Portable Playyards

These portable playyards have replaced the old playpens with more features and added convenience necessary for today's families. Most come with carrying cases and all fold up very compactly and are lightweight. They are easy to assemble and disassemble and include features such as bassinets, canopies for shade outdoors, wheels and more. The bassinet is a particularly nice added feature. If you have animals that you are concerned might jump into the Playyard to snuggle with baby while they nap, you might want to consider a playyard with a canopy. While the purpose of a canopy is to keep baby shaded outdoors, the canopy also does a good job of keeping pets out.

Arms Reach Bedside Sleeper

While most other playyards can be used as a bassinet, this one is unique in that the bassinet also attaches to your bed to allow a safe alternative to co-sleeping (sleeping with baby in your bed). Great for moms who nurse. That option may be the only reason to overlook the higher price.

Century Fold-n-Go Care Center

This playyard includes a removable bassinet and separate changing area which can later be removed to create a toddler play area. The bassinet pad can also be used as a playyard floor pad when baby becomes older. The Century playyard folds up into a travel bag and has wheels for easy transport. Drawback: due to the addition of the changing station, the bassinet size is cut in half leaving less room for baby.

Graco

This company is the largest manufacturer of playyards starting with a no frills model then offering variations with more accessories. The Bassinet Pack-N-Play features a 2 sided mesh design with a detachable bassinet, swivel casters and one roll down flap. Graco also makes a Canopy Pack-N-Play with a detachable canopy which is ideal for outdoor use. The 3 Way Pack-N-Play, shown in the picture, features a bassinet and a removable changing table. We like the fact that the changing table is removable because it doesn't take away room from baby while they're in the bassinet. Each playyard folds up and comes with a travel bag. This product can be used for children up to 30 pounds. Once you know what you are doing, setup is easy. It folds up very compactly making it easy to get in the car; however, the mattress pad is a little on the thin side.