Do You Need A Pack And Play? Discover Pros And Cons [2022]

Do you need a Pack and Play? Do you have a baby or are you expecting?

If so, then you may be wondering if a Pack and Play is a necessary item for your home.

While it’s true that some babies do just fine without one, many parents find that a Pack and Play provides a convenient and safe place for their little ones to play and sleep.

Here are just a few of the reasons why you may want to consider adding a Pack and Play to your list of baby gear.

A Pack and Play can be used as a portable crib. This can be especially handy if you travel frequently or if you have relatives who live far away.

Simply fold up the Pack and Play and take it with you when you hit the road.

When it’s time for the baby to sleep, just set up the Pack and Play in your hotel room or at grandma’s house.

A Pack and Play can also be used as a changing station.

Many models come equipped with an integrated changing table, which can make diaper changes quick and easy – no more scrambling to find a clean surface in a pinch!

Finally, many parents appreciate having a dedicated space for their baby to play.

A Pack and Play provides a safe, enclosed area where your little one can explore without fear of getting hurt.

Plus, when playtime is over, simply fold up the Pack and Play and store it out of sight until next time.

So, do you need a Pack and Play? Only you can answer that question.

But if you’re looking for a versatile piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes, then a Pack and Play may be just what you need.

What follows is our review of the top 5 Pack and Plays in the market.

5 Best Pack and Plays Review

1. BabyBjorn Travel Crib

BabyBjorn is a family-owned company that makes quality products for parents and babies.

Established in 1961, the company designs baby carriers, baby bouncers, travel cribs, and other products. One of its most popular products is the BabyBjorn Travel Crib. 

Here is why.

Comfy mattress and sheet

The BabyBjorn comes with a comfy mattress that guarantees your child will sleep well all night.

The mattress, which has the following dimensions – 23.5 by 41 by 1.2 inches, is breathable giving every parent peace of mind

Designed for sweet dreams, the mattress comes with a fitted sheet made of organic cotton.

Since it’s made of organic cotton, the sheet allows for superior airflow which keeps your baby comfortable.

Not only that, it promotes better sleep and ensures your child has a gentle sleep experience.

It’s custom-made and fits the bed perfectly. In fact, it has an all-around elastic that guarantees a safe and fit environment for your child.

Airy design

The travel crib has mesh that covers the sides. The material is light which allows you to keep an eye on your baby.

What you ought to know is that the mesh meets the requirements of OEKO-TEX standard 1000, class 1.

What this means is that the material is safe for your baby’s skin. 

This includes the sheet and mattress. As such, the travel crib is ideal for babies with sensitive skin. 

What we liked

• Lightweight
• Stable construction
• Machine washable
• Easy to set up
• Comes with a carry bag

What we did not like

• No wheels

2. Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard

Want to ensure your little one is comfortable? We recommend the Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard.

Founded in 1942, Graco has been making quality baby products transforming the company into a world-leading brand.

Here are the features of its Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard.

Folding feet and wheels

The Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard comes with folding feet and wheels making it ideal to travel with the unit.

The feet and wheels allow for a 20% compact fold. This makes it easy to store the playard after use.

It’s easy to fold thanks to Graco’s signature push-button fold which makes folding the unit quick and hassle-free.

Not only that, you can carry it with ease from your home to the car and vice versa.

The wheels also add convenience as you can position the playard anywhere in your home. This allows you to keep an eye on your baby as you go about your duties.

Durable frame

The Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard has the following dimensions – 28.25 (W) by 38 (H) by 39.5 (D) inches.

Built with a durable frame, it’s sturdy and can support the weight of babies aged 0 to 3 years.

The frame is lightweight. In fact, the overall weight of the unit is 18.7 pounds. As such, you can carry the playard.

Whether it’s loading or unloading it from your home or car, you can do it with ease.

What we liked

• Airy mesh on all sides
• Easy to clean
• Durable frame
• Lightweight
• Comfy and cozy

What we did not like

• Does not come with a fitted sheet

3. Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX

Keep your baby safe and connected to you with the Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX.

