The Best Playards, Tested by a Gear Expert and Loved by Parents

Pros:

• Grows with baby
• Portable bassinet
• Wheels + built-in storage

Cons:

• Not as easy to open/close as some options
• Heavy

Graco has long dominated the playard market, and for good reason. Pack ‘n Plays are well-made, affordable and loaded with thoughtful features that take you from the newborn days through the toddler years. Babylist parents agree; 35% named the Pack ‘n Play as their favorite playard in our Best Baby Products survey. And many parents shared how pleasantly surprised they were at just how useful a playard was. “My son loves it and is in it every day for play and naptime,” one mom said. “I did not realize I would get so much use out of it.”

The Close2Baby model is my favorite for a few key reasons. It’s a workhorse; you won’t come across many other baby products that can do so much for so long. You can use this playard from the day you bring your baby home well into the toddler years. You can set it up at home, take it on the go or use it in place of a bassinet for those early months. “We use this constantly,” one parent told us. “It is our downstairs changing table, our three-month-old uses it as a night bassinet, we use it to travel. We even bought a second one for the grandparents’ house. We LOVE this.”

The second reason is the well-thought-out features. The newborn bassinet on the top level is portable, and it pops out to use as a safe space for baby to chill all around your home. When they’ve outgrown that, you can switch to the bassinet level, which offers a bit more space, and then eventually to the full-size playard at the bottom level. There’s also a wipeable changing station, wheels for portability and built-in storage. And it all comes at a fairly affordable price.

Like all baby gear, this playard isn’t without a few flaws. While I wouldn’t describe the open and close mechanism as hard, it takes some practice and isn’t as smooth or as intuitive as some other playards on our list. But considering all of the other features, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me. It’s also on the heavier side, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for something to travel with frequently.

Real Parent Reviews

“Our girl just turned one and we have used the heck out of our [playard]. In the early stages, we used the changing table every two hours multiple times a day and the bassinet was great for naps or for hands-free moments after diaper changes. After that phase the play yard became a great spot to roll around in. Once our girl was standing and crawling it was essential for times when mommy desperately needed a shower. I would wheel it right into the bathroom and watch after my baby while I took care of my needs. Now we take it with us while we travel to visit family and for outdoor picnics.” — Lovelunapaul

“We got this particular pack and play based on reviews, especially pertaining to the safety of the changing table. This pack and play is the real workhorse for our first floor, providing a safe nap place and easy changing space. The only way I could possibly rate this higher is if the changing tray were somehow more easily removable while maintaining its sturdiness and if the bottom were more easily accessible without the infant bassinet for storage. HIGHLY recommend!” — Karen F.

“While this product had many helpful features, there were a few that could use some improvement. The Playard was relatively difficult to unfold. The sides were difficult to lock in place and required a fair amount of force to be applied…Traveling with the entire system (bassinet, changing station, and Playard) would not be convenient as neither the bassinet nor the changing station came with travel bags…The fair amount of assembly required for these two items make it difficult to travel with as well.” — NashMamaof2

Additional Specs

Pros:

• 13 pounds
• Folds into a backpack
• Zippered side door

Cons:

• Expensive
• Setup takes a few minutes
• Some parents say mattress is quite thin

While most playards can pull double duty as travel cribs, if you’re a family that’s regularly on the go—especially by plane—then you may want one that’s specifically designed with travel in mind. The Guava Lotus weighs just 13 pounds (two pounds lighter than the next lightest option on our best-of list and a whopping 22 pounds lighter than the heaviest) and folds up into a backpack. That means you can tote it along while you’re also holding or wearing your little one, pushing a stroller through security and pulling your luggage. “It’s SO compact, easy to travel with, sets up and packs up in seconds,” one parent told us. “It even fits in a checked bag,” another said.

Unlike most playards, the mattress on the Lotus sits flush with the ground, so there’s no weight limit. Because of this, you’ll have a longer usage window than with a standard playard. (Anecdotally, I’ve also found that my kids sleep better when they’re grounded against the floor in these more stable styles of playards rather than elevated even a few inches.) There’s also a zippered side door. Parents love it because it makes it easy to nurse or cuddle their baby, and toddlers love it because it provides a bit of independence. (Not too much, though—you can clip the zipper closed so they can’t escape.)

