Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard Review

Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard Review

Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard includes everything you and your child need. It is not just a comfortable sleeping space for your baby and toddler but a handy changing station, newborn nap station, and Playpen for your toddler. It’s actually like a little portable nursery that you can take almost everywhere you go.

We’ve already got so much positive parent feedback about this Playard that we had to test it and make our Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard review, too.

But we didn’t stop there. We’ve also compared Ingenuity’s performance with that of its competitors. Do you want a quick answer? Is the Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard a good option for your baby? I can happily say the results of our review are great, just look at the review’s summary.

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Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard’s Pros & Cons

* Ingenuity is heavier than lightweight travel cribs, which are primarily intended only for traveling. But that goes for all Playards and Pack ‘N Plays, so it’s not a disadvantage compared to similar models. But, if you intend to use it mostly for traveling, I suggest you take a look into lightweight travel cribs before your decision.

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What is Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard?

Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard is a multifunctional baby space, perfect for newborns all the way to toddlers age. And it is not just a good choice for your baby, as it can significantly ease your life too. Why? Because you have everything within your reach.

If I had to point out a particular feature that sticks out from the average, that would be its wide range of usability and the number of different accessories. It is so impressive how much effort Ingenuity put into the accessibility of different accessories.

Note: Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard is available in multiple versions. Models differ depending on added accessories. Read what you get in the package carefully, and pick the option that suits your family’s needs the most!

You can use it as:

1. Newborn napping station
2. Sleeping space for your baby and toddler, with a handy baby crib mobile, toys, or even musical box
3. The second crib in the grandparents’ or caregivers’ home
4. Changing table
5. Travel crib
6. Safe play area for your baby and toddler
7. Storage for small baby belongings

What Do You Get in the Packet?

Since the Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard has been on the market, it has been available in nine versions, but unfortunately, not all of them are always available. The difference is in their accessories.

Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard is a multifunctional Pack ‘N Play with a lot of Accessories:

• Full-size bassinet
• Infant napper station
• Changing table
• Storage space
• Toys
• Musical box on the napper (except on the Braden and Ridgedale)

Accessories that vary between the Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard models:

1. Storage Space:

Some Ingenuity Playards come with a hanging storage tray, and others have hanging side pockets. There is not a huge difference in the number of baby necessities you can stuff into one or another, so I would not decide based on them.

2. Toys:

You can choose between:

1. Arch with hanging toys
2. Hanging toys on the canopy
3. Crib mobile with a starry nightlight projector

3. Newborn Napper station:

On the top of the Pack ‘N Play is a clipped-on newborn napper. It is deep enough and safe for your newborn. It is also slightly inclined and lined with a comfortable white plush.

A newborn napper is great for naps during the day, but for overnight sleep, rather use a full-size bassinet, which hangs on the Playard sides.

Both a newborn napper and full-size bassinet can be quickly and easily attached to or removed from the Playard.

4. Changing table:

The changing table stands on the top of the Playard. It is located on the right side of the unit and is a little bigger than a newborn napper, so you can use it longer.

The changing table is covered with a wipeable nylon fabric and deep enough to prevent rolling off.

When it is not in use, you can either flip it out of the way, on the side of the Playard or remove it entirely. It is easily detachable.

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Types of Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard

Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard	Bryant	Moreland	Ridgedale	Connoly	Bella Teddy	Braden	Vesper	Piper	Chadwick
REMOVABLE NAPPER STATION	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
CHANGING TABLE	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
FULL-SIZE BASSINET	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
MACHINE WASHABLE PIECES	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
STORAGE	side storage pocket	side storage pockets	side storage pockets	side storage pockets	side storage pockets	side storage pockets	storage tray	storage tray	side storage pockets
TOYS	arch with toys	arch with toys	arch with toys	on the canopy	on the canopy	on the canopy	crib mobile	crib mobile	on the canopy
MUSIC	X	X	X	✓	✓	X	✓	✓	X
CARRYING BAG	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	on the canopy	✓	✓	✓
NIGHTLIGHT PROJECTOR	X	X	X	X	X	X	✓	✓	X

You can check which types of Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard are currently available on:

• Amazon
• Walmart

In-depth Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard Review

Ease of Use

I really like that you can collapse the Playard with the full-size bassinet installed in the unit. But don’t confuse the full-size bassinet with a newborn napper station! Remember, while the napper sits on the top of the Pack ‘N Play, is the full-size bassinet, the one that hangs inside the unit.

You can’t pack the napper into a traveling bag! And it’s the same story with the changing tablet.

But that is the same on all Pack ‘N Plays, so it’s not a feature that should divide you from the purchase! 

The napper station and changing table are perfect for home usage but not handy for traveling at all. So, don’t cause yourself an unnecessary hassle. Why would you carry around the napper and changer if the full-size bassinet and Playard are completely enough and also fit perfectly into a traveling bag?

