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 ‘n Plays in 2023.
All Pack ‘n Plays (also called Playards) listed below are great, safe, and quality. In essence, they are all suitable for use at home or on the go. For sure, all of them scored the highest results during our reviews! But …
You’ll travel easier with the lightweight Pack ’n Play that folds up really small. Just as the Pack ‘n Play with the bassinet and other accessories could be more beneficial to those who plan to use it more often at home.
I want to say that individual needs should play the last role in determining which Pack ‘n Play is best for your family.
That’s why I’ve decided to add a buyer’s guide on choosing the most suitable Pack ‘n Play for your family.
But first, like in all Baby’s Little Place “best-off” posts, our top three choices…
A simple yet very efficient Pack ‘n Play, available for a great price.
How to find the best Pack ‘n Play for your needs?
While the Pack ‘n Play’s 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 ‘n Play’s size, weight, and functionality!
A good Playard provides a safe sleep and play area for your child, but the best one makes your life easier too!
So, when buying a Pack ‘n Play, do not forget about 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 Pack ‘n Play:
Weight:
The Pack ‘n Play’s weight is an important factor in the decision. After all, it is a mobile space for your child to sleep and play safely. Which means it is expected to be carried around or, at least, moved around the house.
1. Those who need a Pack ‘n Play for travel should choose a lightweight model. 2. If you intend to use it at home, you can opt for a traditional Pack ‘n Play or nursery center Playard. The mattress is raised off the floor, not like on lightweight travel models where it sits on the floor. That is definitely better for everyday use. 3. However, if you need it for home and only occasionally for the road, the medium-heavy traditional Pack ‘n Play might be the best choice. It doesn’t have bulky accessories, still packs nicely into a convenient traveling bag, and is not the heaviest choice.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t use a lighter model at home and vice versa. I’m just saying what has proven to be the best so far.
Size:
Pack ‘n Plays come in numerous sizes and shapes regardless of their weight. But most of them are about 40″ long and around 28″ in width, which is considered a standard Pack ‘n Play size.
Some believe the lighter, triangular-style Pack ‘n Plays (also called travel cribs) are smaller than standard models, but that is not true. The sleeping area of these Pack ‘n Play’s is often even larger than the standard one, as they are narrowed only at the top.
You can choose from different sizes in lightweight travel cribs, traditional Pack ‘n Plays, and nursery center Playards!
Ease of use is especially important for travel Playards. You will constantly set it up and fold it down on the road, so its folding mechanism should work like a breeze, easy and quick.
Some Pack ‘n Plays require more steps, but most fold easily with a one-step push on their center, like an umbrella. Playards that fold like an accordion are less common. However, this method has proven to be very simple and practical too.
Remember to check if the folded Pack ‘n Play fits easily in the included carrying bag. Some models are complicated to fold as tightly as they fold them in the factory. As a result, you have to squeeze them into the bag, which often leads to tearing it off. → The best Pack ‘n Plays on our list fold easily into their included traveling bags!
Those who will use their Pack ‘n Play at home will appreciate models with wheels. While you probably won’t collapse the Playard every day, you may need to move it from one room to another. In this case, wheels may be convenient, especially with heavier nursery center Pack ‘n Plays.
Pack ‘n Play features:
Two features that are the same on all Playards are folding without disassembly and packing in the carrying bag. From here, however, the possibilities are endless.
From triangular-styled travel cribs without any accessories to nursery center Playards loaded with adds-on, such as the bassinet, napper, changing table, storage organizers, etc.
FOLDING: Some models require more steps, but most of them fold down easily like an umbrella or accordion.
CARRYING BAG: The carrying bag is pretty much the same for all standard Pack ‘n Plays; a rectangular bag with handles. Travel cribs have smaller carrying bag that is often further enhanced to make the trip easier. Some are even in the shape of a convenient suitcase or backpack.
MATTRESS POSITION: The mattress lies on the floor (lightweight travel Playards) or is lifted (standard Pack ‘n Plays).
