As a parent, you want your child to be comfortable and safe, no matter where you go. That’s where a pack ‘n play comes in handy. These portable playards can be a lifesaver when you’re on the go or need a safe place for your baby to play while you’re working around the house.
But with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. You’ll want to consider factors like portability, size, weight, and ease of use. A pack ‘n play can serve as a multi-functional baby gear, combining a bassinet, diaper-changing station, and play area all in one.
To help you find the best pack ‘n play for your family’s needs, we’ve researched and compiled a list of top-rated models. Each pack ‘n play has its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision and choose the one that’s right for you and your little one.
Our Top Picks
- Best Pack N Play With Bassinet And Changing Table: 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard
- Best Pack N Play For Newborn: Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard
- Best Pack N Play For Toddler: Chicco Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard
- Best Budget Pack N Play: Dream On Me Nest Portable Playard
- Best Pack N Play For Travel: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
- Best Pack N Play For Twins: Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center
- Best Pack N Play For Small Spaces: Bugaboo Stardust Playard
- Best Pack N Play For Crawling Babies: JINXIA Baby Playpen Set
- Best Pack N Play For Beach: Baby Delight Go With Me
- Best Convertible Pack N Play: Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Pack ‘N Play & Playards Picks
4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard – Best Pack N Play With Bassinet And Changing Table
- The playard was very well packaged
- Bassinet function and baby changing station
- Being able to one hand the base is a great feature
- Generously sized
- The changing table does not come with a diaper caddy
This versatile playard, bassinet, and flip changer can adapt to your baby’s changing needs throughout the day and as they grow.
Unlike other playards, the breeze plus is incredibly easy to set up with just one hand. With its “one push open, one pull close” functionality, you can easily unfold and close it in one smooth motion.
Plus, the handy flip changer makes diapers and clothes change quick and easy. As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, you can remove the bassinet to create a secure area for them to lounge and play.
- Item Weight: 28.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 43″L x 30″W x 31.5″H
- Weight Limit: Bassinet: For use from newborn up until 18 lbs | Changer: For use from newborn up until 25 lbs | Playard: For use from birth up until 30 lbs
Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard – Best Pack N Play For Newborn
- The canopy bed on top is HUGE
- Plenty of room to grow
- The bassinet on top is great for newborns and is a great size to last for a while
- Changing table pops off easily for your convenience and has a waterproof lining
- The changing table does not come with a diaper caddy
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard comes with a portable travel dome bassinet, allowing you to take your baby with you wherever you go. With a UV 50 canopy and a carry bag, you can enjoy outdoor activities or go to a park playdate while keeping your baby cozy and protected. The detachable bassinet is at eye level when placed on the playard, making it easy to check on your little one.
Both the playard and the traveling dome bassinet fold up small and come with their own carry bags for easy transport and storage. Complete mesh sides provide ventilation and visibility for both the portable dome bassinet and playard. The diaper changer has wipe-clean materials, making diaper changes quick and easy, and there’s storage to keep the baby’s essentials within reach.
- Item Weight: 33.1 lbs
- Dimensions: 27″L x 28.5″W x 37″H
Chicco Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard – Best Pack N Play For Toddler
- Very sturdy
- The changing pad is exactly what you’d expect from a unit like this and is functioning very well
- Takes up very little room
- Because the bassinet portion is raised, it is easy to lift and then lay back down
- The top portion has a huge zipper that goes around the top and has no way to permanently remove
The Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard offers easy-to-clean, machine-washable fabrics and a deluxe zip & go parent organizer.
This playard adapts to every stage, with a full-size infant bassinet, a detachable changer, and an extra-large toddler play area. The flat, padded mattress on the infant bassinet provides comfortable sleeping space for your little one’s first months. Additionally, the bassinet also has a removable floorboard and a zip & wash cover for easy cleaning. Soft mesh surrounds the playard frame, offering ventilation and visibility.
The snap-on changer has a zip & wash cover that conveniently attaches to the side of the playard for storage when not in use. As your baby grows, the mattress transitions to the floor of the playard, providing an extra-large space for play or sleep.
- Item Weight: 35 lbs
- Dimensions: 45″L x 31″W x 46″H
- Weight Limit: up to 30 lbs
Dream On Me Nest Portable Playard – Best Budget Pack N Play
- Super compact
- Very easy to setup, take down and fit easily back into the bag
- For the price, it’s worth it
- Lightweight
- The bottom of the pack n play is much too hard for an infant to sleep on so a mattress is a must-have
The Nest Portable Playard is a high-quality and safe option if you want an affordable, hassle-free playard. The lightweight aluminum frame and easy-fold design make it incredibly convenient to move from room to room or take on trips.
Plus, the assembly process is quick and straightforward, requiring no tools, and it comes with a tote bag for easy transport. It is also made from soft, breathable polyester foam fabric, and features four mesh sides for excellent ventilation and visibility.
