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With a baby on the way, there's a lot of planning and preparation to juggle. Picking out just one product can be a big job, let alone the entire nursery. But finding the best pack n play should be at the top of your to-do list!
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Pack n plays are lifesavers, and they’re suitable for a little bit of everything. You can use them at home and on the go. Plus, they’re handy for napping, changing diapers, or playtime.
However, their most important job of all is keeping your little one safe while you get things done.
If you want to have a little bit of freedom while still taking care of a high-maintenance newborn, you’re going to need all the help you can get. You won’t always have someone around to help.
When my brother was born, he was a handful from the beginning. He never sat still and was the only kid I knew that ran before he walked. He was rolling over, crawling, and running before most kids were sitting up on their own.
If my mom was going to get anything done, she had to put him in the best pack n play she could find. It was the only way to keep him in one place long enough to cook or clean the house.
Whether you have the same issues with your child or just want a little peace of mind, the best pack n play may be just the ticket!
WHY EVERY (EXPECTING) PARENT SHOULD INVEST IN A PACK N PLAY
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The best pack n play models can be described as basic, deluxe, or on-the-go. You might even want one of each for the sake of being prepared for every situation!
Basic pack n plays are simple, lightweight, easy to set up, and convenient for traveling. However, they don't come with many additional features.
If you want extra features, you might prefer a deluxe model. They vary tremendously but can be a massive help if you have a newborn and are on a budget.
Instead of setting up a whole nursery, you can save time and money by using the best pack n play for your needs. This gives you the chance to spend money on things that will last, such as a crib that transforms into their first bed. It’s also fantastic if you’re going to be going on any trips and want to bring all the amenities from home.
These two styles are ideal for playing and napping. Many babies are extremely fussy or clingy, so they’ll always want to be by your side. If that’s the case, having the best pack n play on hand is an excellent way to keep them close. And you can still get everything done while they stay safe and happy.
If you’re going to spend time outside this summer, though, you might also want an on-the-go model. These are essential if you want to keep your baby safe from mosquitos and sun exposure. They’re also great for camping and beach vacations.
Keep in mind that when you have a newborn, they should spend most of their time sleeping in their crib. Pack n plays are meant to give your children a safe environment to play in when you’re busy.
Which Features Are Right For You And Your Baby?
You might be surprised to find out how many unique features come with the best pack n play models on the market. The basic models are fantastic for many reasons, but mainly because they are so straightforward.
If you plan to travel with your newborn, you should look for one that is lightweight, easy to set up, and comes with a travel bag. It will be perfect for visiting friends and relatives.
But what makes a great pack n play?
First, you should ensure that the model is easy to maneuver through your home. Many will include wheels, compact dimensions, and adjustable sleeping levels. You can also adjust the size to suit your little one from birth until they are about 35 inches tall.
Deluxe models typically come with extras, such as changing tables, bassinets, mobiles, and additional storage.
Unfortunately, they won’t last forever.
The average weight limit for a bassinet is around 15 pounds, and for a changing table, it's around 30 pounds. It might seem like a limited range, but by the time my nephew was 30 pounds, we were all changing him on the nearest bed or couch.
Some models will also include lighting for checking on your little one at night, and soothing music to help them sleep.
Overall, the most important aspect of a pack n play is going to be its portability and functionality. The most common complaint is how hard some designs can be to set up or pack away. Before you choose, consider what you will be using it for.
That way, you can find the best pack n play to suit your needs.
HOW WE REVIEWED THE BEST PACK N PLAYS
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When it comes to finding the best pack n play, there are a lot of things to consider, but you aren’t alone. We wanted to make your choice as easy and painless as possible. Therefore, we came up with this list based on functionality, ease of use, and the quality of the products.
All of the products listed below are up to date with current regulations and safe for your children. Plus, we referenced as many honest personal and expert reviews as we could from YouTube, Consumer Reports, blogs, Baby Advisor, and other key sources.
