Playpens or also known as play yards have been around for a long time and have changed very little over the years. That said, these days there are more options than ever before. Playpens are constructed with different materials, from outdoor playpens with aluminum frames to more traditional wooden ones to those that are covered with mesh on all sides (including the top), there are many different types. Here at IntelliReview, we have gone through numerous websites to find only the best models. We do this by using the power of the social web to pick the products that parents all over the world are recommending. This gives us a better look at the most popular playpens. Aside from the price and quality, we understand that there are a lot you want to know including extra features, compactness and ease of use. In order to help, we also provide an overview for each product on the list. By shopping here at IntelliReview, you can save time by avoiding having to wade through countless reviews on your own. Our proprietary system of choosing the best items is very reliable. Check our product listing below to see the top models in the market. Needless to say, we can help you find the perfect playpen at a price you can afford.
Pros: Bright and delightful colors, Interactive toys, Sturdy construction
Cons: Floor mat is difficult to wash
Your baby will surely have great fun with the bright colors and large interactive bug designs while you will appreciate the padded comfort and portability, as well as the quick setup time of the Graco Totblock. Made for babies and toddlers up to 30 pounds in weight or 34 inches tall, and unable to climb out unaided, it provides hours of safe, worry-free fun. All support struts of the 3' X 3' playpen are wrapped in brightly-colored vinyl while the walls have soft mesh that allows the air to flow freely and lets children see mom and dad. Meanwhile, the decorated floor pad is made from soft, thick polyester fabric covered in vinyl. The only catch is that the floor mat itself is a sheet of foam on top of a cardboard encased in a sleeve. This may make it difficult to wash if you intend to drop it into a washing machine. The base of the playpen is strong and stable and the floor itself is rigid. Setting up the Graco takes very little effort, as the unit folds down to a 25-pound weight and can be managed by a single adult. It even ships with a carrying bag made of nylon so you can take it anywhere and comes with bright bug-shaped toys that snap on to the sides. The toys are interactive, with sounds and actions that activate when your baby touches them. It stimulates eye, ear and hand coordination. There is also a sun-shaped mirror that helps them develop self-awareness by looking at themselves. Care for the Totblock is as simple as a wipedown of the vinyl covering, plastic and metal parts with regular household soap. Finally, replacement mats can also be ordered if the ones that come with the product become unserviceable.
Pros: Tall, Lightweight
Cons: A bit flimsy
The Summer Infant Secure Surround Gate provides your child with a safe playing space. Unlike other playards, this one has six 32" wide plastic panels that are made extra tall so that it will be impossible for your kids to climb over. The pieces can also be used separately to block off other spots that you think might be dangerous for your little one. Aside from that, it features a walk through door for easy access, 18 1/2 square feet playing area when closed and a handle that enables you to carry and bring it anywhere you go. Others find the Summer Infant Secure Surround Gate a little flimsy due to its plastic material but Mothers need not to worry because it is durable and sturdy. As an added convenience, it is also relatively easy to put together, take down and store. All in all, this playard makes a good purchase to those who want to keep their babies in a safe environment while enjoying their precious playtime.
Pros: Excellent construction, Built-in electronics with Remote control, Removable mattress, Toy gym
Cons: Heavy, Large, Small storage area
Even with its push-button folding mechanism, Chicco's Lullaby LX Playard is still not as easy to take apart as it may seem. Due to its large size and hefty weight, it is less portable and not ideal for travel but for home use, it is a great investment for parents. Its well padded, quilted mattress ensures that your little one is cradled in comfort while its toy gym keeps your child happy. It can also be used as a play mat and is designed with colorful, plush toys which aim to stimulate their senses. With its built-in electronics and convenient remote control, this playard offers a big improvement over the standard ones. The music and vibration soothe and calm your baby when he/she cries and the nightlight helps in making them feel safe in the dark. In terms of construction, there is no doubt that it is well-built and sturdy. Its storage area is not as large as we would've liked but this shouldn't be a problem if you're going to use it at home as you can fit your other baby essentials to other drawers. As mentioned earlier, it is large and heavy so putting it together may require extra effort and help. On the contrary, cleaning it is a breeze to do as the mattress is removable and machine-washable. A cargo bag is also included for the purpose of traveling and storage. Given its ability to hold up to 30 lbs. of weight and easily convert from a bassinet which can accommodate newborn with weight of up to 15 lbs to a changing table which can hold children weighing up to 25 lbs, the Chicco Lullaby LX Playard proves to be a very wise and versatile choice.
Pros: Easy to set up, Sturdy, Great design, Ideal for traveling
Cons: Storage bag could be larger
Graco's Pack n Play Portable Playard is designed for frequent travelers or those who'd like to bring a more compact playard to their grandparents' house during weekends. It is very sturdy and easy to set-up. The different patterns provide one-of-a-kind style and are a nice upgrade to the standard and plain design of other playards. The neutral colors are also perfect for both boys and girls. Aside from the usual storage compartments, it has a few extras including a diaper stacker and a refillable wipes container. The removable oval bassinet is uniquely made with Graco's signature quilting for newborns less than 15 lbs, and you won't need to buy a changing table as it already includes one. It is well made and it holds babies up to 25 lbs. The playard weighs 29.6 lbs and has overall dimensions of 36H x 29.8W x 41L". It is ideal for children up to 30 pounds and under 35 inches. For a portable playard, the storage bag is a little small, though. It is nice to have but you cannot fit the bassinet and the changing table into one bag. It can only hold the playard itself. On the other hand, the Graco Pack n Play Portable Playard makes sure that features like a squeeze latch fold and lockable wheels for easy transport weren't left out in favor of new ones. A half-canopy with plush toys is also provided along with a night light that can be set to turn off after 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes. The electronic mobile has 10 built-in songs consist of 5 classical and 5 nature sounds and a 2-speed vibration. All in all, the Pack n Play is more than just a fancy playard. It is one of the best gifts you could ever wish for, whether you're having your first or second baby.
Pros: Bigger than most playards, Sturdy, Comes with a storage bag, Fair price
Cons: Pad is a little thin, Can be difficult to lock in place
Once your infant begins their toddler years, they will be more curious about everything around them. Since this curiosity can often lead to injuries and unfortunate accidents, it will be much safer if you'll put them inside a playard. The Dream on Me Full-size Playard represents a good balance of quality and value for money. It is slightly bigger than most playards so it can accommodate growing toddlers. Aside from being available in bright primary colors, you can also choose from other color combinations like gray/red, gray/light pink, green plaid or classic navy blue. The deluxe version even comes with a Toy Bar with Soft Toys for your child's entertainment and a Top Changing Station for easy diaper changes. The mesh sides allow proper ventilation inside the playard. It also gives you a clear view of your child while you're doing other important things or while you're busy with household chores. The Dream on Me Playard, with its travel bag and covered casters, is the perfect travel playard or secondary crib. You can move it easily where you need it and it requires less effort to fold. The large space, measuring a total of 30H x 31W x 43L for the standard and 33H x 28W x 40L for the deluxe version, can be good for either playtime or naptime. The sides are not that easy to lock in place though and the pad is not as thickly cushioned as those in more expensive playpens. The former, however, can be resolved by adding a comforter or extra mattresses on top. The deluxe playard even features an adjustable mattress height so you can adjust it as your child grows. Lastly, the Dream on Me Full-size Playard is ideal for babies weighing 35 lbs or those who can't walk or crawl out yet.