Last year, we celebrated my two-year-old’s birthday with a family campout in the woods. Not only were we camping off grid, but we were also padding to an island to get there. I was questioning my sanity while loading our bags into a canoe, but as I reached for my trusty pack and play, I had no doubt that it was worth the space it took up in the boat.
These days there are more options than ever when it comes to portable play yards. Whether you’re looking for a playpen for daycare, a lightweight play yard for the beach or a camping-friendly sleeping space, I’ve compiled some of my favorite play yards so that you can choose the best baby playpen for you.
What to Look for in a Baby Play Yard
Baby play yards cover a lot of ground, so when you’re choosing one, think about how you plan to use it. Some play pens, often referred to as pack and plays, are meant to be used as portable cribs, giving your baby a safe space to sleep when you go to visit Grandma or sneak away for a weekend outside the city. Other play yards are designed for outdoor use. These are generally lighter weight and easier to carry, but they may not meet safe sleep requirements. When you’re shopping for a baby playpen, think about the following:
Where will you use it?
If it will be indoors, you can choose something heavier and more stationary, but if you’re on the go, you’ll want something lighter.
How long can you use it?
Most playpens have a maximum weight. Opt for one with a higher maximum weight to get more use as your baby grows, or consider being open in investing in a second one for older children.
How easy is it to get baby in and out?
If you plan to use your baby play pen with an infant, you’ll want one with a basinet insert, which makes it easier to lay your baby down to sleep without having to lower her all the way to the ground. Some playpens also come with bonus features, like changing tables that attach directly to the playpen—they’re lifesavers if you have a larger living area and need to keep a changing station in another area of the house.
How heavy is it?
Playpens can get heavy quickly. In general, the lighter, the better.
How easy is it to set up?
Oftentimes play pens are used when mom is away and a babysitter, grandparent or aunt is in charge. You’ll want to keep things simple.
How expensive is it?
If you’re only going to be using a playpen a few times a year, you might want to choose a cheaper option or borrow one from a friend.
Do You Really Need a Baby Playpen?
A playpen isn’t a necessity, but if you’re looking forward to spending some time outside or even away from home, it’s nice to have. By five months, your little one will likely be sitting and beginning to get ready to crawl. That means you can’t just set him on a blanket for tummy time anymore! Having a plan pen gives you a safe space to leave your baby while you garden, clean the house, or use the bathroom without interruption. Another huge consideration is that certain playpens ensure that your baby always has a safe place to sleep. That way you won’t have to worry about whether your in-laws have a crib that meets the latest safety requirements — you can rest assured knowing your baby is sleeping in a familiar spot that you’re both comfortable with.The Best Playpens
Graco Pack and Play On the Go Playard
The Graco Pack and Play On The Go Playard is an affordable and versatile play pen option. It’s safe for sleep and folds small, making it simple to pack for your next trip. The Pack and Play comes with a basinet insert, so you can use it from infancy until your tot weighs 25 pounds. The Pack and Play comes in a variety of fun patterns and colors so that you can choose one that speaks to you.
Features to Love
- Easy-fold button
- Carrying case for travel and storage
- Affordable price point
- 39 x 28 x 29 inches; 23 pounds
Baby Trend Retreat Nursery Center
The Baby Trend Retreat Nursery Center has everything that your baby could need, from birth until the time they weigh 30 pounds. That’s a long lifespan for a play yard! The Retreat Nursery Center has three different spaces: 1) the full portable crib space 2) a changing table and 3) a portable basinet that can fit into the center or be used separately. With music and slots for diapers and wipes, the Nursery Center isn’t a portable crib that you’ll want to disassemble all the time, but it’s great for longer trips.
Baby Trend Nursery Center Play Yard Features
- 41 x 29.25 x 29 inches
- 33 pounds
- Music and noise machine on both crib and basinet
- Storage for wipes, diapers, and other necessities
BABY JOY Baby Foldable Travel Crib
The BABY JOY Baby Foldable Travel Crib does double duty, providing a safe space to sleep and a fun spot for your baby or toddler to play. The best feature is the zipper, which allows your baby to crawl in or out when open. Even more importantly, it lets you lay with your baby while she falls asleep, or even nurse in the side-lying position. Any mom who has even had their back ache after leaning over a pack-and-play for too long will appreciate that luxury. It comes with a removable and washable mattress and can be used for kids up to three years old.
Features to Love
- 5 x 31 x 27 inches
- Zipper opening
- Removable, washable mattress
- Safe for sleep
- Use through the toddler years
Alvantor Playpen Play Yard Space Canopy
If you’re looking for an indoor/outdoor option to keep your baby in the shade and away from bugs, the Alvantor Playpen Play Yard is a good choice. At 7 feet across, it has tons of space , so it can accommodate older siblings, who are always interested in a playpen once their baby brother or sister is in it. In fact, the Alvantor’s tent-like setup means that even mom or dad can get in to enjoy nature without any sunburn or bug bites.
All the Praise for the Alvantor
- 7 pounds
- 7’ side by 44” tall
- Comes with removable shade cover
- Padded bottom
Fisher Price On-the-Go Baby Dome
The Fisher Price On-the-Go Baby Dome is designed to travel with you and your infant. It’s small enough to pack for a day trip to the beach, or a quick outing into the yard. It provides everything baby needs: a soft, dry, and shaded play space to be out in nature. The folding cover, similar to the one you’ll find on an infant carrier, can be closed to completely shield your baby from bugs and sun while he naps.
Baby Dome Features
- 7 x 31 x 21 inches
- 13 pounds
- Folds flat
- Machine-washable cover
- Shaded canopy
Toddleroo by North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Baby Play Yard
If you’re looking to keep your baby or toddler contained while letting them be hands-on with the world around them, the Toddleroo Superyard is a great playpen choice. This play yard is no frills: it’s essentially just a sturdy gate that will keep your baby within a 34 square-foot play space, inside or out. However, it will give your babe the ability to explore more than some other playpen options.
Super Cool Superyard Features
- 5 x 2 x 26 inches (each panel is about 33 inches wide)
- 25 pounds
- Non-scratch
- Can be used by toddlers up to 2 years old
- Indoor/outdoor use
Frequently Asked Questions
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