Buying Guides for Play Yards

Basics
Play yards are wonderful because they are such a versatile piece of equipment. Most are compact enough for easy transport. They are great both inside the home and out, and have see-through mesh so your baby can see everything around him. Most also have wheels for easy maneuverability. Your baby can play is his own little space while you take a little time out. Bring the play yard along on visits to Grandma or on trips to the park. It's a safe place to let your baby entertain himself. Play yards are also ideal for travel as a crib for younger babies to nap in. Most fold for easy portability.

Types
Basic: Play yards come with many different features, so you can find one to suit your exact needs. The basic play yard doubles as a playpen and a crib for naps. Although some are made of fabric, most now have mesh netting that makes for easier cleanup. Because Play Yards are frequently used for travel, most fold compactly and also have wheels for easy maneuverability that lock for safety.

Bassinet: While all Play Yards can double as temporary cribs, some Play Yards have built-in bassinets for newborns. The bassinets are designed to hold newborns up until your baby reaches 15 pounds. They are particularly useful for travel with a younger baby, as you do not have to worry about a safe place for your baby to sleep. When your baby outgrows the bassinet, simply remove it to create a play area.

Canopy: If you plan to frequently use your play yard outside, look for one that has a canopy. The canopy protects your baby from the sun's UV rays and provides shade to keep him a little cooler.

Accessories
Changing Stations can be purchased separately if your play yard does not include one. It will give you a convenient but most of all safe and sanitary place to change your baby when you're away from home.

Netting is particularly helpful for outdoor use and protecting your baby during the mosquito months.

Sheets should be purchased separately if you intend to use your play yard as a crib for naps. They will help keep the play yard clean and your baby comfortable.

Age Range
If you buy a play yard with a bassinet, you can begin using the bassinet from birth. The bassinet will hold your baby until he is about 15 pounds. Otherwise, you will probably begin using your play yard as your child begins to crawl, around the age of six months. You'll continue to use it until your baby is about two years old, or 30 pounds.

Safety Tips

NEVER leave your baby unattended in the play yard.
Do not add padding, large toys, or other objects into the play yard that may permit your baby to climb out. Likewise, do not use your play yard with a child who can climb.
Do not leave sheets or bedding in the play yard as it could pose an entanglement risk.
Never leave the side of a play yard down, loose mesh poses an entanglement risk.
Check fabric frequently for tears.
For babies less than 15 pounds, only use the bassinet portion of the play yard.
The mesh holes in your play yard should be no larger than ¼ inch.
Your play yard should have padding around the top rails and corners.
Always make sure your play yard is locked in the open position before putting your baby inside.

Cost Range
A play yard usually runs between $60 to over $200. The more money you spend, the more features you get, such as a canopy, a bassinet or a changing station. More expensive Play Yards also come with nicer fabrics.

Buying Tips


Safety is the most important feature in anything you'll buy for your baby. Only place your infant in a play yard that is sturdy, and doesn't wobble.
Buy a play yard that is easy to set up and take down. Make sure you can fold it with little difficulty. While a play yard should be easy to fold, it should also be sturdy enough so it won't collapse on its own.
Parents' biggest concern is how easy it is to clean. That's why most prefer mesh netting on a play yard. It may not be as comfortable as fabric yards are for your baby, but it's a lot easier to clean and will most likely save you lots of time and hassle in the long run.
Buy a play yard that fits your needs. Think about what you'll use it for, whether you'll use it mostly at home, travel or outdoors.
Remember that part of a tot's nature is an overwhelming sense of curiosity and adventure, so your baby is probably going to try to escape at least once. Make sure your baby can't get loose from his play yard on his own. This is especially true when he's a little older.