Pack n plays are a great way to keep your baby safe and occupied while on the go. Plus, a quality playpen will lower stress levels because it’ll give babies enough space to have fun while keeping them out of trouble. Whether you’re traveling overseas or down the street, a good pack n play will make your life so much easier.
Even the most experienced parents sometimes need help navigating through all of the options for baby products. There are many different types of playards all with different features. Some are simple while others include everything from changing tables and bassinets to toys and music. To simplify your search we’ve created this guide which includes what to look for as well as the best travel pack n plays currently available.
Quick Answer: Best Pack N Plays for Travel
Below are the best portable playards available:
- Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard
- Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome
- Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard
- Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard
- Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard
- Cosco Funsport Play Yard
- Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX
- Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Playard
- Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard
- 4moms Breeze Go Portable Travel Playard
What to Consider When Buying a Pack N Play
Before you buy a new playpen for your baby, consider the following:
1. Safety
Safety is the number one thing we all pay attention to when buying things for our children, and a play and pack crib is no different. It’s important that it’s durable and able to last through the wear and tear of your baby as well as travel. So, be sure your pack n play has a high safety review.
Also, pay close attention to the weight limit. Some pack n plays are only designed for newborns while others can fit older babies. If you want yours to follow your baby for a couple of years then be on the lookout for playpens for toddlers.
A canopy is also a safety feature in some pack n plays, as they are sometimes equipped with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) to help protect your baby from the sun. This is definitely a feature you should look for if you have a baby you’re not comfortable putting sunscreen on yet.
2. Weight
Traveling with a baby automatically means more things to pack and heavier suitcases. To make things as simple as possible, it’s best to get the lightest pack n play you can find without sacrificing comfort or quality. Some of the larger ones can seem enticing because of the features and space, but for many people a small pack n play is all they need and is much easier to travel with.
3. Ease of Setup
Functionality is key. Whether you’re going to be setting it up in your Airbnb in Paris or at the grandparents’ house, a pack n play that’s easy to set up will make everyone’s life easier.
4. Comfort
The ultimate goal is for your baby to relax and play comfortably and safely. While it may not have as much padding as your travel crib, the softness and padding included with a pack n play will be one of its most important features.
5. Portability
Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, you’ll appreciate a pack n play that’s easy to carry and transport. The best solution to this is a carrying case. Some have a shoulder strap and others might only have a handle.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Babies are cute, but they’re also messy. The best pack n plays for travel are easy to clean. It’s most convenient if the pieces are either machine washable or can be wiped down with soap and water.
7. Soothing Features
Some pack n plays include built-in features like light, sound, and motion to help get your baby to sleep. Playards that include toys can be very beneficial in helping to keep your baby occupied throughout the day and improving their motor skills.
Some parents love these features, but if you usually bring along other baby toys, these extra features may not be necessary. And if your baby won’t be sleeping inside of the playard overnight, the sound and motion features may not be worth the extra cost. Not only do additional features add to cost, but they usually add to the weight of the pack n play as well.
Best Travel Pack N Play Reviews
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best travel pack n plays currently on the market.
Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard
Among the best playards for babies, the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard is cute, high-quality, and you have the option of getting it with or without a full-size bassinet. It weighs 23 pounds and has a recommended weight limit of 25 pounds. It stretches 40” x 28.5” x 29” unfolded. To make it easy to travel with, it has automatic folding feet, wheels, and a push-button fold feature. It also features a toy bar with soft toys to keep your baby amused. Cleaning is simple, just use soap and warm water for the main pieces, the carrying bag is machine washable. Whether it’s being used during the day or overnight, you and your baby will love the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard.
Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome
When it comes to the best playpens for babies, it’s hard to beat the versatility of the Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome. The 2-in-1 dome can be used inside or outside and doubles as a play space and napping spot. It includes a canopy to protect your baby from sun rays and netting to keep the bugs out. This is especially helpful if your baby is very young and you don’t want to put bug repellent on them yet. Two removable toys are included which help with motor skills. When it’s time to go, the 31.4” x 5.4” x 22” playpen folds flat and only weighs 13.5 pounds. Clean up time is easy as the pad is wipeable and the sheet machine washable. If your baby is able to hold their head up but not yet able to climb out of this dome, the Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome is one of the best mini pack n plays you can buy.
Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard
The Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard is made with a steel frame and reinforced stitching. Designed with a simple fold and go design, it meets all safety standards and includes a safety-lock feature. The 48” x 1” x 26” pack n play can accommodate children up to 2 years old or 75 pounds. This toddlers play yard is water resistant, so you can take it on your beach vacation with no problem. The walls are made of a ventilated mesh and the bottom is made of nylon so they can both be hand washed and wiped down when they need to be cleaned. No matter where you’re traveling, you’ll be excited to throw the Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard carrying case over your shoulder and jet off to your next destination.
Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard
The Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard is one of the best baby playpens for twins. It’s nearly 50% larger than most playards and unfolds to 37” x 10” x 9.5”, giving your babies more than 10 square feet of space. The extra large windows won’t hinder your baby’s view and a waterproof mattress sheet helps keep the playard dry and tidy. Included is also a heavy-duty mattress that supports babies up to 35”. The playard weighs a little less than 30 pounds and has two wheels to make it easy to move, plus a travel bag to make it easier to carry. If you have twins or you want a pack n play that can hold multiple babies, the Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard is a great option.
Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard
Ingenuity created a safe and portable pack n play equipped with a bassinet and changing table for convenience. The Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard is designed for babies ranging from 6 to 30 pounds and measures 29” x 40” x 28.5”. It’s foldable and on wheels, plus it includes side storage pockets for diaper bag items like wipes and snacks. The fabrics zip off easily and are machine washable, and the elevated changing table flips out of the way when you’re not using it. If you’ve been on the hunt for a playpen with bassinet attachment, check out the 20-pound Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard.
Cosco Funsport Play Yard
The Cosco Funsport Play Yard is a favorite of parents and children because of its functionality and comfort. Set up takes less than one minute and it has wheels so it can be moved easily. It’s lightweight at 19.5 pounds and includes a carrying bag for easy transport. It has mesh windows so your baby can see all of the action and it stretches 40.2” x 30” x 28.2” so they have plenty of room to nap and play. If you’re after the cheapest pack n play that won’t sacrifice quality, space, or safety, you’ll love the Cosco Funsport Play Yard.
Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX
If you’re looking for a playard with all the bells and whistles, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX is the best pack and plays for babies. It features a portable infant seat that doubles as a bouncer for babies up to 18 pounds, plus a changing station for babies up to 30 pounds. It’s also a pack n play with bassinet included that can be removed at your convenience. Storage is built-in for diapers, clothing, wipes, etc. The playard also boasts a gentle two-speed vibration as well as music and nature sounds to soothe your baby. The pack n play is also light for check-in. All of this totals 34.5 pounds and stretches 28.5” x 40” x 33.3”. The Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX is an ideal all-in-one solution for babies under 30 pounds.
Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Playard
When it comes to portable playpens, it’s difficult to match the Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Playard. Designed for worry-free airport travel, it packs up into a backpack carrying case and only weighs 13 pounds. The 46” x 31” x 25.5” pack n play can be set up in 15 seconds and includes a comfortable mattress approved for overnight sleeping for babies up to three years old. The sides are made of mesh and one side has a lockable zipper door so you can put your baby in or take them out without leaning over. If you’re going to be flying a lot with your pack n play, consider the lightweight Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Playard.
Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard
The Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard can be used indoors and outdoors and offers 14 square feet of playing area. The ultralight playard weighs 12 pounds and can be set up in seconds. It’s designed for babies up to two-years-old or 35” and the water-resistant canvas floor helps keep babies dry, even on damp grass. If you want to use it for regular indoor use and it won’t be moved for a while, you can add foam tiles to the bottom to make it more comfortable for your baby. A travel bag is included for convenience on-the-go. The mesh sides, water-resistant floor, and large play area make the Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard easy to use in your hotel, at the beach, or anywhere in between.
4moms Breeze Go Portable Travel Playard
From the makers of mamaRoo, the 4moms Breeze Go Portable Travel Playard is an easy-to-use playard for babies under 30 pounds. It opens and closes in only one step and can be easily moved around your hotel room or the park. The mattress is comfortable and easy to clean with a damp cloth. This playard weighs 23 pounds and measures 43” x 30” x 29”. The travel bag simplifies transport whether you’re road tripping through Tasmania or visiting Mexico. Its simple set up makes the 4moms Breeze Go Portable Travel Playard a fan favorite of parents everywhere.
Bringing along a portable pack n play will make traveling with a baby so much more pleasant for everyone. No matter what features you prioritize, we are confident you’ll love the convenience a playard adds to your life.
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