Either way is safe and comfortable for your baby. However, your back may hurt if you often bend over the rail to the mattress on the bottom. Thus I recommend you pick a lightweight model for travel, occasional naps, and play, and a standard Pack ‘n Play with raised mattress for frequent use at home.
Furthermore, models with raised mattress typically include a FULL-SIZE INFANT BASSINET, which sets the Playard mattress to a higher level for easy access to your newborn.
However, the manufacturers of travel cribs have also come up with a solution – SIDE ZIPPER DOOR. They allow bonding, cuddling, nursing, and comforting your baby by lying next to him. If you intend to travel with a newborn or a young baby, I suggest you think about it.
OTHER ADDS-ON: Standard Pack ‘n Plays can have many accessories, such as a portable bassinet, newborn napper, rocker, changer, storage units, toy bar or mobile, etc.
Safety:
A Pack ‘n Plays is generally a safe sleeping place for kids of many ages, weights, and sizes.
New models must undergo rigorous testing to meet federal law requirements and additional requirements from the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). Only then they’re certified as safe for babies and can be legally sold.
However, purchasing a new, certified Pack ‘n Play is only the first step in ensuring your baby’s safe sleeping place. The Pack ‘n Play safety depends mostly on you! You have to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, know how to use it correctly, and follow the safe sleep recommendations.
An older Pack ‘n Play is suitable for your baby if it is still in good condition and made after February 28, 2013, when new Pack ‘n Play safety standards came into force.
Pack ‘n Plays are available in a wide price range. You can choose from very cheap models for under $ 100 or opt for a high-end Pack ‘n Play.
Is there a difference? Of course, it is. But mostly in appearance, as more expensive Playards often look more modern and luxurious. Some are more durable and made of superior materials, but you often pay for a brand.
In the end, they offer your baby more or less the same, meaning you can buy a cheap Pack ‘n Play for under $ 100 without a guilty conscience!
Best Pack ‘n Plays in 2023
Best convertible Pack ‘n Play:
Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard
BEST FOR: home & grandparents’ house, great for everyday sleep, excellent crib substitute, perfect for newborns
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 Playard and Portable Bassinet
CHILD GUIDELINES: – Raised Portable Bassinet: Infant up to 15 lbs – Full-Size Infant Bassinet: Infant up to 15 lbs – Changer: Infants up to 25 lbs – Pack ‘N Play: when your child reaches 35 inches in height, weighs more than 30 lbs, or is able to climb out
SETTING UP: easy set-up and take-down
Why we love it:
I have seen many nursery centers where the Playard was pretty good. However, its adds-on were of poor quality and useless. I am glad that this is not the case here!
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard offers an excellent base unit (Pack ‘n Play) and numerous helpful attachments. It is a safe, quality, and durable option from newborn to toddlerhood.
You’ll get a great, spacious, and airy crib alternative, but you can easily take it on the go too. Just detach all the accessories, pack the Playard in the included carrying bag, and you are ready to go.
Setting up and collapsing is straightforward and pretty fast. It has a signature Graco push-button fold that collapses the Playard like an umbrella.
There are also two back wheels for effortless home mobility, which may come in handy if you have to move the whole nursery center from one room to another.
What about its attachments? You get the standard accessories such as a full-size infant bassinet and carrying bag. But there are also a portable bassinet, changing table, and diaper storage container, so everything you need.
I love its portable bassinet! It has a large canopy with toys and UV protection to shield your baby from the sun. Yes, you can use it indoors and outdoors as a stand-alone unit! It also folds compactly and even includes its OWN carrying bag.
But what I like the most is the bassinet’s construction. It has a flat bottom and breathable mesh sides. Only such bassinets are recommended for the baby’s sleep! So-called rockers and nappers with padded sides or inclined surfaces are unsafe for leaving your sleeping baby in them unattended!
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard really has everything you need from newborn to toddlerhood!
CHILD GUIDELINES: From newborn and until your child can climb out. It does not have a weight limit, as the mattress lies on the floor.
