20 Best Pack N Play In 2021

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Best Pack N Play

 

Are you a new mom learning the ropes? A seasoned mom looking to learn some new tricks? Perhaps a grandma or uncle who wants to make sure your house is ready for any visits from the new baby? A pack n play is a great thing to have on hand, and there are tons of options in 2021!

Pack n plays are extremely versatile, and their portability makes them even more functional and useful for any parent or childcare provider. Plenty of situations will arise, when taking care of a baby or toddler, that will call for a pack n play.

Nearby napping:

 

Some parents prefer to keep an eye on them during nap time, to keep them alert to their baby’s needs. Set one up in your living room or home office so that you can stay close by as your baby naps throughout the day.

Travel crib:

 

If you’re uncertain about the accommodations a hotel or relative’s home might have for your baby, a pack n play is a great solution. Most pack n plays are lightweight, making them easy to load in and out of the car.

Contained playtime:

 

I have known many a toddler to take off without warning, which can be both dangerous and stressful! Pack n plays provide safe, contained play space, allowing Mom and Dad.

Pack n plays, sometimes referred to as playpens or play yards, come in a variety of sizes and price ranges, and some even come with extra gadgets and attachments. All are built to be collapsible and come with a carrying case, but some are more compact than others.

When picking one out of the many that are available on the market, you will need to consider your child’s needs and your intended uses for a pack n play.

Age is probably the most important thing to keep in mind, and I’ll be sure to point out the pack n plays that are more ideal for toddlers than infants. The most obvious indication that a pack n play that has been designed for infants is the inclusion of a removable newborn station.

This will typically include a removable bassinet and a collapsible or removable changing station. The bassinet is especially crucial if you want your infant to be able to sleep for long periods of time in the pack n play.

Other attachments often include external diaper bags or storage pockets, mobiles or hanging toys for play, washable pads, and shade covers. I’m going to go through 20 of the best pack n plays on the market right now, from the simplest to the most complex and gadget-inclusive! Hopefully, this will save you a bit of time and stress so you can spend more time with Baby and less time scrolling through listings all over the web!

Keeping it simple: Gadget-free pack n plays

 

If you’re in the market for a pack n play that is suitable for babies and toddlers aged four months and older, these minimalist pack n plays could be the right fit for you! I have always found that the flat, open surface of a pack n play is perfect for playtime and nap time once babies are old enough to sleep without the extra support and snugness of a bassinet.

I am a big believer in saving money whenever possible, so if you and your baby can do without all the extra gear, these pack n plays may be a better choice. That being said, there are certainly higher-priced pack n plays that don’t come with attachments and lower priced pack n plays that do!

 

1:  Cosco Funsport Play Yard

 

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This pack n play is about as simple as it gets, and its easy portability makes it a great travel accessory! Setup is as quick as opening the base and propping up the sides. To take it back down, simply squeeze the latch on the bottom and the Cosco Funsport will easily fold.

[i2pc][i2pros]Extremely portable
You also get to choose from a variety of patterns which might be ideal if this pack n play is going to become a regular fixture in one room[/i2pros][i2cons]Several users have noted that the pad that comes with this pack n play is on the thinner side, and while some little ones don’t mind having a firm place to sleep, others may need an extra layer of padding (purchased separately) for comfort.[/i2cons][/i2pc]  , 

 

2:  Dream on Me Travel Light PlayYard

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 The Dream on Me PlayYard isn’t quite as simple to put up and take down as the Cosco Funsport, but it is collapsible and comes with a carrying case that is small enough to qualify as a carry-on for air travel.

The mesh sides are slightly more transparent than many pack n plays, allowing your little one to see what’s going on around them without having to peek over the top! This could be a great solution for parents of babies who get fussy when they can’t see Mom or Dad.

 

[i2pc][i2pros]Though it’s a little harder to disassemble, the Dream on Me PlayYard is very convenient for travel when packed up.
Not only are the mesh sides transparent, but the materials are allergen-free!
The mattress pad is soft and provides a good amount of cushion, with many users noting that no extra padding was necessary.
[/i2pros][i2cons]This pack n play isn’t the easiest to collapse.
It is also one of the few pack n play that doesn’t come equipped with wheels on one side, and this can make it a tad more difficult to move around from room to room.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

 

3: Babyseater Portable Play Yard

 

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This Babyseater Play Yard is probably my favorite from our gadget-free selection of pack n plays. It has a unique hexagonal shape, transparent mesh sides, a side door that can be left open for Baby to crawl through or zipped shut, and a removable mattress cover that is machine washable!

