There’s a lot of reviewing, researching, and analyzing behind us … So, I am thrilled that I can finally say it is here; a new list of the best Pack and Plays in 2023.
A safe sleeping space is one of the first and most important things you need for your baby. And a quality Pack and Play is undoubtedly one of the best ways to ensure it!
Not only that, a thoughtfully chosen Pack and Play can serve as a bassinet, crib, play area, and diaper-changing station all in one. Additionally, most models are easy to fold and come with a carrying bag, making it effortless to take on the go.
But before I dive into our top picks for the best Pack and Plays in 2023, I want to clear one thing. All the options on our list are of excellent quality, safe, and have received high ratings during our reviews. However, when choosing the best Pack and Play for you, your baby, and your family, do not forget to consider your needs. Only thus will you find the best one for you.
For instance, you’ll travel easier with the lightweight Pack ‘N Play that is easy to fold and transport. On the other hand, if you intend to use your Pack ‘N Play at home, you will benefit more from a larger model with a bassinet and other accessories.
If you need help deciding which option to choose, don’t worry! We’ve provided an easy-to-follow Pack ‘N Play buyers guide below. But before that, let’s look at our top three recommended choices.
Our Top 3 Pack and Plays:
→ Skip straight to other top-rated Pack ‘N Play in 2023!
How to find the perfect Pack and Play for your needs?
While the look certainly matters, it is better if it’s not the turning point in your decision. I highly recommend that you rather focus on the Pack and Play’s size, weight, and functionality!
A good Pack ‘N Play provides your child with a safe sleep and play area, but the best one also makes your life easier!
So, when buying a Pack ‘N Play, do not forget your needs! Consider where and why you will use it, whether you will need to carry and set it up often, etc.
Things to consider when buying a Pack and Play:
Best Pack and Plays in 2023
1. Best convertible Pack ‘N Play:
Graco Pack ‘N Play Travel Dome LX Playard
DIMENSIONS: 28.5″ L x 27″ W x 37″ H | WEIGHT: 33.07lbs | WHEELS: yes, front wheels | STORAGE BAG: yes, 2 carrying bags for both the Pack ‘N Play and its Portable Bassinet
Why we love this Pack and Play:
I have seen many nursery centers where the Playard was good but had useless add-ons. I am glad that this is not the case here!
The Graco Pack ’N Play Travel Dome LX Playard has everything you need from newborn to toddlerhood! It offers an excellent base unit and numerous helpful attachments. It is a safe, quality, and durable option for your child!
You’ll get a great, spacious, and airy crib alternative, which you can also easily take on the go. Just detach its accessories, pack the Playard in the carrying bag, and you are ready to go. And if you only have to move it around your home, you can do it with the help of two back wheels.
Its signature Graco push-button fold collapses the Playard like an umbrella, so setting up and collapsing is straightforward.
This Playard is full of accessories. Besides the standard infant bassinet and carrying bag, it has many other add-ons, like a portable bassinet, changing table, diaper storage, etc.
All of them are great, but I want to mention its full-size bassinet with a flat bottom and breathable mesh sides. That is a safe option for your newborn! You shouldn’t leave your newborn unattended in rockers and nappers with padded sides or inclined surfaces!
I also love its portable bassinet, which can double as a stand-alone unit for indoor and outdoor use. It has a large canopy with toys and UV protection to shield your baby from the sun and can fold into its own carrying bag.
- BEST FOR: home, grandparents’ house, everyday sleep, as crib substitute
- CHILD GUIDELINES: Both Bassinets: up to 15lbs | Changer: up to 25lbs | Pack ‘N Play: when the child reaches 35 inches, weighs more than 30lbs, or can climb out
- SETTING UP: easy set-up and take-down
2. Best Pack and Play for travel:
Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib Playard
DIMENSIONS: 45.5″ L x 31.5″ W x 25.5″ H | WEIGHT: 13 lbs | WHEELS: no | STORAGE BAG: yes, it doubles as a backpack
Why we love this Pack ‘N Play:
While you can use it at home, it is perfect for traveling with a baby. The Lotus travel crib has a sleek yet sturdy design, with an easy-to-clip-in mattress. It weighs only 13 pounds, folds up small, and sets up in 15 seconds!
