Best Play Yard Reviews 2023

Play yards are categorized into two main types, the basic and the deluxe. The deluxe type is on the higher price range due to its add-on features (such as a canopy, music, changing station, toy bars). The basic type is generally designed for functionality and has no extra features. Prices for play yards range from around $30 for the basic to around $150 for the more premium models. The deluxe models also have high quality materials and are a bit durable.

The basic types may not come with the glitzy features like deluxe models, but they incorporate what most parents require like safety, portability, and ease of use at a budget-friendly price.

If you are on a budget, consider going for the basic version, though you might need to keep some toys on hand to keep your child occupied. You may want to avoid the really cheap play yards as they may lack some safety features and have substandard materials. The most important aspect of any model is to ensure that your toddler is safe from injury. So, make sure, as you check on your budget, consider your child’s safety first.

Before choosing a play yard for you and your child, consider one that has a combination of the best and most useful features. To be honest, you don’t need to spend a lot of extra cash on some features that you may not need.

Here are some important features to consider

• Bassinet – Bassinet inserts come in handy when they are incorporated in a play yard. They provide comfortable places for napping. A play yard having a well secured bassinet would be the best pick
• Convenience – Choose the most convenient play yard by selecting one that is easy to wash and foldable to suit your traveling needs. If you want to be able to change your baby’s diapers at the same station, you can go for one with extra features such as a changing table and built-in shelves to store diapers, clothes and wipes. If you will be using your play yard outside, consider one with a canopy to protect your baby from the sun
• Material – A play yard’s material is important in determining how and where you can use it. For traveling purposes polyester models are easy to set up and are lightweight. Plastic ones are also designed for travel. Metal ones are very strong and durable, but their heaviness means they’re better for using at home
• Appropriateness and Safety – It comes with no surprise that babies, toddlers and older children have different needs. Play yards for toddlers completely differ from those for infants. Babies simply need a comfortable place to sleep and rest, while infants over one year old require a more secure space to prevent them from displaying their well-known Houdini skills, while babies just need a comfortable space to sleep and rest. This is where size also comes into play. You may want to go for a small play yard if your little one is between six and twelve months or a larger set if he or she is past twelve months.

Play yards come equipped with accessories such as play gyms, detachable toys, basinets and changing tables among other features. Once you know your budget and your requirements, you will be able to determine the features you need.

Bassinets provide a safe haven for your baby to relax and catch a nap. However, if you simply want a play yard to keep your toddler busy as you do some chores, you can go for one without a bassinet. Some come with changing tables so you can swap out diapers without having to move your kiddo away from the play yard. Built-in shelves come in handy as storage spaces for baby clothes, diapers and wipes. Since you will need to keep infants learning to crawl busy so they don’t keep trying to leave their play yard, why not get one with detachable toys that you can leave your child with as you move around the house?

When it comes to size, most play yards come in a rectangle shape that allows your toddler to have more space to move around. Some come fitted with extra storage pockets that give you more space.

Consider going for play yards fitted with wheels to make transport easier. You can easily move it to different places around the house when you need to take a close watch on your little munchkin. Please note to ensure you get some lockable wheels, for safety’s sake! The wheels can also come in handy if your play yard doubles up as a carrying kit.

Play yards have ventilation mesh holes that ensure proper circulation of air for your bundle of joy as they play or nap. The mesh holes should be more than a quarter inch wide to ensure proper circulation.

Having your baby or toddler entertain themselves as you take time to do the dishes, vacuum the floor, take a shower or simply have some relaxing time on the couch doesn’t need any kind of complex planning if you have a reliable play yard. You want peace of mind as you cook dinner or use the bathroom.

A play yard is designed to ensure your child’s safety by keeping him or her in one place as you finish up your chores. For a baby that is less than nine months old who hasn’t began to crawl, a simple and basic model with limited toys would be ideal. Babies at this age just need a place they can relax or take a nap. You may want to have one though with some rocking motion, with captivating pictures and some lulling music. This would help keep the baby occupied as you go about your activities. For toddlers, more than a year old, you may add on some toys and make sure the yard is high enough to prevent them from venturing out.

Play yards should fold up into a compact package and should be light enough to carry. Those made of wood and plastic are light enough if you want one that you can travel with while those made of metal are strong but heavy to move around. They should also be easy to assemble to save you time.

Check the thickness of the mattress in the yard. Make sure it’s thick and sturdy enough to prevent it from collapsing into the floor with your child. Check also the locking hinges to keep the play yard’s frame into place.

Another important aspect is the wheels. Since you will want to keep a close eye to your toddler as much as you take care of whatever you need to do, you may need to keep relocating him and his toys from one part of your house to another. Wheels, thus, will come in handy to easily move the play yard from one room to another. They should also have locking hinges for safety purposes to prevent unnecessary movement.