10 Best Baby Playpen and Play Yard Reviews 2023

Whether you realize it or not, babies grow up so fast. They approach some key developmental milestones as soon as they start to scoot, roll, and crawl. These are some most joyous moments for new parents. Also, these are the times when you need to keep an eye on your child at all times. During these periods, a baby playpen can be a lifesaver for you. 

While you’re catching up on household chores or drinking your favorite tea, a baby playpen or play yard might offer you some kid-free time.

Read on to learn about some of the best baby playpens on the market and important safety features to pay attention to before buying a playpen.

Best Baby Playpen/Play Yard

Our Top Picks

• Best baby playpen: Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen 
• Best baby playpen for sleeping: Joovy Room Portable-Playard, Playpen 
• Best baby playpen for crawling: Toddleroo by the North States Baby Play Yard
• Best baby playpen with a gate: JAXPETY Baby Playpen
• Best foldable baby playpen: Babyseater Portable Playard Playpen for Infants and Babies

Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen

If you are concerned about whether a baby playpen will be a safe play space for your child or not, take a look at Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen. It includes a foam floor to make it safe and comfortable for your little one. You can now focus on the unfinished chores with peace of mind knowing that your little one is in a safe space.

First, Fortella comes pre-assembled, so you don’t require extra tools or help to set it up. The compact fold offers easy portability and storage. Therefore, you can place it anywhere anytime. The grey and white theme of the playpen blends well with most living rooms as well as the kitchen.

The hinge connectors, placed on the top, stabilizes and secures the playpen. The anti-slip pads work great on all floor types. The 24.4-inch tall panel allows keeping a discrete eye on your child from the outside. To access from the outside, the playpen features a gate with safety locks. It is sturdy and well-designed. The fun activity wall also contributes to its aesthetic look.

It includes a whiteboard to foster creativity and independent play. The set is made of non-toxic HDPE and free from all the harmful ingredients such as BPA, phthalates, lead, latex, and formaldehyde. You will like the fact that it is CPSIA and ASTM certified.

The set also comes with sensory toys to keep your child busy. It covers over 25 square feet. Although there is enough space for your child and extra toys, you have the option to include the extension kit sold by Fortella to expand the play space. While this playpen stands out in terms of features and quality, you have to pay more than most playpens in the market.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Made with safe materials
• Sleek style and safe design
• CPSIA and ASTM Certified
• Different color variants are available
• Includes activity wall and sensory toys

Cons

• It’s a pricey option

Joovy Room Portable-Playard, Playpen

Are you looking for a playpen that allows the baby to sleep in it? Check this Joovy Room Portable Playpen. This model comes with a soft cotton sheet and padded mattress, making sure your little one can have fun and take naps comfortably.

The playpen is nearly double in size than the regular play yards. This will offer your baby plenty of space to roll around, scoot, and crawl.

You’ll like the 306° view through the mesh windows. They let you interact and keep an eye on your little one. The top opening also allows easy access from the outside. Moreover, there are built-in wheels to make it easy to move around. 

It comes with a waterproof mattress cover and a zippered carrying case. When you are on the go, it folds into a compact size to fit in the travel bag. It also has two different color variants- Black and Charcoal.

The 2-year manufacturer warranty is definitely a plus. The playpen is pretty durable and roomy—making it a must-have for parents with twins.

Suitable for 0 months – 2 year old

Pros

• Includes machine washable and waterproof sheet
• Built-in wheels for easy portability
• Comes with lots of space
• Compact fold
• Vibrant colors

Cons

• Some reviewers say it’s heavy

Toddleroo by the North States Baby Play Yard

If your little one has started crawling, this playpen might be a safe crawling space for your baby. This playpen has 8 multi-colored panels that can cover an area of 34.4 square feet. It comes from one of the high-quality baby playpen brands- Toddleroo by North States.

It features a combination of vibrant colors, which most babies will love. The model maintains high standards when it comes to safety, durability, and ease of use. To alleviate most parent’s safety concerns, it is even JPMA and ASTM-certified.

Along with the main enclosure, it includes 16 skid-resistant pads and a carry strap, making it easier to move from one room to another. Plus, there is an instruction manual. The manual will help with the assembly process.

The small openings on the panel allow monitoring the inside activities. As for place space, this playpen has enough room to accommodate more than one baby.

You will be thrilled with how easy it is to put together. For assembly, no extra tools are required. The overall quality of the product is great. However, some parents complained that it is not easy to fold.

Suitable for babies aged 6 to 24 months

Pros

• Includes 16 skid-resistant pads and a carry strap
• Looks great with vibrant colors
• Baby-safe design
• Lightweight
• Durable

Cons

• Not easy to access from the outside

JAXPETY Baby Playpen

If you’re looking for a playpen that has a gate for an easy walk in and out, JAXPETY Baby Playpen will be a decent pick. The flexible 8-panel shapes allow you to create a personalized play area for babies and toddlers. Ideal for babies aged 6-months and up, the playpen can cover an area up to 74 inches. It includes BPA free, non-toxic, and non-recycled materials to bring the safest playpen for your baby.

