Keep your child safe while playing with our list of the best playpens for babies. Playpens offer a protected place for your baby to sit and play comfortably. It is a safe place where your baby can play with their toys or take a nap while you finish your chores. The playpen restricts your baby’s movement to prevent them from running around and hurting themselves. Available in different designs, these are foldable, making them easy for you to carry anywhere. To know more, take a look at our list of products to choose the right one.
What Is A Playpen?
A playpen is an enclosed space within which the baby can play with their toys. This area is typicallymarked by a plastic grill closure or a mesh closure so the baby can be seen from outside. A crib or a play yard, on the other hand, is a relatively smaller enclosure. It can also be a place where the baby sleeps. Since it is smaller than a playpen, the baby might not be able to play in it for long.
16 Best Baby Playpens
1. Best Easy-To-Clean: Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard, Pasadena
If space is an issue for you, you can opt for this foldable and transferable play yard. It even has its own storage bag. You can watch this video to understand how the Pack ‘N Play works before buying. Pros
Easy to clean Easy to store Ample ventilation Suitable for newborns and toddlers
Cons
Changing table may be too low Might be a little flimsy
2. Best Foldable: Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard
This humongous play yard occupies over 10 square feet of space. But even with its large size, it is easily foldable and portable. Not sure if this is the right fit for you? Check out this video to understand how the playard works. Pros
Suitable for twins Machine washable Water-resistant Comes with wheels
Cons
May be a little wobbly Some might find it difficult to set up
3. Best With Rocking Seat: Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Removable Rocking Seat
This comes with a changing table and a removable rocking seat, making it a multi-purpose product. Ideal for infants and toddlers, this playpen is also easy to clean with soap and warm water. Pros
Removable rocking seat with vibrator helps baby sleep Bassinet also comes with a gentle vibrator Changing station makes changing clothes or diapers easy Play yard and baby bassinet come with built-in storage shelves Ideal for infants and toddlers Easy to clean with soap and warm water
Cons
Changing pad may not be sturdy enough Foam padding may be prone to more wear and tear
4. Best Weather-Resistant: Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Playard
It has adequate space for the baby and is easy-to-carry for the parent. This collapsible metal frame play yard has space for two kids and is extremely easy to fold. Pros
Suitable for indoor and outdoor play Weather-resistant canvas floor Sturdy frame Comes with fully-assembles metal frame
Cons
May have some sharp edges Netting may not be adequate
5. Best Versatile: BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
It looks like a play tent but works like a crib. This travel cot is easy to set up just about anywhere, so your baby remains busy while you enjoy the company of your friends. Pros
Removable and washable crib fabric Soft mattress keeps the baby comfortable Ample ventilation Easy to fold
Cons
Mattress may not be thick enough Mattress cannot be connected to the frame
6. Best Brake-Enabled: Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center
This nursery center lets your baby take a nap anytime, anywhere. And when it is time to play, your little one can play in the comfort of their own little space. Pros
Comes with a removable bassinet Baby napper contains plush hanging toys Nursery center can be transformed into a playtime center in a jiffy Wheels come with brakes for added safety Folds compact and fits into the storage bag for hassle-free transfer
Cons
May not be suitable for smaller rooms Changing table may not be suitable for older babies
7. Best Adorable: Delta Children Play Yard, Fun in The Jungle
This cute and spacious play yard has a jungle theme. Its mesh walls are painted with see-through images of jungle animals. The baby can play and rest in their own private jungle. Pros
CPSC and ATSM-approved Mesh walls included for supervision Simple to set up Includes mattress
Cons
May be difficult to fold Sides may be difficult to lock while using
8. Best Convertible: Graco Pack ‘N Play Quick Connect Playard
The Graco Pack ‘N Play Quick Connect Playard is loaded with plush fabric, making it comfortable and cozy for the baby to sleep. Moreover, this playpen can be converted into a bassinet and a full-sized playard. Pros
Three in-built storage compartments Easily portable Large changing station Integrated wheels
Cons
Instruction manual may be too confusing May not fit through doorways
9. Best Large-Sized: EIH Large Baby Playpen
Bring home the EIH Large Baby Playpen to create a large dedicated space for your baby to be physically active and play to their heart’s content. With dimensions of 79 x 59 x 27 inches, it can easily accommodate three babies at the same time, allowing your baby to engage in group play. Pros
