The Best Pack n Plays of 2021

10+ of the best Pack n Play Reviews

Pack n Plays have been around for years but they definitely have evolved into much more than there initial intention. They have become a changing station with optimal storage, a place for baby to sleep, a compact travel crib and much more. Since there are many options offered it can get quite overwhelming when deciding which one to get.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best pack n plays so you can find the one that will fit your family’s needs.

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Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard

This classic play yard with a bassinet and toy bar is perfect if you are only planning to use a pack n play for sleeping. You can put it right next to your bed or even use it in lieu of a crib down the road.

It is affordable, light weight and aesthetically pleasing. This pack n play has a tremendous amount of good reviews and is a great fit for families who do not care for all of the bells and whistles. You can purchase this in several colors and without the bassinet for an even better price.

The only downside is not having the “bells and whistles” but you may already have plenty of storage options and a good place to change your baby (like your bed or the floor with a changing pad).

Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX

If you are looking for all the bells and whistles this is the pack ‘n play for you. It includes a diaper changing station, side storage, a full size bassinet, an infant seat that doubles as a bouncer and a 2-speed vibration to help soothe baby while they are in the bassinet or bouncer.

This is on the more expensive side, however, you are getting all the extras for the same price as some of the more modern brands with minimal extras. Plus you can take the bouncer seat off your list so you’ll save money there.

The biggest con of the Graco brand is the price difference between colors. This one only comes in one color but there are other similar playards by Graco that have multiple colors and vary in price. Typically the more popular or contemporary looking the product the more expensive it is so always check out all of the prints to make sure you are paying the price you want!

4moms Breeze Plus Playard

If you are looking for the easiest set up this playard is for you. You only need one hand to set up and take down this pack ‘n play. It includes a detachable changer and removable bassinet.

This playard is high quality and its modern style will make it less of an eye sore in your living or bedroom. You can also buy this diaper and wipes storage caddy to clip on the side and these sheets for the bassinet which you normally cannot find with other brands.

On the contrary, it is on the heavier side and is more expensive.

Chicco Lullaby Dream Playard

The Chicco Lullaby Dream Playard includes a newborn lounger, full size bassinet, changing station and side storage. The newborn lounger folds for storage or it can be used on the floor. Chicco’s pack ‘n play also includes an electronics unit with a night light, lullubies and nature sounds.

This pack n play has the largest side storage, a mobile and it has a zip and wash mattress pad and change cover for easy cleaning. The sleek design is made with premium fabrics and will pair well with your home furnishings.

The biggest cons would be that it is heavy and the changing table is really tough to click into place. Therefore, this pack ‘n play will be ideal for those using it is a changing station and newborn lounger only.

Joovy Room²-Playard, Portable-Playard, Playpen

If you are looking for a playpen that will last awhile the Joovy would be a great fit. It is almost double the size of most traditional playards and is reliable and built to last. It is also an essential piece of gear for families with twins since there is plenty of room for two babies.

The Joovy is an affordable large playpen but is on the heavier side.

Nuna SENA Aire Travel Crib

The Nuna SENA Aire Travel Crib is focused on high quality and design. Like the 4moms playard it has a one handed set up and take down making it a great option for traveling.

The advanced design allows for airflow from every angle and the quilted ventilated mattress pulls away heat and humidity from baby’s skin.

The mattress can also be placed in a higher bassinet position. You can also purchase this changer for the pack n play.

The Nuna brand has a great reputation but it also comes at a high price.

Baby Trend Nursery Center

The Baby Trend Nursery Center is a great affordable option for a pack and play. It includes a full size bassinet, diaper and wipes storage, mobile and comes in several designs.

It is light weight and easy to move around.

Only downside is it does not include a changing table and the design is not as modern as other pack and plays on the market.

Baby Trend Go Lite ELX Nursery Center

The Baby Trend Go Lite ELX Nursery Center is by far the most bang for your buck pack ‘n play out there. It includes a portable rock-a-bye bassinet that can be used in a stationary or rocking mode, diaper essentials storage, changing table that can be flipped out the way and a detachable music unit which doubles as a night light and gentle vibrations.

The storage is located on the front instead of the side of the pack and play for easy access and includes brakes on the wheels so it cannot be moved.

On the other hand, the fabric is not machine washable and is not the easiest to set up.

For all of you travelers out there here is a comparison of pack n plays made specifically for travel.

Dream On Me Travel Light Playard

The Dream On Me Travel Light Playard is the most affordable out of the three. It is aesthetically pleasing and comes in 4 different styles. It is light weight and comfortable for baby with its soft mattress.

The mesh goes all the way to the bottom of the playard making it score high on the safety ratings.

It is very durable, however, there have been complaints of being difficult to set up and take down.

Lotus Travel Crib

The Lotus Travel Crib is perfect for the airport since it is lightweight and turns into a backpack. It sets up in 15 seconds and is certified safe and not toxic. Includes a quite zipper door for crawling fun or cuddling your baby to sleep.

The mattress is comfortable and approved for newborns to sleep on overnight and the entire side portion of the travel crib is made of mesh.

This playard is priced in the middle of the travel cribs.

Baby Bjorn

Lastly, the Baby Bjorn is very easy to set up and take down. It is lightweight and includes a soft and comfy mattress for baby. The airy design is great for supervision and safety.

There are also several removable and washable fabrics and you can purchase additional fitted sheets.

It can fit into an overhead compartment on a plane but does not have the backpack or zipper feature like the Lotus Travel Crib.

The biggest con for this travel crib would be the price.

Overall, if you are looking for a budget friendly travel crib the Dream on Me is the best choice. On the other hand if you want the easiest set up and most comfortable for baby the Baby Bjorn would take the cake.

The Lotus is the one for you if you want to save a little money, have a shorter reach to the bottom of the crib and have the additional zipper opening feature.

You may have a few additional questions after looking at our top recommended pack n plays so we have answered some below.

Additional Questions

Which pack n play is the safest?

There is no “safest” pack n play. Some may claim they are but in fact all baby product manufactures have to meet a certain standard. The best thing to do is follow all of the manufacterures instruction and never use third party products such as crib mattress that was not designed by the actual manufactuere.

Can newborn sleep in pack n play?

Yes, pediatricians consider playards and pack ‘n plays safe for newborns to sleep. Play yards are subject to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards that began in 2012.

Are pack n play worth it?

You definitely can get by without one, however, we believe they are worth it to use as a changing and lounging station, as a bassinet or crib or for travel.

If you still have questions, please reach out to a healthcare professional.