Best Pack and Play
Pack and plays were designed to give both parents and baby flexibility in their growing lives. Sure, the first couple of weeks you just want to stare at the amazing miracle you created, but eventually you will need to take a phone call, make dinner in the kitchen, or even visit friends. And baby, well baby isn’t just going to lay around looking like an angel forever either! They are going to start to explore, or roll, and yes, someday even stand, and a Pack and Play will give them a safe place to do that.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Graco Pack and Play on the Go
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| #2 |  Graco Pack ‘n Play Newborn Seat DLX Playard
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| #3 |  Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe
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| #4 |  BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
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| #5 |  Chicco Lullaby Primo Organic Playard
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| #6 |  Baby Delight Go With Me Eclipse Portable Playard
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A Pack and Play usually consists of a playard, bassinet, diaper changing station, or a combination of all three that will break down into a compact and easy-to-carry bag for travel. A pack and play is great for napping. If you need to put the little one down and still want to keep an eye on them you can open up the pack and play in whatever room you are in. They are also great for your baby’s independent play time, giving you a bit of a break knowing they are safe within their pack and play. You might even take a bath!
Parent’s find Pack and Plays are the perfect accessory for any successful vacation. They set up easily in a hotel room and many rave about them taking them to the beach. If you plan to visit relatives with a Pack and Play you have something comfortable and recognizable to your child where they can nap, sleep and play. Finally, in those delicious, sweet early weeks a Pack and Play makes a wonderful newborn sleeper for your baby so you can have them right next to you in your room while you marvel at the miracle of birth.
Of course, anything named “pack and play” is going to be portable. They fold into their own self-contained package with a built-in handle, making it easy to transport. Some are easier than others so keep your eyes on the size, shape and weight of the Pack and Play you are purchasing to make sure it is easily portable for you.
All Pack and Plays have their main frame and playard for your little one. But what are some of the elements you can expect from a Pack and Play?
- A Changing Table. Having a pack and play really increases its use and versatility.
- A Bassinet. Some Pack and Plays have a Bassinet insert which means one less purchase you have to make. It certainly gives more options during nap time but do be ready for your little one to grow out of it.
- Portable Seat. The portable seat can be used with the Pack and Play or independently of it. It creates a smaller piece of portability without having to move the entire frame.
- Parent Organizer. Many have an outside snap-on parent organizer that allows you to carry all of the necessities you need to take care of your baby such as diapers, creams and maybe even a lipstick for you.
- Mobiles and toys. Your Pack and Play will have a toy bar or a mobile to keep your baby’s interest, help to keep them calm and entertained. Many are electronic and include lights and music, basically an entire circus to help enlighten your baby’s mind.
Keep in mind you will want the frame to be at least 30 inches high so you baby can’t crawl out too early. The fabric should be soft and comforting on the skin but also easy to clean. You will want to make sure there is a mesh component that will allow good airflow for your baby while they play or sleep.
Best Pack and Plays
1. Graco Pack and Play on the Go
SPECS:
- Sizes: 39.5 x 28.25 x 29 inches
- Weight: 23 pounds
Best Budget
The Graco Pack and Play on the Go is a great value for the money. Since it is from Graco you know it has a sturdy frame for the basic play yard, but it also includes a sleeping bassinet, a comfortable mattress, and a soft mobile toy bar for baby’s enjoyment and even a netted bag to help keep parents a little more organized.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who should buy this Pack and Play?
If budget is more of a concern than added bells and whistles, this Pack and Play gives you what you need from one of the top manufacturers and you can still balance your budget!
2. Graco Pack ‘n Play Newborn Seat DLX Playard
SPECS:
- Size: 40 x 28.5 x 33.2 inches
- Weight: 29 pounds
Best Deluxe
The Graco’s Newborn Seat DLX Playard grows up with your baby. It all begins with the newborn seat where your little miracle will stay cozy in the microfiber seat. As your baby grows they will spend their nap time in the full sized bassinet. Then, as your baby starts developing words and muscles and the urge to play, your toddler will spend safe happy times in the full-sized playard. The electronics for the Pack and Play has five classical songs, five soothing nature sounds and 2-speed vibrations to help lull your little one to sleep. Parents will love the stylish built-in shelving that can help you keep organized all of a baby’s needs from bottles to a quick change of clothes.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who should buy this Pack and Play?
