The Best Baby Play Yard (or Playard or Play Pen or Baby Jail)

What to Look For In A BABY PLAY YARD

Play yards come in all shapes and sizes, some with only slight differences, Consumer Reports states. In its most basic form, a baby play yard is a metal-framed, fabric-covered, rectangle-shaped “baby container” whose four sides can be dropped so it can be folded and stashed in a carry case for easy transport.

Many come with a full-sized bassinet feature, which is a secured hanging mesh attachment that uses the removable play yard floor as the mattress. This bassinet attachment can be removed and the mattress dropped to the bottom, allowing the play yard to be used with older babies or even young toddlers. Other optional attachments often include detachable toy bars, changing tables, diaper storage, and light/sound/vibration functions. Most play yards come with two wheels on one of the narrow ends so they can be tilted and easily rolled around the house.

For our purposes, we only looked at foldable play yards (also called playards, playpens, or pack and plays), not baby pens or gates that serve a completely different function of creating a barrier between baby and dangerous spots like stairs and fireplaces.

The simplest form of baby play yards are ones designed primarily to keep baby safe while mom and dad get a momentary break. In some cases, they offer ample space for toddlers to play safely. In other cases, they are smaller areas more suitable for infants. They come with or without bassinets and rarely include many accessories and attachments. The parents we spoke to say they love using these playpens when they’re out and about — to the beach, to the park, to grandmas — as well as at home.  When you’re on the go, these stripped-down models are perfect because they’re lightweight and simple. The smaller ones are less expensive ($100 or less), while the roomier versions can top out at nearly $200.

On the other end of the spectrum are dazzling deluxe models, with built-in shelves and electronic features that include music, vibration, and nightlights. Many have extensive toy bars, removable toy mats, and even remote controls. All that’s missing are the steering wheel and brakes. These are perfect for the few parents out there who want to use a play yard instead of a crib. Often they are less expensive than a typical crib and are easily folded and stowed away when baby is ready for a big-kid bed. However, most of the deluxe play yards are heavy (more than 30 pounds) and can’t be easily moved (some don’t even have wheels or fit through standard doorways). These features are important to point out because most parents buy play yards because they are lightweight and can be transported easily. We’d hate to see you invest a bundle in a souped-up model only to find down the road that it doesn’t suit some of the simplest needs.

Of all of the advertised features that manufacturers say are important in a play yard, there are four specific ones that we think all play yards must possess no matter what:

SAFETY

Back when a lot of us were kids, play yards weren’t necessarily the safest spot for tots (think wedged heads and pinched toes). But thanks to improved design, construction, and safety regulations, today’s play yards are safer than ever. For the purpose of this buying guide, we only considered models that meet the latest rules (enacted in February 2013) by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that state that play yards:

• Must not have side rails that form a sharp V when folded.
• Must have strong corner brackets to prevent sharp-edged cracks and side-rail collapse.
• Must have a strong mattress attachment to the play yard floor to prevent entrapment.

It’s important to note that these federal regulations only affect gates produced after 2013: Older play yards manufactured before February 2013 are still on the market so watch out and check the manufacture date. We know it’s tempting to accept that hand-me-down play yard from your neighbor, but we suggest you politely pass and invest in a new one that meets the new safety regulations or put it on your registry. Fortunately, our pick isn’t a budget-buster.

It’s also important that the mattress is firm and not too soft or overly padded. There may be a temptation to add an extra pillow or blanket to soften up the mattress, but don’t do it. Experts say these added items can add risk of suffocation for young children.

On a similar note, play yards must also have good air circulation. Enclosed play yards are downright dangerous. They must have breathable mesh walls. Don’t ever put bumpers in a baby play yard or a crib, as they add to the threat of suffocation.

The JPMA also recommends that parents look for the JPMA Certification Seal, which ensures the product is tested annually to high safety standards. Also make sure you read and follow the product’s instructions.

PORTABILITY

Play yards were originally designed as a portable area for baby to sleep and play. And we still think that’s an important feature. The best play yards are lightweight (less than 25 pounds), have wheels and can be easily maneuvered through a standard interior door when fully opened. Many of the upgraded play yard models are made wider than the basic models, making them more difficult to move through the house. Some of these models can weigh as much as 30 or more pounds. Also, many of the extras found on these deluxe models don’t fit into the travel bags, so you have to lug them in addition to the baby play yard. Most parents who buy a play yard want (or will realize down the road that they want) one that’s compact and folds easily – trust us on this. Think overnights with Auntie and yoga in the living room with mom.

EASE OF CLEANING

Two words: spit-up and blowout. Your baby play yard should be easy to clean, and ideally, completely washable.

LOOKS

Sure this seems superficial, but would you put a purple-orange couch in your red living room? (I mean, maybe. We’d have to look at the couch.) Most of you would say no—so we looked at the various color schemes offered and picked a model with offerings for almost every taste, including bright colors for more daring decorators.

There are also other touches that push a play yard from good to great. They’re not mandatory but are certainly nice:

• Removable bassinet. These give your play yard some versatility.
• Removable diaper changing station.  While these have low weight limits and a limited shelf life, they are convenient.
• High weight limit. A low weight limit shortens the amount of time you’ll be able to use the gear. Generally, bassinets can be used up to 15 pounds, which is about 3 months or until baby can push up on hands and knees. The baby play yard itself can be used until the child is 30 pounds, 35 inches or is able to climb out.

On the flip side, some things are flat-out deal-breakers:

• Too deep. Who wants to bust their back bending over and lifting out a baby? Some models are particularly bad, especially if you’re short parent!
• Too small. Some play yards on the market are specifically designed for infants. Hello, waste of money!

And then there are the unnecessary features that some parents might be drawn to but mostly won’t need:

• Rocking seat.  Unless you live in a super small space, this is a complete waste of money. Most parents get a swing or a bouncer for this purpose.
• Lights, music and sound. Often these are really too far away to make a difference and the batteries run out quickly. Plus some parents (and their babies) simply hate the mechanical melodies.

Diaper, wipes storage. In many cases, these storage spaces are small and difficult to access.