6 Best Playards and Pack ‘n Plays, According to Moms
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pottery barn kids When it comes to baby gear, few items are as versatile and hardworking as the playard. Also called a Pack ‘n Play (Graco's trademarked name) or play yard, these framed, mesh-sided enclosures create a safe space for your baby to play. Playards are designed to be portable, so you can easily pack them up and reassemble in different rooms of the house or when traveling (this is especially helpful if you’re headed somewhere that’s not babyproofed).
Because of that, most playards also function as a travel crib, though it’s very common for parents to utilize these products as their child’s primary sleep space, too. Because they’re smaller than a traditional crib but can be used for longer than a bassinet, playards are an ideal sleep environment for the first few months of your little one’s life, during which time the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing to decrease the risk of SIDS (but never bed-sharing).
Some playards even come with a changing table attachment, bassinet setting or organizer pockets, which help eliminate the need for additional products.
How we chose the best playards
- We referenced guidelines from leading experts, including the AAP, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). We also interviewed Gina Posner, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician practicing at MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board, for additional information on playard safety. In line with these recommendations, all of the products on this list:
- Are safe for sleep. With the exception of the Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard, which is designed as an indoor or outdoor play space.
- Do not have padding inside.
- Have mesh holes that are no larger than ¼ inch.
- Have a mattress with no more than two fingers between the edge and the side of the playard.
- We spoke to six moms on the What to Expect editorial team who have nine children between them and have tried several of the playards on the list.
- We utilized results from the What to Expect Sleep Awards and What to Expect Mom Must-Have Awards which, combined, polled more than 2,000 caregivers in the What to Expect Community.
- We scoured the What to Expect community of caregivers to learn which playards parents find most useful and would repurchase. Based on their feedback, we made sure that every playard received positive reviews for:
- Easy set up. Although some models do assemble and disassemble more easily than others, all of the playards we reviewed below have a simple setup that doesn’t require any tools.
- Portability. Regardless of whether you’re using them for sleep or play, the best playards are those that can be moved from room to room without a lot of hassle.
- Special features. Parents also mention a number of bonus features that they appreciate, such as a bassinet or changing table attachment, a side zipper, or adjustable mattress height. (Keep in mind that some of these come down to personal preference and how you intend to use the product. For example, will you use a playard for occasional travel or every night during the first few months of your baby’s life?)
Other factors to consider when buying playards
- Manufacturer year: Older playards (like those sold during or before the early 1990s) had non-locking rails that could collapse at the hinges, forming a deep V-shaped space that put babies at risk of entrapment and strangulation. Make sure the model you purchase was manufactured after 2013, which was the year the CPSC enacted new federal standards to make playards safer.
- Ease of use: Features such as one-handed fold can make it easier to set up a playard, while a portable tote bag or carrying case can help store it efficiently.
- Versatility: If your playard will function mostly as a play space or for occasional sleep, a basic model might be just fine. But if you expect to use it as a portable crib and changing area, you might consider add-ons like a changing table.
- Portability: If you think you'll be toting your playard to Grandma's or on vacation, definitely opt for a model that's lightweight, folds compactly and is easily mobile.
- Safety seal: You should look for the JPMA Seal, an indication that the product has met high safety standards.
Can my baby sleep in a playard?
Yes, your baby can sleep in a playard, but not all models or playard attachments are designed for sleep. Keep the following safety guidelines when considering a playard as a sleep space for your baby:
- Make sure the playard you’re buying is approved for sleep. If it doesn’t come with a mattress, don’t be tempted to add one in, according to the CPSC.
- Use bassinet attachments safely. Some playards come with a bassinet attachment or have an adjustable mattress height that can be raised for newborn sleep. Make sure you move your baby to the lower mattress setting as soon as she shows signs of rolling, usually around 3 or 4 months.
- Never use inclined lounger attachments for sleep. You might come across playards that have inclined or padded “lounger” attachments, but these are not approved for sleep and can be very dangerous. They should only be used when your baby is awake and alert, and always while supervised.
- Never swap out the mattress that comes with the playard. Remember that when playards are evaluated for safety, it’s only with the mattresses they’re sold with. Don’t swap out the mattress, even if you think the one that came with the playard is too firm (flat, firm surfaces are safest for babies and toddlers!). Don’t add mattress toppers or thicker pads, either, which can also pose a suffocation risk.
