best pack n play

Best Pack N’ Plays of 2023 – Buying Guide

Experience convenience and comfort with our top 10 Best Pack 'n Plays, featuring lightweight designs, detachable bassinets, changing tables, and built-in toys.

By Eden Lowe
20 Min Read

10 Best Pack N' Plays in 2023

Pack ‘n Plays are essential for families with young children, as they come in various sizes and types, from simple travel cots to Playards with changing tables and bassinets, making them the ideal choice for your baby to sleep, play, or spend time with family.

Types of Best Pack N' Plays

There are several different kinds of Pack’ n Plays available on the market today, ranging from simple travel cots to more complex Playards with changing tables and bassinets. Basically, 4 types of playpens are available:

Basic Pack N' Play

The most basic and affordable price cots can be found in this category, offering simple cots that can be easily folded and transported. However, they typically don’t have any of the extra features found on other models, such as bassinets or attachments for toys.

Playard Pack N' Play

These models are a bit more complex, featuring support for changing tables and bassinets. They also usually have an attached toy bar or mobile to keep your baby entertained while playing or napping.

Portable Pack N' Play

If you want a comprehensive solution, this option is an all-in-one solution. These Playards include a changing table and bassinet, so they’re perfect for parents who want to keep their baby safe and comfortable under one roof.

Open Top

Some parents may prefer these Pack N Plays due to the open-top design, which allows for more airflow and easy access. This could be especially important if your baby has sensitive skin or is prone to overheating.

Whether you need a Pack n’ Play for travel or just to use at home, there are many options available. Our expert picks for the 10 best Pack and Plays of 2023 are as follows:

Our Top 10 Picks

1. Graco Pack 'N Play On the Go Playard

  • Toy bar with soft toys keeps baby entertained
  • A durable frame and comfortable full-size bassinet
  • Automatic folding feet and wheels for easy storage and transportation
  • The signature Graco push-button fold makes closing the Playard quick, hassle-free

Graco’s Pack N’ Play line offers a reliable and portable place for babies to sleep, play, and be changed on the go. The newest model, Pack N Play On the Go Playard, is perfect for traveling parents, providing a safe and comfortable space anywhere.

With its durable frame, signature Graco push-button fold, and removable full-size bassinet, this Playard is built to last. You’ll be able to keep your baby comfortable and cozy wherever you go.

Specs

  • Weight: 36.9 pounds
  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 22.6 x 31.22 inches
  • Materials: Durable frame, Graco push-button, removable full-size bassinet

✔ Goods

  • Durable and reliable design
  • Portable and easy to store
  • Comfortable full-size bassinet
  • Automatic folding feet and wheels

✗ Bads

  • No storage pockets

2. Graco Pack 'N Play Travel Dome LX Playard

  • It offers you convenience and flexibility to keep your baby close by
  • The large canopy on the bassinet protects your baby from sunlight
  • Its durable frame and convenient design make it an excellent choice
  • Featuring a large, raised bassinet that can be used on or off the Playard

Get the versatile and portable convertible Graco Pack’ n Play Travel Dome LX Playard with a convenient foldable design and carry bag, perfect for taking anywhere.

This Playard stands out for its portable raised bassinet, which allows you to check on your baby at eye level during the night. Moreover, the large canopy offers UV 50 protection for added privacy and sun-shielding.

This Travel Dome is the perfect choice for parents who want a versatile, convenient Playard for home or on the road. It has a winning combination of functionality, convenience, and style that no other Playard can match.

Specs

  • Weight: 30.86 Pounds
  • Materials: Durable frame, Polyester
  • Dimensions: 36.5 x 28.5 x 30 inches

✔ Goods

  • Full-size infant bassinet
  • High-quality construction
  • Convenient + foldable design
  • Large canopy with UV protection

✗ Bads

  • It may be difficult to assemble
  • Limited storage space for toys and other items

3. Summer Pop' n Play Deluxe Playard

  • Made of a durable metal frame with Naylon fabric
  • Compact and lightweight play yard – easy to set up and fold
  • Suitable for kids from 6 months to 24 months, up to 35 inches tall
  • Features a padded floor for added comfort, protection, and support
  • Provides a full coverage canopy with UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays

Looking for a versatile and convenient playard that you can conveniently use outdoors and indoors? Must take a look at this popular Pop ‘n Play Deluxe Ultimate Playard!

This Playard is ideal for busy parents with its quick set-up and compact design. It also has a padded floor for comfort and protection, making it one of the top pack-n-plays available.

The canopy is very lightweight, so you can take it anywhere you go, and the full coverage canopy provides protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Because of the UV protection, it is also the perfect choice for outdoor playtime.

