Best Pack and Plays Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Joovy Room 2
Test Winner: Joovy Room 2
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Getting a Pack and Play will do wonders for your life at home when you are taking care of a small child. As children get more mobile and independent very quickly. Before you know it, they will be able to move all over the house the second that you take your eyes off of them. This would be totally fine, if their curiosity didn't also have a habit of getting them into messy trouble at every possible moment. It becomes increasingly apparent how many things can be used by children in a way that is counter-productive to how they have been designed. A Pack and Play is the perfect choice for any parent who wants their child to have a space to play around, but without needing to worry about them running off and causing mischief. Here lies a list of ten of the best that you can find.

Standout Picks

Graco with Cuddle Cove
Graco has made a name for themselves by making some of the best Pack and Plays on the market. This one is widely considered to be their best.
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Joovy Room 2
The Joovy Room 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants their child to have lots of room to play, beyond all else.
Amazon Link
$149.99
Guava Family Lotus
The Lotus Travel Crib is designed with portability and convenience in mind. If you think that you will be taking your child out and about to various places, then this is a good choice.
Amazon Link
$229.95
oms Breeze Plus
The 4moms Pack and Play is a good choice for anyone who wants the full package with their Pack and Play, but with extra mobility options.
Amazon Link
Cosco Funsport Playard
The Cosco Funsport is the best option for if you don't want to spend too much money on a Pack and Play for your child.
Amazon Link
$69.99
Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite
This is a good choice for a budget pack and play that comes with all the features and additions that you need to keep your child entertained and comfortable.
Amazon Link
Graco Change 'N Carry
This is another good option from Graco. It has an added focus on the convenience of a changing station, which is great for anyone who has needed to change a diaper without the proper space or tools.
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Baby Trend Deluxe
This is a great choice for anyone with younger children. When it refers to itself as a deluxe nursery center, that is exactly what it is.
Amazon Link
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib
This is a playard that does a great job at being transported anywhere that you need it to go. It is very portable and lightweight.
Amazon Link
$263.07
Ingenuity Smart and Simple
The Ingenuity is a good all around choice for anyone who is looking for a fully decked out pack and play that they can use in any kind of situation.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Portability

One of the most important things about buying a pack and play is trying to find one that does a good job of keeping itself mobile. This is important in multiple ways. The most obvious is that you want to be able to quickly bring the pack and play anywhere that you like. It should be easy to turn the pack and play into a much smaller size so that it is easy to carry around or throw into the back of your car. The other thing that is important about finding a portable pack and play is making sure that the pack and play is easy to move around. Many of them come with wheels on the bottom of them, which makes it easier for you to wheel the pack and play around from room to room. This category is a rating of how easy it is to move your pack and play around, whether from one part of the home to the other, or for longer journeys.

Comfort

This is the category that your child probably cares the most about. It is important to find a pack and play that is comfortable for your child. They might be spending a good deal of time in there, and it is important that they have a good time of it. There are many reasons a comfortable pack and play is important. Your child will probably be spending as much time in the pack and play sleeping as they will spend playing. This means that it should be good in there. If you want your child to be happy, a nice soft mattress will make your life much easier. This category is a rating of how comfortable the mattresses that are inside the pack and plays are. For an added benefit, try to make sure that the one you buy comes with a removable bottom, which makes it easier to clean the pack and play.

Size

Ideally, the best pack and play for your child will be the one with the most room. At the same time, a too large pack and play will limit the amount of places that you can use it. This is an important category for finding the pack and play that is perfect for your needs. You want enough room that you can fit your child and few toys in the pack and play comfortably. It also helps if the pack and play is a small enough size that it can be moved through doorways without needing to be collapsed. Try to find a pack and play that falls between the two extremes. There is also the size of the pack and play when it is folded up to be considered. It should fold up to a size that makes it easy for you to carry it around. Even easier, it should be able to get slapped on your back without any worry.

