When it comes to play pen and playard, one of the brands that would surely come to mind would be Graco. Do an online search for this baby equipment, and you will see lots of Graco Pack ‘N Play recommendations.
There is no doubt that Graco is one of the popular manufacturers of best playards for babies. They have lots of playard lines and models that you can choose from. While it’s nice to have an option, the full range of playard choices that Graco offer can be quite overwhelming and confusing.
I’ve been in your position, and I can’t deny the fact that the struggle is real! That’s why I have decided to create this simple yet comprehensive buying guide that can provide you the knowledge you need to find the best Graco pack n play for your little one.
Why Choose Graco Pack n Play (and How to Use It?)
What is a pack and play? A pack and play is a portable playpen and crib for both toddlers and infants.
The Graco Pack and Play line is the go-to option of a lot of parents because of the useful features that it has. Their playards are designed with three things in mind—sleep, pack, and play. With that in mind, all the playards that we will review in this article have these standard features—quilted mattress at the base that can serve as play mat for babies, metal frame with airy mesh construction, push-button folding mechanism, and automatically folding wheels and feet.
The Graco Pack n Play differs only on the add-ons that they come with. The most common add on is the bassinet. A lot of parents are wondering whether they should get a pack n play or bassinet. Some would choose between a crib or pack and play.
If your goal is to see your baby sleeping in pack and play comfortably, the best move you can make is to invest in a pack n play with infant sleeper. In this way, you can use this as a sleeping space for your child while he is still an infant. Can you use a pack n play as a crib? Yes! Once your baby is beyond the weight limit of the bassinet, you can remove it, and your child can use the playpen as a crib.
Another popular add-on is the changing table. Other Graco Playard add-ons are a baby play gym, rocking seat, twin nappers, toy bar, storage, canopy, and entertainment center.
How to Find the Best Graco Pack n Play
As I have mentioned, there are lots of Graco Pack n Play models to choose from. To make the decision-making process of choosing the best Graco pack n play a lot easier, one crucial thing that you need to understand is that all Graco playards typically fall into four different categories. These are as follows:
Newborn Cribs. These are 20% smaller than the traditional Graco Playard, so these are perfect for newborns. Additionally, these are lighter and have canopies to protect the babies from harsh light.
Baby Stations. This is the most diverse category playard available. The pack and plays under this category are known for their multi-functionality as these can be used as diaper changing stations, bassinets, and many more. They also serve as best playpens for small spaces due to their compact features.
Twin Sleepers. As the name suggests, these playards are designed for twins! They tend to have bigger space to fit two tiny humans in it.
On-the-Go. Designed for travel, these are lighter, more compact, and foldable.
In addition to determining the different playard categories that Graco offers, you also have to identify what your objectives are for buying a playard. What is the thing that you most want to get from it? By understanding the different Graco Playard categories and your needs, it will be easier for you to determine which best Graco pack n play you should go for.
Best Graco Pack n Play Comparison Table
Here’s the summary of all the features and pertinent information about the different Graco Pack n Play models we will review in the next section.
Best Graco Pack and Play Reviews
Below are some of the critical information you need to know about the 5 best Graco pack n play in the market.
1. Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard
Designed for portability, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard features a foldable yet durable frame. With its push-button mechanism, you can easily fold the playard in just one push of a button. Even its feet and wheels fold automatically to achieve a more compact fold.
For the user’s convenience, the playard is also equipped with handy wheels that will allow you to transport it from one place to the other easily. As if that’s not enough, the pack n play even comes with a convenient carrying bag that lets you bring it wherever you want to go.
Aside from all of these perfect-for-travel features, the playard also comes with a hanging storage bag that provides you easy access to your baby’s essentials.
Since this playard does not have a bassinet, using pack and play as crib is the next best thing that you can do.
To know how to set up the Pack n Play Portable Playard, watch this video:
Pros:
- Hanging storage pocket
- Great for babies that are less than 35 inches tall
- Machine washable carrying bag
- Eye-catching design
- Mesh construction on all sides for ventilation
Cons:
- Strong chemical odor when brand new
- No add-ons included
2. Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard
Here’s another Graco Playard that is perfect for traveling! Just like the Graco Portable Playard, this Graco Pack n Play On-the-Go also has a carrying bag and is equipped with the push-button fold mechanism that allows you to set it up and take it down in just a matter of minutes.
One feature that differentiates it from the first playard we talked about is it has a full-size bassinet. Because of this, using a pack and play as a bassinet or crib is possible! The bassinet can accommodate babies weighing up to 15 lbs. When your child goes beyond the weight limit, you can easily remove the bassinet. And when you fold the entire playard, the bassinet folds with it!
On the other hand, the playpen portion can still be used by children who are 35 inches or below. This means that you can make the most out of your investment since your baby can use it until he becomes a toddler.
