Play yards

What's behind our play yard Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 6 models in play yards to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on safety assessments, ease of use, and portability.
Safety
Safety assessments mean that all six models tested met the requirements of the ASTM F406-08a Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards. The safety score shown consists of whether the model has a changing table strap, whether the bassinet is easy to dislodge¿by an older sibling, for example, and whether the mattress is securely attached and cannot be easily dislodged from the bottom of the play yard by the child occupant.
Ease of use
The Ease of use score is based on our judgment of ease of set-up and closure, and accessibility and ease of use of the latches.
Portability
Portability is based on our judgment of how easy it is to pack and carry or transport the packed play yard.
Bassinet
Bassinet is our safety assessment of the means of attaching the bassinet to the play yard.
Weight (lbs.)
The weight of the play yard in pounds.

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Play yards—updated versions of playpens—are for more than just playing. Play yards can also provide babies with an enclosed place for napping and some can function as a portable changing table, saving you from having to run to the nursery for every diaper change. If you're looking for information about play yards, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ play yard reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our play yard buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and play yard reviews to help you choose the best play yard for your needs.

Play yard buying guide

How necessary is a play yard? You can certainly live without one. But a play yard can fill a need you may not know you have until you start using it. Of course, a play yard gives your baby a place to play. Some play yards have extras to amuse your baby, including a mobile, a detachable toy bar, or an entertainment center that features music, nature sounds, and/or dancing lights, some activated by remote control. As a portable changing station, some play yards come with a changing-table insert or an attached changing table that flips into ... Read more

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