A pack and play can give your baby a familiar place to sleep at home or while traveling, but the right choice depends on the features you’ll use most. Some models focus on a simple, portable playard, while others add a raised infant bassinet, changing station, or extra storage. Here are four options to compare, plus practical tips for choosing a sleep space that fits your routine.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Graco On the Go Zip DLX Pack ‘n Play Playard | Four modes, zip-in raised infant bassinet, soft knit fabrics, compact fold | Families who want a cozy, adaptable Graco playard |
| Pamo Babe Pack and Play Portable Crib | Tool-free setup, foldable frame, mattress pad, mesh sides | Travelers seeking a straightforward portable playard |
| Graco Simple Solutions Pack ‘n Play Playard | Full-size infant bassinet, diaper changer, storage pouch, wheels | Parents who want sleep and changing features in one setup |
| Graco Close2Baby Pack ‘n Play Playard | Six modes, portable raised newborn seat, zip-in bassinet, care station | Families who value multiple configurations and a changing area |
Our Picks: Best Pack And Play For Sleeping reviews
Graco On the Go Zip DLX: A Soft, Adaptable Sleep-and-Play Option
The Graco On the Go Zip DLX is a convertible playard with four modes, including a zip-in raised infant bassinet and a toddler playard. Its design puts an emphasis on soft materials: the product description highlights premium knit fabrics intended to give the playard a cozy feel.
It also folds compactly for travel, which may be useful if you need to move it between rooms or pack it for a trip. The raised bassinet can make it easier to tend to a younger baby, while the playard configuration gives your child a separate place to sleep or play as they grow. Check the included instructions for the exact mode options and the limits for each one.
Compared with the Pamo Babe, this model offers more described configurations and a softer fabric focus. It does not list a changing station or storage pouch, so parents looking to combine sleep and diaper changes may prefer one of the other Graco options below.
Pros:
- Four modes include a zip-in raised infant bassinet
- Premium knit fabrics are designed for a soft feel
- Folds compactly for travel and storage
- Converts to a toddler playard
Cons:
- Does not list a diaper changer or storage pouch
- More modes may mean more setup steps than a basic playard
Verdict: Choose the On the Go Zip DLX if you want a soft-fabric Graco playard with a raised infant bassinet and a compact fold, but don’t need an integrated changing station.
Pamo Babe Portable Crib: A Simple, Travel-Ready Choice
The Pamo Babe is a foldable playard with a mattress pad and breathable mesh sides. Its main appeal is a simpler feature set: it is designed for tool-free setup and takedown, and the compact fold can help when you’re packing a car or storing the playard between uses.
Assembly order matters. The product instructions say to lock all four side rails before lowering the base, then check that the rails are engaged. Follow the included directions each time you set it up, rather than relying on memory. The product description gives a maximum use limit of 33 pounds or 35 inches, or when a child can climb out, whichever comes first.
Compared with the Graco options, the Pamo Babe does not list a raised bassinet, changing station, or extra modes. That simpler setup may suit families who want a portable playard without several add-ons. Before using the mattress pad for sleep, follow the product’s instructions about the approved sleep surface and bedding.
Pros:
- Designed for tool-free setup and takedown
- Foldable for travel and storage
- Includes a mattress pad
- Mesh sides provide visibility and airflow
Cons:
- Does not list a raised infant bassinet or changing station
- Has stated height, weight, and climbing limits that you’ll need to follow
Verdict: The Pamo Babe is a practical option if you want a portable, relatively straightforward playard and are comfortable following its specific setup and use instructions.
Graco Simple Solutions: A Playard With a Changing Station
The Graco Simple Solutions combines a full-size infant bassinet with an integrated diaper changer. A mesh storage pouch keeps diapers, wipes, and other changing essentials nearby, which can make it easier to handle care tasks without gathering supplies from another room.
When your baby outgrows the bassinet setup, the playard converts to a larger toddler space for sleep or play. Folding feet and wheels are designed to make the folded unit more compact than some other Graco playards, according to the product description. That may be helpful if storage space is limited, though the added changer and pouch make this a more feature-focused option than the Pamo Babe.
The changing station is useful for convenience, but it also means there are more parts and configurations to manage. Use the bassinet, changer, and playard only as directed, and check the instructions for the correct mode and use limits as your child grows.
Pros:
- Full-size infant bassinet provides a raised sleep option
- Integrated diaper changer and mesh storage pouch
- Converts to a toddler playard
- Folding feet and wheels support a more compact fold
Cons:
- Changing and storage features add components to manage
- Does not list the portable raised newborn seat found on the Close2Baby model
Verdict: Pick the Simple Solutions if you want a bassinet and changing station together, with storage for diapering essentials, and do not need a separate portable newborn seat.
Graco Close2Baby: The Most Versatile Setup in This Group
The Graco Close2Baby is a six-mode playard designed to cover several stages and care needs. Its listed features include a portable raised newborn seat that attaches to the playard or can be kept close in another room, a full-size zip-in bassinet, and a wipe-clean care station changer.
