REASONS TO BUY
Fits well in the carry bag
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Not for sleeping
Longer setup
Not machine washable
Dream On Me Travel Light Playard Review
This is not a travel crib and shouldn't be used for sleeping
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: Best Travel Cribs
The Skinny
The Dream On Me Travel Light Playard is not a travel crib, and this could be misleading for consumers, as it was for us, because it looks like other travel cribs! After researching a variety of competitors, we picked the Dream on Me as a contender for travel crib as it frequently comes up in several reviews and purchase sites in the travel crib category. As it looks similar to other cribs on the market, we falsely assumed it was a travel crib. After testing and further research, we discovered the product we bought and tested is not suitable for sleeping babies and the company says it is only appropriate for "brief naps with adult supervision," and little ones should be moved to an appropriate sleep space as soon as possible. We think many parents will be as confused as we were, which is why we left this product in the review. This product should only be used as a play yard, and it should not be used as a sleeping space for any child of any age.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Dream On Me Travel Light Playard | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  | | |
| Price | $90 List $59.99 at Amazon | $300 List $279.99 at Amazon | $280 List $229.95 at Amazon | $120 List $89.99 at Amazon | $80 List $69.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A less expensive play yard but it isn't suitable for sleeping according to the manufacturer | Eco-healthy crib that is easy to use, cozy and portable | Impressive eco-health features and cozy mattress make up for harder folding | Easy on the wallet travel solution that sets up quickly and has an easy access side zipper | Average option for the budget savvy but is somewhat heavy and large |
| Rating Categories | Dream On Me Light P... | BabyBjorn Travel Cr... | Lotus Travel Crib | Baby Joy 2-1 Playpen | Graco Pack 'n Play... |
| Ease of Use (35%) | |||||
| Portability (30%) | |||||
| Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Quality (15%) | |||||
| EcoHealth (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Dream On Me Light P... | BabyBjorn Travel Cr... | Lotus Travel Crib | Baby Joy 2-1 Playpen | Graco Pack 'n Play... |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs | 12.8 lbs | 13.9 lbs | 10.25 lbs | 20.3 lbs (includes bassinet) |
| Crib Dimensions - assembled | 26"H x 24"L x 31"W | 25.5"H x 43.8"L x 32.5"W | 25.5"H x 47.9"L x 32.1"W | 27.5"H x 46"L x 30.5"W | 28.8"H x 41.1"L x 28.6"W |
| Crib Dimensions - closed | 20"H x 24"L x 6"W | 19.5"H x 23.6"L x 6.6"W | 12.6"H x 24.8"L x 9.3"W | 22"H x 24"L x 7"W | 10.6"H x 27.7"L x 10.3"W |
| Age/Height/Weight Limit | 35" or 30 lbs | 3 Years or 35" |
3 Years or 35" |
39" or 33 lbs ~3 Years | 35" or 30 lbs |
| Special Features | None | Removeable Fabric | BackPack Straps on Carry Bag, Removeable Fabric, Fitted Sheet, Side Zipper Opening | Removable Fabric, Side Zipper Opening | Bassinet, Toy Bar, Storage Bag |
| Cleaning Method | Mattress Fabric: Spot Clean Travel Crib Fabric: Spot Clean |
Mattress Fabric: Machine Wash Travel Crib Fabric: Machine Wash |
Mattress Fabric: Machine Wash Travel Crib Fabric: Machine Wash |
Mattress Fabric: Spot Clean Travel Crib Fabric: Spot Clean |
Mattress Fabric: Spot Clean Travel Crib Fabric: Spot Clean |
| Flame Retardant Free | Not Specified | Yes (Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified) | Yes (GREENGUARD GOLD Certified) | Not Specified | No |
| Set Up Time | 2:36 min:sec | 1:37 min:sec | 2:13 min:sec | 1:01 min:sec | 1:47 min:sec |
| Warranty | None | 2 Years | 1 Year | None | 1 Year |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Dream On Me company started as a small store in New Jersey in 1988. Over the years, the company has worked to provide products for families that make parenthood easier. They strive to create good quality products at fair prices to help parents through the stages of babyhood.
Performance Comparison
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
This play yard is more challenging to use than the competition, and it didn't perform well compared to similar designs. This unit takes almost twice as long as the easier competition to set up with a time of 2:36. We like that the mattress attachment is a buckle instead of Velcro and feel it sits firmer in the base than some competitors. In short, it takes more time to set up and take down than most of the other options in the review. The cover is also not machine washable.
NOT a Travel Crib
We cannot state enough that this product is not a travel crib and is not rated as safe for sleeping. Even the manufacturer in answering questions states it is not for long-duration or unsupervised sleeping (i.e., overnight). They say children should be moved to an appropriate sleep surface shortly after falling asleep inside the product. We worry that this product's similarity to popular travel cribs will cause confusion that could lead to potential problems.
We cannot state enough that this product is not a travel crib and is not rated as safe for sleeping. Even the manufacturer in answering questions states it is not for long-duration or unsupervised sleeping (i.e., overnight). They say children should be moved to an appropriate sleep surface shortly after falling asleep inside the product. We worry that this product's similarity to popular travel cribs will cause confusion that could lead to potential problems.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Portability
This is a very lightweight portable play yard (not a travel crib) that folds fairly small. It is easy to take on travel, and it fits well in the carry bag it comes with. It weighs a little over 10 lbs and measures 20"H x 24"L x 6"W when in the travel bag.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
This play yard is not the most comfortable as the bottom surface is hard corrugated plastic and a polyethylene foam pad on top.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The foam is easy to compress, which results in little ones essentially sitting directly on the hard plastic. A denser foam would provide a more comfortable surface.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The Dream on Me quality is better than what you'd expect for the lower price. It is on the budget-friendly side for a play yard, and if you need a smaller play yard, it could be something to consider given the better overall quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
In general, all the parts and moving components are stiffer than the competition, but they feel sturdy and don't wobble. The legs are thick and sturdy, and the fabric fits the frame well. The stitching is hidden, and it uses higher quality buckles, where other products use Velcro. It doesn't have any zippers or other connectors, so there is less worry about breaking components. The fabric isn't as friendly as we'd like, and little ones may find it less touch-friendly than the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Eco-health
As most companies concerned about eco-health like to brag about their efforts, we did not find any such bragging for the Dream on Me. There is nothing on their website, product page, or the product itself to indicate any special consideration for using healthier materials for babies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This leads us to assume that they do not use materials with eco-health in mind. The tag on the mattress says 100% polyethylene foam, which is typically slightly better than polyurethane for off-gassing. Still, we have no details or further information about any component used in this product.
Manufacturer Video
—
Wendy Schmitz
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