The 10 Best Pack And Plays That Are Versatile And A Breeze To Use

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Following Sep 29, 2023, 05:59pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The best pack and plays make sleep easier—no matter where you travel with baby. These lightweight, portable cribs fold with ease and often include wheels, carrying cases, removable bassinets and built-in changing stations, making them as convenient at home as they are on family vacations. Of course, the best pack and play for your family ultimately depends on your needs and those of your baby.

If you plan to use it as a travel crib, take a look at how well it carries, its size and weight and how small (and easily) it folds. If you’re searching for an at-home pack and play, consider how easy it is to move from room to room, which additional features it includes like a raised bassinet and if it feels sturdy enough for repeat use. The best pack and plays serve as portable, lightweight cribs for baby naps and playtime.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers Parents might sleep better knowing pack and plays are a safe sleep surface, too. “It’s a safe place to have your baby sleep and can be used from newborn up to 3 years of age,” confirms Danelle Fisher, M. D.

, pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. After analyzing the bestsellers on the market, speaking to experts on safe sleep standards and trying out our share of play yards and portable cribs over the years, we’ve selected these 10 as the best pack and plays. When you’re finished perusing this list, be sure to read about the tested best travel strollers and diaper bags .

Best Pack And Play Overall : Chicco Lullaby Zip All-In-One Portable Playard Best Luxury Pack And Play: Nuna Sena Aire Best Value Pack And Play : Graco Pack N Play Portable Playard Best Lightweight Pack And Play : BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light Best Pack And Play For Airline Travel: Guava Lotus Travel Crib Best Pack And Play For Small Spaces : Century Travel On 2-In-1 Compact Playard With Bassinet Best Pack And Play For Easy Setup : Maxi-Cosi Swift Playard Best Pack And Play With Changing Table : 4Moms Breeze Plus Playard Best Multipurpose Pack And Play : Graco Pack ‘N Play Day2Dream Travel Bassinet Playard Best Pack And Play With Bassinet : Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard Best Pack And Play Overall This Affordable Pick Comes Packed With All The Best Features Amazon Chicco Lullaby Zip All-In-One Portable Playard Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 46 inches | Weight : 35 pounds | Weight limit : 30 pounds | Special features : Snap-on changing pad; large wheels; parent organizer Chicco put a lot of thought into this pack and play—and it shows. It’s packed with special features to give you and your little one nearly all the comforts of home when you’re traveling or to use instead of a crib in small spaces. The pack and play features a full-size infant bassinet, along with a detachable changer with a zip and wash cover to make diapering a bit easier.

There’s also a parent organizer with a zipper top and carrying handle to allow you to tote around must-haves. The mattress has a zip-off cover that’s machine washable in case of blowouts or other accidents. An electronic toy bar plays songs and nature sounds and includes soft toys for a little distraction.

The whole thing can be wheeled around and folds down quickly with the touch of a button before sliding into the included carrying bag. It isn’t the lightest pack and play on this list, though, so it may not be your top pick if you’re flying. What the reviews say : Parents rave about how easy this pack and play is to set up and use.

“We have been using the included accessories like the changing table part a lot and it is very convenient to use,” shared one. “The playard is very stable and sturdy. I can set it up and take it down in 2 minutes.

” Pros : Lots of features Roomy size Machine-washable mattress cover Cons : Heavy Expensive Best Luxury Pack And Play A Lightweight And Chic Portable Crib Pottery Barn Kids Nuna Sena Aire Dimensions: 41. 3 x 30 x 29 inches | Weight : 22 pounds (without bassinet) | Weight limit : 30 pounds | Special features : One-hand fold; carrying case with handle; mattress and sheet included This sleek portable crib from Nuna is one of the more lightweight pack and plays on the market, making it a great choice for travel. In many ways it’s a standard pack and play, but Nuna has added in a few upgrades, including Greenguard Gold certification, an organic sheet set and a slightly more luxe, breathable mattress.

More importantly, this crib’s easy conversion from bassinet mode to play yard is a feat as it doesn’t require a separate attachment. We also appreciate the carrying bag and the one-handed pull to fold mechanism. The non-skid feet are a perk too as it makes it all a bit sturdier, although some will miss the wheels.

The zip-off mattress cover is washable, but the play yard materials are spot clean only. The Nuna play yard bottom sits a bit off the floor, which some may appreciate, especially if your floors are cold. A Nuna changing station can also be purchased separately.

What the reviews say : While parents give this portable crib the thumbs up for its huge range of features, many also point out how nice it looks. “The portable crib is beautiful. It is light and so simple to set up and take down.

