When it comes to baby gear, there’s a versatile item that goes by many names: pack ‘n play, playard, playpen, or travel bed. With such a wide range of options available, finding the perfect fit for your family’s specific needs is important.
To make your search easier, we’ve carefully examined the top models, considering different pack ‘n plays styles. We aimed to identify high-quality playards that cater to various situations. Whether you have a newborn, twins, or a toddler, frequently travel, have limited space for sleeping arrangements, prefer plenty of accessories, or simply desire something straightforward, we’ve discovered a diverse selection of pack ‘n play options that could be just right for you.
Our Top Picks
Graco Pack’ N Play Tasha
Best for Newborns
This playard is a comprehensive solution for your infant’s needs, sparing you the hassle and expense of purchasing multiple items. Alongside the playard, it features a convenient removable bassinet in various colors to seamlessly blend with your decor.
Notably, the toy bars included in this playard work wonders in calming fussy babies. Many satisfied users have praised the durability of the bassinet.
However, it’s worth noting that if you desire a mattress, it must be purchased separately. The mattress can be set at a higher position for newborns to serve as a bassinet. Alternatively, you can lower it to use the playard as a safe play area. Additionally, there’s a practical built-in organizer on the side of the playard, perfect for storing wipes, keys, or toys.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of this playard:
Pros:
- Equipped with a delightful toy station to keep your baby entertained.
- Features a convenient push-button fold system for effortless setup and takedown.
- Comes with a handy carrying case for easy transportation.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, a mattress is not included with the purchase.
Evenflo Portable Babysuite Deluxe Playard
Most Simple
If you’re in need of a secure play area for your child while you’re busy cooking dinner or catching up with a friend, this pack ‘n play is an excellent choice. It offers great versatility with five attractive color options and a convenient carry case for travel purposes. Weighing close to 20 pounds, it even gives you a bit of a workout while transporting it.
Setting up this pack ‘n play is a breeze; no tools are required. Simply lock the rails into place and push down on the floor. Folding it down is just as effortless. Just lift the rails and pull the floor handle to collapse the playard. For added convenience, it’s equipped with wheels, allowing you to move it from room to room effortlessly.
The mesh siding is a notable feature, providing you with a clear view of your child while ensuring they can see their surroundings from a safe space.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this pack ‘n play:
Pros:
- The fabric is easy to wipe clean, making maintenance a breeze.
- Capable of accommodating a child weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Comes with a washable carrying case for convenient transportation.
- Includes a play mat and mini mobile to entertain your little one.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the mattress is not included, requiring a separate purchase.
- Some users may find it slightly challenging to secure the lock in place.
Lotus Travel Play-Yard
Best for Toddlers
As your baby ages, certain things become easier, like sleeping through the night and improving communication. However, one challenge that arises is controlling their movement.
This pack ‘n play serves as both a playard and a travel crib, offering versatility to accommodate your needs. When used as a playard, you can keep the mesh siding closed, providing a secure space for your child while you attend to other tasks. Alternatively, you can unzip one side, giving them more freedom and room to explore.
For sleeping purposes, the mattress lays directly on the ground. This feature allows older children, up to three years of age, to safely nap or sleep through the night. Weighing a mere 11 pounds, this pack ‘n play is incredibly lightweight and convenient to carry.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this pack ‘n play:
Pros:
- Comes with a backpack carrying case, freeing up both of your arms for other tasks.
- Greenguard Gold certified, ensuring minimal chemical emissions for a healthier environment.
- Includes a soft foam mattress approved for use by both infants and toddlers.
- Backed by a two-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Cons:
- Lacks additional features such as a changing pad or bassinet.
Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center
Best for Twins
For many parents, a pack ‘n play is their baby’s initial crib. These compact cribs are ideal for fitting in the parents’ room beside their bed. However, sharing a room can become more challenging when blessed with twins.
Enter this nursing center, designed to address this very issue. It allows you to keep one crib in the room while providing separate bassinets for both babies. The bassinets are equipped with canopies, offering protection against noise and light disturbances. Moreover, they can be easily detached and used as standalone rockers.
During the day, you can remove the bassinets and utilize a changing table and diaper holder. The changing table conveniently hangs off the side when not used, granting your little ones an open playard for playtime. The playard is suitable for children weighing up to 30 pounds, while the bassinets can comfortably accommodate babies weighing up to 15 pounds.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of this nursing center:
Pros:
- A comprehensive range of pack ‘n play features is available in the market.
- Features an electronic console with music, sounds, and vibration options for added soothing effects.
- Equipped with wheels, making it effortlessly portable from room to room.
- Comes with a convenient carrying bag for hassle-free transportation.
Cons:
- The nursing center’s weight can be a drawback when carrying it, as it weighs 41 pounds.
Graco Travel Lite Crib
Best for Small Spaces
Living in a city brings numerous advantages, but limited space is a common challenge. If you find yourself in this situation, there are still pack ‘n plays available that can perfectly suit your apartment or condo.
