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Babies put a smile on our faces. We look at them and can’t help wondering what they’re thinking and what they’re trying to communicate.

From birth to toddlerhood, babies need extreme protection and extra care. A playard is a useful tool for raising a child because it keeps your kids out of harm’s way when left unattended.

Pack and Plays make day-to-day babysitting healthy, fun, and safe for everyone. 

Nowadays, many companies have gotten into playard production. In this article, we have chosen the 11 best pack n plays for newborns and toddlers.

In order to provide our own take on these products, we have tested them in various conditions. So hang on tight and find out which Playard is the best choice for your newborn or toddler.

Do I Really Need a Playard?

Before we begin, we want you, our readers, to be clear about the purpose of getting a playard for your toddlers.

Because that would not only determine whether you should get one(spoiler alert: you should) but also help you choose the right pack and play that fulfills those needs.

A playard or pack’n’play is a piece of furniture designed for newborn babies or toddlers to prevent them from any self-inducing harm while their parents or guardians are away.

This furniture is multiple cornered, usually two to three feet long, while traditionally made of wood, it is made of plastic, mesh, and nylon sides now mostly. 

Some Pack’N’Play comes with a bassinet which is made of a thin and firm mattress used for sleeping spaces for the babies.

Some are convertible to arrange it according to the needs, some have portability features. Newborn babies or toddlers can sleep in the playard, play games inside it, eat food while being protective of other environmental hazards. With all those advantages, playards or pack n plays make a must-have necessity for babies. 

Best Pack n Play – Top Brands Reviewed in 2020

best pack n play

 

1. Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX, Abbington 

Graco Pack 'n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX, Abbington

Specifications

Brand:Graco
Weight:34.5 pounds
Dimension:28.5 x 40 x 33.3 inches
Batteries:3 AA Batteries needed
Battery Life:4 hours
Maximum weight carriable:30 pounds
Portability:Yes
 
Pros

  • Portable seats with a capacity to hold up to 18 lbs 
  • Very flexible to move it across the house and into different rooms
  • Features a changing station
  • Has a storage organizer built within for keeping things like change of clothes, diapers and other baby essentials
  • Includes a removable bassinet
  • Offers 2 speed soothing vibration for both the bouncer and the baby sea
  • Has a sound system
Cons

  • Assembly is comparatively difficult 
  • Some customers have raised concerns for its durability 
  • Is relatively expensive 
  • The mattress is relatively thin

The famous baby-product brand ‘Graco’ once again enters the market with its product ‘Graco Pack N Play Snuggle Suite LX. This playard is by definition a modern one and has got all the catchy and flashy features you need. 

While in the paper, this one sounds and looks amazing, it has some issues to go over too. It is recommended to consider the pros and cons before purchasing this product. 

If you have a big budget for a flashy playard, then Graco Pack N play Snuggle Suite might be the answer for you. 

Shop now at Amazon.com

 

2. Lotus Travel Crib 

Lotus Travel Crib - Backpack Portable, Lightweight, Easy to Pack Play-Yard with Comfortable Mattress - Certified Baby Safe

Specifications

Brand:Guava Family
Weight:12 pounds
Dimension:46 x 31 x 25.5 inches
Batteries:Not needed
Maximum weight recommendation:Weight not restricted
Material Type:Phthalate-free, BPA free, lead-free
 
Pros 

  • Very lightweight weights 13 pounds only packed 
  • Can be contained in a backpack carrying case to travel with it 
  • It has been certified gold non-toxic by GreenGuard 
  • Has a size zipper door which makes it easy to access the baby 
  • Mesh sides are designed for increased ventilation and don’t obstruct views 
  • Very fast (15 seconds) and easy to set up 
Cons

  • Doesn’t include a bassinet 
  • The mattress is very thin and can be uncomfortable 
  • Assembling can be confusing at first
  • Lacks some shiny features 

The Lotus Travel Crib produced by Guava Family, as the name suggests, is very worthy of a playard for a traveling family. It has easy features, can be contained with a built-in backpack, and very easy to set up, 15 seconds only! 

The easy portability and set up features come with a price of its lacking bigger space, some features including bassinet.