Setup is certainly not hard, but it does take a few minutes to unfold everything and secure the mattress. And speaking of the mattress, some parents say it feels thin and worry it’s uncomfortable. Remember that safe sleep guidelines say babies need a firm, flat surface for sleep—so what may seem uncomfortable for you is likely fine for a baby. You can use the Lotus as-is from day one, but if you want to make things easier on your back, consider adding the bassinet kit (sold separately). Just be aware that it will up your overall spend quite a bit.

For a more affordable and very comparable travel crib option, check out the Chicco Alfa Lite. There’s no bassinet option and no backpack straps, but otherwise, these two travel cribs are very similar.

Real Parent Reviews

“[The Lotus] eliminated the need to buy a bassinet—she slept in this for the first four months. The zipper opening on the side is genius (for play and to comfort her without having to lift her up every time). It folds up so small for travel! Our house was undergoing renovations and we travel a lot to visit family, so my daughter has slept in it almost as often as her regular crib.” — JB

“I was really torn between this travel crib and the BabyBjorn, but decided a big part of why I wanted a travel crib was airplane travel and I love that you can carry this one on a plane, so I went with the [Lotus]. I am so happy with my decision! Incredibly easy to put together and take apart, and my two-month-old baby seemed to get a great night’s sleep. The zipper on the side is sooo helpful too, as I am 5’2” and it’s hard for me to reach in the other way! Definitely recommend this to anyone.” — Chloe H.

“I tried using a more typical playard as a travel crib, but the distance to lean down after getting my baby back to sleep during the night caused her to wake up time after time. With the Lotus Travel Crib I just unzip the side when she cries, lie down partially in the crib and partially on a yoga mat outside it, and breastfeed her back to sleep. It’s not super comfy for me but the main thing is to get her back to sleep so I can crawl back in bed. The zipper isn’t super quiet but it doesn’t wake my daughter. The crib is easy to set up and I do it in maybe five to seven minutes. Light and compact for what it is.” — Moore

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Neutral, modern look
• Includes bassinet
• Easy to open and close

Cons:

• Expensive
• Large and bulky when folded

Every time I look at this (beautiful) playard, I think to myself, “Why didn’t anyone do this sooner?” The Swift is the perfect example of baby gear that’s stylish and functional. The playard’s clean lines and neutral colorways mean that, unlike some baby products, you won’t mind it taking up a huge chunk of prime real estate in your living space for months on end.

Good looks aside, the Swift is just a really great playard. It’s easy and straightforward to open and close—I’ve done it one-handed. There’s a newborn bassinet option up top to use for the first few months, then a spacious lower section for older babies and toddlers. And the all-around mesh encourages air flow and breathability.

While this playard isn’t extremely heavy, it is about 18 pounds, so it’s fine for moving around a home or getting in and out of a car trunk but not one you’d likely want to travel with by plane all that often. And while it does fold into the included carry bag, it’s not very compact.

Real Parent Reviews

“I was completely blown away by how easy this was to set up and break down. No fussing with trying to fit it back into the travel bag. Love the ingenious bassinet cover and that the mattress zips in half to fit the bassinet attachment. Wish we had this sooner!! The quality of the materials and sleek design are perfect for our home and our baby. We love!!” — Sar

“I’ve used many [playards] before but this one is different. It’s sturdy but easily collapsible. Small but plenty of room to keep your little one occupied for plenty of time! I set this up in my office while I work and my little guy keeps himself occupied while being comfortable for up to an hour without issue!” — Taylor

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Great value
• More compact fold than other Pack ‘n Plays
• Wheels for portability

Cons:

• No extra features
• Not as easy to open/close as some options

This classic Pack ‘n Play is about as no-frills as it gets, and that’s exactly what I love about it. At under $60, it’s the perfect pick if you’re looking for a budget-friendly playard, need an extra spot in your home where your little one can sleep or play safely or want something for a grandparents’ or sitter’s house.

This model features folding feet and wheels, so it’s 20% more compact when folded—a nice perk for on-the-go. Like all Graco Pack ‘n Plays, the fold isn’t the easiest out there, but it’s not all that tough, either, and you’ll master it after a few rounds of practice. And there’s a carry bag included for when you need to take it away from home.

