Playards & travel cribs

A Pack N Play is a portable play space with mesh sides that provides a safe area for babies and toddlers. Parents love them for their versatility—use them as a bassinet (if they have that function) and a travel crib. They fold compactly for easy transport to grandparents homes or vacations.

Babies can typically start using playards from birth when using the bassinet attachment, transitioning to the main play area once they can roll over (around 3-4 months). Most families use playards until their child is 2-3 years old or reaches 35 inches in height, whichever comes first. Explore our best playards guide for options that grow with your baby, including models with removable bassinets and changing stations that adapt to different stages.

Pack ‘n Play is Graco’s brand name for their playard, while “playard” is the general term for any portable play space. Learn about the key differences between brands and features in our top playard picks tested by parents, which compares popular models from Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Guava and other leading manufacturers.

While not essential, playards provide a safe space for sleep and play, especially when traveling or visiting others. Read our playard buying guide or best travel gear for toddlers round-up to understand which features match your lifestyle needs and space constraints.

Traveling with babies and kids can be so rewarding, but there’s one thing you need when you get going: gear. The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as carrier-of-all-the-stuff a tad easier. To maximize your packing efficiency, you may want to have a travel stroller (or maybe your usual travel system will work just fine) and a travel car seat, but no matter how lightly you want to pack, your little one will need a safe place to rest.

There are a LOT of choices to make when you’re building your baby registry. But if you stick to this list of registry essentials you should be ready from day one: infant car seat, stroller, safe sleep space, mattress and bedding, diapering supplies, bottles, first aid kit and thermometer, clothes and bath products. Read our list of the most popular baby registry items of the year to learn more about what real parents are loving.

Yes, playards (including pack ‘n plays) sold in the US are certified for safe, overnight sleep. They are considered safe for infants and toddlers, offering a firm, flat surface. The mesh sides allow visibility and airflow. Always follow manufacturer instructions for safe setup and use, and ensure the mattress is firm and the unit is properly assembled.

Pack N Play models with a bassinet feature are a good option for newborns. The bassinet attachment allows you to keep your newborn at adult bed height for easier nighttime care, then transitions to a play area as your baby grows.

Pack N Plays are a versatile and practical item for your registry. Many parents consider them essential.