Features

One of the things that makes a pack and play a pack and play are all the little extra features that come along with it. If you already have things like a bassinet and a changing station, then it might not be as important to you, but having these things tucked away in the same place as your pack and play makes the playard a one stop shop for all of your needs. These things should be very easy to attach and deattach from the top of the playard. This will make it easier for you to set up your station. It should also be very easy to clean them, so look for materials that are very easy to clean. Other useful things to look for is extra storage attached so that you have a place to put things like diapers so that the changing table can be put to use, or look for a bassinet that is easy to carry around on one arm so that you can move it around the house with you.

Protection

Another chief reason that people buy pack and plays is that they can know where their child is at all times. They have a tendency to try to get into anything dangerous that they can find. This means that you want to find a pack and play that will do a good job of keeping your child safe. This means the netting should be easy to see through and strong. The walls also need to be high enough that your child can't get out. There are other useful things, like some of these pack and plays come with a cover that makes it so your child won;t get too much exposure to the sun. The inside of the playard should also be completely covered with comfortable fabric. The higher the rating in this category, the more likely that you will be able to not worry about your child while they are inside the pack and play.

10 Best Pack and Plays

1. Graco with Cuddle Cove

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Graco with Cuddle Cove
Amazon Link

Graco has made a name for themselves by making some of the best Pack and Plays on the market. This one is widely considered to be their best.

Multi-Purpose Design
The Graco has so many additions that will make it incredibly useful for you to be able to care for your child at any time. It comes with a good sized playard, which means that for most of the time, your baby will have somewhere to play around and enjoy themselves. On top of that, there is a changing station for when you need to clean up, and a small seat that makes it easy to carry your child from room to room.

Other Features
There are lots of other great features that make the Graco a good choice. All the pieces of this Pack and Play have something that make it worth looking into. The baby seat gently vibrates itself, which makes it easier for your child to be rocked to sleep without you having to do it yourself. There is also lots of storage underneath the Playard, which makes it easy for you to keep blankets, clothing, and other necessary items.

Cost and Value
This Pack and Play is actually quite a good deal for what you are getting out of it. There are many great features, and it has a lot of versatility designed into it. It is also very easy to move around, due to the easy to use wheels. Your child will have the space to hang out, without you worrying about if they are causing trouble.

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2. Joovy Room 2

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$149.99
Joovy Room 2
Amazon Link

The Joovy Room 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants their child to have lots of room to play, beyond all else.

Lots of Room
The Joovy Room 2 has over ten square feet of room for your child to play around in. this gives you lots of space to put all their toys, without your child feeling cramped. It is also highly visible, with lots of space between the mesh. The bottom of this playard is also made of very comfortable fabric, which makes it a great place for comfort, and safety.

Other Features
The Joovy has lots of other great things about it, too. It can very easily be wheeled around, so that you can take it from place to place. It also collapses into a smaller form, which makes it the perfect choice for anyone who needs to take their children along with them on play dates, and for other errands. It is very easy to pack up and take with you.

Cost and Value
The Joovy is a very portable Pack and Play, for how much space your child will have to play with inside of it. It is very easy to pack up and take with you, while not having to sacrifice anything in the way of space for your child. It is also very comfortable, and safe. It costs a little more than the Graco, but not by enough to deter you.

Amazon Link
$149.99

3. Guava Family Lotus

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$229.95
Guava Family Lotus
Amazon Link

The Lotus Travel Crib is designed with portability and convenience in mind. If you think that you will be taking your child out and about to various places, then this is a good choice.

Highly Portable Design
The Lotus Travel Crib is a great pack and play, because it will make it so easy on you. It can suck having to keep an eye on your child every time you take them to a friend's house, or to a meeting of some kind. This Travel Crib can be easily packed up into a backpack, which makes it an easy effort to haul it around with you.

Other Features
One of the great things about the Lotus Travel Crib is that it is very easy to let your child choose how they want to use it. It comes with a zippered door, which means that you can give your child the choice to come out when you want them to have the space to themselves. It is also very comfortable in there, so they can go back for a nap whenever they want.