Lotus Travel Crib is recommended for its simplicity and is a top contender for pack and play for families that are always traveling or on the go.

Shop now at Amazon.com

 

3. Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center

Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center, Circle Tech

Specifications

Brand:Baby Trend
Weight:41.3 Pounds
Dimensions:49.2 x 46 x 30.3 inches
Maximum Weight recommendation:35 pounds
Styles:Twins Playard
Batteries:Not Required
Color:Circle Tech
 
Pros

  • Built-in with two Rockabye bassinets which are removable
  • The bassinets are equipped with canopy and carry handle 
  • Covered with plush fabric and mesh sides for ventilation
  • Has as flip away changing table and a deluxe organizer 
  • Equipped with a one-hand locking mechanism 
  • Equipped with wheels with brakes 
  • Has electronic music center, volume control feature, nightlight and vibration
Cons

  • The price is very expensive 
  • The weight is very heavy 
  • Some features may raise concern for their durability 
  • Gets messy too soon and hard to clean up 

Baby Trend Twin Nursery Centre comes off as an excellent pack n play for families of twins.  It has dual Rockabye bassinets for the twins to rest in. The bassinet is also well designed as it has a canopy and a carry handle. It has an electrical device for playing music, nightlights, and vibration 

The Twin Nursery has its share of cons too. Some have questioned it for its figures and not too great style. If the twins get relatively older they may find it hard to rest on the bassinets at the same time.

This playard is recommended for parents who have twins and don’t want to spend money buying two pack and plays, although it is recommended to go over its cons too before purchasing the product.

Shop now at Amazon.com
 

4. BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light 

BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light - Silver

Specifications 

Brand:Babybjorn
Style:Light travel crib
Weight:13 lbs
Dimension:44 x 25 x 32 inches
Batteries:Not required
Material Type:Polyester
 
Pros

  • Very easy to set up and fold 
  • Lightweight, thus easy to carry anywhere 
  • Mattress is soft and comfortable 
  • Comes with many colors 
  • Crib textile is removable and also easy to be washed by machine 
  • No negative comments about its quality 
Cons 

  • Extremely pricey product 
  • Doesn’t come with a fitted sheet and one has to buy it extra from them which is pricey too 
  • Although simple, lacks exciting features 

We have another travel crib here, this time it’s Babybjorn Travel Crib Light by the famous baby product company Babybjorn. Like the name suggests this playard is very lightweight, weighing only 13 pounds and good for traveling, as it can be folded and carried anywhere. The overall quality is very good too. 

Although a simple, good quality travel pack n play, it lacks very features. Doesn’t come with a bassinet or a fitted sheet. Not to mention this product is extremely pricey.

If you have a big budget for a simple, traveling, quality-wise Playard then Babybjorn might be the one for you.

Shop now at Amazon.com
 

5. HALO 3-in-1 DreamNest 

HALO 3-in-1 DreamNest Bassinet, Portable Crib, Travel Cot with Rocking Attachment, Breathable Mesh Mattress, Easy to Fold Pack and Play

Specifications

Brand:Halo
Weight:30 pounds
Dimension:32 x 16 x 9.5 inches
Batteries:Not required
Maximum weight recommendation:30 pounds
 
Pros

  • The surrounding mesh sides are breathable and also removable for machine wash 
  • The 3 in 1 system is specifically designed for three age periods of babies. Bassinet for newborns/infants, portable playard and travel cot for toddlers 
  • Includes features like cot legs and a portable travel bag 
  • The crib frame is also portable 
  • Equipped with their signature ‘Easysway’ rocker attachment that you can use to comfort your baby to sleep or nap 
Cons

  • Assembling is very hard 
  • Mattress durability is concerning 
  • The durability of the product is questionable 

The Halo 3-in-1 playard’s three stages design is wonderful and it’s a huge thing that it also works as a travel cot. Its portability is a great feature too, considering it comes with a travel bag. 

Although the pack n play tries to be more than a playard, to make it all work, you have to work hard, as assembling is very tough. The mattress is also not near a good one. 