If budget is not an issue go for the gusto with Graco’s Newborn DLX Playard that takes your baby comfortably from newborn to toddler.
3. Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe
SPECS:
- Size: 28 x 35.4 x 41.3 inches
- Weight: 28.4 pounds
Best For Newborns
Your newborn will feel surrounded in comfort in the Lil Snooze Deluxe from Baby Trend. You will feel relief every time you use the foldable changing station for all of the diaper changers. Both the changing station and the bassinet have a canopy for privacy and sunshade. There are hanging toys to entertain your little angel while they are awake. As they get old enough, they will enjoy the full play area as both the bassinet and changing station are removable. It is easy to move from room to room by using the lockable wheels. It features an easy set up that only requires one hand to operate, which you will appreciate when you have a baby in the other.
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Who should buy this Pack and Play?
If you have a newborn chances are you are going to be changing a lot of diapers! That’s why this flip away diaper station will be of great use to you!
4. BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
SPECS:
- Size: 44 x 24 x 32 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
Best For Travel
Baby Bjorn is known for their sleek modern designs and this won’t disappoint. In fact it was the 2019 “What to Expect” Award Winner and you will see why. At only 13 pounds this pack and play is ultra portable and perfect for travel. It sets up and folds down in one swift movement and easily fits into its carrying case. And for parents, the machine washable mattress cover and fabric side are like a dream come true.
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Who should buy this Pack and Play?
If you are parents on the go and intend to tote your tot along with you then will love this easy set up and light as a feather yet sturdy pack and play from Baby Bjorn.
5. Chicco Lullaby Primo Organic Playard
SPECS:
- Size: 45 x 31 x 46 inches
- Weight: 35 pounds
Best Organic
Lullaby Primo Organic is GREENGUARD GOLD Certified which means it has been tested to meet the standards for low chemical emissions so your baby is surrounded by safe, clean and breathable air. The hypoallergenic cotton is placed on all high touch areas and all the places your baby’s precious hands will have contact. This manufacturer has not just been thoughtful about it’s environmental footprint, the Chicco Lullaby Pack and Play has considered its design carefully and has everything you need from zip off washable fabrics to a deluxe organizer for parents. The Bassinet is full size and there is a toy bar with sounds, and a detachable changer. This is on Pack and Play that you will use endlessly from infancy to the active toddler years. There’s a push-button fold for easy breakdown and rubberized wheels so you can easily move it from room to room.
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Who should buy this Pack and Play?
If you are a family that is ecologically concerned for the health of the planet, this organic option fulfills that need without requiring you to sacrifice the add-ons.
6. Baby Delight Go With Me Eclipse Portable Playard
SPECS:
- Sizes: 49 x 49 x 28
- Weight: 12 pounds
Best Outdoor Fun
For having stress-free fun in the sun with your little ones, the Baby Delight Go With Me Portable Playard is what your family needs. While this can certainly be used inside, it is with outdoor use where this product really shines. It has a water resistant nylon floor and mesh sides for plenty of fresh airflow. There is also a removable sun canopy and storage pockets to help keep your outing organized. It folds up easily into its storage bag and is so light weight you can carry it and baby at the same time.
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Who should buy this Pack and Play?
If your family loves to play outdoors but you are nervous about your little one, this ultra light pack and play has plenty of space for your toddler and will even keep their tender skin out of the sun.
Last Words
All Pack and Plays will list a height and weight limit for safety guidelines but if your child can climb out of your Pack and Play it is time to retire it even if they are below the height and weight limits. Designed to be portable, you do want to carefully read the directions and make sure yours is locked and stable before you put your child in it. While many of your options look similar they are not all made for the same primary use. If you care for your pack and play it will last a long time and be a favorite hand me down item within your family. So decide your primary goal for the pack and play, whether it be sleeping, travel or play. That way you will get the best product for your family.