- Set it up safely. Whether you’re using a playard for sleep or supervised play, set it up out of reach of electrical, phone and window-blind cords, and never tie toys or anything else to the top or sides.
- Follow general safe sleep guidelines. That includes putting baby to sleep flat on her back, keeping blankets, pillows and toys out of the playard, and making sure the mattress fits snugly (there shouldn’t be any gaps). The AAP recommends having your baby sleep in a safe sleep surface such as a crib, playard or bassinet in your room until she’s at least 6 months old to reduce SIDs risk, although you should avoid co-sleeping or bed-sharing.
- Read the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always follow the weight and height limits and stop using your playard once baby starts trying to climb out of it.
How long can my baby use a playard?
You can introduce a playard from the first day you bring your newborn home from the hospital, and most models are recommended until your baby is 35 inches tall or starts to climb over them, usually sometime around ages 2 to 3. It depends in part on the type of product you purchase and the manufacturer’s guidelines, but generally keep the following in mind when considering a playard’s life span:
- A bassinet attachment in a playard: Regardless of whether baby is sleeping in a standalone bassinet, a bassinet attachment that clips onto a playard or a higher mattress level in a playard, she should be moved to the lowest mattress setting as soon as she hits the manufacturer’s weight or height limit, or shows signs of rolling over, usually around 3 to 4 months.
- A playard designed to be used for sleep in addition to play: Retire the playard once your child tries to climb out on her own or reaches the weight or height limits (usually this is around 30-33 lbs. or 35 inches tall, whichever comes first). Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure.
- A playard designed for play: The mat usually rests right on the floor with these types of playards — meaning there generally isn’t a weight limit — but stop using them once your child reaches 35 inches tall or starts trying to climb out. Again, check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What is the difference between a playard and a Pack ‘n Play?
According to the CPSC, a playard is a framed enclosure with mesh or fabric sides that provides a safe place for your child to sleep or play. The CPSC defines playards as having an interior length dimension either greater than 55 inches or smaller than 49 3⁄4 inches, or an interior width dimension greater than 30 5⁄8 inches or smaller than 25 3⁄8 inches.
Pack ‘n Play is the trademarked product name of the popular Graco playard. But it has been on the market for so many years that many parents refer to playards generally as “pack ‘n plays” much like tissues are often called “Kleenex.”
In the past, playards were also sometimes referred to as playpens, although that term now usually refers to bigger gated enclosures that you set up in a larger area within your home.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Best Overall Playard
Graco Pack and Play On the Go Playard
- Included bassinet and changing pad attachment
- good for travel
- affordable
- Some parents find the setup a little tricky at first
It’s no surprise that Graco’s Pack ‘n Play won Best Playard in What to Expect’s 2023 Sleep Awards and the 2023 Mom-Must Have Awards, What to Expect's 100 percent community-driven awards franchises. The full-service Pack ‘n Play is top-rated for its clever design that grows with your baby. (Though you should stop using the Pack 'n Play when your child is 35 inches tall, weighs 30 pounds or can climb out on her own.).
“We relied on the Graco Pack ‘n Play’s bassinet for sleeping early on and then just as a way to keep the kids contained,” says Dina Freeman, What to Expect’s Executive Director of Social Media and Community. “The containment is highly crucial when you have two boys 12 months apart.”
Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s Associate Commerce Director, has also used the Graco Pack ‘n Play since her daughter was first born. Now, over a year later, she still finds it to be the best playard. “I’ve used other playards when visiting friends, and Graco’s Pack ‘n Play remains my favorite,” Leah says. “It doesn’t take up a lot of space, but still has plenty of room for my daughter to move around if she’s playing or spread out if she’s sleeping.”
Other things moms love: For starters, it comes with a portable changing pad that can be used right on the top of the playard or removed and placed on the floor (or anywhere else you need to do a quick diaper change). There's also built-in storage for diapers, wipes and creams. Worried about accidents? Don’t be: Made of wipe-clean fabric, the changing pad is easy to clean.
The mattress, which is about 40 inches long and 28 inches wide, has two heights: A higher bassinet setting for infants (to help save your back), and a lower level for when baby gets older and you need a travel crib. Remember that once your baby is rolling (usually around 3 or 4 months), she shouldn’t be in the bassinet anymore. At that point, place her in the lower mattress if you’re still using the Pack ‘n Play for sleep.