The color is very nice too,” shared one. Pros: Bassinet included One-handed fold Washable mattress cover Cons: Expensive No wheels Best Value Pack And Play A Solid Bet That’s Just $70 And Under 20 Pounds Amazon Graco Pack ‘N Play Portable Playard Dimensions: 39. 5 x 28.

3 x 29 inches | Weight : 18. 7 pounds | Weight limit : 30 pounds | Special features : Mattress doubles as carrying case, attached pocket Graco’s Pack ’N Play is synonymous with the category. While it’s been on the market for a while, it still covers all the basics of a portable crib—and at a price tag many families can feel good about.

This play yard folds up quickly with the touch of a button (that requires more force than a toddler can deliver). It also has a mattress that doubles as a carrying case, giving you one less item to keep track of during a busy family trip. An attached pocket can be used to house diapers, wipes and pacifiers.

Wheels let parents move this pack and play to the next room without too much effort. Graco also offers an upgraded version of this pack and play with a bassinet insert or with a raised diaper changing station . What the parents say : I got a Graco Pack ’N Play when my now 10-year-old was born, and my family has consistently used it for trips to the grandparents’ houses and on vacations for all four of my children.

My parents liked it so much that they got their own to use for all of their grandchildren. Pros : Inexpensive Convenient mattress-slash-carrying case Wheels Cons : Limited features Folding mechanism takes some practice Best Lightweight Pack And Play This Travel Crib Weighs Just 13 Pounds And Couldn’t Be Easier To Set Up Amazon BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light Dimensions: 44 x 24 x 32 inches | Weight : 13 pounds | Weight limit : None (safe until they can climb out around age 3) | Special features : Easy-fold mechanism, carrying case, stores flat Pack and plays tend to have a certain amount of heft to them and are more often used as a secondary crib, but, if you need a true travel crib, the BabyBjörn has legions of fans. At just 13 pounds with airy mesh sides, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is significantly lighter than the competition, making it easy to tote through an airport, into the car or down the sidewalk.

The crib sets up in practically one movement and features a cozy-yet-firm mattress to create a comfortable sleep space for your child. Worth noting: This travel crib has no upper weight limit—instead, your child will outgrow it when they can climb out. The mattress cover and crib sides are also machine washable.

What you won’t find with this pack and play are too many bells and whistles, such as a changing station. What the parents say : Our senior editor of baby and kids gear, Rose Gordon Sala , says she used this travel crib for years. “It held up through three kids and many visitors,” she says.

“I loved how easy it was to set up and that it was super lightweight. It sits more directly on the floor than pack and plays, which is both a pro and a con. I prefer little ones to be a bit off the floor, but this also meant that my tall kids could safely sleep in this longer.

” Lightweight Folds easily No weight max Cons : Fewer features given the cost Sits on the floor Best Pack And Play For Airline Travel A Backpack Carry Case Makes It Easier To Tote To The Gate Amazon Guava Lotus Travel Crib Dimensions: 45. 5 x 31. 5 x 25.

5 inches | Weight : 13 pounds; 15 pounds with carrying bag | Weight limit : None, until they can climb out | Special features : Backpack carrying case; zippered side opening; Greenguard Gold certified Guava’s Lotus Travel Crib is arguably the best pack and play for any airline travel. It’s incredibly lightweight and can be carried on your back like a backpack as carry-on or as checked luggage. Like the BabyBjörn, it is supported by the floor, so there’s no upper weight limit, meaning it may remain useful for longer than other play yards and travel cribs.

However, some babies (and parents) prefer a raised pack and play that keeps baby a little more elevated. It truly does set up in minutes. We love that the side unzips for another access area (thank you from our lower backs) and the mesh sides are washable.

It’s Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it was tested for a number of potentially harmful off-gassing chemicals, and includes a three-year warranty. What the reviews say : Road warrior parents consistently give the Guava Lotus the thumbs up for its portability and ease of use. “This is a great pack and play that has made my life 100x easier when traveling,” said a customer.

“Well worth the splurge. ” Pros: Lightweight Backpack carry option Easy setup Cons: Sits on the floor Some reviewers find it hard to get into the case Best Pack And Play For Small Spaces A Compact Play Yard That’s Particularly Narrow Amazon Century Travel On 2-In-1 Compact Playard With Bassinet Buy From Amazon Dimensions: 38 x 22. 3 x 30 | Weight : 21 pounds | Weight limit : 30 pounds | Special features : Infant bassinet; sheet included; wheels improve portability The Century Travel On 2-in-1 has a compact design, so baby’s sleep space won’t dominate yours.