The cozy foldable mattress pad is perfect for playtime and even napping. With five finishes to choose from, it has a stylish and modern look. When it needs cleaning, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it air dry.
- Item Weight: 16.85 lbs
- Dimensions: 40″L x 28″W x 27.5″H
- Weight Limit: up to 30 lbs
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light – Best Pack N Play For Travel
- The material is a durable and quality material that is aesthetically pleasing
- Comes with a durable carrying case
- Is ridiculously easy to unfold/setup and fold down
- Comfy (but still baby-safe) mattress
- Does not come with a fitted sheet. Needs to be purchased separately.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light offers a lightweight and portable option that provides a comfortable and secure sleeping or playing environment for your little ones.
Setting it up is effortless and can be done in just a few seconds with just one easy motion. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, while the insulated mattress ensures that your baby stays warm and comfortable.
The mattress cover is also breathable and machine washable for your convenience. Plus, the net cloth side panels provide a clear view of your little one, making it easy to keep an eye on them.
- Item Weight: 11 lbs
- Dimensions: 44″L x 25″W x 32″H
- Weight Limit: up to 30 lbs
Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center – Best Pack N Play For Twins
- Fairly straightforward forward putting together
- Very sturdy
- Rolls quite smoothly
- The carrying handle for the bassinets is very handy
- The musical light accessory for each bassinet sits very precariously on the bassinet. It pops off very easily.
If you’re a parent of twins, the Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center playard is the perfect choice for you. It comes with two Rock-A-Bye Bassinets that are removable, each with its own canopy and a carry handle, as well as plush fabric sides for proper ventilation and mesh sides for easy removal. Two toys are included with each bassinet.
This playard also includes a changing table, a deluxe parent organizer, and a removable full bassinet. It’s sturdy with an easy one-hand locking mechanism and can be easily moved around with its large wheels and brakes. You’ll also get a convenient tote bag for storage and travel.
Your babies will love the electronic music center, which has two musical genres and natural sounds, as well as volume control, a nightlight, and vibration. The parent organizer doesn’t come with contents, but it’s perfect for keeping all of your baby’s essentials organized and within reach.
- Item Weight: 41 lbs
- Dimensions: 40.75″L x 29.25″W x 28.75″H
- Weight Limit: Bassinet: For use from newborn up until 15 lbs | Changer: For use from newborn up until 15 lbs | Playard: For use from birth up until 30lbs
Bugaboo Stardust Playard – Best Pack N Play For Small Spaces
- Super lightweight
- Very easy to put up/down
- Very sturdy
- When closed you can fit it anywhere with no trouble
- The travel bag is not the highest quality material
The Bugaboo Stardust is a great space-saving option with its one-second opening and three-second folding mechanism. The zip-in bed height means no more bending over to pick up your baby, making the bedtime routine a breeze.
The Stardust is designed with your baby’s comfort in mind, with airy mesh side panels for better airflow and premium, chemical-free materials. It can easily transition from playtime to naptime or bedtime, making it a versatile option for any situation.
It’s lightweight, compact, and folds down to just 14 cm (5.5 inches) long, making it easy to pack and transport in the included travel bag.
- Item Weight: 16.98 lbs
- Dimensions: 25″L x 38.8″W x 33.5″H
- Weight Limit: up to 33 lbs
JINXIA Baby Playpen Set – Best Pack N Play For Crawling Babies
- The construction is pretty sturdy
- Very easy to put together
- The zipped sides allow you to open the space to the regular area so your child can enter and exit as they wish
- The base is sturdy
- The pad is more of a cover
This large playpen is a great option if your baby likes to craw a lot. The foldable bedding is made from polyethylene fiber lining fabric and features an inward-closing mouth to prevent any accidental hand scratches. Plus, the zipper is made of high-strength composite material.
The playpen also has four anti-skid suction cups that prevent it from slipping or tipping over on smooth surfaces. And for safety, there’s clear ventilation netting on both sides of the fence, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one’s activities and spot any potential hazards.
When it comes to cleaning, the fence fabric, storage bag, and mat can all be easily machine-washed or hand-washed without fading or shrinking. The soft mat quickly absorbs liquids, keeping your baby clean and dry.
- Item Weight: 16 lbs
- Dimensions: 75″L x 59″W x 26″H
- Weight Limit: up to 50 lbs
Baby Delight Go With Me – Best Pack N Play For Beach
- Assembly and disassembly are a breeze
- The shape/size is great
- It’s awesome for camping
- The carry on bag is practical and a great detail
- It doesn’t have a padded bottom like a pack n play so sleeping on it may be uncomfortable for your baby
The Go With Me Eclipse Portable Playard with Canopy is an excellent place for your little one to play whether you’re outdoors basking in the sunshine or inside your home’s cozy corners. The mesh walls allow air to circulate freely and provide a clear view for your baby to enjoy.
