Removable bassinet and diaper changer: These can be very useful, especially if you don't want to buy a separate changing table and bassinet, if you'd like a second sleeping and changing area in your home, or if you plan to travel with your newborn. Bonus features: Extras include a mobile, vibrating movement, a nightlight, a built-in sound machine, and a detachable bouncy seat.
Wheels : If you're likely to move your play yard from room to room or around a room, look for one with lockable wheels. Easy folding mechanism : Choose a play yard that's easy to put up and take down, and that folds compactly, especially if you'll take it on the go. A carrying bag is helpful, too! Storage pockets, bags, or shelves : Some play yards have built-in storage for wipes, diapers, blankets, and extra clothes.
It ensures that the play yard was independently tested for quality and safety. Join now to personalize. BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. Learn more about our review process here.
We may earn a commission from shopping links. What to look for in a play yard Play yard safety notes. Photo credit: Amazon.
Buy at buybuyBaby. Buy at Target. Heads up Some parents say the initial set up is cumbersome, with lots of little pieces to keep track of. Parents say "I used the bassinet part of this Pack 'n Play for many months.
Add to baby registry:. Buy at Amazon. Heads up Bassinet and play yard sheets, and the diaper storage caddy, are sold separately. Parents say "I know it's expensive but it's a great investment. Buy at Albee Baby. Heads up When packed up, this model longer than other travel cribs. Specs Heads up Some parents say that their babies fell into the thin metal bars — which don't have padding — and got hurt.
Specs 48 x 48 x 26 inches Weighs Heads up Because of its large size, if you want extra sheets, you'll have to order ones specifically for the Joovy Room2. Heads up The pad in the bassinet isn't machine washable, and some parents say it's difficult to clean if your baby spits up or has a diaper blowout.
Specs 28 by Heads up Despite the "pack" in the name, this play yard is pretty heavy and cumbersome for travel. You'll also need to remove the bassinet or changing station, or flip the changing station to the outside of the yard, depending on the model when your baby is in the main part of the play yard to avoid the possibility of the child getting trapped under those attachments.
Bassinet inserts can provide a nice place for newborns to nap. Look for a bassinet that securely fastens to the play yard in a way that prevents older children from dislodging or tamper with it, especially if you have other kids in the home or plan to use the bassinet for your next baby.
Some of the models we tested in the past had bassinets that attached to the play yard with easily disengaged bars or exposed plastic clips. Older children could easily undo those fasteners, and that could cause the bassinet to fall to the play-yard floor. But one play yard we tested had bassinet clips that are covered by fabric flaps that are locked into place with a button, hiding the clips from view and protecting them from curious fingers. That's a safety plus. Stop using the bassinet when your baby reaches the manufacturer's recommended weight limit typically 15 pounds or can sit up, pull up, or roll over.
Many play yards, such as the Graco Silhouette discussed in Types, offer a bassinet that covers the entire length and width of the play yard. That is a good feature because it reduces the likelihood that your baby will fall into the play yard. But a baby could still fall outside of the play yard so stop using any bassinet attachment once your baby can push up on his hands and knees.
Changing Station Some attach to the longer top rail—you have to remove them to get them out of the way. Others simply rest on the long rails and are hinged at one shorter side rail so the changing station can be flipped over the rail to hang at the outer side of the play yard. We think it's safer to remove the changing table when not in use so it is out of reach of your baby and any other children. In addition, it is always better to have an active means of attachment to the frame—that is you have to click, snap, button, or strap a changing table or bassinet into place rather than just have it resting on a frame.
You might want to skip the expense of a changing table attachment in favor of an inexpensive and safe changing mat that you can use on the floor. When using a changing-table attachment, always keep your hand on your baby and use the safety straps. In past testing, we found models that didn't have restraining straps on the changing table.
We think you should avoid such models. The Lullaby LX Playard by Chicco has a nonhinged changing table with safety straps to help keep baby in place when you're changing diapers. The Lullaby LX also comes with remote-controlled music, vibration features, a mobile, and a bassinet. To avoid potentially fatal entrapment between the station and the yard's top rail, never put your baby in a play yard that has the changing table in place.
Removing the table also eliminates the possibility of entrapment by any loop from the changing-table restraint strap, although no loops should be present in a play yard that is said to meet safety standards set by ASTM International.
Stop using the changing table insert when your child reaches the manufacturer's weight limit, which may be anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds.
Portability Most manufacturers make play yards that are designed to move. Many roll on wheels and fold easily and compactly into their own totes, which resemble short golf bags although less rugged , making them ideal for trips or jaunts to Grandma's. As we've said, basic play yards tend to be smaller about 28 inches wide and lighter about 20 pounds because they're not loaded with extras.
If you can find a model that fits into its travel bag with its wheels exposed, it can make moving through a busy place such as an airport easier. The Chicco Lullaby LX mentioned above does that. Foldability If you'll be traveling often with your baby, you'll want a play yard that folds and reassembles easily.