Comes with an ocean ball pit and 100 ocean balls Made of quality Oxford fabric Features net sidings BPA-, lead-, and phthalate-free Comes with four TPR suction cups
Cons
Does not include mat Zippers may not be durable
10. Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard
If space around the house is not a constraint for you, this massive baby gate and play yard can become your darling’s favorite spot. Its 2-in-1 model makes it worth the money. Pros
Tool-less assembly Suitable for hallways and angled openings Sturdy and durable design Folds flat for easy storage
Cons
Consists of plastic parts Requires you to buy the mattress separately
11. CoscoFunsport Play Yard
If you are looking for a simple fuss-free play yard that suits your budget, then have a look at this one. It is spacious and easy-to-use. Pros
Lightweight and easy to setup Convenient folding with the quick squeeze latch Two wheels for smooth and easy movement Mesh walls for better visibility Travel bag included
Cons
Instructions to assemble may be difficult to understand When assembled, the play yard may be a little wobbly at times
12. Regalo My Portable Play Yard
You can use this play yard by Regalo indoor and outdoor. This eight-panel play yard ensures safety with an all-steel frame and reinforced stitching. The frame includes a safety lock preventing it from being closed while your children are playing. Pros
Nylon bottom to protect your child from rough surfaces Simple fold-and-go design Removable pad for a soft feel Ventilated mesh wall for proper aeration and visibility
Cons
Legs may not be durable enough Reinforcements may not be adequate
13. North States Superyard Indoor-Outdoor 8-Panel Play Yard
No matter where your child prefers to play, this 8-panel play yard can ensure his safety. It can take any shape to suit your needs. Pros
Comes with easy-to-set-up pre-connected plastic panels Suitable for all surfaces, both indoors and outdoors Weather-resistant panels take any shape Easy to clean with soap and water Skip-resistant rubber pads offer stability Includes a carry strap for easy transfer
Cons
May have sharp edges May not be safe for older babies
14. Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Sweet Wonder Play Yard with Carry Bag
If you are looking for a pretty pink play yard for your baby, have a look at this Disney play yard. Its pink and black theme gives it a classy and attractive look. Pros
Spacious play yard with a sturdy frame Organizer provides extra space for storage Comes with an easy-to-clean and removable changing table Toy arch with hanging toys keeps the baby engaged Comes with a travel bag for convenient storage Wheels ensure easy movement Available in a variety of color themes
Cons
Some might find it a bit heavy Netting in the playpen may not be durable enough
15. Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center
If constant bending to fetch your baby is taking a toll on your back, have a look at this nursery center. It comes with a flip-away changing table so changing diapers becomes easy and comfortable. Pros
Fully removable bassinet Canopy comes with a toy hanging loop The detachable changing table comes with a one-hand locking mechanism Music center plays sweet nature sounds Washable with soap and mild water
Cons
Canopy may be a bit flimsy Can be difficult to fold
16. GupamigaBaby Playpen Kids Activity Centre
The Gupamiga playpen creates a dedicated space for your little one to have fun or take a nap while you’re busy. Pros
Panels come with anti-skid rubber pads Height of the fence enables the baby to walk and move easily Activity wall consists of multiple mental development games Lightweight body, easy to put together, and easy to fold and store Odorless, non-toxic, and BPA-free
Cons
May not be suitable for babies over 11 months of age Molding may be too thin
What To Look For In A Playpen?
Babiesperceive a playpen as their happy or safe place. It becomes their private space and personal playground. Here are a few features essential for a playpen. Safety: There can never be any compromise when it comes to the safety of babies. The playpen has to be steady and secure. Check for rounded edges and smoothened surfaces that are gentle to a baby. Portability: The playpen should preferably be lightweight, foldable, and easy to store so that you can travel with it when needed. If it is a play yard with a crib, then it can have lockable wheels for ease of pushing. Sturdiness: The playpen’s frame should be firm and unshakable so that the baby’s movements do not ruin it. Toy arch: A playpen with an arch containing hanging toys is quite likely to make the baby excited and increase the fun factor. Now that you know what to look for in a playpen, let’s steer towards the best playpens or play yards available in the market.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Having understood the struggles of finding the perfect playpen for your little one, we’ve scoured several products before rounding up the best playpens for babies. We have considered factors like easy storage and cleaning, materials, and comfort so that you can, with the help of a playpen, create a safe and secure space for your child to play and sleep in. We have also listed pros and cons and looked at user reviews before compiling our list.
Recommended Articles:
Best Play Mats for Kids