SETTING UP: easy 3D fold, like an accordion
Why we love it:
This Pack ‘n Play is all about traveling. Just look at its characteristics. It has a sleek yet sturdy design, with an easy-to-clip-in mattress. Lotus weighs only 13 pounds, folds up small, and sets up in 15 seconds!
The Guava Family Lotus comes with a perfect traveling bag that you can use as a carry-on bag or a convenient 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, a durable frame, side zipper door, full-height mesh sides, and the optional full-size infant bassinet.
You won’t see a full-size bassinet on many lightweight triangular-styled travel cribs! Their lightweight frame doesn’t withstand the weight of a hanging bassinet with a newborn in it, so they usually come without it.
I am glad that the Lotus’s solid but light aluminum frame withstands higher weight and gives you this unique option. 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 stand up to years of toddler and travel abuse!
Especially those with newborns and young babies will appreciate the Lotus 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 on, you can also let your toddler freely crawl in and out of the Playard.
The Guava Family Lotus is one of the pricier options, but it is a stylish and high-quality choice. It is a safe, compact, and durable travel companion from infancy to toddlerhood, so I think it is worth a few extra bucks!
BEST FOR: Parents on a budget who need a Pack ‘n Play for home or/and traveling (mostly by car), grandparents
DIMENSIONS: 39.5″L x 28.25”W x 29”H
WEIGHT: 21.43 lbs
WHEELS: yes
STORAGE BAG: yes
CHILD GUIDELINES: – Bassinet: Infants up to 15 lbs – Playard: Children up to 35″ tall, unable to climb out
SETTING UP: easy
Why we love it:
We really like this simple yet efficient Pack ‘n Play. But what we like even more is its affordable price!
The Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard has everything most parents need, plus a few extra features.
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 more time, but once you get used to it, it’s not hard at all.
The Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard weighs about 20 pounds, so it is not the lightest but far from the heaviest models. I wouldn’t take it on the plane, but you can easily fit it into your car trunk and take it on the go.
I was pleasantly surprised by its extras. There are not many, but they are of good quality; a detachable full-size infant bassinet, storage pockets, a toy bar to keep your little one entertained, and wheels for extra mobility — everything for less than $100.
Graco’s wheels seem the most functional compared to 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 about this Pack ‘n Play is its structure. It is not bulky but a compact rectangular Pack ‘n Play with straight lines to fit in small spaces without giving up the spacious sleeping area.
If you are looking for something simple that won’t break your bank, the Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard might be the best choice! It is a portable, easy-to-use, sturdy, and well-made unit that will last for many years.
BEST FOR: those who need a Pack ‘n Play that works great at home or on the go, that are always in a rush, and need a unit that is ready in a second
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
CHILD GUIDELINES: – Bassinet: from birth until 18 lbs – Changer: from birth until 25 lbs – Playard: from birth until 30 lbs
SETTING UP: ultra-easy
Why we love it:
If you haven’t struggled with the Playard setting when your baby cries next to you, you haven’t reached the peak of parental frustration yet. By purchasing this Playard, you’ll never have to!
The 4moms Breeze Plus is the easiest Playard to fold or unfold ever. It has “one-push open, one-pull close” functionality, which really does work. You can set it up with one hand in a single motion. Isn’t that great?
The 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard is an all-in-one care station with everything you need without being overloaded with extra features. It has a deep full-size infant bassinet and a great diaper-changing attachment.
The 4moms Breeze changer is one of the best I’ve seen so far. It is compact, sturdy, and detachable. But the best part is its flip-off feature! You can simply flip it over to free up space without removing it; perfect for quick diaper and clothing changes.
We are thrilled with the details of 4moms Breez. Some may not notice them at first glance, but they are all handy and make a difference. In addition to the already mentioned flip changer, this Playard possesses two extra legs for better stability and four wheels. Yes, not the usual two, but as many as four wheels.
Its wheels glide smoothly and are nicely hidden under plastic covers, adding to the Pack ‘n Play’s modern look and protecting the baby’s gentle fingers.
Even the 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 one of the higher-priced Pack ‘n Plays on our list. In my opinion, it is worth the cost, but some may be deterred by its higher price, which is understandable.
