and the carrying case.
• Everyday Essentials Bundle (save $74): This includes crib, cotton fitted sheet, and a fun shade canopy.
• Adventure and Travel Bundle (save $101): This includes the crib, a quilted sheet, mosquito net, and fun shade. It adds comfort and a bit of protections for naps in all kinds of spaces.

You can also find their products on Amazon.

I personally went with Amazon at the time because I wanted quick delivery, I was able to get next-day delivery through amazon although they do not have the bundles available.

I also purchased their quilted sheet, which just let me say is super soft!

The Baby Gear I’d Buy Again (And Again)

In the end, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib checks all the boxes, lightweight, easy to set up, and built for real-life parenting moments.

It’s not just another piece of baby gear; it’s one of those rare finds that actually makes life (and travel) simpler. For our family, it’s been worth every penny, and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.

If you’re in the season of packing diaper bags, folding tiny clothes, and trying to simplify travel with littles like me, this crib just gets it.

If you’re all about simplifying mom life and finding products that truly help, you’ll love this post on our most-used newborn baby gear, real-life favorites that make the chaos just a little cozier.

For more on motherhood, cozy recipes, family-friendly travel, homemaking tips, and seasonal inspiration, you can find me over on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube. I’d love to have you along!

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps make your next trip (or nap time) a little bit easier.

Until next time, Tandra 🤍

Last update on 2026-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API