Baby Play Yards Buying Guide

These are not your grandmother's playpens

Baby play yards are more than just playpens. They are virtual command centers for the care and entertainment of your young child. The premium play yard lines are loaded with features such as music players and full-sized bassinets, and many are designed for lightweight portability both within and outside the home. If you have not shopped for a baby play yard before, you may find the term a little confusing. It is often used interchangeably with a play pen; in addition, there are hexagonal play spaces made from interlocking panels that are also known as play yards. But in general, a play yard - or playard as it is commonly shortened - is a playpen with enhanced portability, more and better features, and a design that consists of a foldable metal frame and mesh sides.

As you shop for playards these safety, size, and feature tips will help you find the type that is best for you and your infant.

Play Yard Safety

• Play yards with a JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association) seal have been certified as meeting the voluntary safety standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials
• After purchase, make sure to send in the enclosed product registration card or register the product on the manufacturers website; this ensures that you will be notified if there is a product recall
• Always follow the height and weight limits listed in the owners manual; with most baby play yards, the limit is 35 inches and 30 pounds (15 pounds for portable bassinets)
• To avoid suffocation hazards, mattresses should be only one inch thick (at most), and should fit snugly against the sides, i.e. no more than two finger widths of space between the mattress and side

Play Yard Sizes

• Most playards measure about 40L by 28W, and weigh anywhere from 24 to 33 pounds depending on which features are included (a playard with a bassinet and changing station would be nearer to 33)
• Portable models are sometimes, but not always, lighter and smaller; the popular Graco Pack n Play line, for example, includes some with weights from about 21 to 32 pounds
• If size or heaviness is a concern, look for play yards that have wheels (some Chicco playards can even roll when folded) or come with a carrying case that has a shoulder strap

Play Yard Features

• Bassinet: this full-size portable crib attaches to the playard and gives your newborn a safe place to sleep whether you are at home or away
• Canopy: used in conjunction with the bassinet, a canopy keeps bright light off your sleeping baby, or provides shade if you are taking your play yard outdoors
• Changing table: this convenient feature either hangs from the side of the unit or attaches to the top rail
• Mobile: soothe your baby with the visual stimulation of a twirling mobile overhead
• Music: playard music players play everything from lullabies to classical music, and some even have MP3 capability
• Nightlight: a nightlight makes it easier to check on your baby in the middle of the night
• Vibration: provides the gentle, lulling sensation that some babies need before drifting off to sleep