Navigating the world of baby gear can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to travel cribs. As a parent who frequently travels with three young children, I’ve had extensive experience with various travel cribs and play yards. The Newton Travel Crib and Play Yard stands out in a crowded market, offering unique features that cater to both safety and convenience. If you’re seeking a travel crib that is not only portable but also prioritizes breathability, washability, and provides ample space for your growing child, then the Newton Travel Crib deserves a closer look.
For parents needing a quick overview, the Newton travel crib distinguishes itself through its breathable design, fully washable components, GREENGUARD GOLD certification, organic materials, and a notably larger size compared to traditional travel cribs. This expanded size makes it ideal for toddlers and functions exceptionally well as a play yard for babies exploring their mobility. It’s a versatile investment designed to extend well beyond the infant stage.
Ready to purchase? Newton Baby is offering a $35 discount with code STROLLER35. Use the link below to claim your savings!
Still undecided? Keep reading for an in-depth exploration of its features and benefits.
Note: I received this travel crib as a sample, but all opinions are based on my genuine experience. This review also includes affiliate links, which support my family at no extra cost to you.
How Does the Newton Travel Crib Stack Up Against Other Travel Cribs?
Happy baby playing safely in a breathable Newton Travel Crib play yard, highlighting its use for young children and safe play.
My journey with travel cribs began when I was building my registry for my first child during the pandemic. Budget constraints led us to choose a more basic, affordable travel crib. While it served its purpose, it quickly became apparent that not all travel cribs are created equal. In fact, our first travel crib became our primary crib in our bedroom for the initial months, highlighting the importance of choosing a quality option from the start.
During a conversation with my husband about baby product regrets, he immediately mentioned our initial travel crib, expressing a desire for a model that was easier to assemble and disassemble. Fast forward to baby number three, and we’ve upgraded to the Newton Travel Crib. The difference is remarkable. Beyond its travel-friendly design, the Newton boasts features that simplify use and enhance sleep safety, making it a significant upgrade from standard pack-n-plays.
Cost and Specifications: Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard
- Price: $299 (with the 2023 version often on sale for $199)
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Dimensions (Overall): 51” x 34.5” x 28.5”
- Dimensions (Folded): 35” x 12.5” x 11” (remarkably compact for storage)
- Weight Limit: None, as it rests directly on the floor
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- Price: $99
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Dimensions (Bassinet): 31.5” x 19.5” x 8”
- Dimensions (Folded Bassinet): 20.5” x 9.5” x 9”
- Max Weight (Bassinet): 15lbs
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold Certified
The Standout Feature: Size and Play Yard Functionality
Side-by-side comparison of Newton Travel Crib, Graco Pack 'n Play, and Guava Family Lotus, showcasing the Newton's potentially larger size and different design.
The Newton Travel Crib lives up to its name by being one of the largest travel cribs available. The inclusion of “play yard” in its name is deliberate and accurate. Its generous size, combined with its easy-to-clean design, makes it an excellent washable portable playpen for mobile babies. I previously avoided using my standard pack-n-play as a play yard and opted for a separate, larger playpen instead. However, with my third baby now crawling, the Newton Travel Crib has seamlessly transitioned into a living room play yard, effectively containing her explorations and keeping her safely away from pet hazards.
The size advantage extends beyond infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in cribs until the age of 3. Most traditional pack-n-plays, often sized like mini cribs, become too small for toddlers around age 2. I recall a vacation where my tall two-year-old (99th percentile for height) had to sleep curled up in a standard pack-n-play – a situation I wish could have been avoided with a larger travel crib like the Newton.
Ready to upgrade to a more spacious travel crib? Newton Baby is offering a $35 discount with code STROLLER35.
Does the SlumberPod Fit Over the Newton Travel Crib?
SlumberPod privacy cover successfully fitted over the Newton Travel Crib, illustrating compatibility for darkened sleep environments while traveling.
Yes! A frequent question I receive on social media is whether the SlumberPod (save 10% with this link) is compatible with the Newton Travel Crib. I can confirm that the SlumberPod fits perfectly, creating a darkened and private sleep environment for your child while traveling.
Air Travel Considerations: Does Size Matter?
While the larger size of the Newton Travel Crib is a significant advantage in many respects, it does result in a larger folded footprint for storage (though it remains lightweight at only 17 lbs). If you are a frequent flyer or rely heavily on public transportation, you might consider a more compact option. However, for most families with young children, ultra-compact travel gear is not always practical.
In my experience with semi-regular travel, roughly 99% of accommodations, including hotels and Airbnbs, provide a pack-n-play or crib. I have never needed to fly with my own travel crib. For road trips and destination stays, the Newton Travel Crib’s size and features far outweigh any minor inconvenience in portability.
Additional Reasons to Love the Newton Travel Crib:
1. Effortless Setup and Breakdown
The updated design of the Newton Travel Crib prioritizes ease of assembly and disassembly. Among the travel cribs I’ve tested, it is the most intuitive and straightforward to set up. My husband’s primary complaint about our previous travel crib was the difficult setup process. Newton addresses this with a user-friendly design, complemented by QR codes inside the storage bag linking to helpful how-to videos.
2. Breathable and Fully Washable Design
Baby enjoying playtime in a spacious Newton Travel Crib play yard with toys, demonstrating its use as a safe and comfortable play space.
True to the Newton brand, this travel crib utilizes Newton’s signature Wovenaire® technology. This innovative material is designed to be exceptionally breathable, allowing air to circulate freely and ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety. Our family tested its breathability firsthand, and I can attest to its superior airflow and comfortable feel compared to the rigid cardboard bases of traditional pack-n-plays.
The complete washability of the Newton Travel Crib is a standout feature. Sheets are optional because the crib cover is easily removable and machine washable (washing separately is recommended). The core itself can be cleaned in a sink, bathtub, or shower, simplifying hygiene and keeping the sleep environment bacteria-free. While Newton Baby sells fitted sheets designed for the crib, standard crib sheets are not compatible due to the unique mattress attachment system.
3. Prioritizing Safety
The Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard has undergone independent testing by an accredited laboratory and is certified to not pose a significant suffocation risk. Unlike many play yards, its design emphasizes breathability for enhanced baby safety. Furthermore, it is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring minimal chemical emissions and promoting healthier indoor air quality. As a parent focused on low-tox living since having children, these safety certifications are paramount, and I am willing to invest more in baby products that contribute to a safer environment for my children.
Close-up of the toddler-proof zipper button on the Newton Travel Crib, a key safety feature preventing accidental unzipping by children.
Another notable safety feature is the toddler-proof zipper lock, preventing older children from unzipping the play yard independently.
4. Larger and More Versatile Space
Offering the largest surface area among travel cribs, the Newton Play Yard provides ample room for babies to sleep more comfortably and play freely. As mentioned earlier, this expanded size is a primary benefit, ensuring longevity and usability as your child grows. Even my very tall four-year-old could comfortably sleep in it if needed.
For added versatility during the newborn months, an optional zip-in bassinet insert is available. If you intend to use the Newton Travel Crib as a primary sleep space for your baby’s first few months, the optional bassinet insert is a worthwhile addition. It folds compactly and includes a convenient travel bag for storage and transport.
Final Thoughts
The Newton Travel Crib and premium Play Yard transcends typical baby gear; it represents a lasting investment in your child’s safety, comfort, and overall well-being. Whether used at home or during travels, this adaptable crib provides both parents and babies with peace of mind and convenience throughout the travel crib years and beyond.
Ready to purchase? Newton Baby is offering a $35 discount with code STROLLER35.
