Graco was the first brand to pioneer the concept of a playard. In fact, the term Pack ‘N Play refers to their inventive 1987 product, but we now use it to refer to all playards. Do you need a changing table? How about a bouncer? Or an infant bassinet? You can find nearly any combination with Graco. If you are looking to streamline the baby items you purchase and want to buy one item that serves many functions, Graco playards are your best bet! We’ve rounded up Graco’s best playards and pack ‘n plays below and explain the benefits of each one.
Best Graco Pack ‘N Plays
The Quick Connect with Bouncer, the Travel Dome, the Quick Connect with Portable Seat, the Change ‘N Carry, the Close2Baby, the Snuggle Seat, and the Care Suite are all multiple use pack ‘n plays that offer diaper changing stations, newborn bassinets, bouncer seats, and a crib for infants. However, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard and the Graco Travel Lite Crib are no frills, simple crib options when you travel often or want something simple for Grandma’s house.
Graco Pack ‘n Play Quick Connect Playard with Portable Bouncer
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Quick Connect Playard with Portable Bouncer offers a remarkable seven ways to use this one baby item! You will be using this Playard from newborn days to toddlerhood.
It features a unique raised bassinet feature that positions your newborn at your eye level for your peace of mind at night. You can then drop the bassinet slightly to crib level. Additionally, you can remove the bassinet completely to make it even more compact and easier to travel with.
The Playard also includes a portable seat with two-speed vibration that is removable and a diaper changing station.
Once your baby becomes a toddler, the Newborn2Toddler Playard offers a toddler cot that has low sidewalls to provide a comfortable “big kid” bed. The cot retracts for easy storage. And of course, you can use this as a traditional Playard for play and sleep.
As an added bonus, if you have a newborn and a toddler, you can use this one product for both kids at the same time!
Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard
The most basic model you can find is the Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard. This model is a great option if you have a slightly older infant who can safely play in the Playard or if you need a no-frills portable crib to store at Grandma’s.
This item does not come with bells and whistles, such as a changing pad, mobile or detachable bassinet. It is your standard Playard and the base model for nearly all of Graco’s Pack ‘N Plays.
The design features automatically folding feet and wheels to make transporting from room to room easier. This Playard also comes with an organizer pouch to keep extra diapers, wipes, or other essentials nearby. A convenient carry bag that is machine washable is included as well.
The mesh panels provide maximum ventilation for parents’ peace of mind. playards are a must-have if you have a mobile child who gets into everything! This allows you to place your baby in a safe spot to play with toys while you quickly throw in a load of laundry, run to the restroom, etc.
You can use this pack and play from birth, however, note that you’ll have to bend down to pick up your newborn. Fair warning for your back!
Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard
The Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard is fantastic to use with newborns and beyond.
The On The Go model comes with the base standard Graco Playard and also includes a removable, full-size infant bassinet. This was a game-changer in my household! Baby slept in the bassinet for the first few months.
Rather than purchasing a separate bassinet that can run several hundred dollars, you can pay a fraction to upgrade Graco’s basic Playard for this added feature. The bassinet function is helpful in those early newborn days when baby is getting up multiple times during the day and night for feedings and diaper changes. Your back will thank you!
While the Graco Playard plus bassinet is not as compact as traditional bassinets, we love that you can get extended use out of the Playard. Babies outgrow bassinets quickly. With the Graco Playard, you can remove the bassinet when baby is ready and drop the mattress to use as a standard pack and play.
This On The Go model also features a soft plush toy mobile to keep baby entertained.
Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard comes with many amazing features.
Let’s begin with the portable dome bassinet. This can be used on or off the Playard with a simple secure click. It allows you to keep baby by your side wherever you go, whether that’s the kitchen or the park. The large canopy on the bassinet features soft toys and UV 50 protection to shield baby from the sun. The travel dome comes with its own carry bag for added convenience.
For use at home, the portable dome has mesh, see-through panels at eye level. This is a great feature if you have the bassinet by your bed. You can check in on baby throughout the night without having to get out of bed.
Another favorite function is the removable diaper changing table. The surface is easy to wipe in case of accidents. The Playard also comes with built-in storage next to the changing pad to keep diapers, wipes, ointments, and more.
These added features come on top of the removable full-size infant bassinet and basic Playard which includes front wheels for easy portability.
This top pack n play is a no-brainer!
Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Portable Bouncer
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Portable Bouncer is another favorite because one product serves multiple purposes.
The special feature in the Quick Connect Playard model is the portable bouncer. It comes with two-speed vibrations to soothe baby. The extra support and plush fabrics keep your little one cozy. You can use the portable bouncer on the pack and play or on the ground to make sure baby is always close.
