Last updated on January 31st, 2019
A play yard, baby play yard, or toddler play yard is great way for your baby to move around freely and stay entertained, all in the safety of an enclosed space. Depending on your personal preference and model, a playard can double as a bassinet, a diaper changing station, and a crib. With the added benefit of portability, baby play yards can be utilized for traveling, and indoor and outdoor use creating a secure and clean space for your baby to sleep, play, or relax. Not to forget the hardworking parents, play yards provide a worry-free and hands-free space for kids, while the parents take a much needed break.
While most kids play yards can only be used until your child reaches 35 inches of height or can climb out of it, the same play yards can be later utilized for storing toys, or alternatively, used as a toy for your kid and transformed into a fort or a ship – wherever your kid’s imagination takes them.
From basic to deluxe, in this review we gathered the best play yards that we think you and your kid will love. The play yards were selected after reading numerous consumer reports and reviews to ensure we recommend the best products available. They are also rated highest among majority of the parents and conform to the guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Best Play Yards At A Glance
Before we dive into a detailed review of each play yard, below you will find a quick overview of the 10 best kids play yards we selected especially for you.
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Mary C.
Bought this Pack N Play my daughter on the birth of her baby and she really likes it. It is everything she could want and needs! Amazing product!!
Packed with comfort for your little one and convenience for parents, this Graco play yard has it all. From a removable bouncer with soothing vibrations, to a baby bassinet, a changing table, music and nature sounds, integrated storage, and of course, a play space, this multi-purpose play yard is the ultimate all-in-one baby play yard. While portable, this innovative design with all its features is also one of our heaviest picks.
The Good
- Multi-purpose: full-sized bassinet, portable bouncer, changing table, and play yard in one
- Storage organizer for diapers, change of clothes, wipes, and more
- Breathable see-through mesh
- Signature push button fold helps easily pack this Graco play yard
- Travel bag is included for easy transportation
The Bad
- While portable, it can be heavy to carry around
Expert Tip
Use the portable bouncer to take anywhere in the house and keep the baby entertained without having to take complete set
Final Thoughts
A super play yard at a great price that can easily replace a standard crib, bassinet, bouncer, and changing table that are usually sold separately. Good price for its value.
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Melissa E.
I have this product at home for my fifteen month old. This is ideal if you are looking for something portable, we only need the play yard to use as a crib when the baby sleeps!
Basic and economical, the Graco Pack n Play Playard is on top of our list because it provides a large personal space, designed specifically for your kid, and soft enough padding for your little one to take naps in – all at a great price. The signature push-button of this Graco play yard guarantees an easy setup and fold process for parents, and the automatically folding feet make it compact for travel.
The Good
- Easily portable, with no added components to carry
- Breathable see-through mesh
- Automatically folding feet for a compact fold
- Signature push button fold
- Travel bag is included for easy transportation
The Bad
- Less sturdy when compared to other Graco Pack n Play play yards
- Floor pad height not adjustable
Expert Tip
If using as a crib, add a play yard mattress for added comfort
Final Thoughts
A hassle-free travel play yard easy on the pocket.
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Evelyn
We have very active nine month twin boys. We stay in hotel when while visiting my in laws. I wanted something to keep them away from the dirty carpet. It has enough room for both and is very sturdy. Lightweight and easy to carry, it folds perfectly.
Super light (weighing only 12.2 pounds) and durable, this Summer play yard is uniquely designed with metal frame to maximize play space for your little ones to enjoy indoors and outdoors. Super quick and easy to set up, this baby play yard is perfect for frequent travels, and the water-resistant canvas floor is ideal for use on wet surfaces.
The Good
- Summer play yard can easily work as a twin playard
- It has weather resistant canvas floor
- Lead free metal frame
- Extremely light and compact, and hence easily portable
- Mesh see-through sides
- Travel bag included
- Unfolds in seconds
The Bad
- Not multi-purpose
- Thin play yard floor
Expert Tip
For use as an outdoor play yard, purchase a removable canopy at a low price to block UVA and UVB rays for added protection
Final Thoughts
Especially great as a summer play yard. The weather resistant floor is definitely a plus.
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Kristin
A great multipurpose playard for our baby. She is two months old is still sleeping in it. We can easily bring it out into the living room during the day for rest so we can watch her and our pets don't bother her. Perfect buy!
You little one can wake up and start playing immediately in this model of Graco Pack n Play play yard with a build-in removable toy bar and plush toys. Easily portable, this kid’s play yard also comes with a removable full size nest bassinet designed to allow your little one to stay comfortable at home or away.
The Good
- Removable toy bar for your kid’s entertainment
- Nest bassinet for a little extra bounce and comfort
- Breathable see-through mesh
- Signature push button fold
- Travel bag is included
The Bad
- This Graco play yard is larger in size compared to others and therefore takes up a lot of space
Expert Tip
Use the full size bassinet as a changing table and simply wipe clean the fabric
Final Thoughts
A visually pleasing multi-purpose play yard with a pretty pattern and cute colors at a very reasonable price
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Marit S.
This is so easy to use. So happy to pick this one over others. You can easily put it up or take it down. The sheets are great and soft so that your baby can sleep comfortably. On vacation we took playard with us.
As the name suggests, the 4moms play yard is a breeze to set up. Sturdy and durable, this travel play yard opens and closes in just one step – push down on the central hub to open and pull up to close. The product also includes a high quality removable bassinet.