Don’t worry, your newborn will nap in the full-size bassinet as safe, as in the napper station. And you shouldn’t use a newborn napper overnight anyway! 

You can also buy a cheap changing pad, which is perfectly OK for changing nappies while traveling.

Portability

Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard is a convenient choice for occasion travelers but certainly not the best option for frequent traveling, especially by plane.

If you intend to travel a lot, I recommend you take a look into lightweight portable Pack ‘N Plays such as BabyByorn travel crib Light or Guava Family Lotus travel crib. Such cribs are really light and fold up small into a travel bag in the shape of a backpack or suitcase. They are also suitable for a newborn to toddler’s age and can be used as a convenient Playpen too.

Back to the Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard. As I said, you can take it with you wherever you go, but there are a few things you should know.

• It has an included carrying bag, which fits into the car trunk.
• Only the Playard and full-size bassinet fit into the travel bag.
• I would rather pick a lightweight travel crib for traveling by plane.
• Fitting the Pack ‘N Play into the crib is easy. 
• The package is heavier than the lightweight travel cribs I just mentioned above.

Travel mattress

Ingenuity has an included classic 1″ Pack ‘N Play mattress. It belongs in the middle-quality range compared to other Pack ‘N Play mattresses.
It could be better, but it is right that it’s not thicker!

Playards’ sides are from mesh, so there is no solid side support, like on standard cribs. If the baby falls from the mattress, she can become entrapped between the mattress and the Pack ‘N Play’s side. That could lead to injuries, so don’t use a thicker mattress in any Pack ‘N Play or travel crib!

A few parents had reported that the mattress slightly bent down on the sides when it was placed in the bassinet. Ingenuity’s bassinet, like any other Pack ‘N Play’s bassinet, doesn’t possess solid support. So I guess that can happen, but I don’t think it can bend so much that would cause a safety risk.

Design

The Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard has a modern design with lots of color choices. However, if you want a specific toy, for instance, a crib projection mobile, it is not available in all colors.

Some colors are available with mobile, others with toy arch, and others with toys hanging on the canopy. Don’t ask me why, but that is how it is.

Playard is surrounded by breathable mesh, which enables good airflow through the whole unit and creates a better sleeping environment for the baby.

Safety

Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard does not contain BPA or latex and meets global phthalate, lead, and BPA requirements.

Their Pack ‘N Play meets all US, state & international flammability requirements without the use of flame retardants. It follows the United Kingdom flame retardant standards as well!

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Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard’s Specifications

Measurements and Weight:

• Assembled dimensions: 40″L x 29″W x 28,25″H
• Collapsed dimensions: 31.2″L x 10,5”W x 15,8”H

• Included mattress: yes
• Weight (along with carrying bag, without napper and changing table): 25lbs

Available Colors:

• Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard with Changing Table – Bryant: black and light gray, with beige green and orange details
• Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard with Changing Table – Moreland: black and white, with turquoise and yellow details
• Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard – Ridgedale: black and turquoise
• Dream Comfort Smart & Simple Playard – Connolly: different shades of gray, with white details
• Ingenuity Boutique Collection Smart and Simple Playard – Bella Teddy: black, gray, and white with beige details
• Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard – Braden: shades of gray, with white details
• Ingenuity Smart and Simple Deluxe Playard – Vesper: light gray, with green, blue, and brown details
• Ingenuity Soothe Me Softly Playard – Piper: brown and pink
• Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard – Chadwick: gray and white, with a little turquoise

Child Size Restrictions:

1. Playard:

• from newborn to toddler
• height limit: 35 inches
• weight limit 30 lbs, whichever comes first

2. Newborn Napper: discontinue use when the infant begins to roll over or can pull up on sides (usually this happens around 5 months)

3. The weight limit for the changing table is 25 lbs

4. Full-size bassinet: stop using it when the infant begins to push up on hands and knees or weighs more than 15 lbs, whichever comes first

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use the newborn napper outside of the Pack ‘N Play?
No, the napper must be fixed on the top of the Playard.

2. Can I use the changing table outside of the Pack ‘n Play?
The changing table is designed for use on the Playard.

3. Is the mosquito net included?
No.

4. Does it play music?
Yes, but not all of them. Check up on the table above!

5. Can the changer be used on top of the Playard without the newborn napper?
Yes, of course!

6. Is the crib mobile removable?
Yes, it is.

7. Which parts are machine washable?
The mattress’s cover, changing table, and the napper.

The Verdict

I’m happy with the review’s results, and parents love the Ingenuity Smart and Simple too!

What could be better? Ingenuity Smart and Simple is already available in a broader color selection from other Playards, but with a little effort, they could present an even wider assortment. All models could be accessible in all colors.

If you need a Pack ‘N Play for home, grandparent’s house, and/or occasional travel, I don’t see any reservations why you wouldn’t opt for the Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard!