Best Play Yards & Playpens for Babies of 2023 (Guide & Reviews)

Whether you are looking for the best play yards for babies or the best baby playpens, you have come to the right place!

Wouldn’t it be great to keep your baby or toddler happily playing in one spot, instead of wandering all over the house looking for fun?

This page is all about finding the perfect arena for keeping your little one safe and entertained.

Towards the bottom of this guide, you will also find a Frequently Asked Questions section, as well as safety warnings, and more!

We want to be your “Go-To” source for all the information you need about play yards and playpens to keep your baby safe!

Wondering which play yard gates and playpens are the best on the market? Take a peek at this list to find out!

What is the difference between Play Yards and Playpens?

This is a great question!

Both Play Yards and Playpens are dedicated play spaces that do a great job of keeping children contained to one specific area, but since the terms commonly overlap each other, it can be a bit confusing when you are shopping.

For ease of discussion, in this article, we will be referring to play yards as structures that have separate panels that are connected to each other and that attach to themselves to form an enclosed space, similar to how super wide baby gates are capable of being used.

For more information about the differences in details, please check out our blog post called: Should I Choose a Play Yard, a Playpen, or a Pack ‘n Play?

Best Play Yards for Babies in 2022

Here is our curated list of the best playards!

We use strict criteria for including products on this list, including those that have received the best customer ratings and the most positive reviews.

We have eliminated any selections that have design flaws that may prove to be dangerous, such as ill-placed openings (holes) that could be used for footholds and climbing or that might allow a child to get an arm or leg stuck.

Keep in mind that we have included reviews of 2 distinct styles of play yards. You will first find standard play yards and, after that, the slightly shorter “chunky” type of play yards that are typically used for younger or smaller babies and toddlers.

1. Best Regular Play Yards

Our Top Pick: Evenflo Versatile Play Space

This fantastic indoor/outdoor standard play yard is tall and sturdy, making it ideal for keeping your child safe!

We love that it has non-slip pads for firm surfaces indoors but also has reversible feet with built-in stakes to secure it when using on your lawn outdoors!

Every panel on this unit is designed to be used as a walk-thru door, so no matter which side you want to enter from it is as simple as “opening” the nearest panel with a one-handed motion.

We love the color options that range from neutral gray to creamy white to bright and colorful primary colors. Plus, you can pick from 2 sizes depending on whether you have a large or small space.

This gate comes fully assembled and can be folded for easy transportation or storage. It is lightweight but well-made with UV weather-resistant plastic panels.

Specifications:

Style	6-Panel, with option to buy 2-Panel Extension for 8 Panels (Choose Versatile Option)
Height	28″ Tall
Spacious	18.5 Square Feet of Space or add extension to nearly double your space
Unique hinge design	Every panel is hinged & can swing open as a walk-thru door
Color option	Has 3 color options (cool gray, cream and multi color)
Design	Indoor/outdoor
Usage information	For use with children 6 to 24 months

The Bottom Line

With a multitude of happy customers, this play yard comes highly-recommended. We love the various features and believe that for a standard plastic-molded play yard, this is one of the best play yards on the market. It rates the highest for sturdiness and is available for a fantastic price!

Toddleroo by North States Superyard Ultimate Play Yard

There are skid-resistant pads on the bottom to keep it from sliding around on a firm surface. It can also be used inside or outside.

This molded plastic play yard comes fully assembled and ready to set up. It folds for easy transport and storage. Color choices include neutral ivory which matches the decor of most homes and a brightly colored “kid-friendly” option.

Specifications:

• 6-Panel or 8-Panel Options
• 26” Tall
• 18.5 Square Feet of Space (6-Panel Version) or 34.4 Square Feet of Space (8-Panel Version)
• Configurable. Can add or remove panels.
• Can purchase additional 2-panel extensions.
• Foldable
• Has Walk-thru Door
• Has 3 color options
• Indoor/Outdoor Design
• Play Mat Sold Separately
• Wall-Mount Hardware Unavailable
• JPMA Certified

The Bottom Line

We love that this play yard provides plenty of space and stands tall enough to contain children very well. It is great for when you need something easy to move to a different location. It is not as sturdy as a metal play yard but does the job well for its class.

Don’t necessarily want a Walk-thru Door?

North States Superyard Colorplay 6 or 8-Panel Play Yard

2. Best Chunky Play Yards

After conducting research on the 14 chunky play yards that are now sold on Amazon, we have come to the conclusion that, according to our findings, there are actually only two of these play yards that have been constructed with safety in mind.

UBRAVOO Learn Coloring Baby Playpen

This rainbow-themed play yard is the best based on our research.

We used at least 13 criteria in this research, and this chunky play yard has 12 of them. More of all the play yards we looked at, including:

1. The opening is designed in a vertical shape that allows your child to see you from the inside but is not positioned such that children can use it as a ladder to climb.
2. Does not have a large hole that can be a child’s attention to insert his hands, feet, or head so that it can cause pinching.
3. No gaps between panels.
4. Free of installation and easy to store and carry everywhere.
5. Has an activity center where none of the reports have broken anything that creates a choking hazard.
6. We also did not find reports from reviewers that there were things that could create a choking hazard, such as screws, broken locks, and others. Note: They use physical keys, not spring locks.
7. And ASTM certified, of course.

The Bottom Line

This is our top recommendation for the chunky play yard. It has everything you need from a play yard, including easy to configure, foldable, and a safe design.

Our biggest plus point is that it doesn’t have a big hole or a wide gap between panels, so there is no risk of children getting pinched.

The price is higher than the competition, but if the quality is what you are looking for and consider the safety factor, we will not look at other play yards than this.

We wholeheartedly recommend it.

Costzon Baby Playpen, 16-Panel Foldable Baby Fence w/Locking Gate

While Ubravoo was our favorite, we were equally wowed by this pre-assembled play yard.

It has a simple neutral design that will fit nicely with your existing decor. The color choices are pleasant, and there are moveable toys on the activity wall. It offers enough space and appeals to both children and parents.

Similar to Ubravoo, it has vertical openings in the panels so that your baby can see out, but they are positioned in such a way that they will not allow your child to use them to climb out. Each panel has a built-in handle, so they are easy to grasp and move into position.

The hinge mechanism on this play gate is also easy to use and locks into place, which adds sturdiness and strength. There is a non-slip rubber pad to help keep it secure when placed on hard floors. When you want to store or move the unit, just unlock the panels and fold them together.

The Bottom Line

We really like the neutral look and function of this chunky play yard. It is well priced and gives an adequate amount of play space for the little ones.

The main difference between this and the Ubravoo is that this one has a non-slip rubber pad on the bottom of the panel, which makes it more difficult to tip over and move. This non-slip floor mat is our favorite, aside from the hinge system.

This is a popular choice among customers, and we recommend it so highly that it is our #1 Top Pick!

Best Portable Playpens in 2022

BABYSEATER Portable Playard Play Pen

The Babyseater Portable Playpen is quite large at nearly 5-feet across. It is super easy to set up and has a quick locking mechanism on each side. It has mesh sides for great visibility and air flow. It comes with a carrying case with a handle which makes it very portable.

The floor is padded and the fabric is removable and machine-washable, making this both comfortable for baby and easy to keep clean. There is also a side zip “door” which is perfect when you want to climb in with baby or let older siblings enter and exit with ease.

The Bottom Line:

We love this playpen and are very impressed with the quality and its ease of use! If you are looking for an easy-to-use play space with super cool features, we highly recommend this one so much that it is our #1 Top Pick!

Baby Delight Go with Me Eclipse Portable Playard

This portable playpen comes standard with a canopy. It is 28” tall and spans 49” across.

The sides are mesh allowing for air circulation and visibility. The floor is made of durable nylon and is easy to wipe clean. Plus the fabric is all removable and machine-washable.

It is foldable and portable with a carrying case that has a handle. Setup is easy and only takes a few seconds with 2 locking mechanisms. It only weighs 12 pounds, so it is lightweight and great for traveling.

If you don’t want or need the canopy, there is also a cheaper option to purchase without it.

Great for babies 6-24 months who are up to 35” tall.

The Bottom Line

This is a nice well-made playpen with great features. It isn’t the cheapest option, but with the machine-washable fabric and canopy, it may be worth the extra money! The only downside is that it doesn’t have any padding on the floor.

Milliard Playpen Portable Playyard with Cushioning

It is constructed with steel bars for stability and mesh sides for visibility and air flow. It is 48” across and 27.5” high. It folds easily and can be stored and carried in its travel bag. It is lightweight and only weighs 12.5 pounds.

Setup includes connecting the 5 safety buckles around the leg joints. It is simple and only takes a few minutes to put up and take down. The fabric is also removable and machine-washable.

The Bottom Line:

We love the extra-padding on this playpen, as that is a hard-to-find feature. The floor is only lightly cushioned, so don’t expect a heavily-padded floor. It doesn’t have the fastest setup and breakdown, but it is still very easy. We highly recommend this playpen overall, especially for the price.

Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Playard

The Bottom Line:

This is a great budget-option playpen. It has all the basics and gets the job done. Plus it is easy-to-use and fast to set up. Plus, you have options to upgrade it with a canopy, if needed.

Like the Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play, but want a deluxe version? Read on!

Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play SE Hex Playard (Sweetlife Edition)

Play-Away Portable Playard Deluxe

It has a large area to play in that is 15 sq. ft (48″ wide and 27″ tall), so there’s plenty of room for more than one child and lots of toys. The six mesh sides have roll-down shades to control breeze and light.

The frame is lightweight, foldable, and durable, plus it comes with a carrying bag with shoulder strap to make transportation easy. The floor is water-resistant and lightly padded for comfort.

The Bottom Line:

This gorgeous, well-built portable play yard has a lot of features and is a fast favorite. We especially love the roll-down sides that allow you to block sun and wind and provide some privacy, if necessary. Great choice that we highly recommend.

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Why Does Your Baby Need a Play Yard or Playpen?

We here believe that play yards and playpens can be a great tool to use, oftentimes in place of or in conjunction with well-placed baby gates in your home. However, we also believe that greatly limiting a child’s play space for too long isn’t wise either.

For this reason, we encourage parents to choose and use a play yard or playpen for times when they need a safe play space for their child, but to not use it exclusively. Children also need time and space to explore and exercise in larger areas, as well.

Also, children should never be left unattended in play yards or playpens and you should remain in the nearby area so as to monitor their safety at all times. These units are not fool-proof and are merely tools to make your job easier and do not eliminate the need for your watchful eye.

So use them carefully and sparingly, on an as-needed basis, and always be in tune with your child’s need to escape the confines of their “baby jail.”

All You Need to Know About Play Yards and Playpens

If you are new to the world of play yards and playpens, it might seem overwhelming at first. In this section, we will address any concerns or questions you may have about these products. We want you to feel confident in your use of them and know their benefits and risks.

What do I need to look for or avoid in a Play Yard or Playpen?

Always make sure that you choose products that are designed with safety in mind. Not all baby products are necessarily well-thought-out, so make sure that any play yard or playpen that you use doesn’t have sharp areas, pinching parts, or improperly sized openings.

Plus, you will need to make sure that your choice fits the size and age of your child. If your child is older or taller, you will need to measure to make sure that they are not too big for the play yard or playpen or that the unit is sturdy enough to accommodate them.

You will also want to consider the size (surface area) that you need, as well as ease of set-up, portability, or other factors that will assure you pick a play yard or playpen that adequately meets your needs and that of your child.

Safety Warnings for Play Yards and Playpens

To prevent accidents, always ensure that:

1. Baby is not left unattended when using a play yard or playpen.
2. There are no tears, holes, sharp or broken areas that baby could hurt themselves with or get caught in
3. If baby can stand or climb, remove any large objects or toys that baby could use to attempt to climb over the sides.
4. Do not tie any toys to the top rail, as baby could get entangled and they are a suffocation hazard.
5. Make sure there are no openings that baby could slip through or low sides that baby can get over.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What age is a playpen or play yard suitable for?

This depends largely on the size and mobility of your child. Generally speaking, playpens are recommended when your child begins to roll around, scoot, or crawl. This may be about 6 months for the average baby.

Many children can continue to use their playpen until they are anywhere from 1-2 years of age, depending on how tall they are and whether they have learned how to climb out of it. It also depends on how high the walls of your playpen or play yard is.

If your child outgrows their playpen or one of the shorter chunky play yards, you may have success keeping them contained safely in a taller standard play yard, either a plastic option as reviewed on this page or upgrading to a metal play yard with vertical slats, as can be found elsewhere on this website.

The important thing to remember is that if your child’s chest comes above the top rail of your play space or has learned to climb out, then it is no longer safe to use for that child, due to risk of them falling out headfirst.

2. Are playpens or play yards a good idea for babies?

Yes, for many parents, these wonderful inventions can help keep baby contained and entertained, keeping them safe and happy while you are busy.

Since most young children who are mobile are super fast and love to wander, a play yard or playpen may be the perfect answer for helping you keep an eye on them by keeping them in one general area.

On the other hand, never leave a small child unattended in a playpen, nor should you over-use a playpen that has limited space. Children do need the opportunity to stretch out, move freely, run & toddle, which is nearly impossible to accomplish in a playpen.

For this reason, use these items, but use them wisely and with good judgment, considering always that a child “penned up” for too long will likely be restless and bored.

3. Can I use a playpen instead of a crib as my baby’s bed?

Only allow your baby to sleep in a playpen if it has a firm surface with no additional mattresses, soft bedding, toys, or other objects in it.

Many playpens on the market are advertised as being an alternative to a crib, but when used for sleep, they must also resemble a proper crib without anything that could potentially become a suffocation or entrapment hazard.

4. Is it okay to leave my baby in a playpen?

Only if you are nearby and are monitoring them. Babies should not be left alone or with another child in a playpen without proper supervision.

Plus, they should not be left for extended periods of time in a playpen, as they may lack proper exercise by doing so or begin to feel bored or overwhelmed with being in such a small space.

Watch your child for clues that they need a break from the playpen. Are they fussy, crying, or attempting to climb out? Those are signs that may indicate that they need more space to play or a change of pace outside of the playpen.

Wrapping Up

We hope this page has been helpful to you on your quest for the best playards and best playpens for babies as you make your decision for what will work best for your little one. We wish you great success as you seek to provide a fun and safe environment for your child!