The unit comes with terrific features that give you the flexibility to move around the house while keeping all baby essentials at hand. Here are its features.

Spacious toddler playard

The Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX doubles as a cozy infant bassinet and a spacious playard.

The bassinet creates a comfy environment for your baby to rest from day one. Once you remove the bassinet, you create a spacious playard.

The playard is a secure spot for your growing child to play. All you need to do is add your child’s toys to the playard, relax and keep an eye on your child.

For maximum ventilation, the playard comes with an airy mesh on all sides. The airy mesh also allows you to keep an eye on your child.

Portable infant seat

The Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX comes with a portable infant seat that you can use as a bouncer.

The bouncer can support up to 18 pounds giving you the flexibility to go about your duties while moving around the house.

Since it’s a bouncer seat, it comes in handy when you want to soothe the baby.

To soothe your baby, you can play the many soothing sounds it comes with. The soothing music and natural sounds will lull your baby to sleep.

If you’re worried about the safety and quality of the fabric, don’t. The playard comes with premium soft fabrics to give your baby extra comfort.

What we liked

• Large diaper changer
• Comfy bassinet
• Spacious playard
• Deep storage pockets
• Premium soft fabrics

What we did not like

• Not compact

4. 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

Dedicated to making safe baby products, 4moms builds baby rockers, swings, bassinets, playards, and much more.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one care station, then the 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard is for you. Here are its features.

All in one care station

As aforementioned, the 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard is an all-in-one care station. It comes with a comfy bassinet and a spacious playard.

The playard has the following dimensions – 30 (W) by 43 (L) by 29 (H) inches. As such, it provides space for your little one to play and relax.

What you ought to know is that it can support up to 30 pounds. This means it’s ideal for babies aged 0 to 3 years.

Because it’s all-in-one care, the bassinet offers a comfortable spot where your baby can rest. You can also use the playard for quick diapering.

Simply use the convenient flip changer for clothing changes and quick diapering.

Streamlined airy design

Like other playards, the 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard has mesh all around the unit.

The airy design allows maximum ventilation as your baby relaxes and plays.

Besides providing maximum airflow, the mesh allows you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfort of your seat or even while moving around the room.

When not in use, you can store the playard in the carry bag. Once you tuck away the playard in the carry bag, you can carry it with you on your next trip.

What we liked

• Durable
• Comfy
• Easy to set up
• Water resistant mattress
• Convenient carry bag

What we did not like

• None

5. Bugaboo Stardust Playard

If you live in a small apartment, it means you have no space for large playards. Lucky for you, Bugaboo has got your back.

They designed and built the Bugaboo Stardust Playard ideal for small spaces. Here are its features.

Lightweight design

The Bugaboo Stardust Playard weighs 17.2 pounds. As such, you can move it from room to room.

In fact, you can fold it down to 14 cm wide and then tuck it away in the premium Velcro travel bag.

This is thanks to its unique design that includes patented aerospace technology. As such, you can fold the Bugaboo Stardust Playard in 1 second

Since it’s now easy to pack up and the straps are keeping it closed, you’re good to go.

When you need to set up the playard, it will only take you 3 seconds to unfold it. Just unpack the unit from the travel bag, and you’re good to go.

Multi-layered mattress

Besides the durable frame and lightweight design, the Bugaboo Stardust Playard has a built-in mattress.

The mattress is height adjustable to two heights. Not only is this great for newborns but babies too.

The zip-in mattress height makes it easy for you to reach in the playard and lift your newborn or baby in and out.

In fact, you can do so without bending over. For maximum ventilation, the unit comes with a breathable mesh on all sides. It’s chemical free and durable.

What we liked

• Portable
• Lightweight design
• Fastest unfold
• Comfy and cozy
• Built-in mattress

What we did not like

• No wheels

Final Words

A Pack and Play is very useful if you have a busy lifestyle. Thanks to the airy design, you can have a clear view of your baby from any position in the room.

Since the playards are portable and come with a travel bag, you can pack and travel with them for use as a safe bed at the hotel.

If you’re in search of the best Pack and Plays for your baby, we highly recommend the units above.