Aside from the bassinet, the playard also comes with a toy bar with plush, soft, and cute toys hanging from it. This simple add-on can help keep your baby entertained while he lies comfortably in the bassinet.
To know more about this playard, please watch this video:
Pros:
- Comes in 8 colors
- Easy to set up and takedown
- Comes with a removable bassinet
- Features a soft toy bar
Cons:
- The mattress is hard to clean
- A bit bulky and heavy
3. Pack ‘n Play Reversible Napper and Changer LX Bassinet
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Reversible Napper & Changer LX Bassinet is the first deluxe playard in this list. It is considered as such because it has one fantastic feature—a diaper changing table!
This is considered to be one of the best Graco Pack n Play playards because it is jampacked with both essential and nice-to-have features. As a Graco Playard, you can expect it to have the standard Graco features—a quilted mattress, mesh sides, a push-button folding mechanism, and folding feet and wheels.
Also, the playard comes with a changing table that can be easily switched into a newborn napper. With these simple features, you can get everything you need in just one piece of equipment. As a result, you can save space at home.
Storage will also not be a problem with this playard as it comes with integrated storage pockets that can accommodate your diaper changing essentials.
To know more about this pack and play, watch this video:
Pros:
- The changing table comes with wipe-clean fabrics for easy maintenance
- Full-size bassinet for a comfortable sleep
- Two attractive styles and colors available
- Equipped with storage pockets
- Soft toy bar included
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- Expensive
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4. Pack ‘n Play Change ‘n Carry
Here is another full-service playard called the Pack ‘n Play Change ‘n Carry, one of the best Graco pack n play that is perfect for parents who are looking for multi-functional items for their little ones.
In addition to the usual features—push-button fold mechanism, mesh sides, and automatically folding wheels and feet, this Playard has added features—a bassinet and a changing table!
Both of these features are removable so you can quickly gain access to the playpen. The best thing about the changing table is that it can be used separately so you can bring it with you anywhere. Plus, the fabrics of the changing pad can be wiped clean, so spills and accidents will not be an issue.
On the side of the playpen, you can find large pockets where you can store all your baby’s essentials. Above the bassinet is a mobile toy that features three soft and plush stars in eye-catching colors.
Know how to assemble this playard by watching this video:
Pros:
- Comes with a carrying bag
- Removable bassinet and changing table
- Changing table can be used separately
- Easy-to-clean changing table
- Quilted mattress for the playpen and napper
Cons:
- A bit on the heavy side
- Tricky to set up and fold
- Change baby anywhere with the portable changing pad, which also folds into a convenient pouch for travel
- Keep wipes, diapers and other changing essentials at your fingertips with changing pad's built-in storage pockets
- The Nest Bassinet gives your little one a comfy and familiar spot for her to rest, at home or away
5. Pack ‘n Play Playard Newborn Seat Oasis with Soothe Surround
Is your child a fussy baby? Is it hard for him to fall asleep at night? Does he stay up all night crying? You will be happy to know that the Pack ‘n Play Newborn Seat Oasis with Soothe Surround is created especially for babies like him!
As one of the best Graco pack n play, this Playard is designed to deliver various soothing techniques that mothers use. It does those by producing different soothing sounds and vibrations like the waves crashing, stroller ride, moving car, and many more. The Playard offers 10 soothing sound options to choose from.
Aside from its unique technology, the pack n play also has other nice-to-have features. For one, its newborn seat features a unique seat shape that cradles baby the way moms do. It is also made from plush fabrics for baby’s comfort. It has a canopy that can protect the baby from harsh lighting. When not in use, it can be easily pushed back.
On the other hand, the changing station is large and can accommodate up to 30lbs. It also comes with a side pocket, which is perfect for baby essentials. With all of these features, it will still be suitable for pack n play age of 1 to 3 years old!
For a preview on how this playard works, watch this video:
Pros:
- Integrated storage included
- Unique Sooth Surround technology
- Easy-to-clean and washable fabrics
- Wipe-clean changing table
- Sleek and stylish frame
Cons:
- Expensive
- Setup instructions are difficult to understand
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Conclusion
Which of these is the best Graco Pack n Play? That is quite a difficult question to answer! That’s because the products and Graco models in the list are all excellent and offer fantastic features that you and your baby can benefit from.
But of course, I have to choose. For this roundup, my pick is the Pack ‘n Play Newborn Seat Oasis with Soothe Surround. All the playards on the list have almost similar features, but this one stands out. This is one of the many playards that I have tried, and I highly appreciate the soothing sound and vibrations that it produces. It is perfect for keeping the baby calm and promote better sleep!
What about you? Let us know in the comments!
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Last update on 2025-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