Specs

  • Weight: 13.2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 38.8 inches
  • Materials: Durable Metal and Naylon fabric

✔ Goods

  • Durable construction
  • Folds up easily and is lightweight
  • A padded floor provides extra comfort
  • Convenient to use both indoors and outdoors

✗ Bads

  • A bit small for some children
  • Some budgets may find the price a bit high

4. Lotus Travel Crib

  • It is made of top-quality materials for long-lasting use
  • It sets up and packs quickly, with no assembly required
  • The quiet side zipper door makes it easy to access and use
  • This travel crib is designed to be easy to fly with, thanks to its lightweight design

Whenever we try to choose something based on convenience, quality, and value, the Lotus Travel Crib always comes to mind.

This travel crib is perfect for families on the go, thanks to its lightweight and compact design. It’s also quick and easy to set up and take down, with no assembly required, so you can be ready to go in just minutes.

The crib is Made from durable polyvinyl chloride material. It also offers a quiet side zipper door for easy access and extra padded flooring for increased comfort and protection.

Specs

  • Age Range: Infant
  • Weight: 15 pounds
  • Materials: Polyvinyl Chloride
  • Dimensions: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches

✔ Goods

  • Durable construction
  • Easy to set up and take down
  • Lightweight and portable design

✗ Bads

  • Price may be high for some budgets

5. Graco Pack N' Play Portable Playard

  • The airy mesh sides provide maximum ventilation
  • Its signature push-button fold allows for a quick and hassle-free fold
  • The durable material metal, plastic, and fabric, makes it perfect for travel
  • Handy wheels for added convenience make this pack n’ play easy to transport or store

Do you want something more basic and portable to get the advantage of Play and nap time for your little one? We love this one from Graco, the Pack N’ Play Portable Playard.

With its durable metal frame, folding feet, and wheels, this Playard allows for a compact fold, making it easy to store or transport. The Signature Graco push-button fold also ensures a quick and hassle-free closure.

Plus, its airy mesh sides with added ventilation keep your little one calm and comfortable during naps or playtime. However, it’s not just sturdy and compact but also provides maximum ventilation thanks to the airy mesh on all sides.

Specs

  • Item weight: 20.1 pounds
  • Dimensions: 40 x 28.5 x 29 inches
  • Material type: Metal, Plastic, Fabric, Polyester

✔ Goods

  • Maximum ventilation
  • Durable and compact frame
  • Quick and hassle-free closure
  • Wheels for easy transportation

✗ Bads

  • Too basic for some parents’ needs

6. Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center

  • Plush fabric lining and large wheels for easy movement
  • Equipped with electronic music and a night light to soothe your baby
  • Two large rock-a-bye bassinets, each with a canopy and carry handle
  • Two toys to keep your baby entertained, along with a deluxe parent organizer
  • A large changing area and removable bassinets make this Playard ideal for twins

When purchasing items for twins, parents aim to find the perfect product that suits both babies. The Baby Twins Nursery Center is a popular choice for those seeking a Playard that can accommodate both twins due to its great features.

If we talk about the rock and bye baby bassinet, it is very useful for the baby as this can be placed anywhere in the room and keep both babies close to your heart.

It also comes with a canopy which makes this bassinet so different from others, and it can also be conveniently removed when not in use.

In addition to this, the changer in this playard is also very large and can be used for a long time without any issues. Along with this, a deluxe organizer is provided for the parents to easily store their baby’s stuff in one place.

Specs

  • Weight: 40.95 pounds
  • Maximum weight capacity: 30 pounds
  • Dimensions: 40.75 x 29.25 x 28.75 inches

✔ Goods

  • Folds up easily
  • Plenty of storage space
  • Large and roomy Playard
  • Electronic music and night light
  • Plush fabric lining and large wheels

✗ Bads

  • Issues with the locking mechanism on the wheels

7. Joovy Room2 Large Portable Playard

  • Specially designed for larger rooms
  • Joovy Room2 has large mesh windows, providing a 360-degree view
  • Waterproof + machine washable, making it easy to clean and maintain

Looking for a playpen that is both spacious and stylish? The Joovy Room²-Playard is an excellent choice, perfect for large spaces and accommodating two babies of different ages.

With its high-quality wheels, this is one of the best playpens that is easy to move from room to room and features a compact fold for travel. However, its spacious design may not be ideal for smaller spaces.

Its large mesh windows provide a 360-degree view in and out of the playpen, making it easy to watch over your child. Plus, the playpen is waterproof and machine washable, so you can easily keep it clean and fresh.