BEST FOR: parents on a budget who need a convertible Pack ‘n Play for home usage
DIMENSIONS: 40.16″L x 28.35”W x 42.91”H
WEIGHT: 29.1 lbs
WHEELS: yes
STORAGE BAG: yes
CHILD GUIDELINES: – Napper: from birth up to 15 lbs – Full-Size Bassinet: from birth up to 15 lbs or 25″ whichever comes first – Changer: from birth up to 15 lbs or 25″, whichever comes first – Pack ‘n Play: from birth up to 30 lbs or 35″, whichever comes first
SETTING UP: not as easy
Why we love it:
If you are on the market for a convertible Pack ‘n Play but short on money, look at the Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center.
It may not look so luxurious, but it has everything you need and certainly doesn’t look cheap! You get almost identical features to the Graco Travel Dome LX Playard described above for half the price.
You should know that its low price does not affect its safety at all! It must undergo the same safety tests as any other Playard. Moreover, it meets and exceeds all federal safety standards and is even JPMA certified.
The Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center includes a removable napper with a canopy, a full-sized infant bassinet, a changer, and storage pockets.
The napper stands sturdy on the Playard, but you can not use it as a separate unit like the Graco’s bassinet. Most importantly, it has breathable mesh sides that are much safer than padded ones! I think it is not as good as Graco’s, but still quality, thoughtfully made, and better than many others on the market!
Its changer is due to the flip away feature even better than Graco’s. It is more convenient than detaching it whenever your baby is in the Playard.
The biggest drawback against Graco and the other Playards on the list is its folding. I won’t lie; it can be a pain. It gets easier once you get it down, but the whole process takes longer from other Playards.
If you need a Playard that requires a lot of unfolding and folding, I do not recommend this one. However, if you plan to set it at home or grandparents’ house, it is a great affordable alternative to high-budget nursery center Playards.
CHILD GUIDELINES: for babies from 0 to 3 years old
SETTING UP: easy
Why we love it:
The Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen is an easy-to-use, less expensive Lotus travel crib alternative. It offers all the features and functionality you need when traveling with your baby without breaking the bank.
The Baby Joy Travel Crib is a small compact model that weighs only 11 pounds. It is easy to set up and collapse, sturdy when open, and even features a side zipper door.
This Playpen folds neatly into the included traveling bag and is easy to carry around. Its carrying bag is in a shape of a suitcase, like on the well-known BabyBjorn travel crib light.
Its side zipper panel offers the same convenience as the one on the Lotus crib! It is excellent for in-and-out play or bonding with your baby without struggling to lean over the rail.
The crib is surrounded from top to bottom by mesh, allowing you to see your baby. The breathable mesh also enables air circulation and prevents sultry heat.
Another unique and handy Baby Joy Travel Crib feature is the ability to remove and wash the entire crib fabric.
If I had to point out the feature that is not as good as on the Guava Family Lotus travel crib, that would be the Baby Joy’s mattress pad. It is not as quality and a bit less comfortable. Still, it is a good travel mattress, perfectly acceptable for traveling.
I think Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen can easily compete with more expensive choices despite such minor imperfections! The Playard is also pretty durable, especially for the price you are paying.
Overall, it is a great inexpensive travel crib that gives your little one their own safe sleeping space no matter where you are.
BEST FOR: those with space issues or those who want to travel with a smaller package but do not like the triangular-style travel cribs with a mattress on the floor
DIMENSIONS: 32″L x 22,8″W x 29,3”H
WEIGHT: 19,7 lbs
WHEELS: yes
STORAGE BAG: yes
CHILD GUIDELINES: – Stage 1 Bassinet: For infants unable to push up on hands and knees and under 15 lbs – Stage 2 Bassinet: For infants unable to push up on hands and knees and under 20 lbs – Stage 3 Playard: For children unable to climb out and under 35″ tall
SETTING UP: easy
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. It’s great either for home or traveling.