Besides, size matters when you’re traveling, and, if you’re not the lightest of packers, you want a play yard that won’t hog all your trunk space, hotel room floor or the spare bedroom at your in-laws’ house. It features a 2-in-1 design that includes a removable bassinet to use with newborns, so you aren’t reaching so far down into the crib. Later, older babies can sleep or play in the larger crib and play yard area.

The pack and play features two wheels for easy toting, along with an included carry bag. And, in general, its price is a deal, especially as it can double as a bassinet or play yard. What the reviews say : Users note that this pack and play is thin enough to fit in tight spaces, as well as through doorways without folding it up.

“We purchased this to use in our camper and it fit perfectly in between the dinette seats. It’s nice and small compared to a regular pack and play,” shared one parent. Pros : Affordable Compact Includes bassinet Cons : May be too small for larger toddlers Included sheet is thin Best Pack And Play For Easy Setup This Crib Unfolds In One Second—And Includes A Flippable Mattress Amazon Maxi-Cosi Swift Playard Dimensions: 41.

5 x 31 x 33. 5 inches | Weight : 18 pounds | Weight limit : Up to 15 pounds (bassinet); use as a play yard until your toddler reaches 35 inches or is able to climb out | Special features : Newborn bassinet; fast fold; two-stage mattress By nature, pack and plays typically involve a special hack to get them open. Maybe the bars need to be slightly bent or there’s a locking mechanism you need to trigger.

Not the Maxi-Cosi Swift. This pack and play goes up in one quick action that’s impressively fast. You just snap it open, push the bottom flat and move along.

The motion is so easy to do, you can even whip this pack and play out while you’re holding your baby in one hand. The pack and play also features a newborn bassinet, so you can get years of use out of it. The whole thing slips easily into a handy carrying case.

It also just looks nice, thanks to a faux wood finish and neutral fabric—choose from Classic Slate, Essential Graphite and Essential Blue shades. At 18 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry effortless through an airport or to hoist into your trunk. It’s on the higher-end of the cost spectrum, so this might be a better investment for those who can use it with several children over the years.

What the reviews say : Maxi-Cosi’s playard gets plenty of accolades for its easy setup. “I loved that you can set up and fold up with one motion. Other pack n plays are complicated, but this one was so EASY!” said a customer.

Pros : Fast setup and breakdown Newborn bassinet Dual-sided mattress Cons : May not fold up easily on carpet Pricey Best Pack And Play With Changing Table This Diapering Station Folds Out Of The Way Quickly Amazon 4Moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard Dimensions: 43 x 30 x 29 inches | Weight : 23 pounds without bassinet and changer; 28. 5 pounds with bassinet and changer | Weight limit : 30 pounds | Special features : Detachable flip changer; newborn bassinet; one-handed set-up Having a set diapering spot when you’re on the go eliminates hassle and makes life as a traveling parent just a little easier. The 4Moms Breeze Plus isn’t the only pack and play with a diaper changing station, but this option has a really cool feature that makes it incredibly easy to go from changes to nap time and back.

The play yard features a detachable flip changer that pops up and secures to the top of your portable crib when you need to change baby, and then effortlessly folds down on the outside when diapering is done. A detachable bassinet also makes it easy to reach a smaller baby (up to 18 pounds) before they graduate to the larger sleep surface at the bottom of the pack and play. One-push open and close allows you to get set up and broken down quickly.

What the reviews say : The changing table is a big perk for many parents. “I didn’t think I’d use the changing table on it, but that has been a godsend with my newborn,” said one. “I can just sit up in bed and change her diaper without having to walk to the nursery in the middle of the night.

” Pros : Diaper changer folds down easily Newborn bassinet Travel bag has large tote-style handles Cons : Heavier and bigger than the competition Sits too low for some parents Best Multipurpose Pack And Play Versatile Sleep Spots Make This A Convenient Pick Amazon Graco Pack ‘N Play Day2Dream Travel Bassinet Playard Dimensions: 29 x 47 x 33 inches | Weight : 39 pounds | Weight limit : 44 pounds | Special features : Diapering station; bassinet with shade; removable bassinet Graco’s Day2Dream is packed with features to make everything a bit more convenient. It can go from bassinet to portable bassinet to a play yard, so parents get several products in one. Let the youngest sleep in the raised bassinet, which positions your baby at eye level (when you’re seated) and features see-through mesh on all sides, so you can truly keep your child in your line of sight at all times.

Or keep them in the removable bassinet as you move from room to room. A really cool element? Extendable legs turn the portable bassinet into a beside bassinet, saving your back in the process. There’s also a built-in adjustable shade that makes it easy to keep sun out of your little one’s eyes.