The Good
- Sturdy and durable frame
- Removable bassinet
- Frustration free and takes seconds to set up and fold
- Breathable see-through mesh
- Travel bag is included
The Bad
- This playard with bassinet is a little bit on the pricier side
Expert Tip
Spot clean the whole product with a solution of soap and water
Final Thoughts
High quality and durable product that will last you a long time.
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Star E.
My daughter can sleep comfortably in this! It was very easy to put together and it is light weight and also sturdy. I would recommend this to anyone with small living spaces or require efficient sleeping space.
At only 11.5 pounds, the Fisher-Price play yard comes with a portable diaper clutch and a comfortable play yard mattress. Easy to assemble and fold, this baby play yard carries an inclined removable sleeper with cushioned support, and is great for your little one to get a comfortable sleep when they travel.
The Good
- Multi-purpose with removable sleeper, diaper changer, and play yard
- Inclined sleeper for added comfort with machine washable pad
- Portable diaper changing pad that can fit in your baby bag
- Breathable see-through mesh
- Extremely light to carry
- Travel bag is included
The Bad
- The Fisher-Price play yard bottom sits right on the floor which can be uncomfortable for a kids
Expert Tip
This play yard is so light that you can check it in at the airport with your luggage without adding too much weight
Final Thoughts
Most definitely one of the best multi-purpose play yards to travel with.
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Karen T.
I love the zipper opening this is why I chose this product. I'm very short and did not want to accidentally waking my sleeping daughter while putting her down. This is such a great component. Glad I made this choice.
The Lotus travel playard is our lightest pick and by far the most portable, ensuring all your baby’s needs travel with you with no trouble. Unlike most kids play yards, this one comes with a side zip, mimicking that of a tent. This added feature is fun for kids and adults to enjoy together, and you can choose to lay down with your kid as they get ready to sleep.
The Good
- Lighter than most play yards available out there
- Side door makes it fun for the kid
- Breathable see-through mesh all the way to the floor
- Packs up into a backpack for easy carrying
The Bad
- Lotus play yard is pricey for some parents than other options
Expert Tip
Utilize the side zip for feeding or lying down next to your baby before nap or sleep time without taking the baby out
Final Thoughts
Fun to take to trips, super light, and superior quality portable play yard justifies the price.
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Lidiya M.
This product is amazing and I wasn’t expecting it to be this big. So happy that I came across this! It definitely is the ideal size! Our baby is tall so it worked out great!
The Joovy playard is high quality modern looking play yard that can easily accommodate multiple kids. The low center of gravity of the play yard, combined with a heavy-duty mattress, provides for added safety and support for your little one. Easy to travel with, this kids play yard looks great in any room.
The Good
- Superior quality play yard
- Modern and clean design
- Low center of gravity gives it more stability
- Breathable see-through mesh all the way to the floor
- Includes 100% cotton fitted sheets and a travel bag
- Come with a two year warranty
The Bad
- Expensive for only a play yard
- On the heavier side
Expert Tip
You can comfortably use Joovy play yard for two kids at a time without any worry
Final Thoughts
While expensive for a simple play yard, the superior quality makes up for the price.
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M. MacConnel
Affordable price for such product. I wasn’t expecting it to be this better. It feels heavy duty then the product information mentions and much simple to handle. I am very happy with this item.
Deviating from the traditional, this plastic play yard is playful and colorful for your kids and their friends to enjoy. This 8 panel play yard has interlocking pieces that can be configured to fit any space, indoors and outdoors, and comes with skid-resistant pads to avoid slipping or scratching the floors.
The Good
- Visually pleasing to the kids with brightly colored panels
- Large size for multiple kids to play
- No slip pads avoid scratching the surface
- Weather resistant (plastic) easy to clean and great for outdoors
- Individual panels can be configured to any size
- North States play yard is portable
The Bad
- Travel bag is not included
- Not as sturdy as other play yards on the list
Expert Tip
Turn the play yard into a teaching tool for learning colors
Final Thoughts
A fun and colorful baby enclosure. Great as an indoor and outdoor baby play yard at a reasonable price.
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S. Rebello
I really like this playard, mostly for the easiness of washing it. My baby spots up all the time, so a good wash is needed. Most products are dry clean only. It is simple to set up and top-quality fabric.
This multi-purpose deluxe infant play yard comes with a removable elevated diaper changing table that is easy on your back. Additionally, almost every part can be easily unzipped and cleaned in your washing machine – a definite plus for busy parents.
The Good
- Multipurpose play yard with a bassinet, changing table, toy bar, and storage
- Elevated changing table
- Machine washable fabric that unzips easily
- Breathable see-through mesh
- Portable and travel bag are included
The Bad
- Quality of the playard mattress could be better for the price
Expert Tip
Let the fabric air dry for better results
Final Thoughts
Ingenuity play yard is a wonderful choice with a beautiful design and color for your baby boy or girl.
The Bottom Line
Safety and comfort are every parent’s number one preference, especially when traveling and your little one is out of its comfort zone. For this reason, a baby play yard can be a great addition as it works as a travel nursery, and simultaneously acts as a familiar space for your child to play and sleep in.
Depending on the model chosen, a kid’s play yard can easily substitute for individual products bought separately, and consequently save money and sufficient space around the house. However, choosing the right play yard can be a daunting task. To make this easier, we complied this list of the 10 best baby play yards based on standards considered most important by majority of the parents. These criteria include, but are not limited to, portability, durability, storage, safety, added features, and weight. In the end, it all boils down to your personal preference and you and your little one’s needs.
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