It is a little pricier than some of the other simple pack n plays I’m showing you, but it’s also bigger, which means you don’t have to worry about your toddler out-growing it any time soon! For an added $10, you can get a pink mattress lining instead of the original turquoise, but that is totally up to you.

[i2pc][i2pros]The door is a really unique feature that can turn this playpen into a fun play area that still lets your toddler roam through the rest of the room for a little more exercise!
The BabyCenter Play Yard comes with an over-the-shoulder bag for hands-free carrying.
Being able to wash the mattress cover right in your washing machine is a really awesome feature![/i2pros][i2cons]It is on the bigger side, so it might be a little more difficult to carry than some of the others.[/i2cons][/i2pc]  

 

4:  Regalo My Play Portable Playard

 

 

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The Regalo is somewhat similar to the Babyseater. It’s hexagonal. It has transparent mesh sides. It comes with an over-the-shoulder bag. The biggest differences are that it does not come equipped with a door, it is hand-washable only, and it is not padded.

Having an unpadded pack n play makes a huge difference because this means that this is not a good nap area. It’s a space that is suitable for playtime, only!

[i2pc][i2pros]The shape is fun, and it is reportedly easy to collapse.
For the size, it’s not a bad price!
This would be an ideal pack n play for indoor or outdoor playtime.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not having a padded bottom is definitely a big drawback, in my opinion! It limits the usage of the pack n play, but if your baby only naps in the crib, this won’t be much of a problem for you.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

5:  Pop N’ Play Portable Playard

 

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The Pop N’ Play is very similar to the Regalo but might be better suited for older or bigger tots because of the X-shaped crossbars that support each of the six sides. Once again, the bottom is not padded, so it’s really more for playtime.

It comes with an over-the-shoulder carrying case, and many users have noted that it’s a great playpen for outdoor use because the extra bars weigh it down in the wind! This would be an ideal pack n play for beach days!

[i2pc][i2pros]The extra bars create added weight and support, so you can use this pack n play for more rough-and-tumble toddlers or outdoors on windy days and not worry about it tipping or blowing over![/i2pros][i2cons]Those added bars have also raised safety concerns for some users. The last thing you want is for your baby to tumble over and bonk their head on hard metal! Extra supervision might be advisable with this one.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

6:  Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard

 

Graco makes a wide variety of pack n plays, so you’ll be seeing their brand name on this list a few times! Graco pack n plays are designed with their signature push buttons that allow you to easily fold down the sides for portability and storage. The bottom is cushioned, although some users have purchased extra pads for a softer place to lay.

 

[i2pc][i2pros]Graco pack n plays are known for their easy collapsibility.
They are a parent-favorite for travel.
The price is pretty great!
[/i2pros][i2cons]It is highly advised by Graco that their recommended mattress pads are used if you do decide to add some more cushion.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

  The Full Package: Pack n Plays with Extra Gear

 

The rest of the pack n plays I’m going to show you are equipped with add-ons and extra goodies that may be necessary for newborns! The good news is, even if they can be a little pricier, you can remove the components that make them suitable for newborns as he or she gets older!

7:  Evenflo Portable Babysuite Deluxe Playard

 

 

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The Evenflo Babysuite is equipped with a changing table that rotates to the side when not in use, a full-sized bassinet suitable for newborns and babies up to 15 pounds, an attachable mobile, and a dual-pocket fabric console to store baby necessities like diapers. The bassinet can be removed to create more space for play!

 

[i2pc][i2pros] Having a full-sized bassinet can come in handy as your newborn grows.
The changing table and fabric console add extra convenience.
And the mobile is a fun and stimulating addition for your baby
[/i2pros][i2cons] Some users have reported that the floor mat is not as stable as they expected, and sags under the weight of their tot.
A few have gotten crafty and placed folded towels under the pack n play for added support, but this may not always be a convenient option when you’re on the go.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

8:  Baby Trend Nursery Center

 

 

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The Baby Trend Nursery Center comes with a removable, full-sized bassinet. Because the pad in the bassinet is easy to wipe down, some users use it as a changing table, as well. It is also equipped with an attached diaper stacker and a rotating mobile!

 

[i2pc][i2pros] The gender-neutral rotating mobile is great for hand-eye coordination!
Being able to change your baby without having to move them too much or take the time to set up an extra feature is definitely a perk.[/i2pros][i2cons]Some users have noted that the Baby Trend Nursery Center is difficult to assemble.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

9:  Graco Pack n Play Playard Snuggle Suite

 

The Graco Snuggle Suite has features that are suitable for newborns, infants, and toddlers. A portable infant seat doubles as a bouncer, allowing you to take your newborn from room to room without having to get them up! The changing table can hold up to 30 pounds and you’ll also get a built-in storage organizer.

