Contrary to popular belief, babies do not require much to thrive. They need much love, nourishment, and a safe place to sleep and play throughout the day. And while we can't direct you to an online retailer for the first two items on that list. We can offer you one all-purpose solution for the third: the pack 'n play. Pack 'n plays, also known as playards, are lightweight and portable cribs.
The best pack-and-plays help you sleep better wherever you go with your baby. These portable, lightweight cribs fold easily and frequently include removable bassinet, wheels, and carrying cases. And built-in changing stations, making them as useful at home as they are on family vacations.
Most packs and plays can be used after the infant stage. It provides an excellent place for your child to play as they learn to roll over and sit up.
There are several features to consider when buying a pack-and-play (a playpen or travel crib). First and foremost, ensure that it is safe. It uses the mattress and fitted sheet designed for that product rather than the version made by another maker.
It would be best to consider how simple it is to set up, disassemble, and transport a pack-and-play. You'll also want to find one that fits your budget. And it has the features you require, such as a bassinet or changing table.
Their contributions will allow us to update this article. And we will try to provide the most reliable information about the best pack and plays for your family.
Best Pack and Play of 2024
Best Luxury Pack and Play
Nuna's sleek portable crib is one of the lightest pack-and-plays on the market. It is an excellent choice for travel. In many ways, it's a standard pack-and-play and play, but Nuna has upgraded it with Greengard Gold certification, an organic sheet set, and a slightly more luxe, breathable mattress.
More importantly, the crib's simple conversion from bassinet to play yard. The mode is impressive, as it needs a separate attachment.
Pros:
- Bassinet included
- One-handed fold
- Washable mattress cover
Cons:
- Expensive
- No wheels
Best Budget Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playards
This no-frills Graco Pack 'n Play is an excellent choice for budget-conscious families. You'll get a sturdy place for your baby to nap or play for $70. You can put it together in minutes.
When we tested it, we could put it all together in under two minutes, which is by far our favorite feature of this pack-and-play.
It took us only one minute to disassemble this pack-and-play. Overall, we believe this pack-and-play is an excellent value.
However, it does not include additional accessories such as a bassinet or changing table. It is sturdy, simple to assemble and disassemble, and costs a fraction of the competition's price.
Pros:
- Quick and simple installation and take apart
- No need to disassemble to move through a doorway
- Lightweight, sturdy frame
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with carrying strap
- Mattress lacks cushion
Best for Travel Guava Lotus Adventure & Travel Set
The Lotus Travel Crib is our top travel pick for various reasons. First, it weighs only 15 pounds and folds into a backpack, making it much easier to navigate airports. Unlike other pack-and-play mattresses, the Lotus mattress is flat on the floor. As a result, this travel crib has no weight limit, making it ideal for toddlers (up to age 3).
We set up this travel crib in about six minutes. Even though the instructions are clear and each item is labeled. There are a lot of pieces to put together and keep track of.
However, folding it back into a bag with handles or a backpack was simple. And we saw ourselves carrying it around at the beach or park for hours.
Pros:
- Folds up into a lightweight backpack
- Zip-down side panel for easy access
- No weight limit
Cons:
- Lots of parts to assemble
Best with Bassinet Silver Cross Slumber Travel Crib
The Silver Cross Slumber Travel Crib allows your infant to sleep beside your bed. It includes a drop-down bassinet that zips right into the frame. And a thick, foldable mattress can be used as a playpen later.
It snaps into place with a quick shake. And we love that it comes with a soft, fitted sheet. The overall design is appealing, particularly the black. And gray design with mesh, zip-down paneling.
Pros:
- Quick shake to fully assemble
- Includes a thick, foldable mattress
- Zip-down side panel for easy access
Cons:
- Travel bag is rugged to use
Best Small Nuna Cove Aire Go Playard
One of the best aspects of this compact pack. And play is how simple it is to assemble. It took us only 2.5 minutes to make all four pieces. Unfolded and popped into place quickly. We particularly like that the owner's manual is the first thing you see when you open the box. The instructions are easy to follow.
