Best Graco Pack ‘N Play with Bassinet
In a search for the best Graco Pack ‘N Play with bassinet, we’ve reviewed numerous models and focused mostly on their safety, functionality, and additional features.
Many parents consider a Pack ‘N Play an essential part of a baby’s equipment, and I can see why. A quality Pack ‘N Play can offer everything you need. It’s a safe place to sleep or play, with many additional features and useful accessories. They can be used as an everyday crib, a secondary crib, or even a travel crib for your baby.
Graco’s models are one of the most wanted Pack ‘N Plays for the last couple of years. Their collection of different Pack ‘N Plays is very impressive, but which one is the best?
Some parents look for a standard model, others want a few additional accessories (toys for the baby, full-size bassinet, etc.), and some need a whole Playard care station.
That’s why we have selected the best Garco Pack ‘N Play in each Playard group. And if you ask me, my winner is a Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard. Not because it would be better than other Graco Playards, but because it has the features I need!
Best Graco Pack ‘N Plays with Bassinet in 2023
Before you start looking for the Graco Pack ‘n Play that suits your needs the best, think about what type you want. Graco produces two different types of Pack ’n Plays:
- care station Playards
- traditional Pack ‘N Plays
If you already know which type you want, click on the picture below to jump on the reviews of the best models in their group:
What is the difference between a care station Playard and a traditional Pack ‘n Play?
First of all, both types are portable, with approximately the same overall size. The biggest difference amongst them is additional features for newborns that a care station can offer to your little bundle of joy.
Traditional Pack ‘n Plays can have additional storage and toys, but newer ones include newborn napper and/or changing station.
Personally, I would not decide for a Pack ‘n Play without a bassinet. But fortunately, all of Graco’s models, including traditional ones, have it!
Many parents confound a full-size bassinet with a newborn napper (newborn bassinet), which is placed on the top of the care station. That makes a confusion because they think a traditional model doesn’t have a bassinet at all, which is not true.
The difference between full-size bassinet and newborn bassinet:
- a newborn napper is placed on the top of the Pack ‘n Play
- a full-size infant bassinet hangs on the sides of the Pack ‘n Play and takes its entire inner surface
Your baby can use a full-size bassinet much longer than a newborn napper:
- a newborn napper is suitable only for the first three months of baby’s life
- a full-size bassinet is safe until your baby reaches 15 pounds
Of course, there is a difference in price too! Traditional Pack ‘n Plays cost less than care station Playards: fewer features – cheaper price.
The best Graco’s care station Playards
Best Graco Pack ‘N Play with a bouncer:
Graco Quick Connect Playard with Portable Bouncer
Why we love it:
- it is easy to set it up
- easy folding
- airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation
- removable seat and bouncer with vibrations
- a canopy on a portable seat
- infant full-size bassinet
- soft light to check up your sleeping baby
- large changing station
- it grows with your child
- good airflow through the crib
>>> Graco Pack ‘N Play Quick Connect REVIEW
Best value:
Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard
Why we love it:
- closing is quick and hassle-free
- simple to pack it up
- it features a portable travel dome bassinet with UV 50 canopy and carrying bag
- portable bassinet can be used in or out of the Pack ‘N Play
- it also features a full-size bassinet
- airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation
- built-in storage
- large and sturdy changing table
- affordable price
- Playard and travel dome bassinet both feature a travel bag
>>> Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard with Newborn Napper REVIEW
Best newborn napper station:
Graco Pack ‘n Play Nearby Seat Playard
Why we love it:
- it grows with your child
- full-size bassinet
- a removable newborn napper with lots of additional features
- a big changing station
- it is very easy to set it up
- easy collapsing
- wheels on one side
- airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation
- soft songs and vibration
- affordable price
- travel bag
>>> Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Nearby Napper REVIEW
The Best Traditional Pack ‘n Plays with Bassinet
Best budget buy:
Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard
Why we love it:
- grows with your child
- wide color selection
- a full-size bassinet
- easy to set up
- easy folding
- cheap price
- arch with hanging toys
- travel bag
- airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation
>>> Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go REVIEW
Most features:
Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Reversible Napper and Changer LX
Why we love it:
- good value for the money
- two-in-one napper and changing table
- easy to collapse
- easy to set up
- full-size bassinet
- grows with your child
- airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation
- travel bag
- additional storage
>>> Graco Pack ‘n Play with Reversible Napper and Changer REVIEW
Graco Pack ‘N Play Reviews
Here are reviews of the best Graco Pack ‘N Plays I listed above:
Graco Pack ‘N Play Quick Connect Playard with portable bouncer review
Graco Pack ‘n Play Quick Connect has everything you can imagine. It grows with your child and offers the best to your newborn, infant, and toddler.
