A unique, lightweight model that folds up into a large backpack for easy transport.
Innovative side zipper lets you lay sleeping child down at mattress level. Can use standard top opening as well. Design is extremely breathable. Folds into a small luggage-sized backpack. Weighs just 13 pounds.
Some find the side zipper is loud enough to wake a sleeping child, and it is a bit deep to place a sleeping child from above. Challenging to get back into the bag.
This model by a brand trusted for quality makes playtime on the go safe and easy, and comes at a great price.
Durable frame with ventilated mesh siding. Comes with folding feet and wheels, making it versatile and great for travel. Simple push-button folding system is easy and convenient. Easy assembly and reasonable price.
A number of customers wished the bottom was slightly sturdier.
It's a well-made model with a lot to offer that's comparably priced to similar models, but others have more features.
Has a spacious removable storage compartment and separate pocket. Its flip-away changing table accommodates babies up to 25 pounds.
Several consumers found it difficult to put together. It's also on the heavy side.
Some find this model's soothing sounds, music, and night lights a bonus many competitors don't offer.
Includes removable newborn bassinet with suspended mobile-style toys. Changing station with roomy supply organizer. Outfitted with lullaby music, vibration setting, and nightlight. Well-ventilated, mesh-sided play space design.
Several customers disliked that the bassinet has no removable components for cleaning. Challenging to collapse for travel.
Choose it if you like its design and features; otherwise consider other options.
Boasts a stylish design and unique music center with nature sounds and a built-in night-light. Offers ample storage space. Reasonable price point.
Its design is a bit bulky, and it's not as portable as others we reviewed.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
As a parent, you know that skin-on-skin touch is vital for your baby’s development. At the same time, you know that it’s just not possible to hold your baby all day. It helps to have a safe, dedicated spot for your child when you need to tidy up the house or start dinner. A pack 'n' play is the perfect solution for multitasking parents who want to keep their children safe and entertained.
A pack 'n' play is a portable, enclosed space where your child can safely play or lounge. It keeps the child contained so you don’t have to worry about hazards that could be in the room. Many pack ‘n’ plays come with toys or music to entertain your baby. A pack ‘n’ play can also be used as a sleeping space or diaper changing area.
While pack 'n' plays are designed primarily for infants, some models are suitable for toddlers as well. When choosing a pack 'n' play, take the age of your child into account. A model that’s safe for a younger child may not work for an older child. In particular, there is the concern that a toddler could climb out of the pack 'n' play. Children who stand 35 inches or taller are usually strong enough to climb out.
You’ll need to decide if you want a “basic” or “deluxe” pack ‘n’ play. Basic models are simple and lightweight; the focus is portability. These items tend to fold easily, so you can move them from room to room. They’re usually rectangular in shape and measure about 28 inches wide, so fitting through most doorways and into most car trunks should be no problem.
Deluxe pack 'n' plays are usually larger; the typical width is 30 inches. As a result, these structures can be more cumbersome and difficult to fit through doorways and other tight spaces. A deluxe pack ‘n’ play may have a variety of extra features, such as a bassinet, changing table, mobile, music console, or night light.
Most parents want to be able to bring their pack ‘n’ play with them wherever they go. Size plays a role in pack ‘n’ play portability; larger, heavier models are obviously more difficult to lug around. If you plan to travel regularly with your pack 'n' play, a basic model may be your best bet. That said, even larger pack 'n' plays can be portable if you choose one that folds easily. Some include a carrying bag or tote for this purpose.
If portability matters to you, consider whether a pack ‘n’ play has wheels. Some models feature wheels or casters for smooth transport. In fact, some deluxe pack ‘n’ plays can be wheeled after they’re folded. If you choose a pack ‘n’ play with wheels, be sure to select one with locking wheels or casters.
Some pack 'n' plays have a removable bassinet in which your baby can nap. If you choose a pack ‘n’ play with a bassinet, make sure the bassinet fastens securely to the pack ‘n’ play. Most pack 'n' plays have clips or bars that may be easy for older children to disengage, so if you have both an infant and a toddler in your home, you might have some safety concerns. Consider a model with clips that are hidden by fabric flaps or other materials and are unlocked by pressing a button. That way, children aren’t likely to see the clips in the first place.
Pay attention to the weight limit for the bassinet, too. Most pack 'n' play bassinets can only support a baby up to 15 pounds. Once your child can sit up and roll over, it’s possible that the child could fall out. Opt for a pack 'n' play with a bassinet that runs the entire length and width of the structure, so there’s no place for your child to fall.
Some pack 'n' plays include a changing station. The changing station might adhere to the pack ‘n’ play with removable clips and straps, or it might be fixed to the structure via a hinge. Hinged changing stations can often be flipped out of the way when not in use.
Changing stations have a weight limit, so make sure your child is within the guidelines before using it. Also, for safety’s sake, you may wish to consider a model with restraining straps.
If you plan to use your pack 'n' play outdoors, a canopy may be an important feature. Just as with a stroller, the canopy helps shield your child from the harsh rays of the sun.
Many pack 'n' plays have built-in pockets and pouches that allow you to store items you might need for your child. These compartments should be located on the outside of the pack 'n' play, where your baby cannot reach them.
In addition to keeping your baby safe, a pack 'n' play can help entertain your child when you’re tending to other tasks nearby. Some models include a mobile with dancing toys or an activity mat you can place on the floor of the pack 'n' play. Others have built-in entertainment features that play soothing music or display soft lights. Keep in mind that these pack 'n' plays require batteries and are usually heavier and more cumbersome than basic models.
Pack 'n' plays vary in price based on size and features. Most range from $40 to $300. The simplest models are small and don’t offer many extras, but the budget-friendly price range of $40 and $70 can be very appealing.
Deluxe pack 'n' plays with one or two special features, such as an add-on bassinet or a changing station, tend to cost between $70 and $150. The priciest pack 'n' plays include even more features: built-in toys, lights, music, and sometimes vibration. These items usually cost between $150 and $300.
Q. How do I clean a pack 'n' play?
A. Gentle dish soap or laundry detergent and warm water are usually all it takes to clean a pack 'n' play and its floor pad. You can scrub the surfaces by hand with a sponge, rag, or brush, or you can fold the pack 'n' play and soak it in the mixture in your bathtub for a couple of hours. Hose down the pack 'n' play afterward and allow it to dry completely before use.
Q. Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a pack 'n' play overnight?
A. A pack 'n' play is usually a safe alternative to a crib when your child needs to sleep for the night. However, you shouldn’t add a mattress, blankets, pillows, or toys to the pack 'n' play before your child goes to sleep. If you use a fitted sheet, make sure it’s designed specifically for your pack 'n' play.
Q. At what age do most kids outgrow a pack 'n' play?
A. Pack 'n' plays have weight limits, so read the manufacturer's’ instructions carefully to see what the guidelines are. In most cases, a pack 'n' play is meant to be used by children who weigh 35 pounds or less. That typically means that your child should stop using it at around two years of age.
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