Our goal is to show you how they are put together and will function in your home. Also, we will be taking our star ratings for each product directly from Amazon customer reviews. That is meant to give you a genuine rating from people who have put these items to the test.
THE 8 BEST PACK N PLAY SELECTIONS ON THE MARKET TODAY
As a parent, you're always on a mission to keep your babies as safe and content as possible. It’s a lot of work getting ready for a newborn. If you’re going to prepare ahead of time, you need to know which products are the best.
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Today, we want to help you narrow down at least one product on your shopping list.
No matter what kind of pack n play you’re looking for, have no fear. We covered all the bases, so you should be able to find something here that is perfect for your needs.
Keep in mind; the following products are in no particular order. In fact, you might fall in love with a few choices on this list.
- Removable full bassinet
- Enhances eye-hand coordination with 3 adorable toys to reach, bat and grasp
- One-hand locking mechanism
When it comes to the best pack n play, simple is sometimes the way to go. The Baby Trend Nursery Center is straightforward but still has everything you need.
This nursery center includes a full-size bassinet. Essentially, it's an upper level that can be used until your baby can roll over on their own. Many mothers prefer this over a traditional bassinet. Then they don’t have to worry about extra bulk on top of the crib.
It’s also a lifesaver when you can’t lean over comfortably right after you give birth. Considering how often you will have to get your child in and out of bed, this is going to be a huge blessing.
This pack n play also includes a thin mattress and gender-neutral designs. It’s easy to set up and pack away. Plus, the travel bag will make traveling much more comfortable.
It also includes a mobile with three adorable toys to entertain your little one, and a diaper stacker for easy organization.
Overall, this is one of the best pack n play choices for parents looking for a comfortable and straightforward option. However, you'll probably need to purchase a better mattress if you’re planning to use this for any serious amount of time.
Regardless, the Baby Trend Nursery Center has a fantastic Amazon customer rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.
PROS
- Full-size bassinet
- Very stable with locking wheels
- Easy travel design
CONS
- Thin mattress
- Difficult to collapse
- The locking mechanism can be challenging
If you’re on the hunt for something with a variety of convenient features, the Graco Pack 'n Play Snuggle Suite LX Playard is terrific. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but many customers didn’t mind the price tag one bit.
This pack n play features a large, comfortable play area and a mattress that can be adjusted to two levels. It has a portable infant seat with two vibration settings and a three-point harness for safety.
Mom’s were also excited about the built-in light for nighttime check-ins and the soothing nature sound feature that makes bedtime a breeze. Plus, the large changing station will serve you well as your baby grows.
There's also a built-in storage organizer that will keep everything in reach as you clean up little messes.
The whole playpen is lightweight and easy to assemble, with a thin mattress pad and wheels for easy mobility. Plus, all the extra features are a massive bonus because it makes this the best pack n play for all stages of infancy.
The Graco Pack 'n Play Snuggle Suite LX Playard also has an excellent Amazon customer rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars.
PROS
- Large changing table
- Includes a portable infant seat with a harness
- Wipe-clean fabric
CONS
- More expensive than competitors
- Thin mattress
- Changing table can lean
- Keeps baby safe from playtime to naptime. The maximum weight recommendation is 30 pounds and the minimum weight...
- Portable Playard with bassinet and changing table
- Bring wherever you go foldable and on wheels
The Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard is adorable. Not only is it perfect for all stages of infancy, but it also has some fantastic features.
This pack n play has a full-size play area, a bassinet with a mobile, and a changing table. The bassinet is removable, and the changing table can flip out of the way.
It also has side storage pockets for easy diaper changes. But most important of all, this portable play yard is made with breathable fabric, and the removable panels can be machine washed and hung to dry.
For busy parents, this is definitely one of the best pack n play options on the market. It’s not common to find fantastic pack n plays that are also entirely washable. Instead, they’re usually made with a wipe-and-go sort of fabric.
Furthermore, this play yard is easy to pack up and comes with a convenient travel bag for moms on the go. Plus, it has locking wheels for stability and easy mobility.