Cost and Value
This is a good choice for anyone who wants the act of taking their baby out on the road as easy as it can get. You can let them choose how much time they want to spend in the crib, and you don't have to worry about having your hands full when you take it out the door with you. This crib costs even more than the Joovy, but it is still a good choice for anyone who leaves the house with their tykes, a lot.

Amazon Link
$229.95

4. oms Breeze Plus

Where to buy
Amazon Link
oms Breeze Plus
Amazon Link

The 4moms Pack and Play is a good choice for anyone who wants the full package with their Pack and Play, but with extra mobility options.

Easy Set Up
This Pack and Play is great because it is as easy as can be when it comes to collapsing it, or bringing it out. It takes a single one-handed push on the top of the Pack and Play for it to be crushed down into a very easy to carry version of itself. This makes it very easy to take along with you to anywhere that you might need it. It can be set up with the same one-handed motion going the other way.

Other Features
One of the great things about the Breeze Plus is that it comes with all the extra pieces found in the Graco, while being easier to pack up and go like the Joovy. It comes with a removable bassinet, which makes it easy for you to take your child from room to room when you want to keep an eye on them. It is also comes with a changing table so that everything that you need is in one place.

Cost and Value
The biggest issue with the Breeze Plus is that it costs quite a bit more than the competition. What makes that okay is that it comes with all the things that make you make a choice between the competition. It has all the extra pieces you might need for convenience, but it also has the portability of the other options on the list.

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5. Cosco Funsport Playard

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$69.99
Cosco Funsport Playard
Amazon Link

The Cosco Funsport is the best option for if you don't want to spend too much money on a Pack and Play for your child.

Budget Friendly Goodness
This Pack and Play offers more than enough space for your child to play around in, but without having to spend too much money to do it. It is designed so that it does a good job at all the necessities that you might need from a Pack and Play. It comes with lots of space so that your child will be able to comfortably play and sleep.

Other Features
The Funsport doesn't sacrifice much when it gives you a cheap playard. It uses a fine mesh that makes it very easy to see what your child is doing while they are inside the playing area. It also has wheels that make it easy to move the playard around the room. It is also designed to be very easy to pack up for when you want to take it along with you.

Cost and Value
This is the biggest selling point of the Cosco pack and play. It costs quite a bit less than the other options on this. Even better, it doesn't sacrifice much to do it. It is a little less portable, and a little less convenient, but it is hard to argue with the very impressive price. If a pack and play is a once in a while item for your home, then maybe the Cosco is a good choice for you.

Amazon Link
$69.99

6. Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite
Amazon Link

This is a good choice for a budget pack and play that comes with all the features and additions that you need to keep your child entertained and comfortable.

Lightweight All-in-One
This pack and play comes with everything that you need for a day out, and does it all at a very lightweight. This playard weighs much less than others. It uses a very sparse support system, that is more like a loose covering to keep your child contained and comfortable. Despite that, it still has room for a changing table, and a place for your child to sleep.

Other Features
There are lots of other reasons to love the Ultra-Lite. It still comes with lots of useful features. It has a sleeping mat that it s attached at the top that is at the right inclination to keep your child comfortable. It is also removable and can be thrown in the washing machine to clean it. It also comes with a storage pocket with more than enough room for keeping all your changing materials.

Cost and Value
Another great thing Fisher-Price's offering is that it comes at a very cheap price. It is a little flimsier than the competition, but it is just so easy to carry around with you. This is a good choice for anyone who has to move their playard around a lot. All the extra features are also great for being prepared for any kind of situation.

Amazon Link

7. Graco Change 'N Carry

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Graco Change 'N Carry
Amazon Link

This is another good option from Graco. It has an added focus on the convenience of a changing station, which is great for anyone who has needed to change a diaper without the proper space or tools.

Changing Station Focused
This pack and play does a good job of thinking of everything that you might need to make a useful changing station. It gives you a good flat surface for cleaning up, and it can easy be folded up so that you can travel with the changing pad. It also comes with lots of storage so you have somewhere to put your wipes and diapers.