Because this playard comes with the built-in changing pad and offers a bassinet setting, it’s a popular pick for parents looking to keep one in their room for the first few months in lieu of a traditional crib or bassinet. But despite all the bells and whistles, Graco’s Pack ‘n Play won’t break the bank. Although it’s bulkier than a bassinet (so it might not be the best pick for a super small bedroom), you can continue using it for longer as a travel crib or play space.
“I've only ever used it for travel,” says Sarah Darby, What to Expect’s Senior SEO Strategist. “The biggest perk for me is that it is relatively affordable, so I just leave it in my car trunk and always have a crib if we overstay bedtime or naptime at someone's house.”
With fold-down top bars on the side, some parents do find it tricky to figure out how to put this playard up at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a cinch.
Weight: 23 lbs.
Dimensions: 39.5 (L) x 28.5 (W) x 29 (H) inches
Height/Weight Limit: Up to 15 pounds (bassinet); 30 lbs. or 35 inches, whichever comes first (playard)
Best Travel Playard
Guava Lotus Travel Crib
- Lightweight
- folds up into a small backpack
- Some reviewers say the side zipper can be a little noisy
- which may make it tricky to put baby down to sleep without waking her up
The Guava Lotus has a number of things going for it. It’s the most portable playard we reviewed, for one, at least a few pounds lighter than the other models on this list. It folds up into a compact backpack, so you can take it on a plane with ease or put it in the car without it taking up too much space.
But this is also simply an excellent playard even if you don’t take it anywhere. Parents appreciate that it’s GreenGuard Gold certified, which means the materials have met strict chemical and VOC emissions standards, and there’s no weight limit. The mattress rests directly on the floor, so you may be able to use it for a little longer, depending on when your child reaches 35 inches or figures out how to climb out.
Bending down low to place your baby into a playard can sometimes be challenging, especially if you’ve had a C-section or suffer from back pain. What to Expect community parents say they appreciate that the side zipper offers easier access to the mattress, although some do say that the zipper itself can be a little noisy.
Weight: 13 lbs.
Dimensions: 45.5 (L) x 31.5 (W) x 25.5 (H) inches
Weight/Height Limit: There’s no upper weight limit, but you should stop using it when your child is 35 inches tall or starts to climb out.
Best Small Space Playard
Bugaboo Stardust Playard
- Compact design
- aesthetically pleasing
- Expensive
Whether you’re planning on using it for travel, play or as a crib in a smaller bedroom, the Bugaboo Stardust is one of the most compact playards on the market. It uses less floor space than other playards on this list and the legs go straight down (rather than splaying out), which makes it easier to fit through doorways or tight angles.
Reviewers rave about how easy the Bugaboo Stardust is to set up and pack away (the latter is especially helpful if you live in a small space and need to stash it somewhere when it’s not in use; once folded, it’s just 14 centimeters long).What’s more, the mattress height is adjustable and easy to change with a zipper. As a result, this playard can be used as a bassinet from day one, then you can lower the mattress down when your baby is a bit older.
Aesthetics are a nice-to-have — but not a must-have — feature in a playard, but parents do like that the materials feel high-quality and the playard looks surprisingly beautiful. This may be especially appealing if you live in a small space and are planning to have the playard set up most of the time in your bedroom.
The one downside? The Bugaboo Stardust is more expensive than the other playards we reviewed.
Weight: 17 lbs.
Dimensions: 38.8 (L) x 25 (W) x 33.5 (H) inches
Weight/Height Limit: 33 lbs. or 35 inches, whichever comes first (playard)
Best Playard With Bassinet
4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard
- Superfast setup
- bassinet and changing mat included
- Heavy
One thing parents in the What to Expect community can agree on? The 4Moms Breeze is truly a breeze to set up. With a one-handed push open and pull close feature, parents say it can take as little as a minute to get ready for baby.
“I've tried a few, and the setup/takedown for the 4Moms Breeze is the easiest by far of any playard that I've tested,” says Robin Hilmantel, What to Expect's Editorial Director of Special Projects. “It also seems slightly comfier for babies, which I appreciate.”
Also good? Like the classic Pack ‘n Play, it comes with a bassinet as well as a changing pad that can be flipped up or down when you need it. The bassinet’s design (it hangs down from the top of the frame) also enables it to be gently rocked — a nice feature, since many parents debating between a traditional bassinet and a playard would like the ability to rock their newborn.