We were truly amazed by the number of features it can offer. But what I love the most about this Pack’ n Play is its portable newborn seat. It is a specially designed infant seat, which is portable by itself.
The bouncer:
For babies up to 18 pounds, a newborn seat also doubles as a bouncer with two-speed vibration to soothe and relax your little one. That’s why you don’t need to buy a separate bouncer at all. That makes the whole purchase even more affordable!
Having free hands and still having a baby close at all times was never easier. Because of this feature, there is absolutely no need to transport the whole unit around the house. Just detach the portable seat and take it with you. Your baby is perfectly safe in the soothing seat, without you constantly looking and checking on him.
Other cool features:
It features a cozy fabric, a light-shielding canopy, and a three-point harness for extra security. And that is not all!
Let’s look at other, more “common” Pack ‘n Plays features:
- Graco Pack ‘n Play Quick Connect includes a built-in organizer and a large changing station for babies up to 30 pounds.
- Besides the portable seat for your newborn, you get a comfortable full-size bassinet as well.
The full-size infant bassinet hangs on the sides of the Pack ‘n Play and takes its entire inner surface. This allows you to have your newborn in a higher position. There is no need to lean over the rail while trying to put your sleeping infant in the crib. When your baby outgrows the bassinet, you can easily remove it and store it until another use.
Specifications:
Measurements and Weight:
- assembled crib dimensions: 34 inches (H) x 28.5 inches (W) x 40 inches (D)
- collapsed dimensions: 34.0 inches (H) x 10.25 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (D)
- weight: 32 pounds
Child size restrictions:
- Bouncer (outside the Playard): for infants under 18 pounds
- Bassinet: for babies under 15 pounds, and unable to push up on hands and knees
- Changing table: for babies under 30 pounds
- Playard: for children under 35 inches tall, or until they are able to climb out
Graco Pack ‘N Play Newborn Seat DLX Playard review
Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard DLX has a removable newborn napper, but you can’t use it as a bouncer like on the previous model. The lack of that feature is not a bad thing at all.
First of all, Graco Pack ‘n Play DLX has still lots more features than most models on the market. Second, you might already have a bouncer and don’t need another one. So, buying a DLX instead of Graco Quick Connect would be a reasonable decision as it costs less.
Great price::
DLX is a care station Playard for a reasonable price. It features everything you need for an affordable price.
It is designed to grow with your child, from newborn to infant and toddler. Versatile use, durability, and long ability to use, combined with a low price, give this Playard a really good value for the price.
A perfect choice for newborns:
Its unique feature is definitely a carefully designed newborn napper. Newborns feel like they are sleeping in a cozy nest, which calms them down and nest them into sleep.
The napper is coated with soft micro-fleece fabric and sits securely on the top of the Playard.
Besides a newborn napper sits a detachable changing station. It is larger than most changing tables on cares station Playards, so you can use it longer, which is great. You can use it until your baby reaches 30 pounds.
When your baby outgrows the napper, you do not need to start using the lower mattress immediately, but rather install the included full-size bassinet.
Can’t be without electronic accessories?
I have great news for you. Graco Playard with Newborn Napper station DLX has an electronic module with:
- 5 classical songs
- 5 soothing nature sounds
- 2-speed vibration in napper and bassinet
- an auto shut-off timer
Hooray!
Specifications:
Measurements and Weight:
- assembled crib dimensions: 33.25 inches (H) x 28.5 inches (W) x 40 inches (D)
- collapsed dimensions: 32.6 inches (H) x 15.39 inches (W) x 11.46 inches (D)
- weight: 32.16 pounds
Child size restrictions:
- Newborn Napper: for infants under 3 months of age, or until they are unable to roll over
- Full-size bassinet: for babies under 15 pounds, and unable to push up on hands and knees
- Changing table: for babies under 30 pounds
- Playard: for children under 35 inches tall, or until they are able to climb out
Graco Playard Nearby Napper with portable infant bassinet review
Reversible Newborn Napper:
The newborn napper on this Pack ‘n Play is certainly unique and deserves your attention. If parents decide on this Playard over other Graco models, that is usually because of this feature.
Graco has packed as many features as they could into this little, cozy place.
First of all, a newborn napper is reversible. It has an inclined newborn napper on one side, and a flat, nest-like bassinet on another. And second, it can be used in or out of the Playard. Isn’t that great? They really thought about everything.
