When I had my first baby, a friend gifted me the Lotus Travel Crib made by Guava Family. I didn’t realize it at the time, but almost three years later it has proven one of the most used items from my initial pregnancy.
Some maternity presents get destroyed, like bibs and bottles. Others eventually get outgrown, such as t-shirts and rompers.
A choice few, however, stand the test of time and remain useful for the long haul.
Enter the Lotus. When the dust settled, this crib was left standing tall (or put more aptly it was left folded up and stuffed into a little 15lb backpack).
Our family has used this mini tank in various situations over the span of 2 children, and it’s withstood all the punishment.
Both at home and on the go, there are a few drawbacks, but mostly just a lot to love. This is my honest review of the Guava Lotus Travel Crib.
Pros and Cons:
What makes Lotus Travel Crib stand out?
1. Portability
The best thing about the Lotus travel crib (or pack n play), hands down, is how easily transportable the whole unit is.
I guess this shouldn’t come as a surprise — it does have the word ‘Travel’ right there in the name.
I am the queen of setting up something, then days (possibly minutes) later deciding it’s just not in the right location.
Our family recently purchased a little table and chairs for the two toddlers and set it up in the corner of our living room.
Perfect spot, right. It started getting used for arts and crafts, soon crusty playdough is all over the family room – this thing NEEDS to get moved!
After a couple transitions, the table now resides on the tile floor of the laundry room.
The Lotus Travel Crib is such a breeze to move around, I have no fear of setting it down and then moments later pulling an audible.
The setup is so quick and hassle-free. Taking it out of the pack and assembling is intuitive and easy right from the get-go.
If you lost the instruction manual it would not be an issue, it’s ‘so easy a caveman could do it’.
As straightforward as setup is, there is actually a visual instruction tag showcasing the 6 steps to complete setup attached right to the unit itself — so I cannot possibly lose it as I do with every other instruction manual.
The Lotus is lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for travel. While remaining sturdy, made of aluminum this crib weighs only 15lbs.
The travel crib carry bag comes with backpack straps to help lug it around hands free.
Be it airport travel or hiking in the wild, you will be hard-pressed to find anything that matches the portability of the Lotus.
2. Sturdy Structure Ensures Safety and Durability
For something so light, it really is solid. The way the legs pop out, very ergonomic, with these big snap hinges — it takes some real muscle to tip it over.
The pack n play has 4 clips that connect the mattress to outside frame, which really helps keep everything in place.
My youngest boy is rambunctious, and I’ve never had an issue with the crib tottering over, the Guava has withstood his roughhousing (so far).
He’s still under two years old, and although there’s no weight restrictions on the Lotus, I think things might get dicey by age 3 — the recommended age limit.
When my kids share a room together we put baby brother in the Lotus Travel Crib, despite his reaching for his sister the unit stays firm and does not tip.
3. Zippered Side Door for Easy Access
For naps, my husband prefers to keep this closed, choosing to bend over and plop sleeping baby inside.
I find this hurts my back, and opt to have the side door open – I will take a knee while transitioning baby into the crib.
Quick (and quiet) zip up, while I tip toe into away for some mommy time.
For some reason, I find this side door also adds a sense of wonder for the kids. It creates a safe-space vibe as opposed to kids viewing the crib as some type of containment zone.
I’m not sure why but our 2-year-old loves running in and out, preferring to hang out in the crib during spans of free play.
It makes the Lotus feel like a real piece of furniture, morphing from zip down any-child (or dog/cat) can-go-in-and-out-mode to the durable safe crib for one that you expect it to be.
4. Greenguard Gold Certified
A certification typically associated with more heavy-duty furnishings, the team at Guava went above and beyond to create a crib free of many volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
5. Doesn’t Get Dirty
Aside from the mattress sheet which requires frequent washing, the netting itself doesn’t require much cleaning.