The Guava Family Lotus Everywhere travel crib has a carrying bag that doubles as a backpack. Having hands free is something everyone wants when traveling with a baby!
Other features that make us believe Lotus is the best travel Pack ‘N Play are its quality materials, durable frame, side zipper door, full-height mesh sides, and quality mattress.
It even has an optional full-size infant bassinet. That is uncommon for triangular-styled travel cribs because their lightweight frame doesn’t withstand the weight of a hanging bassinet with a newborn.
But the Lotus’s solid but light aluminum frame can do it! Unfortunately, you need to buy a Lotus Crib-to-Bassinet Conversion Kit separately, but it is great to have this option!
Another plus of the aluminum frame is its sturdiness and durability. The Lotus travel crib can easily withstand years of a toddler and travel abuse!
Those with newborns and young babies will appreciate Playard’s side zipper door. You can lay on the floor and play, cuddle, nurse, or help your baby fall asleep without struggling to lean over the rail. Later, you can let your toddler freely crawl in and out of the Playard.
The Guava Family Lotus is one of the pricier options. Still, it is a stylish, high-quality, safe, compact, and durable travel companion from infancy to toddlerhood, so it is worth a few extra bucks!
- BEST FOR: travelers
- CHILD GUIDELINES: From newborn until your child can climb out. It has no weight limit, as the mattress lies on the floor.
- SETTING UP: easy, like an accordion
3. Simple yet very efficient:
Graco Pack ‘N Play On the Go Playard
DIMENSIONS: 39.5″ L x 28.25” W x 29” H | WEIGHT: 21.43 lbs | WHEELS: yes | STORAGE BAG: yes
Why we love it:
We are not the only ones who like this simple yet efficient Pack ‘N Play. After all, it is the best-selling model on the market!
I am not surprised. The Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard has everything parents need, plus a few extra features, for a truly affordable price!
Its sleeping area is airy, comfortable for the baby, and roomy enough for a playful toddler. The setting is easy and quick – we didn’t even have to look at the instructions. Collapsing might take a little longer, but it’s not hard once you get used to it.
The Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go weighs 20 pounds. It is not the lightest but far from the heaviest model. I wouldn’t take it on the plane, but you can easily fit it into your trunk.
I was pleasantly surprised by its extras. There are not many, but they’re of good quality; a detachable full-size bassinet, storage pockets, a toy bar to keep your little one entertained, and wheels for mobility — for less than $100.
Graco’s wheels seem more functional than other Pack ‘N Play brands. They glide smoothly on all surfaces, even on a shag rug! Very helpful when you have to move the whole thing around your home.
Another thing we like is its structure. It’s not bulky but compact, with straight lines to fit in small spaces without giving up on the spacious sleeping area.
If you want something simple that won’t break the bank, the Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard is the best choice! It is a portable, easy-to-use, sturdy, and well-made unit that will last many years.
- BEST FOR: home, traveling, grandparents
- CHILD GUIDELINES: Bassinet: up to 15 lbs | Playard: up to 35″ tall
- SETTING UP: easy
4. Easiest set-up:
4moms Breeze Plus Portable Travel Playard
DIMENSIONS: 43″ L x 30″ W x 29″ H | WEIGHT: 23 lbs (With bassinet and changer: 28.5 lbs) | WHEELS: yes, 4 | STORAGE BAG: yes
Why we love it:
If you haven’t struggled with Playard’s setting with your crying baby in your hands, you haven’t reached the peak of parental frustration yet. With the 4moms Breeze Plus, you’ll never have to!
It is the easiest Playard to fold or unfold ever. We’ve tested its “one-push open, one-pull close” function, and I have to say it works perfectly. With a bit of practice, I was able to set it up with one hand in a second, which is incredible.
The 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard has a deep full-size infant bassinet and a great diaper-changing attachment. Having everything you need without being overloaded with extra features is undoubtedly one of the reasons why we love it so much.