The only downside is that no accessories are included or available, like a bassinet or a changing station. (There is a storage pocket, though, and although it’s small, it’s large enough to hold a few diapers, wipes, and some diaper rash cream.) But again, considering the price point, this isn’t a big deal.

Real Parent Reviews

“This playard does exactly what I need, keeps baby safe with minimal bells and whistles. I didn’t want all the little add-ons for a [playard] whose function is going to grandma’s house (a nine-hour drive) with limited space. It is perfect.” — wonderwgn

“I got this with a toddler in mind. We are always on the go and there’s not always a place to lay her down when she wants to take a nap. This playard is easy to set up, easy to take down and easy to carry wherever. The print is gender neutral which is a plus especially if you plan on having more kids. We owned an older model of this and the sides just wouldn’t open or close like they should. I am so happy that Graco has updated this feature in these type of playards as it makes life so much easier for those of us parents who are always on the go. Definitely very happy with this playard!” — BlessedMama86

“Love our [Pack ‘n Play]…The only thing I wish was different was if I could get add-ons later like the bassinet insert. I’ve looked and can’t find them anywhere. I really don’t want to have to buy another…just to get the insert.” — Katmom1

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Quick, one-handed fold
• Lots of accessories available
• Zip-down side + bassinet included

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

Maker of Babylist parents’ all-time favorite stroller, the Vista, UPPAbaby branched out into the playard space a few years ago and almost immediately had a hit on their hands. Like a few other playards on our best-of list, the Remi combines all-in-one functionality with a beautiful design. And thanks to the included bassinet and roomy lower playard space, you’ll be able to use it for years. “We have used it from day one and we are still using it 11 months in,” one parent told us in our Best Baby Products survey.

Reviews like one parent’s comment “so easy to set up” are common with the Remi. I agree completely; setup and breakdown take seconds and, as promised, you’ll only need one hand. Like a few other playards on our list, the modern design and neutral colors fit into every aesthetic. I also like the breathable sides and zip-down panel. And it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified, if that’s something that’s important to you when shopping for baby gear.

The Remi is on the more expensive side, especially if you want to add on any accessories. (But as a counter to that, the accessories are really great. I really like the changing station, the waterproof mattress cover and the changing station organizer.) You can also purchase a padded travel bag, but know that the bag + the 20-pound Remi don’t exactly make for a light load.

Real Parent Reviews

“This playard is awesome! The materials are so luxe—I have no problem keeping this out in my living space. It is also extremely easy to set up and take down. I love that it came with everything you need as well—bassinet, sheets, carry bag. Such good value. The bassinet attachment is awesome…The breathable mattress is a really nice feature (and yes, it’s still comfortable) and the sheet that comes with it is top quality and so soft. We also loved the zip down door. I used it primarily with my older two-year-old so that she could get herself in and out (she’s at the climb-over-the-side age, so the little door is much safer). The only drawback is that this playard is slightly heavy. That being said, it’s sturdy. It has held up just fine when traveling, including a few plane trips where it was checked and survived airport handling!” — Icg22

“We gifted the Remi to our good friend a couple weeks before her little girl was born. It was a huge hit at the Baby Shower! Our friend told us they used their Remi from the moment their daughter was born; they used the Remi bassinet attachment as their bedside sleeping solution when she was a newborn, and now use it as their travel crib now that she’s a little older. She continues to rave about how versatile it is and how easy it is to use.” — M

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Can use outdoors + indoors
• Sets up in seconds
• Flat fold

Cons:

• Small; best for younger babies
• Heavier than some similarly-sized options

Getting outside with your baby is fun, but it’s also a bit nerve-wracking if they’re a little too free to roam. Taking along a playard can help. While you can definitely use this playard indoors, it really shines for outdoor and on-the-go use. (It’s even great for camping.) The setup is fast and easy; simply pop it open, unfold the dome and pull out the legs and you’re ready to go. There’s a canopy to shade your baby from the sun and keep away bugs and a few colorful toys to keep their interest. And the mattress pad wipes clean and includes a removable, washable sheet.