Specs

  • Material: Mesh
  • Weight: 29.6 pounds
  • Floor area: 10 square feet
  • Dimensions: 39.75 x 39.75 x 31 inches

✔ Goods

  • Easy to clean
  • Ideal for large rooms or spaces
  • Equipped with high-quality wheels
  • Large mesh windows provide a 360-degree view

✗ Bads

  • Not suitable for small rooms

8. Dream On Me Zodiak Portable Playard

  • Breathable mesh sides ensure that your baby is always comfortable
  • Its lightweight aluminum frame and locking casters make it easy to move from room to room
  • Top-quality playpen with stylish finishes and useful features like the padded floor and arched corners

Well, not everyone wants an expensive playpen, and most people can’t even afford that. But what if you could get a top-quality playpen for an affordable price? That’s exactly what the Dream On Me Zodiak Portable Playard is all about!

The Zodiak Playard is ideal for travel with its lightweight aluminum frame and locking casters. It features breathable mesh sides, a stylish design, and a padded floor with arched corners to keep your baby safe and comfortable. Additionally, it’s easy to assemble and can be stored compactly.

Specs

  • Weight: 16.60 pounds
  • Material: Polyester foam fabric
  • Dimensions: 40 L x 28.5 W x 29 H inches

✔ Goods

  • Breathable mesh sides
  • Stylish design and finishes
  • Lightweight and easy to move around
  • Padded floor for extra comfort and safety

✗ Bads

  • The mesh sides can tear with use over time

9. 4moms Breeze Plus

  • It has a great weight capacity of up to 30 pounds
  • A travel bag can be used to store and transport as well
  • The bassinet provides a safe and comfortable place to rest for newborns
  • The design is quite unique, with a one-push open and one-pull close feature

The 4moms breeze plus is versatile and easy to use, featuring a unique one-push open and one-pull close design that can be operated with just one hand. This makes it convenient for busy parents or caregivers who need a quick and easy solution for their baby.

This Playard is also very durable and has a weight capacity of 30 pounds, making it great for babies and toddlers alike.

The included bassinet provides a safe and comfortable spot for newborns to rest, while the flip changer is perfect for quick diaper changes or clothing changes.

We also appreciate the included travel bag, which makes it easy to pack up and transport the Playard wherever it is needed.

Specs

  • Weight: 28.5 pounds
  • Dimensions: 43 x 30 x 31.5 inches
  • Material: Durable, high-quality materials

✔ Goods

  • Easy to set up and take down
  • Ideal for parents or caregivers
  • High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use

✗ Bads

  • Too large and bulky for some smaller spaces 

10. Century Travel On 2-in-1 Compact Playard

  • Includes a padded mattress with a removable sheet
  • A foldable travel bag makes it easy to take this Playard
  • Made with recycled fabrics and materials, making it is eco-friendly
  • The compact design for small spaces makes this Playard ideal for home or travel

Not everyone wants a large and bulky playard taking up valuable room in their house, but it doesn’t mean you don’t want a secure and pleasant place to put your baby while you get things done. Fortunately, the Happy Planet Collection includes the Little Century Playard!

It has a compact design that makes it perfect for small spaces, whether you’re at home or traveling. The fabrics are made with recycled materials, making this product eco-friendly and comfortable for your baby. With a convenient travel bag included, it’s easy to take this Playard wherever you need it.

The padded mattress comes with a removable sheet, offering a comfortable and hygienic spot for your baby to sleep and play. Whether you need an infant bassinet or a secure playard for your toddler, the Mini Century is an ideal pick!

Specs

  • Size: 31 x 10.5 x 10.25 inches
  • Material: Recycled fabric and materials
  • Maximum weight recommendation: 30 pounds

✔ Goods

  • Compact design
  • Padded mattress
  • Easy to use and store
  • Made with high-quality

✗ Bads

  • The mattress may be a bit thin for some babies

Buying Guide

Discover the Best Pack N Plays of 2023 for your baby’s comfort and safety! Our buying guide covers top models from trusted brands like Graco and Baby Bjorn, with important factors like size, material, and portability.

Portability

Some of the best models on our list are highly portable, making them perfect for trips or even for use around the house. Features such as compact folding and lightweight construction make it easy to store your Playard when not in use.

Material

The material of your Playard is also an important consideration, as it will impact both comfort and durability. Many of our top models feature high-quality fabrics like plush padding or breathable mesh, making them ideal for long periods of use.

Price

Obviously, price is also a factor to consider when buying the best playpen. Luckily, our list includes a wide range of models at a variety of price points, so there’s something for every budget.

Models vary in price and quality, whether you are looking for an affordable option or a high-end product.

Weight

The weight of your Playard is also important to consider, especially if you’re planning on taking it with you on trips or family vacations. For maximum portability, look for lightweight models that fold down compactly and even include a travel bag for easy transport.

Conclusion

Well, we are not going to give you one specific best playpen name because we believe that there is no one best pack n’ play. Instead, we recommend trying out a variety of different options to find the one that best suits your needs and your baby’s preferences.

With so many great products out there, we are sure you’ll find the perfect pack n’ play to keep your little one happy, safe, and comfortable.