This Playard has many details that raise its overall rating and make it better than regular models. It has the flip-off changer, two extra legs for better stability, and four, not the usual two wheels.
Its changer is compact, sturdy, and one of the best we’ve seen. You can detach it or only flip it over to free up space in the Pack ‘N Play; perfect for quick diaper and clothing changes.
4moms Breeze’s wheels glide smoothly and are nicely hidden under covers, adding to the Playard’s modern look and protecting the baby’s gentle fingers—another 4moms’ special detail.
Even its mattress is designed to perfection. It is a 2-in-1 model that is adjustable to fit into the bassinet and Playard.
The 4moms Breeze Plus is among our list’s higher-priced Pack ‘N Plays, but we think it is worth your consideration!
- BEST FOR: for home or on the go, for those who need a unit that is ready in a second
- CHILD GUIDELINES: Bassinet: up to 18 lbs | Changer: up to 25 lbs | Playard: up to 30 lbs
- SETTING UP: ultra-easy
5. Best budget-friendly convertible Pack and Play:
Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center
DIMENSIONS: 40.16″ L x 28.35” W x 42.91” H | WEIGHT: 29.1 lbs | WHEELS: yes | STORAGE BAG: yes
Why we love this nursery center:
If you are in the market for a convertible Pack and Play but short on money, look at the Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center.
It’s not as luxurious, but it doesn’t look cheap and has everything you need. It’s almost identical to Graco’s Playard but costs nearly half as much.
Before I start with its features, I must emphasize that its lower price doesn’t affect its safety, which is the most important to us!
The Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center includes a full-size bassinet, changer, napper with a canopy and toys, and storage pockets.
The napper stands sturdy on the Playard, but you can not use it as a separate unit like Graco’s. However, it does have breathable mesh sides that are much safer than padded ones! We rated it lower than Graco’s, but it’s still quality, thoughtfully made, and better than many others on the market!
On the other hand, its changer offers more than Graco’s. It has a flip-away feature, so you don’t have to detach it when your baby is in the Playard. Certainly more convenient!
Unfortunately, it is more challenging to fold. I won’t lie; it can be a pain. It gets easier once you get used to it, but the process takes longer than on other Playards.
If you need a Playard that requires a lot of unfolding and folding, we do not recommend this one. However, if you plan to set it up at home or it is a great affordable choice!
- BEST FOR: home, grandparent’s house
- CHILD GUIDELINES: Napper: to 15 lbs | Full-Size Bassinet: from birth up to 15 lbs or 25″| Changer: from birth up to 15 lbs or 25″ | Playard: from birth up to 30 lbs or 35″
- SETTING UP: not as easy
6. Best budget-friendly travel Pack and Play:
Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen
DIMENSIONS: 45,5″ L x 31” W x 27” H | WEIGHT: 11 lbs | WHEELS: no | STORAGE BAG: yes, in a shape of a suitcase
Why we love this travel Pack ‘N Play:
The Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen provides all the necessary elements to travel with your baby without costing an arm and a leg, making it the best alternative to the Lotus Everywhere travel crib.
The whole Playpen is made to be as portable as possible. It weighs only 11 pounds and folds neatly into the included traveling bag in a shape of a suitcase (same as the well-known BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light).
The Baby Joy Travel Crib is easy to carry around, set up, and collapse. We also gave it high ratings for being stable and sturdy despite its lightweight.
It even has additional features, such as a side zipper door. That is great for in-and-out play or bonding with your baby without struggling to lean over the rail. It is like an affordable mix of BabyByorn and Guava Family Lotus Everywhere travel crib.
Another unique and handy feature of the Baby Joy Travel crib is the ability to remove and wash the entire crib fabric. Considering that it is intended for travel and will stand in various unfamiliar places, this is very convenient and helpful!
As for its mattress, it is better than many others on the market but not as good as the one in the Lotus travel crib. So, this is the only part of our review where we rated the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen lower than the Lotus.