This pack and play is suggested for those who raise questions for safety, as the Halo 3-in-1 has excellent baby safety concerns. But it’s unlikely that this playard will continue to work on smoothly as the baby grows 

Shop now at Amazon.com

6. Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard

Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard with Changing Table - Moreland

Specifications 

Brand:Ingenuity Baby
Weight:29.8 pounds
Dimension:29 x 40 x 28.2 inches
Material Type:Plastic, Polyester
Style:Moreland
Batteries:Not required
Portability:Yes
 
Pros

  • Has exciting features like their signature Dream Centre and Changing table 
  • The changing table is flippable
  • Folding is easy and quick, doesn’t need to remove the bassinet 
  • Contains side storage pockets for essentials like wipes, change of clothes, etc
  • The dream Centre is equipped with soft fabric, mesh, and a toy bar for containing toys 
  • Less expensive  
Cons

  • The bassinet and the mattress has durability concerns 
  • The quality of the product is also questionable 
  • Instructions are hard to follow 

The Ingenuity Smart and simple packable portable playard has many exciting features. It is easy to assemble and fold. It can be packed easily too. Its signature changing table feature is great. It also contains storage where you can store your baby necessities. Also to have it all in one simple pack n play, it’s relatively very less expensive. 

However, it has concerns for its safety as the mattress and the bassinet is of poor quality. 

The Ingenuity Smart and Simple packable portable playard can be rather useful for early and quick uses of a baby. For a low or medium budget, this pack and play is very much worthy of your usage. 

Shop now at Amazon.com

 

7. Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard 

Joovy Room² Playard, Portable Playard, Playpen, Black

Specifications

Brand:Joovy
Weight:29.6 pounds
Dimension:39.8 x 39.8 x 31 inches
Material Type:Cotton
Batteries:Not required
Portability:Yes
 
Pros 

  • It is almost fifty percent larger than most other products
  • Has space of ten square feet, garnering the baby a spacious playard to do many things 
  • Can easily occupy twins 
  • Offers a two-year warranty, much more than most other pack n plays 
  • Equipped with a fully cotton fitted sheet and a travel bag for traveling with it 
  • Equipped with two wheels for portability 
Cons

  • The quality is not praiseworthy 
  • The mattress is not large enough to fully cover the spacious floor 
  • Smells like a chemical odor which can be off beating
  • Has no extra features

The Joovy New Room2 (square) portable playard is a very large entry in our list as it covers almost 10 square feet of space. So, it’s no wonder it’s been recommended for twins. It also has great portability features – two wheels and a travel bag. 

Although a simple and large playard, it has no extra features to name so. The mattress’s quality has been questioned. Its chemical-like smell odor can also be bothering.

Joovy New Room2 is a good, simple, and a very large pack n play nevertheless, not to mention it is also reasonably priced. This product is recommended for those who want a simple, large pack n play for their baby or twins of toddler age. 

Shop now at Amazon.com

 

8. Graco Pack and Play On the Go Playard – Most Affordable Graco pack n play in the list 

Graco Pack and Play On the Go Playard Includes Full-Size Infant Bassinet, Push Button Compact Fold, Pasadena

Specifications

Brand:Graco
Weight:23 pounds
Dimension:39.5 x 28.5 x 29 inches
Maximum Weight Recommendation:30 pounds
Material Type:Plastic, Metal, Polyester
Batteries:Not required
Portability:Yes
 
Pros

  • Designed simple and easy 
  • Can be folded and adjusted 
  • Very much cost-friendly 
  • Comes with many colors 
  • Equipped with wheels 
  • Airy mesh sides for maximum airflow 
Cons

  • Lacks many exciting pack n play features 
  • Doesn’t come with a bassinet, you have to buy the version with bassinet insert 

Graco again enters the list with their simple, less-costly playard called ‘Graco Pack N Play on the go playard. It comes with many colors, equipped with wheels for portability, can be adjusted very easily and quickly. 

This doesn’t have all the shiny features like other Graco pack n plays. 

If you want to buy a quality product with a low budget then Graco Pack N Play on the go playard may be the perfect choice for you. 