However, this Ingenuity packable play yard has some flaws. It has a thin mattress, and the bassinet and changing table are on the small side. Still, it does have some fantastic perks.
Overall, plenty of customers are in love with this pack n play. It has a wonderful Amazon customer rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars.
PROS
- Collapses in one motion
- Removable, machine-washable panels
- The changing table flips out of the way
CONS
- Not enough support underneath
- The bassinet is deep and can tilt
- The changing table is a bit small
- Removable full-size bassinet
- Flip away changing table with storage pocket
- Removable napper with canopy and 2 toys
Baby Trend is a fantastic brand, and the Lil Snooze Deluxe II Nursery Center is no exception.
This nursery center has everything you need for newborns and toddlers. That includes a removable full-size bassinet, two mattress levels, and a sizeable flip-away changing table.
The bassinet even includes a canopy with two plush toys for your tots entertainment.
This pack n play is exceptionally convenient with large, lockable wheels and easy maneuverability. It’s so easy to set up and collapse because of its incredibly light weight.
You’ll be able to pack it up, pop it in the travel bag, and hit the road in no time!
In the end, this is another fabulous option for the best pack n play. Customers are in love with this nursery center because it’s so easy to set up, travel with, and move around the house.
The napper is a bit on the small side and rather deep, but it can be removed. And the changing table can be flipped out of the way quickly.
Despite any minor drawbacks, customers are in love and gave this product a rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon.
PROS
- Flip-away changing table
- One-hand locking mechanism
- Full-size bassinet
CONS
- Requires spot treatment for cleaning
- Changing table can be slanted
- The thin mattress is relatively hard
- Newborn bassinet comforts resting baby and features open-view, breathable mesh
- Easy-clean changer is wipeable and removable
- Deluxe organizer keeps baby's necessities easily within reach - top shelf holds a large wipes container
What baby doesn’t love Mickey Mouse? I know quite a few people who would buy this pack n play merely for the fact that it’s a Disney product. However, there are plenty of other reasons to buy the Sweet Wonder Play Yard, too.
It has an open-view bassinet made of breathable mesh that is perfect for newborn naps.
Perhaps even more importantly, those baby blowouts are no match for the easy-clean changing table. It's made with a material that you can wipe clean. Parents were in love with this feature because it makes clean up a breeze. It's certainly better than spot cleaning and having to wait for it to dry before you can use it again.
Also, everything you need for baby's care will be within reach at all times with the deluxe organizer.
This is another option for the best pack n play that will grow with your baby. It has a spacious play area with plenty of room for toys. But if they're too small to play much on their own, the toy arch over the full-size bassinet area should keep them busy.
Plus, it's highly maneuverable, stable, and includes a carry bag for traveling.
Not only is this Disney Baby Sweet Wonder Play Yard cute, but it's also one of the best pack n play options for newborns. They grow so quickly, and they'll be taking advantage of every inch of space in no time at all.
Amazon customers gave this pack n play an excellent rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars.
PROS
- Breathable newborn bassinet
- Wipe-clean changing table
- Spacious play yard
CONS
- Small changing table
- The thin mattress is a bit too hard
- Can't use a fitted sheet because of the Velcro corners
- PERFECT FIT: The nylon bottom provides protection from rough surfaces. The My Play Deluxe 8-panel measures 62 inches...
- FULL COVERAGE CANOPY: Full ventilating mosquito mesh on one side and a UV protected polyester on the other it creates a...
- PORTABLE INDOOR/OUTDOOR AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Designed with a simple fold and go deign. Easy to set up and take down within...
Standard pack n plays are great and all, but sometimes you need something suited to the outdoors. The Regalo Baby Eight Panel My Play Portable Play Yard is exactly what you need for spending time outside.
Whether you're taking care of yard work, camping, on the beach, or even at a family picnic, this pack n play will keep your child safe.
After all, you can't take your eyes off your little ones for a second, especially when you're outside. There are so many things they can get ahold of, and they can get dirty so fast.