Wheels or Casters A pair of lockable wheels or swivel casters on one end makes moving a play yard easier. For safety's sake, make sure the wheels lock. Some designs can be rolled when folded. That's a definite plus. Canopy Many play yards with bassinets have a canopy to shade your baby from harsh light. Some canopies have attached toys that act as a mobile.
Remove the canopy when you are no longer using the bassinet. In our opinion, canopies are an unnecessary expense. You should never put your play yard in direct sunlight anyway because babies can easily burn or become overheated. Storage Some models provide storage for toys and other baby items in zippered side pockets, fabric shelves, hook-on fabric storage pouches, and small clip-on parent-organizer bags.
Of course those features aren't necessary, but if you want to use them, look for storage that is big enough to actually hold something. Storage compartments should attach, or be built into the outside of the play yard, so they're out of your baby's reach. Toys, Music, Lights Some play yards feature a mobile with suspended toys or a detachable baby gym that can also be used with the bassinet mattress on the floor as a separate play mat for tummy time.
These are a bonus, as are entertainment centers with music, soothing sounds, and lights. But all will contribute to the price and weight of the yard, and will make it more difficult to pack up the play yard for storage or travel. They usually require C or AA batteries not included. Toys may not be necessary if you intend to use your play yard as just a portable nursery. But if you use a play yard as a mobile activity center, toys and sound effects can be helpful. Its music center includes two styles of music, nature sounds, and an input for MP3 players.
Baby Trend This year-old Ontario, Calif. Once a baby comes along, parents suddenly need somewhere for them to safely sleep , at least one diaper changing station, and, as they get older, a spot for them to safely play. It includes a changing station as well as storage space for essentials like diapers, wipes, swaddles, and burp cloths. You can also soothe the baby in the bassinet as well as in the removable seat with vibration options for each.
Once they are able to sit and pull up, you can convert the crib to the playard setting for sleep and play. Dimensions: 40 x While this option has fewer bells and whistles, this standard playard will get the job done. It features a flat mattress and mesh sides and pads over the interlocking parts for safe and comfortable sleeping.
The wheels make rolling this playard from room to room a breeze. With just a few button clicks, this playard sets up and breaks down easily. This pick couldn't be easier to set up and both of my children slept in this on-the-go through their toddler years. My youngest even slept in here for 5 months as a baby and he was very happy in here.
Ideal for a family on the go, this super-lightweight crib quickly collapses into a compact backpack for hands-free carrying. The playard sets up in around 15 seconds, it comes with a thick mattress that is cozy but still meets safe sleep standards, and has a zipper on the side to make putting your baby in and taking them out easier. Interlocking pieces are covered with padding, the sides are made of breathable mesh, and all materials are certified non-toxic. Dimensions: 46 x 31 x It's really foolproof.
Plus, it looks sleek when it's set up no garish colors or baby-centric prints , which means I can leave it out more often. The crib folds into the included bag seamlessly and you won't even have to reference the instructions after the first few times folding it away. Toddlers need a little more space to play, which is why this playard with more than 10 square feet of space is great for them. Dimensions: Once your baby is old enough to sit up and pull up, you can bring the sleeping pad down and remove the mobile for safe play and sleep.
You can also easily move the crib from room to room using the lockable wheels. Dimensions: 28 x 40 x This large playard is great for both indoor or outdoor use thanks to the removable and machine-washable fabrics. It sets up and tears down in seconds with only one step, then it can be tucked away compactly in its travel bag.
The sides are made completely of mesh and with a zipper door on one side to make it easy for your crawler to get in and out. The playard also comes with a removable cover for the metal pieces along the top of the playard.
Note: this is for playing, not for sleeping. This can be set up as either a travel crib or made even larger to serve as a playard by simply unzipping each end, and includes a flat mattress and fitted sheet for sleeping and a flat mat for play.
All of the sides are made of mesh for safety and breathability as well as padding over the metal and interlocking pieces. And the simple, sleek design will fit well in most rooms. Thinking this is a dream come true? This playard is extremely light and designed for easy portability.
Whether you need a safe place for your baby to play while you cook or a comfy place for them to sleep on vacation, a playard can be a handy item to invest in! With various add-ons and price points, there really is a perfect one out there for every family.
Choosing the best baby bouncer for you and your little one can be a challenge when there are so many options available. That's why we're here to help. Fresh air, energy-burning activities, and imaginative play are all key ingredients in the development of young children.
But with iPads and gaming…. Whether you're packing for one baby or a van full of kids, you want the most functional, stylish, affordable, and organized diaper bag options…. Learn sleep disorder signs and when…. If your baby is smacking their lips, it's probably a sign that they're hungry, teething, or tired. If you want your baby to improve their self-soothing techniques, you may wonder how to get them to take a pacifier. Here are our top tips.
Gripe water is a remedy available in liquid form. It contains a mixture of herbs and is often used to soothe colicky babies.
0コメント