Shop now at Amazon.com

 

9. Graco Pack ‘n Play Sport Outdoor Playard with Domed Canopy with UV Protection, Parkside

Graco Pack 'n Play Sport Outdoor Playard with Domed Canopy with UV Protection, Parkside

Specifications

Brand:Graco
Weight:11.5 pounds
Dimension:45 x 50.5 x 27 inches
Batteries:Not required
Portability:Yes
 
Pros 

  • Designed very smoothly for Outdoor 
  • Equipped with a large canopy which features a UV protective linear to protect the baby from sunlight 
  • Large and spacious 
  • Has been proven durable and waterproof 
  • The playard is easy to carry and set up is very easy and quick
  • Has a large storage device both on the canopy and the playard itself
Cons

  • Not washable 
  • Nylon material obstructs the baby’s view
  • No padding at the bottom

Graco once again enters the list, this time with a playard designed for outdoor. The playard’s special features include UV protective canopy which blocks the sunlight. It is easy to set up and can be carried outside areas like park, beach, etc. 

This playard has a design fault though, as the nylon material obstructs the baby’s view. It’s also to be noted that it doesn’t have any padding at the bottom.

If you want your baby to have a good outdoor experience then this might be a good choice for you.

Shop now at Amazon.com

10. Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor

Regalo My Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor, Bonus Kit, Includes Carry Case, Washable, Aqua, 6-Panel

Specifications

Brand:Regalo
Dimension:48 x 1 x 26 inches
Maximum weight recommendation:75 pounds
Batteries:Not required
Portability:Yes
 
Pros 

  • Nylon made a bottom, mesh sides all make a comfy playard
  • Lightweight and easy to carry 
  • Water-resistant and can be used both indoor and outdoor 
  • Cleaning and washing is very easy 
  • Built with steel frame and reinforced stitching for safety measures also contains a safety lock feature
  • Very easy to set up
  • Very cost-friendly 
Cons

  • Lacks cool features
  • Not very much durable 
  • The bottom is not well-protected 
  • Has safety concerns  

Regalo My Play Portable Playard is a great entry as it can be used both inside and outside. It’s lightweight and very easy to set up. The pack n play is also water-resistant. Washing this is also very easy. Regalo is very much cost-friendly too, you can get it at under $100.

It has some concerns to go over too. It doesn’t have all the shiny and exciting features like a modern pack and play. It has concerns for its durability and safety.

If you have a low budget and want a simple, easy to set up pack and play then Regalo My Play Portable Playard might be a good option. 

Shop now at Amazon.com

11. Toddleroo by North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Baby Play Yard

Toddleroo by North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Baby Play Yard Safe play area anywhere. Folds up with carrying strap for easy travel. Freestanding

Specifications 

Brand:Toddleroo by North states
Price:From $120
Weight:25.6 pounds
Dimension:262.5 x 2 x 26 inches
Style:8 panel
Batteries:Not required
 
Pros

  • Can be used both indoor and outdoor 
  • Setting up and folding up the playard is easy 
  • Colorful plastic panels that can make space up to 34 Square feet 
  • More than one baby can enjoy and occupy their time 
Cons

  • The plastic panel may have sharp corners which can be harmful
  • Smells like chemicals
  • Arranging the playard may take a while
  • Newborn babies are not recommended for this playard

Todderoo by the North States comes with a playard that is more traditional like, has 8 colorful panels, and occupies a large space. This can be used both indoors and outdoors.

This playard is designed for toddlers, so it’s best that newborn babies don’t use it. It is recommended for those who want a large space for their baby toddlers.

Shop now at Amazon.com

Types of Playard or Pack n Plays

There are various types of playards. Classic playards were made of wood and it had no built-in mattress in it.

The modern Pack and Plays are made of thin plastic, linen stripes, and cloth. They also have many more features compared to the older, classic versions. 

Basic Playard

The basic playard is generally inexpensive. It comes with an enclosed space where the baby can sleep and play with their toys.

Some basic pack and play come with features like changing table and bassinet. They are also lightweight and portable thus making it easy for parents to handle it as they like. 

Deluxe Pack n Plays

Deluxe pack n plays have some handy features and extra perks compared to the basic playard. Some of the must-have features include a bassinet, changing table, vibrating seat, thick mattress, etc.