If you are still not convinced … When using a newborn bassinet outside the Playard, you can transform the napper into a portable rocker. Of course, you can lock the rocker and use it as a steady bassinet as well.
And I am not finished yet! On the newborn napper’s top is a detachable crib mobile. It is an automatic crib mobile, with hanging toys and two-speed vibration.
When your baby outgrows the napper, you can attach the crib mobile into one side of the Pack ‘n Play for further fun.
What about other features?
- Nearby Napper with Portable Infant Bassinet grows with your child, from newborn to the infant, to toddler.
- It features a big changing table and integrated storage.
- It has a nightlight and a musical box with soothing music and natural sounds.
- The same as all Graco’s Playards it has a push-button fold which makes closing it quick and hassle-free.
Specifications:
Measurements and Weight:
- assembled crib dimensions: 48 inches (H) x 47 inches (W) x 31.5 inches (D)
- collapsed dimensions: 33 inches (H) x 10.5 inches (W) x 10.5 inches (D)
- weight: 38.23 pounds
Child size restrictions:
- Newborn napper: for infants under 3 months of age and unable to roll over
- Full-size bassinet: for babies under 15 pounds, and unable to push up on hands and knees
- Changing table: for babies under 30 pounds
- Playard: for children under 35 inches tall, or until they are able to climb out
Graco Pack ‘N Play On the Go Playard review
With multiple color choices, affordable price, and all basic features, this one is not just the best basic Graco’s Playards, but one of the best models on the market too.
We love the simplicity of this model. It has all the basic features you need at home or on the go.
A removable full-size bassinet will provide a safe, and comfortable sleeping place for your newborn. After your baby outgrows the bassinet, you can simply put it off, leaving your toddler a cozy sleeping place, or a safe area for play.
Additional features:
Graco On the Go has an additional feature that gives even bigger value for the price to this Pack ‘n Play. It has a removable arch with hanging toys. I know that is not a lot, but still, lots more than other traditional Pack ‘n Plays on the market.
Folding:
Folding is the same for all Graco’s Pack ‘n Plays. It is hassle-free, with a push on the button. You get the travel bag beside the crib, and you can put everything into it without any problems.
Specifications:
Measurements and Weight:
- assembled crib dimensions: 29.0 inches (H) x 28.25 inches (W) x 39.5 inches (D)
- collapsed dimensions: 27.0 inches (H) x 10.0 inches (W) x 10.0 inches (D)
- weight: 20.9 pounds
Child size restrictions:
- Full-size bassinet: for babies under 15 pounds, or unable to push up on hands and knees
- as a Playard: for children under 35 inches tall, or until they are able to climb out
Graco Playard with reversible napper and changer LX review
If you want a care station, but you are limited by the budget, we strongly recommend you think about this model!
It belongs to the traditional Pack ‘N Plays, but its features are almost the same to care station Playards. Graco’s LX has a price of traditional Pack ‘n Play, with care station features.
Although it doesn’t have a separately placed changing station and newborn napper, it has them both! How is this even possible? The newborn napper is carefully designed as a combination of a cozy napper for your newborn and a diaper changer, all in one. It is reversible, with a smart two-in-one design. It sits securely on the top of the Playard and with a push on a locking button easily transits from a napper into a changer.
Other features:
Of course, LX Pack ‘n Play contains a full-size bassinet too. After your baby reaches 15 pounds or starts rolling over, you have to remove the napper and start using a full-size bassinet. When your baby is old enough remove the bassinet as well.
Additional features that might be interesting to you are:
- wheels
- little integrated storage pockets
- a removable arch with hanging toys
Specifications:
Measurements and Weight:
- assembled crib dimensions: 33.25 inches (H) x 28.5 inches (W) x 40.0 inches (D)
- collapsed dimensions: 33.25 inches (H) x 10.5 inches (W) x 9.25 inches (D)
- weight: 25.75 pounds
Child size restrictions:
- newborn napper: under 3 months and unable to roll over
- as a changing table: until baby’s 15 pounds
- full-size bassinet: for babies under 15 pounds, and unable to push up on hands and knees
- Playard: for children under 35 inches tall, or until they are able to climb out
Pack ‘N Play with a bassinet, yes or no?
We definitely recommend it to you, as it can significantly simplify your life. If you do not decide on the one with the newborn bassinet, a traditional Pack’ n play is still a useful addition to your family.