Similar to other models, the Graco Quick Connect Playard includes a removable changing table. The diaper station is large and can be used for babies up to 30 pounds. It is easy to wipe clean, and for added convenience, there are three integrated storage compartments to organize diapers, wipes, ointments, and more.
The Quick Connect with Portable Bouncer also features a detachable infant bassinet, so this Playard truly can be used from the newborn to infant to toddler stages.
Parents love Graco playards because you can purchase fewer items for your baby, and that is especially true with the Quick Connect with Portable Bouncer.
Graco Pack ‘n Play Change ‘N Carry Playard
Diaper changing is made easy with the Graco Pack ‘n Play Change ‘N Carry Playard.
This Playard is designed with all those middle of the night changes in mind. The diaper changing table includes a portable changing pad, which folds into a convenient pouch to take in your diaper bag. There are also built-in storage pockets to keep all of baby’s essentials within arm’s reach.
The portable changing pad is amazing to use in public restrooms. It features easy to wipe fabrics.
The changing station is nested with an infant bassinet, so you’ll never have to move baby far to keep him or her clean. It is important to note that you cannot use the bassinet without the changing table because they are connected.
As your little one grows out of the bassinet, use the Change ‘N Carry as a Playard to provide a perfect place to keep your baby safe and entertained.
This model (which is similar to the Graco Dream Anywhere Playard) comes with a toy mobile, Graco’s signature push-button fold, and a convenient carry bag.
Graco Pack ‘n Play Close2Baby Playard
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Close2Baby Playard is slightly different from Quick Connect Playard with Portable Bouncer in that it comes with a newborn seat instead of a rocker.
The portable seat easily lifts off the Playard so you can take baby with you as you move around the house. It has a full-sized canopy and full head support to give your little one a cozy spot to hang out.
The Close2Baby also features a removable diaper changing station with wipe-clean fabric and storage pockets for baby’s essentials.
The full-sized infant bassinet features mesh panels and keeps baby at your eye level, so you can check in on your little one throughout the night. As your little one grows, drop the mattress to use as a Playard. The Close2Baby truly grows with your baby!
Graco Pack ‘n Play Snuggle Seat
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Snuggle Seat is a familiar yet upgraded classic.
This Playard features a newborn seat with extra-soft micro-fleece fabric and a large canopy to keep the baby comfortable. It also has enhanced audio features, including 5 classical songs, 5 soothing nature sounds, and 2-speed vibrations in both the seat and the bassinet.
Because babies love to be rocked to sleep in those newborn days, soothing vibrations in the bassinet could be a game-changer!
The Playard also has a diaper changing station with integrated storage. As with all Graco playards, they are a breeze to assemble and fold up.
Also, you can take out the seat and the diaper changing station to use the inner sleeping area. Remove that to allow your baby to sleep or play in the main part of the Playard. Add storage pockets on the side for extra storage space for diapers, wipes, and pacifiers.
The fun green color makes this a unique option.
Graco Pack ‘n Play Care Suite Bassinet Playard
You never have to worry about finding a safe, clean spot to change your baby’s diaper with the Graco Pack ‘n Play Care Suite Bassinet Playard. This unique Playard is both a changing table and a Playard plus it has a mini newborn bassinet!
It features a reversible newborn seat and changer. Converting between the two couldn’t be easier. The diaper changer has an easy-to-clean fabric. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.
The newborn seat gives your baby a cozy place to nap around the house and a safe spot to observe his or her new world!
A removable infant bassinet and spacious Playard ensure that your baby will be using this for years to come. Add in a storage container on the side for things you need like diapers and wipes.
Graco Travel Lite Crib
If your family travels often or live in a smaller apartment or condo, the Graco Travel Lite Crib is a must-have.
The Travel Lite Crib is 20 percent smaller than traditional playards. At just 20 pounds, it is lightweight and is designed to fit through most doorways. The Playard also has wheels, making it extremely portable.
What makes the Travel Lite Crib different is that it has an adjustable height bassinet. Like a traditional crib, you can drop the mattress to three different levels.
The newborn stage accommodates babies up to 15 pounds. It has a canopy and soft toys to keep baby comfortable and entertained.
The infant bassinet drops slightly for older babies. It is still elevated to make it easy to reach baby when needed.
Once baby is older, remove the bassinet and use the crib as a Playard. This feature accommodates babies up to 35 inches tall.
With Graco’s signature push fold and convenient travel bag, transporting a safe spot for baby to sleep has never been easier!
Check out the Graco My View for a similar Playard/bassinet combo.