Some products also include fancy features like sound speakers, led lights, one to one communication device, and a built-in storage organizer.

Naturally, with all these features, the deluxe pack n play weighs more and is more expensive than the basic version. 

baby playing in nursery

What you should know before buying a Pack n Play

A buyer should know the specifications, playard types, their features before deciding what type of playard they need. Let’s look into Playard types and their features so you can have the complete idea of what playard is right for you.

Bassinet:

Many pack n plays now consist of bassinets that are removable from the playard itself. The bassinet is adjusted in the top frame of the pack n play. You can remove the bassinet and adjust accordingly. 

As babies get older and grow more than 15 pounds, the bassinet is simply of no use then. You can remove the bassinet and use the playard itself for the baby for its later uses. 

Changing Table:

This feature comes in as very handy. Using it, you can change your baby without needing bending over the floor. The changing table is adjusted strongly to the playard and can be removable once it is of no use.

Mesh Sides:

To ensure sufficient ventilation, playards use mesh sides. This also protects the baby from outside harm. Mesh sides are see-through so you can watch your baby from any corner/ angles

Storage Organizer:

Most modern playards come with storage organizers now. You can store your essential items like diapers, wipes, extra clothes, toys in the storage system. The storage system is also removable. 

Portability:

Modern playards have portability features to support those who are on the road frequently. One has to re-adjust the playard to its original state to move it from one place to another. The portable playards have to be lightweight and take less space. 

Convertibility:

Playards have to have convertible features to adjust their shape. Most playards are convertible now which makes room for many other features. 

Entertainment Devices:

Many modern designs contain various entertainment features in them to make it interesting. To keep the baby entertained, some have sound systems, radio, communication devices, built-in toys, lighting, and others. 

Canopy:

To keep the baby protected from sunlight, lights, insects and give the baby privacy sleeping, a canopy is handy to do all these. This is why it’s a necessary feature.

Mattress:

Playards have a thick mattress on its floor which makes it comfy for the babies to goofing around, take a nap or just simply sleep on it. A durable and thick mattress is a must-have for the playard to make it a more comfortable experience for the baby.

Do you want the most comfortable twin mattress for your kids? We have reviewed some top brands on the market. Read here.

Themes and Colors and style:

Colorful usage of themes of the playard makes it more eye-catching, while different styles attribute to different usage of the playard itself. These all make the playard more suitable for the baby.

Detachable Clean Up System:

Newborns/infants don’t have the brain wiring to clean after themselves. It takes years to teach them. While they learn, it’s important to have a cleanup feature in the playard which can be detachable and can be washed to reuse again.

Wheels:

While adjusting the playard to move it from one place to another sounds great, simply dragging it one place sounds even greater. It’ll be easy for you if you have a playard that has wheels attached to it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

best pack and play for baby

What is the difference between pack n play, playard and playpen?

  • Playpens are crib like furniture instead it uses mesh sides and a floor padding. Playards are a modern version of playpens including many new features whereas pack n play is just a famous name of a playard, so famous most playards are referred to as Pack N Play now. 

Is Playard safe for sleeping?

  • Some playards come with bassinets, which makes it very safe for the baby to sleep. Most playards have thick mattresses, mesh sides which makes it a comfortable place for the babies to sleep.

How long can a baby sleep there?

  • Newborn babies can spend most of their time sleeping on the bassinet that comes with a playard. It is recommended to put a baby under 12 months in the playard for sleeping with no pillows or quilts to prevent suffocation. Once the baby reaches the toddler stage it is recommended to sleep with a pillow on in the playard, however, sleeping in the playard should be discouraged as the baby gets older. (Might be an interesting read for you, baby humidifier reviews )

Do you need to use a mattress for pack and play?

  • Yes, using a mattress is recommended to make the experience more comfy and safe. 

Can I use a pack and play while traveling?

  • Some playards are designed specifically for traveling. They also come with a travel bag. You can use those specific travel-friendly Pack and Plays while traveling.
Author

This is Robert. Blessed with two baby girls. A working dad and a part-time blogger. Love cycling with my family and I will never stop exploring.Playground Dad is my baby and the goal is to help working parents to pick the best baby products within budget.

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