Overall, we like the look of this pack-and-play. Almost everything in it is made of mesh. It allows for more airflow and keeps your baby cool. At the same time, it has a high-end appearance. It also making with high-quality materials. And its steep $350 price tag will undoubtedly turn off many parents.
Pros:
- One-handed opening and closing
- While fully assembled, it is slim enough to fit through doorways.
- For maximum airflow, it is almost entirely made of mesh.
Cons:
- It is far too heavy to carry for more than 5 minutes
- A high-end appearance comes at a high cost.
Best Large Playpen Joovy Room² Largest Playard Portable Playpen
Look no further than the Joovy Room 2 for a pack-and-play with space for two. It has a whopping 10 square feet of play space, making it friendly. And roomy for the little one—with plenty of room for twins.
Despite the lack of words (only pictures) in the instructions. We assembled the Joovy Room 2 in less than five minutes. Fitting it into the travel bag. On the other hand, it felt like trying to close a suitcase that was too full. We eventually had to enlist help to get everything in place.
Pros:
- Large enough for two babies
- It includes a fitted sheet made of 100% cotton.
- Simple and Modern Design
Cons:
- Not suitable for travel
- Needed assistance fitting into the travel bag
Best Setup Bugaboo Stardust Playard
When we first opened the Bugaboo Stardust Playard box, we were curious. Because of it would live up to the bold claims of a "1-second unfold." Much to our surprise, it was pretty close and effortless to open.
Bugaboo is known for producing high-quality, fashionable items. And the Stardust is no exception. Its appealing design includes an integrated mattress. It remains in place even when the play yard is folded.
The Stardust is one of the more compact play yards, with a sleek structure that is less than 6 inches wide when folded. It took a few seconds to fold and put into its travel bag. But carrying it wasn't as simple as we had planned due to the bag's one small handle.
The Stardust, in genuine Bugaboo flair, is crafted of high-quality materials and feels extremely robust.
Pros:
- It opens in seconds.
- Stylish design made of high-quality materials
- Folds up neatly with a mattress inside
Cons:
- The bassinet is flimsy.
- Carrying is difficult with only one handle.
Best Sustainably Made Delta Children baby Gap Deluxe Play Yard
It's a simple pack-and-play made of recycled water bottle fabric. If you value safety, functionality, and sustainability when shopping for a pack and play. The Delta Children baby Gap Deluxe Play Yard meets all three criteria. Except for the mesh windows.
All of the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. But you'd never guess it. During testing, we discovered that the pack-and-play feels sturdy. And high-quality while remaining easy to maneuver—its lockable wheels allow you to roll it through a doorway with extra space on the sides.
Pros:
- The assembly took us less than 2 minutes.
- Baby can be easily accessed thanks to the zippered opening.
- Storage caddy, bassinet, and mobile are all detachable.
Cons:
- The carrying straps were too short.
FAQ - Pack 'n Plays
How do you set together a pack-and-play?
Because each pack-and-play is unique, assembly instructions should always be in the owner's manual. Most packs and plays are designed to be assembled in minutes. They are so appealing to travel. Typically, no tools are required to make a pack-and-play and play. And depending on how complex the instructions are, you may even be able to do so with one hand.
What exactly is the difference between a play yard and pack-and-play?
According to the CPSC, a play yard is a framed enclosure with mesh or fabric sides. It is designed for children to sleep or play at home while traveling or for other purposes. Play yards, in particular, provide sleeping and play areas for children under 35 inches tall and unable to climb out.
Although Pack 'n Play is Graco's trademarked name, it is frequently used as a colloquial term for a play yard. "I refer to them as folding cribs. Or, play yards when pack and play has become like Kleenex or Coke where the brand name," Dr. Hoffman says.