Overall, for an affordable price, you get a durable travel Playpen that can easily compete with more expensive models. It is an excellent choice for travelers and gives babies their own safe sleeping space no matter where they are.
- BEST FOR: parents on a budget who likes to travel
- CHILD GUIDELINES: for newborns up to 3 years
- SETTING UP: easy
7. Best Pack ‘N Play for small spaces:
Graco Travel Lite Crib
DIMENSIONS: 32″ L x 22,8″ W x 29,3” H | WEIGHT: 19,7 lbs | WHEELS: yes | STORAGE BAG: yes
Why we love it:
Those who think a standard Pack ‘N Play is too big for their needs should consider this option. The Graco Travel Lite Crib is smaller and can easily fit almost anywhere.
Your child can use it pretty long despite being 20 percent smaller than standard Graco Playards. It grows with your baby and can be used for children up to 35 inches tall or 30 pounds (about the beginning of the child’s third year).
We like that it is light and collapses smoothly using the signature Graco push-button fold. Due to its wheels and compact design, you can also easily move it around the home uncollapsed. Thus we think it’s appropriate either for home or traveling with.
It also features a cute canopy with soft toys, a mattress pad, and airy mesh sides for ventilation.
The Graco Travel Lite Crib’s unique feature is a frame with a mattress pad adjustable to three heights. The first two stages are bassinets for infants of different weights. The final level is the bottom, where the Graco Travel Lite Crib works like any other Pack and Play. Each stage provides a safe and cozy sleeping place for your child.
But in the end, most parents opt for it due to its smaller footprint. Some have space issues others want the smaller unit for no-fuss travel. Either way, it is an excellent alternative to standard Playards and triangular-style travel cribs.
- BEST FOR: small spaces | substitute for triangular-style travel cribs with a floor mattress
- CHILD GUIDELINES: Stage 1 Bassinet: infants unable to push up on hands and knees and under 15 lbs | Stage 2 Bassinet: infants unable to push up on hands and knees and under 20 lbs | Stage 3 Playard: children unable to climb out and under 35″ tall
- SETTING UP: easy
8. Best Pack and Play for twins:
Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center
DIMENSIONS: 40.75″ L x 28.75” W x 29.25” H | WEIGHT: 40.95 lbs | WHEELS: yes | STORAGE BAG: yes
Why we love it:
The Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center is the perfect solution for twins.
It has two newborn bassinets, which is very convenient! Moreover, it saves space and money. Just think of the money you save by purchasing this Playard instead of two infant bassinets!
Bassinets are set side-by-side on the top and slightly sunk into the Playard, which we especially like. They clip securely on the Playard’s top, have a carry handle, a canopy with toys, and a music center with volume control, nightlight, and vibration.
Bassinets are surrounded by mesh, so your newborns can sleep safely (they can breathe through the mesh if they press their face against the side). That also provides better ventilation and prevents overheating!
Lastly, bassinets are removable and convertible into stand-alone units that double as rockers. That’s a lot for the price you are paying!
I’ve to admit … Although I loved the idea of two newborn units, I was skeptical about the quality. After all, you get it for the price of one average newborn bassinet. However, after reviewing, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and added features!
The Playard is loaded with extra features like a travel bag, full-size bassinet, one-hand locking mechanism, wheels, parent organizer, and changing table. But remember that it’s not larger than other Pack and Plays, so it’s suitable for one baby.
Its folding can be a bit frustrating before you get used to it, so it’s not the most travel-friendly option, but certainly worth your consideration if you have twins!
- BEST FOR: families with twins
- CHILD GUIDELINES: Newborn Bassinet: up to 15 lbs or 25″ | Full-Size Bassinet: up to 15 lbs or 25″ | Changer: up to 15 lbs or 22″ | Pack and Play: up to 30 lbs or 35″ tall
- SETTING UP: medium-hard
9. Best luxury Pack and Play:
UPPAbaby REMI Playard
DIMENSIONS: 40.5″ L x 26″ W x 28.5” H | WEIGHT: 20 lbs | WHEELS: yes | STORAGE BAG: yes
Why we love this luxury Pack and Play:
The UPPAbaby is a premium baby brand, well-known for its beautiful designs and contemporary details, making it one of the leading choices for trend-conscious parents.
It costs more, but you’ll get a sophisticated Playard of premium materials. The UPPAbaby REMI Playard is quality, durable, and safe. And it opens in a second with one push in its center!
We love UPPAbaby REMI’s triple-layer breathable mattress. It has a unique structure with perforated boards for complete breathability and is machine washable!
The mattress is convertible to fit into the REMI Playard and its bassinet insert; conversion is done by removing its side panels.
The bassinet alone is also unique. It doesn’t hang in the Pack and Play but zips up inside the REMI, making it hold a better shape than other Playard bassinets.
Another great feature is the REMI’s side-opening panel. Although we’ve already seen it, I’m glad that UPPAbaby includes it in the design. Many luxury Playards are made more ascetic, following the principle less is more. So it’s great they’ve incorporated a side-zipper door without compromising the Playard’s trendy look.
You can opt for more accessories, but you have to buy them separately:
- Changer with foldable sides and a flip-away feature
- Clip-on organizer
- Canopy
- Organic cotton mattress cover
- Waterproof mattress cover
- Special travel bag*
*You get a regular carrying bag with the Playard! The difference is that the special one includes you in the UPPAbaby’s TravelSafe Program, which covers any damage incurred to your REMI during air travel. This bag is also a bit bigger to take a canopy and a changing station, not only the Playard.
- BEST FOR: trendy parents with a bigger budget for home and travel
- CHILD GUIDELINES: Playard: from birth to 35″ tall | Bassinet: from birth to 20 lbs
- SETTING UP: ultra-easy
How we choose the best Pack and Plays
To choose the best Pack and Plays, we picked those that we have used at our homes, the most popular models on the market, and those recommended by other parents. Then, we narrowed the list by reviewing their safety, ease of use, portability, and more.
We assessed how safe each Pack and Play is:
Safety is always a top concern for us, especially when it comes to baby gear. Thus we’ve looked for features such as sturdy construction, a secure locking mechanism, reliable wheels, a firm Pack ‘N Play mattress, and breathable mesh sides.
The best Pack and Plays on the list surpass rigorous testing and meet all required safety standards!
Best Pack ‘N Plays are easy to use:
When it comes to Pack and Plays, we always take a closer look at their ease of use. After all, they are meant to be carried and traveled with, so they should be easy to set up and take down.
We’ve checked their weight and how portable they are. We believe all Pack and Plays should be easily moved from one room to another.
We have also checked how easily you can clean them and if they have machine-washable covers and mattresses.
Comfort:
Your child will likely spend a lot of time in his Pack and Play, so he must feel comfortable in it. Thus we’ve look models with comfortable but firm enough mattresses and ample space for play and sleep.
The best Pack and Plays on the list are versatile:
We’ve looked for Pack and Plays that can be used for multiple purposes, such as sleeping, playing, and even changing diapers.
Versatility is definitely important and expected from a Pack and Play. However, a Pack and Play loaded with numerous more or less useful accessories isn’t automatically better than one that only has basic features.
Value for money:
Finally, we have evaluated their value for money. This means we strive to find affordable Pack and Plays that still have all the necessary features and are made with high-quality materials.
Summary
Best Pack and Play for your baby
You will benefit from any Plack and Play on the list, but it is the best to choose according to your family’s needs.
If you’re looking for a low-cost, basic Pack and Play, go with the Graco Pack ‘N Play On the Go Playard or Graco Travel Lite if you are experiencing space issues.
Those who need extra attachments should look into convertible nursery center Playards, such as Graco Pack ‘N Play Travel Dome LX Playard or its cheaper alternative, Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center.
The Lotus Travel Crib and Baby Joy 2-in-1 Playpen are the best Playards for travelers. If you are willing to pay a little bit more, I recommend the Lotus, but its cheaper alternative, the Baby Joy travel crib, also perfectly serves its purpose.
And if you want something deluxe? Choose the UPPAbaby REMI Playard or 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Travel Playard.
