Pack ‘n Play Review

It’ll last longer into your child’s life, it’s cheaper, and there are more mattress options if your baby hates the included sleeping pad like mine does. It travels just as well as the Travel Lite crib and is just as portable around your home. The bassinet accessory graco travel system for the Graco has similar dimensions to the play yard and can be detached for versatility. It uses the same pad as the play yard with similar quality in materials and construction. The full-size bassinet is one of the additional features of this product.

graco pack and play

Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products.

Look for organizations in your area that provide low-cost or free cribs or play yards, if your family has financial constraints. Used or heirloom bassinets, which may be worn out, missing parts, or made of materials that don’t meet today’s safety standards. “Always buy new — the maker is required to put the date of manufacture on the product,” Consumer Reports says. “Send in the registration so you can be notified of a recall.” A new play yard made in 2013 or later should be up to the latest federal standards. Third party sheets that don’t fit the exact size of your playard may come loose or bunch up causing a suffocation hazard.

You probably hung out in a playard when you were a babe — though they were known as playpens then. The name may have changed, but playards are still super handy for keeping babies safe as they play in their just-my-size space (while you get a few things done!). If you are concerned about toddler siblings or family pets getting into a bassinet, look into a model with a double canopy or or canopy netting made of a breathable mesh material. Also, keep in mind that your baby might not weigh 30 pounds, but might be tall for his age. This means he may be able to climb out of his pack n play or maybe even too tall to be comfortable lying down in it.

Very easy to set up, cute design and easy to take back down and store away when it’s not needed. All of the sides are made of mesh for safety and breathability as well as padding over the metal and interlocking pieces. The playard can be broken down quickly and easily and then packed away compactly into its included lightweight carrying case. “It’ll keep your newborn baby stimulated while awake thanks to the attached mobile, and its lockable wheels allow for easy moving.” “While the budget-friendly pick is a bit simpler, it gets the job done with its flat mattress and wheels for easy transporting.” It’s really easy to accidentally end up on a product meant for a full-size crib, so always check dimensions before buying.

Most pack n plays have a weight limit of 30 lbs but it will vary from model to model. It’s also on the heavier side, but considering its size, being just short of 30 pounds isn’t so bad. Some parents also note it’s a bit tricky to set up and take down so it may be a better choice if you’re looking for more of a permanent play or sleep space.