The Graco Travel Lite Crib is 20 percent smaller than standard Graco Playards, but your child can use it pretty long anyway. 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).
I like that it is lightweight, fits through the doorways, and has wheels for added convenience. It also features a cute canopy with soft toys, a closing 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 different heights, wherein each stage provides a safe, cozy, portable spot for babies of different ages.
The first stage is the bassinet, set on the highest setting (recommended for babies up to 15 pounds). Its second stage is the bassinet, set to the middle height and appropriate for babies up to 20 pounds. The Graco Travel Lite Crib’s final third level is its bottom.
I like how easy it is to put it together and collapse. It has a signature Graco push-button fold to collapse smoothly like any standard Graco Pack ‘n Play or Graco nursery center.
But in the end, its smaller footprint is a feature that makes most parents opt for this Pack ‘n Play. Some have space issues others want the smaller unit for no-fuss travel. Either way, it is a great alternative to standard Playards and lightweight triangular-style travel cribs.
CHILD GUIDELINES: – Portable Rock-A-Bye Bassinet: from birth up to 15 lbs or 25″ tall, whichever comes first – Full-Size Bassinet: from birth up to 15 lbs or 25″, whichever comes first – Changer: from birth up to 15 lbs or 22″, whichever comes first – Pack ‘n Play: from birth up to 30 lbs or 35″ tall, whichever comes first
SETTING UP: medium-hard
Why we love it:
The Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center is the perfect solution for parents with twins.
It has two newborn bassinets set side-by-side on the top, slightly sunk into the Playard. Having both babies at hand is very convenient for mothers with twins! Moreover, it also saves space and money.
Just think of the money you can save by purchasing this Pack ‘n Play instead of two infant bassinets!
I’ve to admit … Although I loved the idea of two newborn units, I was a little skeptical about their quality. After all, you get it all together for the price of one average newborn bassinet. But when I looked at them in more detail, I was pleasantly surprised by their quality and added features!
First of all, both bassinets clip securely on the top of the Playard, have a carry handle, a canopy with two soft toys, and an electronic music center with volume control, nightlight, and vibration.
Second, they have mesh sides for better ventilation. Moreover, a newborn can breathe through the mesh if he somehow presses the nose and mouth against the bassinet’s side.
And third, both bassinets are removable and convertible into stand-alone units that double as rockers. That’s a lot for the price you are paying!
The Playard itself is not larger than other Pack ‘n Plays on the list. It is standard-sized and suitable only for one baby once your twins outgrow their bassinets.
It features a travel bag, a full-size bassinet, a one-hand locking mechanism, wheels with brakes, an extra-large parent organizer, and a changing table.
My only complaint about this Playard refers to its folding. It can be frustrating before you get used to it. So, it’s not the most travel-friendly Playard on the list, but certainly worth your consideration if you have twins!
BEST FOR: trendy parents with a bigger budget for home and travel
DIMENSIONS: 40.5″L x ” 26″W x 28.5”H
WEIGHT: 20 lbs
WHEELS: yes
STORAGE BAG: yes
CHILD GUIDELINES: – Playard is suitable from birth to 35″ tall – Bassinet is suitable from birth to 20 lbs
SETTING UP: ultra-easy
Why we love it:
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.
You’ll have to pay more for the REMI, but you’ll get a sophisticated Playard made of premium materials. It is a quality, durable, and safe unit that opens like a breeze. One push in its center, and the whole Playard opens up immediately in one second.
I love UPPAbaby REMI’s triple-layer breathable mattress. It has a unique structure for complete breathability. The mattress is made of four perforated support boards covered with soft, breathable mesh. Even more, it is machine washable! Just take the boards out and toss the rest in the washer!
REMI’s mattress is convertible to also fit into its bassinet insert; conversion is done by removing its side panels.
The bassinet alone is also unique. It zips up all along inside the REMI, making it hold a better shape than other Playard bassinets.
Another great feature is the REMI’s side-opening panel. Although it is something we’ve already seen, 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 Playar’d 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. It’s also a bit bigger to take a canopy and a changing station in addition to the Playard.