This playard is the smallest on our list, so you won’t be able to use it as long as some of the larger options. And while it’s light, it is quite a bit heavier than some other similarly sized outdoor playards on the market. (The Instapop Dome from Safety 1st, for example, weighs just seven pounds. But it’s also twice the price and doesn’t have a mattress.) Also keep in mind that the dome folds in half for storage, so while it’s flat, it’s not compact enough to fit in a bag.

Real Parent Reviews

“We love this dome! We use it in the yard, at the park, at the beach, wherever! It keeps out bugs, keeps out the sun but still allows baby to see all around! The hanging toys it comes with are a little short so I chose to clip other hanging toys onto the loops, and it’s a little unwieldy to fold up and carry, but it’s totally manageable. My son is five months and he’s just about grown out of it but until now it’s been invaluable. HIGHLY recommend!!” — Kate S.

“Overall, I really like this play dome. I’m self-employed and work outside most of the time, and this is super convenient to put baby in if I can’t carry her in my pack. I feel like she’ll have plenty of room to move and play in it until she starts walking. Pros: lightweight, easy to pop open and put down, although awkward when open it fits almost anywhere, cleans easily. Cons: only half of the dome folds down so it can be awkward to get baby in and out, it folds up fairly flat but is awkward to have in the trunk if your car is full of other things.” — Arianna A.

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Small footprint when open and closed
• Accordion-style fold is quick and easy
• Includes bassinet insert

Cons:

• Expensive
• Outgrown sooner than other options
• Few accessories available

I spent my first two years as a parent in a small New York City apartment. I definitely didn’t have room for a traditional playard, so I skipped one entirely; however, I often struggled with where to put my son when he wasn’t in his crib and my arms needed a break. The Stardust would have been the perfect option.

This playard has a much smaller footprint than most on our list, making it ideal if you live in a smaller space or simply prefer a more compact option. The fold is also really unique. Unlike most playards, it folds in on itself accordion-style rather than downward, in just a few seconds and with the mattress included. This is easy and convenient but also means you can store it upright just about anywhere, a huge perk for small space living.

The Stardust is pricey, but it does come with a bassinet option, so you’ll be able to use it comfortably from day one. Just know that other than sheets, there aren’t any other accessories available for it.

Real Parent Reviews

“Absolutely love our Bugaboo Stardust. So easy to set up and store away (much easier than our UPPAbaby one we keep at my parents’ house). Our baby is 21 months and we still use it whenever we travel!” — Rebecca R.

“I purchased the stardust playard over the summer and it worked great for both of our vacations, easy to pack, easy to fold and comfy! We also love it in our bedroom since it doesn’t take up a lot of space and is very sleek looking. I highly recommend this product for sleeping purposes.” — Laura W.

“Super easy to use, but also super small and super low. It would have been better slightly larger and 10 more centimeters off the ground.” — MLG2022

Additional Specs

Pros:

• 50% bigger than traditional playards
• Great for multiples

Cons:

• Large footprint
• Heavy
• Twin bassinet sold separately

More babies = more playard. You won’t get compact here, but that’s not the point. The Room2 from Joovy is nearly 50% larger than most playards, totaling ten square feet of play space. It’s a good choice for multiples or if you just want a bigger space to contain your little one. I like the edge-to-edge mesh windows for maximum visibility, the simple, modern design and that a fitted cotton sheet is included.

This playard isn’t light, weighing in at about 30 pounds. But considering its size, the weight feels about right. Some parents also note it’s a bit tricky to break down, so it may be a better choice if you’re looking for more of a permanent play or sleep space. If you want to add on a twin bassinet and a changing table, you can add the Room2 Bassinet Playpen Accessory, but you’ll need to purchase it separately.

Real Parent Reviews

“Big enough for two babies! We love our Room2 Playard. There hasn’t been a better playard I’ve found and I’ve bought several.” — kiki24

“This playard (along with the twin bassinet insert) was the perfect spot for our twins to sleep in our bedroom the first four months. Since they grew out of the bassinet, we have also used the playard on its own. It is quite heavy, so it’s best used in a stationary position (not great for travel).” — Isabel

“It’s kind of hard to set up and take down. If you don’t do it just right, it can be pretty frustrating. It’s definitely bigger than your average Pack n’ Play! But if you have twins, as they grow there will be less room for them to roam around.” — Danielle

Additional Specs