Over the years travel beds and/or Pack ‘n Plays have progressed a lot. With additional features, parents and their babies gain much more than just a sleeping space. Besides a sleeping space, Pack’ n Play can offer you a changing place, a bassinet for newborns, additional storage, and a safe play area for your child.
How we choose our favoriteproducts?
With the help of numerous parents that already used Graco’s Pack ‘n Plays, we had got a list of their preferred models. We researched and evaluated them, and pick the best models for you.
In our Graco Pack ‘n Play reviews, we took into account all of the following characteristics:
1. PORTABILITY:
For the portability we checked:
- how much space does the folded crib take
- whether the travel bag is included in the price
- how heavy is the crib
- if the travel mattress fits into the travel bag
2. FOLDING MECHANISM:
What did we take into consideration?
- whether it is easy to fold the crib
- how fast can you collapse and set it up again
3. SAFETY:
In order to determine if the crib is safe, we checked the following parameters:
- how sturdy is the Pack’ N Play
- if the Playard meets all the required safety standards
- if there are any safety issues
4. ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
- does it have a newborn napper
- does it have a changing station
- is there any additional storage space on the crib
- do you get a crib mobile or an arch with toys
5. DESIGN:
We evaluated:
- if the bed is available in a sufficient quantity of different colors
- overall design
6. PRICE:
We took into consideration the following things:
- if the crib’s value meets the price
- we compared the price with other Pack’ N Plays of the same type
Top-rated Pack ‘N Plays comparison
| Graco Pack ‘n Play | Quick Connect Playard with Portable Bouncer | Newborn Seat DLX Playard | Nearby Napper Playard | On the Go Playard | Playard with Reversible Napper Changer |
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Grows With Your Child | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Carrying Bag | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Full-Size Bassinet | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Newborn Napper | Portable Bouncer | Newborn Napper | Reversible Inclined Napper or Nest-like Bassinet | NO | Newborn Napper |
| Using Napper Outside of the Unit | YES | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Seat Vibration | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Changing Station | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES |
| Storage | 3 Deep Pockets | Storage Shelves | 3 Deep Pockets | Small Parent Organizer | Small Parent Organizer |
| Music & Sounds | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Check-up Light | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Push Button Fold | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Toys | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Best Place to Buy | AMAZON | AMAZON | AMAZON | AMAZON | AMAZON |
More about Pack ‘n Plays
The element that is equal to almost all Pack ‘N Plays is a folding mechanism, similar to the folding of an umbrella. Folded Pack ‘n Play takes up little space. You can store it in a convenient carrying bag, and take it with you everywhere you go.
All Pack ‘n Plays come with an approximately 1-inch thick basic mattress. If the baby sleeps on it occasionally, the mattress is OK. But I would choose a classic mattress for everyday use. It’s way more comfortable for the baby. Of course, you won’t travel with it, but it is a better choice if the baby sleeps in the Pack ‘n Play a lot of times at home.
As I already mentioned above, this type of portable crib has made a lot of progress in the last few years. Now it can offer much more than just a place to sleep. And the best Graco Pack’ N Play with bassinet has everything you can imagine.
The first handy solution is a baby changing station that sits on the top of the frame making it even more useful. Additionally, there are also convenient storage areas for little items such as creams, powders, nappies, and more. And of course the napper station and bassinet for the first months.
The bassinet is very handy for the whole family. It represents a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn, and it’s convenient for you. You don’t need to lean over the rail and place your sleeping newborn on the bottom of the crib.
The best Pack ‘n Plays often include toys for your little one as well. Some have crib mobiles, another an arch with hanging toys. Some bassinets have even a canopy that shields your baby from bright lights. With the newest Pack ‘n Plays you can really get everything you want.
RELATED: For what is a Pack ‘N Play used for?
Disadvantages of Pack ‘n Play
Compared to classic wooden cribs, Pack ‘n Plays have some noticeable drawbacks. The first one is the bottom of the Pack ‘n Play. Because of the folding mechanism, Pack ‘n Play can’t have an open, airy base for the mattress. But they have airy mesh on all sides, to enable sufficient ventilation in the unit.
The second one is sturdiness. It does not work as compact as a wooden crib, but this is only a visual effect and does not affect the safety of your child.
What we love the most about Graco is, that their products can surprise you over and over. For a reasonable price, everybody can get what he wants. On the first look, you might think their models are the same, but that is far from the truth.
Each product has its personal touch, which more or less differs it from the rest of Pack ‘n Plays. So I am confident one of these beautiful cribs will find a place in your home!