While the 4Moms Breeze does come with a carrying case, it’s worth noting that it’s the heaviest playard on our list. If you’re looking for a lightweight model, you might prefer the Guava Lotus or BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light.
Weight: 28.5 lbs.
Dimensions: 43 (L) x 30 (W) x 31.5 (H) inches
Height/Weight Limit: From birth up until 18 lbs. (bassinet), from birth up until 25 lbs. (changer), from birth up until 30 lbs. or 35 inches, whichever comes first
Best Lightweight Playard
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
- Lightweight
- durable
- easy to pack
- No bassinet
With its minimalist design, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is a stylish-looking playard that’s as durable as it is beautiful. Parents love how well-made the frame, mesh and mattress are, and that it’s made with OEKO-TEX certified materials.And for what it’s worth, a number of reviewers also note that their babies just simply seem to sleep well in this playard.
Assembly is a breeze, too — just snap out the four legs and pop in the mattress. The whole thing weighs just 13 lbs., a plus if you’re hoping to use it for travel or even just plan on moving it from room to room in your house. And while not quite as compact as the Guava Lotus, it does give our best travel playard a run for its money: The mattress hugs the folded metal frame, which then slides into a tote bag that can comfortably fit in the trunk of a car or be checked on an airplane. (I have taken this playard on countless trips and can attest that it packs up easily and is incredibly portable.)
At 41 inches long and 23.5 inches wide, this mattress is one of the roomiest on our list (along with the Guava Lotus’), which may make it a bit more comfortable for bigger babies and toddlers.
Unfortunately, this BabyBjörn playard does not include a bassinet, so while it’s perfectly fine to use for newborn sleep, it can be a little trickier to bend down to position your newborn on the mattress during those early days. If a bassinet is an important feature for you (especially if you’ll be using a playard as a bassinet substitute), you may be better off with a model that has an adjustable mattress or bassinet attachment. One other feature worth noting are the splayed legs; some parents find them a little frustrating because they take up extra floor space.
Weight: 13 lbs.
Dimensions: 44 (L) x 24 (W) x 32 (H) inches
Height/Weight Limit: There’s no upper weight limit, but you should stop using it when your child is 35 inches tall or starts to climb out.
Best Outdoor Playard
Summer Pop ‘N Play Deluxe Ultimate Playard
- Sun canopy
- roomy interior
- It’s not recommended as a sleep space
There are countless outdoor playards on the market, but if you’re looking for ease of use and excellent value, the Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play is a great choice. This extra-large portable playard works just as well outdoors as it does in your house. Crucially, it comes with a removable canopy that provides sun protection to keep your little one safe from the sun’s rays. The sides are made of airy mesh, so baby won’t get too hot (and you can easily keep an eye on her).
“The Summer Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play has become a must for summer gatherings,” says Leah. “I’ve sat in it with my daughter during peak summer temperatures and was pleasantly surprised at how cool it was.” Leah also loves that the outdoor playard is roomy enough for three babies, a plus if you have multiples or are using it with other families.
The floor is a water-resistant canvas, so you can take this playard to the beach, too (of course, always watch baby closely around water). Leah adds that the material is easy to wipe off dirt, sand and other outdoor debris. It weighs a mere 13 pounds and includes a carrying case, so it's convenient to tote around.
Even better? It's a breeze to set up and take down in seconds. It's recommended for use between 6 and 24 months, or when your child is 35 inches tall.
Just remember that this playard is ideal for indoor or outdoor play but isn’t recommended for sleep. It doesn’t include a mattress and purchasing one from another brand to use inside would be unsafe, according to CPSC.
Weight: 13 lbs.
Dimensions: 48 inches wide, 26 inches tall
Height/Weight Limit: There’s no upper weight limit, but you should stop using it when your child is 35 inches tall or starts to climb out.
American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, July 2022.U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Play Yards, June 2012.U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Play Yards Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide, 2023.Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), Safety Tips for Bassinets, Playards Toddler Beds and More, 2023.WhatToExpect.com, Baby Sleeping on His Side? How to Encourage Your Little One to Sleep on His Back, June 2022.WhatToExpect.com, Co-Sleeping, Bed-Sharing and Room-Sharing: What's Safe and What Isn't?, October 2022.
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