The durable nylon floor is easy to wipe clean and offers protection against damp weather. Furthermore, if your little one gets messy, you can remove the fabric portion, including the walls and floor, and wash it in the washing machine for hassle-free cleaning.
You can use the Eclipse with or without the Sun Canopy, depending on your preference. The UPF50+ coated canopy blocks 98% of UVA and UVB radiation and covers 2/3 of the playard, while still providing access to reach in and out, giving your baby sun protection.
- Item Weight: 11.88 lbs
- Dimensions: 49″L x 49″W x 28″H
- Age Limit: 6- 24 months old
More: Best Beach Toys
Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center – Best Convertible Pack N Play
- The changing table is sturdy
- Affordable
- Perfect for small spaces
- Easy to take apart and put up
- Assembly can be challenging
The removable napper of this pack ‘n play is great for a quick nap and the hanging toys keep your baby entertained while awake. The changing table can be easily flipped away and there’s plenty of storage for baby’s essentials.
Large caster wheels with brakes provide mobility and stability, and as your baby grows, the nursery center can be transformed into a fantastic play area. When you’re on-the-go, simply fold the Nursery Center down and put it in the included travel/storage bag for easy transport.
- Item Weight: 28.6 lbs
- Dimensions: 42.5″L x 35.4″W x 41.3″H
- Weight Limit: up to 30 lbs
How To Choose The Best Pack ‘N Play?
- Size: If you want to set it up at home, you’ll benefit from something bigger with lots of storage space. For easy transit, you’ll need something a little smaller and lighter if you intend to travel frequently.
- Ease: Many of them have one-step or one-hand operations, straightforward buttons, or quick-locking interlocking components that snap into position. The difficulty of collapsing the pack ‘n play and removing it from its carrying bag should also be taken into account.
- Safety: For the first six months of a baby’s life, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against sharing a bed, putting infants to sleep on their backs each time, and sharing the same room, if at all feasible. Additionally, you should prevent soft things, loose bedding, and other objects, like blankets, pillows, and toys, from being in the baby’s sleeping area since they all provide a danger of entrapment, strangling, and asphyxia (1).
- Purpose: Some are only intended for play, while others are convertible from a baby bassinet to a toddler playard.
Are Pack ‘N Plays Worth It?
You don’t require a Pack ‘N Play, despite the fact that it is really convenient. It is not an item of essential baby gear. However, because it is so adaptable and simple to use, many parents can no longer picture living without it. You don’t need it if you don’t travel frequently. On the other hand, a Pack ‘N Play is a smart purchase if you travel frequently, visit others, or like to have your infant near you but not always in your arms.
At What Age Can My Child Use A Pack ‘N Play?
Pack ‘n plays are suitable for newborns, infants, and toddlers. Some offer a newborn bassinet, which is more for comfort and convenience than for safety. Your kid may continue to use your pack ‘n play as long as they are within the maximum suggested height and weight limits, which are often about 30 pounds and 35 inches. As a result, your child may continue to utilize a pack ‘n play until they are 2 or 3 years old.
How Do You Set Up A Pack ‘N Play?
Pack ‘n Plays ought to be simple to assemble and disassemble, However, the specifics will vary depending on the brand and model you select. You often need to press down in the center of your pack ‘n play while it is folded to open it up and snap the sidebars into place. After that, you must secure the pad or mattress to the base and secure any other components, such as a bassinet, baby seat, or diaper changer.
How Long Can A Baby Sleep In Pack ‘N Play?
Infants can sleep in a pack n’ play, but depending on the child’s age, there are several approaches. There are various methods you can utilize your pack ‘n play with your baby. The majority of pack ‘n plays include a newborn bassinet attachment designed especially for infants weighing under 15 pounds. A pack ‘n play is completely safe for sleep for older infants who can turn over on their own.
Can Baby Sleep Overnight In Pack ‘N Play?
Yes. A pack ‘n play or playard is a secure alternative to a crib or a bassinet if it meets CPSC requirements for baby sleep (2).
Some of these guidelines include having mesh sides to promote air circulation and prevent suffocation hazards. The sides should also be the appropriate height to keep your baby safely inside, and the floor should be strong enough to support their weight.
In addition to these basics, pack ‘n plays undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety. This includes testing the latching mechanism, which is critical to ensure that the pack ‘n play does not accidentally fold up while your child is inside. The accessories that come with the pack ‘n play, such as changing tables, are also tested to ensure they are safe for your little one to play with.
What Is The Difference Between a Pack ‘N Play And A Playard?
Even though playard or pack ‘n play are used interchangeably, there are a few distinctions to be aware of. This is due to the fact that playards are frequently utilized in conjunction with these foldable, pack ‘n play cribs. A sleep surface is not always available in playards. They often have a greater size and no mattresses. Additionally, a good playard frequently has a little bit more room than a standard pack ‘n play.