Below these features is a full-sized bassinet for infants which can be removed to open up a full-sized playpen! This pack n play has some really unique features, including a vibration function for the infant seat, speakers that play soft and soothing music, and a look-light for nighttime check-ins.

 

[i2pc][i2pros]This pack n play really comes with everything you might need in those first months and even years.
Those bonus features are pretty cool.
[/i2pros][i2cons] Some users have reported that the assembly process is difficult.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

10:  JOOVY Room Playard and Nursery Center

 

 

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The JOOVY Room Playard has a removable bassinet that can hold up to 15-pound infants. The bassinet comes with a washable fitted sheet! It also has a vinyl-topped changing table that can be stored on the side and holds up to 25-pound infants.

Once your baby outgrows the bassinet, the mattress pad can be fitted perfectly into the bottom of the pack n play, so no extra purchases necessary! The JOOVY Room is my favorite on the list of accessorized pack n plays because the storage pack on the side is enormous! We all know parents can always use the extra storage space!

 

[i2pc][i2pros]Being able to wash the sheet and easily wipe down the vinyl changing station cover is a huge time-saver.
Being able to move the pad from the bassinet to the bottom of the playpen is a money-saver.
And, of course, there’s the giant storage pouch, which really can’t be beaten.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Because the JOOVY has a fairly unique size, some users have reported that it can be difficult to find extra fitted sheets and bedding.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

 

11:  Graco Everest Pack ‘n Playard

 

Remember all those cool features from the Graco Snuggle Suite? Well, the Graco Everest has all of those same features and then a few more! The built-in storage organizer comes equipped with a diaper stacker and the newborn seat has soft toys attached to the handle to keep your infant entertained!

 

[i2pc][i2pros]Graco really goes over the top with their features. The built-in speakers and check-in light are nice bonuses to an already-versatile pack n play.
With this model, you also get the added convenience of the diaper stacker and some cute soft toys for Baby![/i2pros][i2cons]There’s a pretty significant price increase between the Snuggle Suite and the Everest, and those extra features may not be enough to convince you to dish out the extra dollars![/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

12:  Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center

 

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The Baby Trend Deluxe is a good tradeoff for Graco if you’re on a tighter budget. While it doesn’t have the infant seat, it does have the changing table, storage unit with diaper stacker, and removable bassinet. It also has built-in speakers that can play two types of music as well as nature sounds.

One additional feature that I really like about the Baby Trend Deluxe is the partial canopy with hanging soft toys! The canopy can be a great solution to bringing Baby outside on sunny days!

 

[i2pc][i2pros] The price is certainly appealing, especially when you consider how much versatility the Baby Trend Deluxe has to offer.
Plus, that canopy is a really nice addition that many of the others on this list don’t have.[/i2pros][i2cons]As much as I love that canopy, some users have noted that the material is thin, and the canopy can tear if it catches on anything.
The mattress cover is also fully attached to the mattress pad, which makes cleaning a bit of a hassle.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

13:  Baby Trend Deluxe II Nursery Center

 

 

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Looks like the original Baby Trend Deluxe got an upgrade! For the most part, the features are the same, although the soft toys can be contained neatly behind a sewn-in and zippered pouch and the music box is removable.

 

[i2pc][i2pros]Once again, the price on the Baby Trend Deluxe II is pretty great!
One thing that I appreciate about the removable music box is that you can take it with you if your tot has grown attached to the music—and we know how attached they can get to things.
You never know, this might just save you a battle!
[/i2pros][i2cons]Overall, you can get almost the same product for $20 less if you stick with the original Baby Trend Deluxe. Plus, they still have yet to make their mattress pad covers removable for easier cleaning.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

14:  Costzon Baby Playard

 

 

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Once again, we’re looking at a pack n play that comes with a changing table that flips over the side when not in use, a removable full-sized bassinet, and a full-sized playpen for playtime and naptime for older tots! It also has an attachable, whirling mobile and a built-in music box that optionally lights up for visual stimulation. It comes with a bigger diaper stacker than most, which is a plus!