This travel crib stands out as it is 20% smaller than typical playards, making it a great space-saving solution. Weighing a mere 19 pounds, it is also incredibly lightweight and convenient to carry around.
Regarding sleep mode, the mattress offers three adjustable height levels, allowing you to adapt it as your baby grows. The mattress can safely accommodate a baby up to 35 inches tall at ground level.
Additionally, this crib features a removable canopy that serves a dual purpose. It provides shade outdoors and blocks out excess light indoors. The canopy even includes two soft toys to entertain your little one while lying down.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of this travel crib:
Pros:
- Equipped with wheels for effortless portability, making moving from room to room easy.
- Comes with a firm mattress approved for use by newborns and infants, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Features a convenient push-button fold system, allowing for easy packing and storage.
- Includes a carrying case for hassle-free transportation.
Cons:
- Lacks additional features like a changing pad, which may be a consideration depending on your specific needs.
Baby Jogger City Suite Multi-Level Playard
Best Deluxe Playard
When meeting all your baby’s needs, this pack ‘n play has got you covered. It seamlessly combines sleep, play, and diaper changes into one versatile solution. Designed to grow with your child, this playard offers exceptional adaptability. But that’s not all—a few extra features make this product stand out.
The playard effortlessly transforms into a convenient baby bassinet, making it an ideal choice for parents with limited bedroom space. This versatile functionality ensures you can keep your little one close during those early months. Plus, the bonus of being lightweight makes it perfect for travel and on-the-go use. You can easily transport it using the included carry bag.
We all know that accidents happen when it comes to babies, which is why the fabric of this playard and bassinet is designed for easy cleaning. You can swiftly tackle any spills or messes with just a quick wipe.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this pack ‘n play:
Pros:
- Combines multiple baby products into one, providing convenience and versatility.
- Remarkably lightweight, making it easy to move and transport.
- Features an elevated bassinet for added comfort and accessibility.
Cons:
- Currently available in a single color option, limiting personalization choices.
How to Choose a Pack ‘n Play
When it comes to pack ‘n plays, many options are available, each offering its own set of features. It’s important to take some time to consider your daily routines and how you intend to use the pack ‘n play to make an informed decision and select the perfect one for your family’s needs.
Changing Pad
Parents often encounter challenges when it comes to changing their babies in public. Unfortunately, many men’s bathrooms lack changing tables, and even in parks, these facilities are often absent. I have resorted to changing my baby in the trunk of my car on numerous occasions.
Fortunately, many pack ‘n plays come equipped with a changing pad attachment, providing a convenient and clean changing station wherever you go. Whether the pack ‘n play is set up in your living room or any other accessible area, you can easily change your baby immediately without transporting them back to their designated room. Moreover, the beauty of the changing pad attachment lies in its portability. You can bring it along even if you’re not using the pack ‘n play itself, ensuring you always have a reliable solution for diaper changes.
Bassinet
Certain pack ‘n plays offer the added feature of a bassinet. If you opt for one of these models, the bassinet will rest on top of the pack ‘n play, securely connected to the outer rails. When your child isn’t using it, you can easily remove the bassinet to regain full access to the pack ‘n play.
This bassinet option is particularly beneficial for parents who desire their newborn to sleep in their room during the initial months but may be constrained by limited space, making a full-sized crib impractical. Some bassinets within these pack ‘n plays can even serve as comfortable rocker chairs during the day, providing versatility beyond sleep arrangements.
Playard
Certain pack ‘n plays offer the added feature of a bassinet. If you opt for one of these models, the bassinet will rest on top of the pack ‘n play, securely connected to the outer rails. When your child isn’t using it, you can easily remove the bassinet to regain full access to the pack ‘n play.
This bassinet option is particularly beneficial for parents who desire their newborn to sleep in their room during the initial months but may be constrained by limited space, making a full-sized crib impractical. Some bassinets within these pack ‘n plays can even serve as comfortable rocker chairs during the day, providing versatility beyond sleep arrangements.
Pack ‘n Play Playard FAQS
Can I adjust the height of the mattress in a Pack ‘n Play Playard?
Yes, many Pack ‘n Play Playards come with adjustable mattress heights to accommodate growing babies and provide easy access for parents.
Are Pack ‘n Play Playards safe for babies?
Pack ‘n Play Playards are designed with safety in mind. They meet safety standards and often have features like secure railings, sturdy construction, and breathable materials.
How long can my child use a Pack ‘n Play Playard?
The duration of use will vary depending on the specific model and its weight and height limits. Most Pack ‘n Play Playards can be used until the child reaches a certain weight or height limit, typically around 30 pounds or 35 inches.
Pack ‘n Play Playards offer a versatile and convenient solution for parents seeking a safe space for their little ones to play, nap, and sleep. With various features, a Pack ‘n Play Playard is available to suit your family’s specific needs.