The pack and play also includes a diapering station with hanging side pockets, so you can help baby freshen up without scrambling for things like wipes and cream. What the reviews say : Many parents give this Graco pack and play the thumbs up for its versatility. “I keep the small bassinet in another room.

. so convenient!” said one. “I’ve also taken the small bassinet for my newborn and the play yard itself for my toddler to sleep in on a trip and it was great.

” Pros : Diaper changing station included Newborn bassinet Cons : Heavy Best Pack And Play With Bassinet A Firm Base Supports Newborn Needs Newton Newton Travel Crib And Play Yard Dimensions: 51 x 34. 5 x 28. 5 inches | Weight : 17 pounds | Weight limit : 15 pounds (bassinet) | Special features : Side zip panel opening; washable mattresses; large base While older babies and toddlers are usually just fine to sleep in the depths of a pack and play, it can be overwhelming for newborns—and tough on your back to reach that far in.

Newton’s portable crib has a bassinet option with a firm, supportive base that’s designed for newborn needs. (Just a note: You’ll need to purchase this separately at Amazon. ) Both the bassinet and main mattress are fully washable in case of blowouts.

With a side zip panel, you can open the Newton for playtime and zip it back up at night. Either way, a roomy base gives baby plenty of room to hang out. Once the fun is over, simply fold up the crib and slide it into the included travel bag.

What the reviews say : Many parents rave about the roominess and versatility of this crib. “I was also very surprised by how light it was and very impressed that I was able to zip and unzip the side panel one handed. .

. it was so smooth!” shared one owner. Pros : Generous size Bassinet with firm mattress Washable mattress Cons : May be too large for some Expensive MORE FROM FORBES VETTED 7 Of The Best Eye Creams For Puffiness, According To Experts By Stephanie Montes Contributor Launch Party: The Latest Home And Kitchen Products Just In Time For Fall By Sholeen Damarwala Forbes Staff Why Trust Forbes Vetted At Forbes Vetted, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching, testing and reporting on products for busy parents like you.

We sorted through dozens of pack and plays, and tested several ourselves to get a feel for how these products perform. We also consulted a pediatrician for guidance on the best qualities and safety features to look for in these packable cribs. I’m a mother of four kids ranging in age from 1 to 10.

I’ve spent more than a decade using pack and plays for my busy family and I understand which features are helpful (and which are a waste of your money). I’m also an experienced shopping writer who has tested and reviewed a number of products—especially in the parenting and home spaces—and Forbes Vetted has extensive experience reviewing baby gear and sleep products. This story is updated frequently to ensure we’re featuring the best and most current options on the market.

It was most recently updated in September 2023. How We Chose The Best Pack And Plays To choose the best pack and plays, I spoke with experts, such as Dr. Fisher , about how to use a pack and play safely, as well as other parents to hear about their favorites.

I included pack and plays that I’ve used and enjoyed in my own home, as well as those recommended by other parents or that were the most highly rated. I looked at the most popular models on the market and narrowed down the field based on factors like portability, ease of use, special features and value. What Is A Pack And Play? A pack and play is a portable crib that can also double as a play space for your child.

These handy baby items typically include a mattress or sleep surface, along with mesh sides. The play yards fold up when they’re not in use for storage or easy transport. Are Pack And Plays Worth It? This depends on your family.

Some families like having a pack and play in the living room or finished basement as an additional safe sleep space or play area. Others choose a lightweight pack and play for travel; some families keep an extra pack and play at the grandparents’ houses for impromptu trips. Pack and plays are not designed to be used as an infant’s daily sleep space, but they are considered safe.

Is It OK For A Baby To Sleep In A Pack And Play? When you’re on the go, a pack and play is often the safest sleep option, Fisher says. “It’s safe to use and highly portable,” she says, noting that she has plenty of patients whose families keep pack and plays at their grandparents’ homes. Just keep in mind that just like your crib or bassinet, the baby won’t always fit into a pack and play.

Eventually, they’ll outgrow it. “It depends on the size of the crib and size of baby,” Fisher says. In general, it’s recommended that children stop using pack and plays when they’re 3 years old, possibly sooner.

“If your child is standing up and there’s a possibility of them climbing out or tipping the pack and play over, it’s time to use something else,” Fisher says. More Baby Nursery And Sleep Stories To Shop The Best Cribs The Best Crib Mattresses The Best Bassinets The Best Nursery Gliders The Best Swaddles The Best Sleep Sacks The Best Toddler Beds Coupons Erin Condren Link to Coupon Korin Miller Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.