The playpen comes with an activity board to keep your toddler busy. Keep in mind that you can place them both on a carpet or hardwood floor. They work great on both surfaces. You will also find suction cups on each panel. The suction cups serve the purpose of holding the playpen in place.

Furthermore, the panel has lots of fun and colorful engravings for educational purposes. The panels have an ideal height to allow your baby to stand and walk along with the panel. This gives young babies the chance to develop their gross motor skills. Although these features are limited, they still encourage independent play and exploration for toddlers. Plus, there are no sharp corners and edges that can lead to injuries and cuts.

Most parents love the fact that the playpen gate is easy to open and well-designed. The overall design is colorful and sturdy. You will also like the straightforward assembly and folding since no tools are required. All you have to do is put the different panels together.

Pros

• Provides comfortable play area
• Comes with a safety gate
• Colorful and flexible
• Non-toxic materials
• Simple assembly

Cons

• Less sturdy than what some parents expected

Babyseater Portable Playard Playpen for Infants and Babies

Babyseater Portable Playard Playpen might be the perfect choice for parents looking for a portable playpen to create a safe play safe for their baby.

Unlike many baby playpens, this one is very portable because of its lightweight metal folding frame. When you need to set it up somewhere, just a single-handed operation will do the trick within minutes. However, don’t think that it’s cheaply made.

It is pretty durable and designed to last through the early baby development stage. What’s more, this baby playpen comes with water-resistant, removable fabric for easy removal and cleaning. It even comes with two safety locks for added safety. There is also see-through mesh, which allows keeping an eye on your little one when he/she is playing solo.

The padded base of this playpen will feel very cozy to young babies. The base features three different color shades- Pink, Turquoise, and Beige. The mesh walls offer visibility from both the inside and outside.

There is a carrying case for convenient portability. It gives a compact fold, making it more convenient to bring along to family gatherings and vacations. With an item weight of 14.02 pounds, you don’t have to worry about carrying it from one place to another.

Pros

• Comes with a travel bag
• Easy to fold and carry
• Fold-down pretty compact
• Simple to set up
• Sturdy frames
• Lightweight

Cons

• Parents wished it was more affordable

Other Recommdended Baby Playpen/Play Yards

Rated Highly by Parents and Experts

No products found.

Evenflo Versatile Play Space

Most play yards come with too many downsides; that’s not the case for this Evenflo Versatile Play Space. This play space has a unique design to keep your little one safe inside the play space. Your child will have some fun time inside the play space.

The design is simple; the play center comes with a versatile place space and two extension panels. If you wish, you can buy them separately. The play space is spacious enough to fit at least two children aged 6 to 24 months. Unlike many playpens, it doesn’t have any sharp plastic edges that could harm your baby.

It comes with reversible legs to prevent slipping on any indoor or outdoor surface. They allow setting it up wherever you want. The mesh on all sides allows you to keep an eye on your little one.

Plus, it includes six interlocking UV and weather-resistant panels that can cover an area of over 18.5 square feet. It doesn’t have a designated gate to get in; you can unsnap any section of the fence to enter inside. There are three cool and unique colors to choose from.

Reviewers mention that it is pretty durable. However, they warned that an energetic kid might try to climb the fence. If you have a non-active baby, this might help you keep your little one safe while you get some chores done.

Pros

• Great for both indoor and outdoor use
• Comes with expandable panels
• Simple to put together
• Large play space
• Lightweight

Cons

• Parents wished there was a gate door

Regalo My Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor

This playpen is what every new parent needs. It has a super simple design that serves the purpose very well. And it’s cheap compared to other similar baby playpens.

While many other playpens come with fixed bottom, this includes a removable base and netting for easy cleaning. It’s super easy to unfold and take it down. You can even set it up on the go. There are metal bars to hold the playpen together. But don’t worry, the metal bars are outside of the mesh walls that allow parents to check on their babies.

Parents even like this over the regular pack n play because of its foldable and lightweight design. It is excellent for both indoor and outdoor use as it is made with UV and water-resistant materials. The play yard even includes safety-lock features that will impress most parents.

It will make an excellent addition anywhere you put it. Furthermore, it is easy to clean. The only downside is there is no cushion support at the bottom.

Pros

• Offers the convenience of portability and storage
• Simple to put together
• Simple design layout
• Easy to clean
• Affordable

Cons

• Not ideal for active toddlers

Baby Trend Retreat Nursery Center

Instead of just getting a bassinet for your baby, you might be interested in this multipurpose bassinet plus play center. The Retreat Nursery Center is an all-in-one pack n plays for babies. It comes in three vibrant colors to fit in your living room.

The nursery center comes with a full bassinet, changing table, a parent organizer. The removable bassinet that can be attached to the actual playpen has a safe design for little girls and boys to sleep in. The bassinet is made with polyester and seems pretty durable. It is sturdy enough to hold babies up to 15lbs. It also has breathable mesh sides for keeping an eye on your baby.

