Baby Play Yards

Tips for traveling with and without a portable play yard

Portability is one of the most appealing features of today's baby play yard designs. Many models feature wheels and/or foldable frames that are lightweight and easy to carry. Travel play yards also come with a carrying case or tote bag that's ideal for day trips, vacations, or weekend getaways. Travel Play Yard Tips Play yards designed for travel tend to be smaller and lighter, with fewer features and gadgets. However, if you intend to use it for frequent trips, and your baby is lighter than 15 pounds, then a portable bassinet is the one feature you should definitely have. This is essentially a portable crib that attaches to the top rails of the play yard. If your infant is heavier than 15 pounds, he or she can sleep on the floor of the play yard using the bassinet mattress.

When shopping for a portable play yard, look for size and weight measurements of about two feet in width and 20 pounds or fewer in weight - though a few pounds heavier may be necessary if you want added features.

Traveling with a play yard is recommended for parents of babies that are less than six months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants of this age should sleep in the same room as their parents, but not in the same bed.

Traveling Without a Play Yard
If you don't have a portable play yard or you've not taken it with you, then you should be able to request one from the hotel in which you're staying - though for safety reasons, it's best to use your own. We recommend doing a careful inspection of whatever item the hotel provides. Some hotels may not have purchased new ones in some time. With older models, this may pose a safety hazard, while simple wear and tear of newer models can result in holes or damage that makes a play yard less safe.

During your inspection, check that the item is stable and free of damage and that the frame locks securely in place. The mattress should fit tightly, with less than two finger widths of space between its edge and the side of the play yard. If you spot any problems or potential concerns, request a different one.