Pack and play, a mommy’s essential that every new mama needs on her registry list. But which one?
Planning for a baby can be overwhelming. All the things new moms need to survive the first year and beyond, what to register for and what’s the best… it can stress you out pretty quickly.
There are a ton of things you really do need and quite a few you don’t. Every mom has her favorites, but there are tried and true baby products that almost all moms tend to recommend when it comes to creating a baby registry. The pack and play is one baby item that definitely makes it on that list.
What’s a pack and play?
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A pack and play (or pack ‘n play) is a portable piece of baby equipment that keeps your baby safely contained. It’s a mother’s helper of sorts because it allows mom to put her child down for a nap or to play. It’s also great to bring to Grandma’s house or carry with you when you travel and need a portable sleeping situation.
There are a ton of brands and styles available. Many offer accessories and features like a changing table attachment so you can do a quick diaper change.
Best Pack and Play to Buy
So which pack and play is the best? It all depends on what fits your needs and lifestyle. We’ll break down the features and share a few of our favorites:
This Graco pack and play doubles as a playard and baby bassinet. The portable infant seat is also a bouncer that holds up to 18lbs. A large extended use changing station can acomodate babies up to 30 lbs. The built-in storage organizer is great for holding diapers, wipes and all the other essentials you’ll need within arm’s reach.
Babies are expensive. Maybe you don’t need the napper or the diaper changing station, you just want something simple that will save your sanity. A safe place to put your little love bug down for a minutes every day so you can get things done. In that case, you can’t go wrong with this classic. The tried and true pack and play that’s been around for years. Chances are you spent time in one just like this one.
It’s easy to carry and store anywhere! With folding feet and wheels you can pack it up and bring along wherever you are going – to visit relatives, out in the backyard, even a day at the beach.
Travel becomes less of a hassle with nuna’s innovative SENA crib—now with an advanced air design that allows airflow from every angle. The easy-open playspace features a ventilated, quilted mattress that pulls away heat and humidity from baby’s skin. The mattress can be placed in a higher bassinet position that’s easy to reach when baby is tiny, then moved to a lower position when your little one starts pulling up and getting more mobile, and eight zigzag, skid-proof support legs help to increase stability. The smart leg design allows one-hand fold-up, and everything folds with the frame and slides into the included travel bag for easy packing or storage. Skid-proof feet and padded edges ensure quiet, pinch-free operation, so you and baby both get a good night’s sleep.
Misty Nelson is a mom blogger, digital media influencer, published writer and TV spokesmodel. She is an ambassador for Oprah Magazine, Disney, and the NFL FanStyle Council. She's appeared in print and television campaigns for Disney World, PANDORA, Ponds Beauty, NYDJ, Lands End and Target. Her work is featured on ScaryMommy.com, TODAY.com, PopSugar, Better Homes & Garden and the Washington Post.