 

[i2pc][i2pros]The price is pretty fantastic, which made me a little wary at first—until I read the reviews.
Users love this pack n play, and the cushion is soft enough that there’s no need for an extra mattress pad.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Many users note a learning curve when it comes to collapsibility and setup. However, most note that once you get used to the locking mechanisms, it becomes a breeze.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

15:  BABY JOY Portable Playard

 

 

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This pack n play would be a good choice for travel. It has everything you might need for an infant or toddler, but it’s not the highest quality and its features are fairly basic. It does have a changing table and removable bassinet, but many users have noted that the mattress pad is stiff and may not the most comfortable for your baby.

It does have a built-in storage pocket, but it is exactly that—a pocket. It seems to me that your diapers and extra toys may end up in a jumble in there!

 

[i2pc][i2pros]The biggest appeal is most certainly the price.[/i2pros][i2cons]Some users have noted dissatisfaction with the quality, which is why this may be a better backup or travel pack n play than your everyday pack n play. Plus, I just can’t get over that pocket.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

16:  Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Playard

 

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This is definitely the coolest pack n play on the list, but it’s also the most expensive! Admittedly, that’s because it functions as more than just a pack n play. Once again, you can expect the same features that the other Graco pack n plays offer.

This time, however, the infant seat can also be placed on the floor and used as a rocker or placed on the stand that comes with this pack n play! With the stand, you can keep Baby in the infant seat and put them right next to you at your desk or dinner table!

 

[i2pc][i2pros]The infant seat is definitely the biggest highlight of this pack n play.
Being able to transport your newborn or infant from pack n play to floor to table without ever having to take him or her out of the seat, itself, can make your day a lot smoother.
Fewer tantrums!
[/i2pros][i2cons]Clearly the price is a lot steeper than the rest of the pack n plays I’ve talked about so far, but honestly, it just might be worth it.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

17:  Disney Sweet Wonder Play Yard

 

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This cute pack n play is fun for any Disney-loving family! You can choose between a Minnie Mouse print or a Mickey Mouse print, and they come with corresponding soft toys that dangle from an attachable toy bar.

I will say, it looks like you’re paying extra for that Disney pattern. Otherwise, it’s a fairly standard pack n play, equipped with a changing table, removable bassinet, storage pouches, and a mattress pad that can be used in both the bassinet and the full-sized playpen.

 

[i2pc][i2pros] I think it’s safe to say that the appeal is the Disney print![/i2pros][i2cons]Users have noted that a fitted sheet cannot be used with the mattress pad due to the velcro that secures the pad to the pack n play.
The price is higher than other, comparable pack n plays.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

18:  Chicco Lullaby Baby Playard

 

 

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Like the Graco pack n plays, the Chicco Playard comes with a removable newborn sleeper in addition to the changing table and removable bassinet. It also has an attachable mobile and a storage pouch.

 

[i2pc][i2pros]My favorite thing about the Chicco Playard is the quilted mattress pads in every level.
They’re machine washable! That’s right, the quilted covers come off and can be thrown right in the wash for easy cleaning.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Overall, this is a great pack n play, although the storage pouch is a little on the smaller side.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

19:  Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard

 

Of the pack n plays with extra gear, this Graco On the Go Playard is definitely the simplest. For that reason, I would say it’s probably the best one for travel that still has an infant bassinet! The mattress pad can be used as a bassinet or in the bottom of the playpen, and there’s an overhead toy bar with dangling soft toys.

 

[i2pc][i2pros]This is definitely going to be the easiest pack n play to set up and collapse that still has the option of a bassinet.
The price is not much higher than some of the simplest pack n plays, making it a great deal.[/i2pros][i2cons] If you do want the newborn seat and changing table, this is not the pack n play for you.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

 

20:  Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Twin Bassinet

 

For my final choice, I wanted to show you this pack n play that serves a very special purpose—it can hold twin newborns! If you’ve got two beautiful babies on the way and don’t want to buy two separate packs n plays, this could be a great solution!

 

[i2pc][i2pros]Being able to take care of both of your newborns at the same time with less hassle is certainly a good thing.
The lining of the bassinets is quilted and soft, for extra comfort.
[/i2pros][i2cons]To make room for two bassinets, this pack n play doesn’t come equipped with most of the usual Graco features, like the changing table, infant bassinet, or storage pouch.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Hopefully, this list has saved you a little of the time you might have spent sifting through listings and reviews online, so you can have more time relaxing with your baby! These are all great products and I’m certain that one of them will suit your needs!

Pack N Play

Sandy

Sandy

This post is written and edited by Sandy who is a clinical pharmacist with over 20 years of experience specializing in pre-natal and post-natal care.