As your child grows, the bassinet converts to a toddler playard. The product description says the playard and bassinet are intended to help create a safe sleep environment; check the manufacturer’s instructions for the approved use of each mode and the sleep surface. The playard is also described as quick to set up, which may be useful for travel or moving it around the home.
This model offers more listed functions than the Simple Solutions, especially with its portable newborn seat. The tradeoff is complexity: six modes can require more time to understand and configure than a basic playard. It is a strong fit if you expect to use the added pieces, but may be more than you need if your priority is a simple travel crib.
Pros:
- Six modes include a portable raised newborn seat and full-size bassinet
- Wipe-clean care station is designed for easier cleanup
- Zip-in bassinet converts to a toddler playard
- Designed for quick setup and travel use
Cons:
- Multiple modes and attachments may take more effort to manage
- May be more feature-rich than needed for shoppers seeking a basic playard
Verdict: Choose the Close2Baby if you want the broadest range of listed newborn, changing, and toddler-playard features in this group and expect to use them.
How to Choose a Pack and Play for Sleeping
Choose the sleep mode that fits your baby’s stage
Some playards include a raised bassinet for younger babies, while others offer a basic playard setup. Consider whether you want a raised sleep option, a full-size infant bassinet, or a model that converts to a toddler playard. The product descriptions do not provide the same use limits for every model, so check the manual for age, weight, height, and developmental limits before choosing a mode.
Keep sleep safety separate from convenience features
A changing station, storage pouch, canopy, or newborn seat may make daily care easier, but those features are not substitutes for following sleep instructions. Use only the sleep surface and setup approved for the selected mode. Keep the sleep area arranged as directed, and do not add an extra mattress, pillow, or loose bedding unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
Think about setup and folding
If you plan to travel with the playard or move it between rooms, pay attention to the fold and assembly process. The Pamo Babe is described as tool-free to assemble, while the Graco On the Go Zip DLX is described as folding compactly. Always follow the precise setup sequence in the manual; for the Pamo Babe, the listed instructions say to lock the rails before lowering the base.
Decide whether a changing station is worth the extra parts
An integrated changer can help keep diaper changes close to the baby’s sleep space. The Simple Solutions includes a changer and storage pouch, while the Close2Baby adds a wipe-clean care station. These features may be useful in a bedroom or travel setup, but they also mean you’ll have more parts and configurations to learn.
Consider fabrics, airflow, and visibility
Mesh sides can help with airflow and make it easier to see your baby. The Pamo Babe specifically lists breathable mesh sides, while the Graco On the Go Zip DLX highlights premium knit fabrics. Look at the product’s construction and follow its care instructions, especially if easy cleaning is important to your household.
Check the dimensions and limits before buying
A compact fold can be helpful, but you’ll still need enough room for the playard when it is open. Check the product listing and manual for its assembled and folded dimensions, as well as the child’s use limits for each mode. Stop using a mode when your child reaches its stated limit or can climb out, as directed by the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pack and play be used as a baby’s sleep space?
Some playards include sleep modes designed for infant use, but the approved setup varies by product and mode. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and use only the designated sleep surface as directed.
Is a raised bassinet the same as the full playard sleep surface?
No. A raised bassinet is a separate configuration, and its use may have different limits from the playard. Follow the instructions for each mode and stop using it when your child reaches its stated limit.
Can I add a thicker mattress to make the playard more comfortable?
Do not add an extra mattress or padding unless the manufacturer specifically says it is approved for that model. Use the sleep surface and bedding described in the product instructions.
Which option includes a diaper changer?
The Graco Simple Solutions lists an integrated diaper changer and mesh storage pouch. The Graco Close2Baby includes a wipe-clean care station changer.
Which playard is most focused on travel?
The Pamo Babe is described as lightweight, foldable, and travel-ready, with tool-free setup. The Graco On the Go Zip DLX also highlights a compact fold for travel and storage.
What are the Pamo Babe’s listed use limits?
Its product description says to stop use when a child can climb out, reaches 35 inches, or weighs more than 33 pounds, whichever comes first. Check the current product instructions for the full guidance.
Should I choose a model with more modes?
More modes can add useful options, such as a raised newborn seat, bassinet, changer, or toddler playard. They can also mean more pieces to set up and store. Choose the features you expect to use rather than paying attention to the mode count alone.
Final Recommendation
The Graco Close2Baby is the most versatile choice here if you want a portable newborn seat, full-size bassinet, changing station, and toddler playard in one system. For a simpler travel-focused option, consider the Pamo Babe. The Graco On the Go Zip DLX stands out for its soft knit fabrics and compact fold, while the Simple Solutions is a practical middle ground for families who want a bassinet and diaper changer without the Close2Baby’s six-mode setup. Whichever you choose, follow the manual’s sleep, assembly, and child-use instructions for every configuration.