Best Graco Pack ‘N Plays Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Graco Pack 'n Play Change 'N Carry Playard | 9.7 | 9.6 | 299.94 |
| Graco Pack 'n Play Quick Connect Playard with Portable Bouncer | 8.8 | - | 239.97 |
| Graco Pack 'n Play Snuggle Seat | 9.5 | 9.2 | 229.49 |
| Graco Pack 'n Play Travel Dome LX Playard | 9.9 | - | 219.99 |
| Graco Pack 'n Play Close2Baby Playard | 9.6 | - | 189.99 |
| Graco Pack 'n Play Care Suite Bassinet Playard | 8.4 | - | 159.99 |
| Graco Pack 'N Play On The Go Playard | 9.9 | 9.6 | 79.99 |
| Graco Pack 'n Play Playard | 5.0 | 9.4 | - |
| Graco Travel Lite Crib | 3.9 | 9.4 | - |
How to Assemble a Playard
A pack and play, or Playard, is a piece of baby equipment that is comprised of a soft but sturdy mattress and four mesh panels. It is an ideal spot for babies to sleep or play since they are unable to roll or climb out of them.
Graco playards are very easy to set up and tear down because of their signature push fold. All of its pack and plays come with this feature, so we want to explain how it works right off the bat. It does take some practice. Once you master it, it takes less than 30 seconds to assemble!
To set up:
- Simply pull the four legs away from the center of the crib.
- Extend the sides of the pack and play by clicking the four plastic bars into place.
- Then, press down on the center of the crib.
- Place the mattress, hard side down, on the bottom of the crib. Pro tip: cover the mattress with a pack and play sheet to make cleaning spit up and stains a breeze.
To break down:
- Remove the mattress, take off the sheet, and set aside.
- Pull the center lever located at the bottom of the crib.
- Push the buttons on the four plastic bars to collapse them. Pro tip: disassemble the longer bars first for easier folding.
- Slide the condensed bars into the center of the crib.
- Use the mattress to wrap the Playard frame and secure with the velcro straps for easy carrying.
FAQs – Graco Pack ‘N Play
Is it safe for baby to sleep in a Graco Pack ‘N Play every night?
Yes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, playards, such as Graco Pack ‘n Plays, are safe surfaces to put your baby to sleep. playards are subject to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and must meet all safety standards.
Many families skip purchasing a bassinet altogether and use pack ‘n plays from birth with their little ones, especially since you can get extended use out of them compared to a traditional bassinet, which becomes unsafe once baby gets older. You can rest assured knowing playards are safe for sleep.
Remember, baby must be placed on his or her back when put down to sleep.
How easily does a Graco Pack ‘N Play travel?
This depends on which model you choose for your family.
The no-frills pack and play that includes just the Playard folds up compactly and is easy to travel with, especially because it comes with a convenient carry bag. When packed up, the Graco Playard is roughly 28 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. It weighs just under 20 pounds.
The diaper changers, portable seats, and any other accessories must be carried separately. It’s typically not a huge inconvenience if you are traveling in a car. But if you plan to fly with the added features, you should plan accordingly.
If you travel frequently with your child, I’d recommend the Graco Travel Lite Crib. That model is the most convenient to travel with.
How do I choose a Graco Pack ‘N Play?
Choosing the right pack and play for your family may be overwhelming due to the endless number of options out there.
If you are purchasing a Graco Playard, ask yourself what features would make your life easier and take inventory of what you already have. For example, perhaps your family has gifted a rocker. Skip the Graco models that come with portable rockers and opt for one with a newborn seat instead.
Or if you plan on buying a Graco Playard to use occasionally when napping baby at a family member’s home, you might only need the basic Playard model.
How can I make my Graco Pack ‘N Play more comfortable?
To us adults, sleeping on a Playard mattress probably seems very, very uncomfortable. We are used to plush mattresses, memory foam pillows, and more.
But for babies, pack and play mattresses are great the way they are. Pediatricians and experts implore newborns and infants must sleep on firm surfaces. Firm means hard, and the surface should not indent when baby is laying on it, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The only other thing that should be in the pack and play, Playard, crib, or bassinet is a tight-fitting sheet designed for the specific mattress. Nothing else should be in or on the sleep surface until baby turns one year old.
What are the Benefits of a Playard?
The beauty of Graco playards is that one product can be used for years and serve multiple functions. They are useful baby equipment, even if you do not plan on traveling frequently and stay home most days. They truly are a must-have item for your registry.
Our Playard, which included a bassinet and diaper changing station, was the most used baby item when we brought our daughter home from the hospital. She took naps and nighttime sleep in the infant bassinet, and that changing station got a lot of use (new parents understand!).
Once our daughter transitioned into the crib in her nursery, we moved the pack and play into the living room, so she could take occasional naps near us. When she got older, the Playard converted into her very own mini ball pit! She loved playing in there.