Other Features
There are other great features that make it worth buying this one. It is designed to be very easy to clean, and it can easily be wiped up with a cloth. It is also very easy to remove so that you have easy access to the inside of the playard so that you can hang out with your child. It also comes with a bassinet, so that your baby has a good place to sleep when they are done pooping and playing.

Cost and Value
It does a good job at keeping you and your baby clean through its convenience, but this playard is a great choice for lots of other reasons too. It is easy to move around, and has lots of room for your child. It also doesn't cost quite as much as other options, as well. This is a good choice for anyone with a younger toddler who needs a bit more constant care.

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8. Baby Trend Deluxe

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Baby Trend Deluxe
Amazon Link

This is a great choice for anyone with younger children. When it refers to itself as a deluxe nursery center, that is exactly what it is.

Packed With Features
This pack and play comes with lots of clever features that make it perfect for young babies. It comes with a playard for playing around, but it also comes with things like a changing table, and a bassinet. Where it goes above and beyond the call of duty is the inclusion of a hood for sheltering your baby, and the inclusion of music player that will keep your child relaxed.

Other Features
This nursery center has lots of other clever features that make it a good choice. The changing table can be flipped over and tucked away, which makes it easy to put it away while your child is playing. It also comes with its own music, which comes in a few different varieties so you can find something that your child likes.

Cost and Value
Something great about the nursery center is that it doesn't cost nearly as much as it looks like it should. It gives you plenty of features and storage so that your child will be cared for in every way imaginable. There is lots of room for a little guy or girl to play, and lots of conveniences that will also make your life easier.

Amazon Link

9. Baby Bjorn Travel Crib

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$263.07
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib
Amazon Link

This is a playard that does a great job at being transported anywhere that you need it to go. It is very portable and lightweight.

Travel Crib
It accomplishes being a travel crib by being designed to be as easy to carry around and set up as possible. It only weighs thirteen pounds, which makes it easy to carry for long distances without needing to worry about it. It is also designed so there are no parts that you need to attach together, which makes set up as easy as moving around a few things.

Other Features
There are many other reasons to love the Baby Bjorn. It is designed with a very comfortable mattress and cover that are at the bottom. They are very easy to remove and clean in the wash. The design is also great for adding extra stability, and is designed like a tent. There is lots of mesh in the walls, which makes it so your child will feel like they are in a natural environment.

Cost and Value
This travel crib costs quite a bit when compared to the other options on this list. It has a simple design, and is very easy to move around. This is a good choice if you already have everything else that you need for entertaining your child, and just want the highest quality playard that you can find. It is very stable and comfortable, which makes up for the price somewhat.

Amazon Link
$263.07

10. Ingenuity Smart and Simple

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Ingenuity Smart and Simple
Amazon Link

The Ingenuity is a good all around choice for anyone who is looking for a fully decked out pack and play that they can use in any kind of situation.

Bit of Everything
The Ingenuity is great because it is very easy to move around and remove all of its individual pieces. It has all the features you could look for in a decked out pack and play, but they are also easy to move around to different sides so you can choose how you use it. It has a bassinet that can be used to carry your child around, a changing table, and a place to store your things.

Other Features
The Ingenuity is a great choice for other reasons too. It is easy to move all the pieces around, which also makes it easy to clean those pieces. They are all easily wiped out if they become dirty. The fabric pieces in the playard are also very easy to clean and just need to be thrown in the wash. It is also quite easy to move around when you need to move the playard to another room.

Cost and Value
This is another very decently priced pack and play. It does everything very well, and it is very easy to use. The best thing about it is how simple it is to move things around so you can choose only what you need on any given trip. All the pieces are of a good enough quality that you won't have to worry about anything breaking, either.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. A Mom's Take, 5 Ways to Use a Pack ‘n Play, Article
  2. Babies Online, Baby Sleep Options: Pack-N-Play vs. a Crib, Article
  3. Maids By Trade, How to Clean a Playpen, Article