My little brother would grab fistfuls of sand on the beach and stuff them in his mouth before my mom even knew what happened. If you want to avoid these types of situations, this Regalo Baby model is the best pack n play for your summer activities.
It's incredibly easy to set up, includes a canopy, and the walls are a soft, breathable mesh. It's precisely what you need to keep the bugs out and reduce sun exposure. Overall, it is an exceptionally simple design, but it does the job well.
This Regalo Baby play yard also got an excellent Amazon customer rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars.
PROS
- Protects your baby from bugs
- Offers sun protection
- Easy to set up
CONS
- No padding in the floor
- For children at least six months old
- No padding on the steel bars
- Newborn Seat station has beautifully-styled, extra-soft micro-fleece fabric that cuddles baby
- Stylish, built-in storage shelves create nursery-like convenience right in your living room
- Canopy keeps baby shielded from direct light and keeps them soothed any time of day
Graco is back for round two with their Pack 'n Play Newborn Napper DLX Playard. It has a gorgeous design and is ideally suited for your baby from the moment you give birth up until they're about 35 inches tall.
The napper station is exceptionally plush with a microfleece fabric that is washable, and it has a canopy to block out unwanted sunshine. This pack n play also includes a full-size bassinet, spacious play area, and an extremely stable changing table.
The Graco Pack n' Play Newborn Napper DLX Playard has a few extra features that give it quite the edge. It has plenty of shelf space with the removable shelving unit. Plus, it will soothe your baby right to sleep with the two vibration settings, music, and nature sounds.
Graco is one of the biggest names in baby merchandise and has been for a long time. And it's no wonder after taking a look at this pack n play. It might not be incredibly easy to set up, but according to customers, it's a fantastic choice for any expecting home.
It also has a fabulous Amazon customer rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars.
PROS
- The napper is machine washable
- Plentiful shelving
- Vibration, music, and sound settings
CONS
- Shelves have to go when you drop the mattress
- Not the easiest pack n play to assemble
- The bassinet cannot be used separately
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When you're expecting twins, you have to buy double of everything. This can get expensive and takes a lot of planning, and that's before the twins even arrive!
Luckily, Graco makes the best pack n play for newborn twins. They might not be able to stick together in the same space forever, but they can for a while.
This play yard includes a spacious play area and two cozy bassinets. Each one is lined with a beautiful quilted mattress pad and features a dome canopy.
The play yard itself is made with a breathable mesh material, which may help prevent SIDS (though this is not backed up by the FDA).
The main drawback of this design is the fact the bassinets can't be removed and used individually. They also can't be used outside of the playpen.
If you're expecting twins, it can be challenging to find the best products. However, it's not impossible, and this is one of the best pack n play options for the big job at hand. After all, you're going to need all the help you can get!
The Graco Pack 'n Play Twin Bassinet Playard also got an excellent rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars from Amazon customers.
PROS
- Built for twins
- Plenty of space
- Made with breathable mesh
CONS
- Bassinets are attached
- The twins can wake each other up accidentally
- The bottom mattress doesn't quite reach both sides
KEEP YOUR BABY SAFE AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE BEST PACK N PLAY
We've said it once, and we'll say it again, it takes a lot of planning to get ready for your little bundle of joy. We want to help in any way we can, so making this list was the least we could do!
There are a lot of different pack n play designs to choose from. All you need to do is figure out which features are the most important for you.
If you don't need the bassinet or changing table, you should save money and get one without it. This is also a great way to avoid storing extra stuff you don't need.
Also, keep in mind that you can purchase additional accessories for your pack n play to keep your little ones entertained. Sometimes they just need something to do. My sister had a light-up mobile that cast stars on the ceiling. If you spun it, the stars would shoot across the ceiling and captivate my nephew's attention for hours. Or at least until he fell asleep.
Plus, don't feel bad if you want to get more than one! Sometimes you need the best pack n play for different situations. I definitely intend to look into an outdoor play yard for my kids.
After all, how else will I be able to get outdoor chores done!
What do you manage to get done while your child is distracted in their pack n play? Let us know in the comments below!
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