The changing table on the top allows easy access to baby essentials for nighttime changes. The night light feature also comes in handy. The super-soft fabrics and side attachment clips will give you peace of mind while getting some chores done. However, neither the bassinet nor the changing table comes with a removable pad/mattress.

For easy access to your personal items, the play center includes a deluxe parent organizer. You can also use the organizer to store various baby toys. You will like the music box with nature sounds, which will keep your baby entertained. Besides, the vibration feature is also helpful to soothe your crying baby.

The play center also contains large wheels for easy moving from one place to another. The wheels, on the other hand, can be secured in place with one hand locking mechanism. Parents say it’s easy to assemble, and a quick look at the instructions should be enough. As for value, you will hardly get a better product for the price.

Pros

• It has music, toys, and a nightlight feature
• All-in-on bassinet with changing table 
• Contains breathable mesh sides
• Easy installation
• Portable

Cons

• Some parents don’t like the fact that the bassinet and changing table covers aren’t removable for washing

Gupamiga Foldable Baby Playpen

If you are looking for a foldable baby playpen, this foldable playpen from Gupamiga is worth considering. It’s spacious enough, 66 by 60 by 24 inches, to comfortably fit 1-2 kids to play. It is recommended for children from 6 months to 4 years old.

This playpen contains all the amenities and features to let you make a safe play area for your baby. First, it comes pre-assembled with no extra tools needed. All you need to do is unfold the panels and configure them the way you want. You can convert the panels into different shapes to fit a variety of spaces. Therefore, it relieves you from a major hassle.

Secondly, the design has a stable door lock; knowing you can only control the door knock will give you peace of mind. You even need to use two hands to open the gate.

The playpen also comes with a no-slip design. Not just kids, even adults, will find it hard to move the entire fence with push force.

Unlike many playpens, the design of this playpen makes sure your baby’s arms and feet don’t get trapped. Here, the openings are properly maintained to avoid risks and injuries. It would be great if a non-toxic play mat came with this playpen. However, parents are thrilled that it is made with durable, non-toxic plastic. Your nose won’t detect any lousy odor since the materials are free from Odor, BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Lead, Latex, and Formaldehyde.

Pros

• Made with durable, non-toxic plastic
• Folding and unfolding is super easy
• Stable door lock for safety
• Comes preassembled
• 3-year support
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Some parents often find it difficult to open the gate

Summer Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard

This portable playpen might be the perfect play space for your active toddlers. If you’re afraid that it might delay your baby’s development, know that it can cover an area of 14 square feet, which is enough to fit a handful of toys and keep your toddler occupied.

It is spacious enough to fit more than one child at once. The metal frame is lead-free and weighs only 12lbs. The compact and lightweight design of this playpen make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

There is no gate to allow access from the outside, but you can take a peek at your baby from the top. However, it has several mesh sides to keep an eye on your baby from the outside. The frames are 26 inches tall, so no chance of your baby climbing the frame. However, you need to buy an additional padded mattress on which kids would love to crawl, scoot, and roll around.

The playpen makes safe heaven for your baby and promotes independent play. The 3-point safety harness should keep them safe. When it’s time to pack, the innovative pop and fold design comes in very handy. This item also comes with a waterproof floor.

Most parents feel the setup process is super easy. You’ll also be happy to learn that it’s not an expensive option. Overall, a well-designed playpen that will offer you some baby-free time to get some chores done.

Pros

• Durable and doesn’t contain harsh compounds
• Comes with a water-resistant floor
• Lightweight and portable
• Perfect for ball pit fun
• Affordable option
• Easy to set up

Cons

• No padded mattress

Best Baby Playpens/Play Yards

Questions & Answers

Experts recommend getting a playpen before your baby can move around a lot. 

Playpens are intended to use for a safe play area for kids. However, playpens can also be used for short supervised naps.

Before putting a baby to sleep in a playpen, make sure proper safety guidelines are followed!

What factors to consider before buying a playpen?

There are some features to consider while buying a playpen:

Design

A baby playpen should be sturdy and well-designed. Pick a playpen that’s made with heavy-duty, durable plastic. 

Ease of Use

A baby playpen should have an easy folding and unfolding mechanism. Choose a playpen that’s easy to use and lightweight.

Safety 

Regardless of the materials used to make a playpen, there shouldn’t be any sharp edges and corners. Make sure your selected product has the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) certification seal.

Extra features

Most playpens don’t include padded mattress. Make sure to get a nontoxic baby mat along with the playpen. Check whether the playpen includes a gate, a bag, or extra accessories. 

Final Thoughts

A baby playpen is a safe place for a baby to play and take naps.  The latest design innovation has even made them safer and comfier for a baby to take naps. 

Moreover, a baby playpen can also be a lifesaver for a new mom when she juggles so many things at the same time. Invest in a quality playpen; you will thank yourself later.