Our youngest boy is apt to ‘gnaw’ on the top railing, which has required some spot cleaning, but for our older girl sheet changes were all that was needed.
When it is time for a clean, the padding and netting can be quickly removed for wash. 4 hidden zippers disconnect the padding from top frame.
A button clip on each leg also detach (with a little effort), and leave you with the machine washable cloth netting.
What can Lotus Travel Crib Improve On?
Higher Price Point Compared to Alternatives
Right now, the Lotus Travel Crib is selling on their website for $229.95. This is the lowest offering, which does not include any of the accessories aside from the backpack.
The middle bundle comes with a Crib Sheet and Fun Shade. The highest bundle, currently at $344.75, includes a Crib Sheet, Fun Shade, Plush Quilted Sheet, plus the Mosquito Net.
For comparison, competitors typically range from $80-$200. The Lotus is compared a lot to the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light, which currently sells for $299.00 (fitted sheet and carry bag included).
Floor Resting
Since the travel crib has a floor-resting mattress, there is no weight limit. I do find however that in colder rooms, this needs to be taken into consideration.
My daughter’s room is above the garage, and I make sure to put ample padding underneath to keep from a cool lower surface (once child was at least 1 years old as this is not recommended with children younger).
I have a thin padded mattress I place under the Guava Lotus Travel Crib when it’s used on cold nights in my daughter’s room.
This should be noted if you’re planning on setting the Lotus up in an uncarpeted room.
Is the floor too hard, and will baby movement create noise? Not really a con, just something to keep in mind as it could affect sleep.
Of the accessories available for purchase, I have heard the quilted sheet is a good way to manage these issues (currently sold separately for $34.95).
A little Umph Required
Even when folded up properly and placed in the bag, no joke it does take a little prodding and squeezing to zip everything up.
I love how straightforward and quick break down is, but this is the only part when a little muscle (get over here hubby) is helpful.
Other Moms Experience and Reviews:
Worth every penny (From Guava Family)
The floor mattress system is preferable to competitors that ‘raise baby up’. Guava Family boasts that this leads to less noise and shake as baby sleeps, while also allowing for a quicker more compact break down.
Used it to Transition from Cosleeping – And it Worked! (From Amazon)
The quick review: We use this travel crib as our daughter’s main sleeping space, and it works great. She is 9 months old, and we transitioned her from cosleeping to this crib with minimal effort. If you are looking to transition from cosleeping (or like the idea but do not want/cannot have baby in your bed) this is the answer.
Choose over Bjorn (From Amazon)
I have twins about to go on first plane trip. Was split between silver cross, guava and bjorn cribs. Ended up ordering both bjorn and guava and returned the bjorn got a second guava. Guava way more reasonable for portability and infant sleeping. Quality of materials more lux and cheaper. Bjorn was huge though same weight. Materials felt cheaper. The matress was softer on the bjorn but very compressible where I could feel the plastic beneath easily. The guava is slightly thinner but more dense harder to feel plastic. The guava matress was not as bad as people made it and the bjorn mattress did not live up to expectations. Bjorn easier to break down but guava breaks more compact. I feel safer with the guava matress for infants and like side entrance. Either is good but guava all the way wasn’t even close for us.
Wrapping Up:
The Lotus Travel Crib strikes an impressive balance between being lightweight for transport and sturdy enough to provide a safe sleeping environment.
It’s an excellent choice for parents valuing ease and reliability.
While this crib is the truly top of the line for traveling families, it should be noted that it serves many purposes.
I keep it set up in the house — as playpen for my youngest or a spot for babies visiting our home.
I effortlessly move the crib outside on the patio when our extended family joins us on summer days.
The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is an ideal companion for the family on the go, offering peace of mind through its sturdy build and convenience.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, its benefits far outweigh the cons, making it a wise investment for the traveling family.
I am considering having a third so I’ll keep it for now, but the Lotus has kept wonderfully, I could easily give it to any expecting friend.
