The Best Playpens for Inside, Outside, and Even Traveling

This play pen has been the gold standard for decades. It's a solid option that comes with a bassinet basket for newborns, a changing pad, and a bassinet insert for infants who aren't yet able to sit up. It also has a really handy wipe holder on the side. The crib mattress is the standard size and incredibly comfortable.

Having used this play yard through two kids and knowing it lived through two more, I can attest that this is an absolute beast in the durability department. My kids are jumpers, and they did not destroy it. Plus, the fabric comes clean very easily with just a few quick wipes.

However, this play pen is also the heaviest (at nearly 40 pounds) and one of the hardest to collapse.

Let's be real: Your baby is most likely going to be licking this play yard. The Nuna Sena Aire accounts for that, and has ensured that this model is Greenguard Gold-certified, which means that it meets rigorous guidelines that limit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as other potentially dangerous chemicals. 

It also has a mesh-weave mattress and 360-degree airflow, thanks to the completely mesh enclosure ... aka this play yard is extremely breathable and safe. The base can be elevated to the middle of the playpen as a bassinet, or placed in the bottom for a traditional take.

What I love specifically about this playpen is how stable it feels. The eight-leg design dissipates weight evenly throughout the unit, and the nonskid bottoms grip the ground. And it fits in a bag that's way smaller than a set of golf clubs.  

One of the first play yards to fold with one hand, the 4Moms Breeze should definitely be on your radar.  

The bassinet and the changer are so easy to take in and take out, and the mattress is soft, breathable, and standard size. The 4Moms Breeze has a wider base than a top, which provides an additional level of stability you'll appreciate when your little one starts dancing. 

The entire frame is covered with a wipe-clean fabric, and the top bars are well-cushioned for baby safety. You can position the mattress/base either in the middle of the playpen or at the bottom, depending on the age and size of your child.

The 4Moms Breeze is extremely high-quality engineering and high-end fabrics and design — without the high-end price tag.

For years, I'd been reluctant to recommend Bugaboo products because I felt that the quality did not match the price. But this year, between the launch of the dynamic Fox stroller and the Stardust play yard, I've completely changed my mind.

This playpen is exactly what you need if you are limited on space. It has a smaller footprint than most, but it's every bit as useful and sturdy as larger playpens. And yes, the bottom can be raised to bassinet height. 

And here's the thing: It's under 15 pounds, and when folded, it's only 5 inches wide. It'll fit in practically anywhere.

The fabric of this play yard by Baby Björn is machine-washable in cold water. It's only 8 pounds, and all the materials that come into contact with your baby are OEKO-TEX Standard.

This playpen comes with the mattress and carrying bag, but unfortunately not the sheets (which are not standard size). It also does not have an option for bassinet height.

It also has a one-handed fold and super-compact bag. If you're planning on schlepping your playpen to a bunch of different places, this is just the thing for it.

The BabyMoov Naos takes the concept of a lightweight, machine-washable playpen and makes it affordable.

It's 8.8 pounds, machine-washable on the gentle cycle, and has mesh all around. The crib mattress is pretty great too, featuring both memory foam and a bouncy base.

While it is a one-handed fold, it has fewer points of connection, making it a bit rockier than others. But if you need a great nap or overnight location, and don't need a bassinet? You can't do better.

That zippered opening on this option is a game-changer, since you can easily place your child in and out of the playpen with ease. Guava is a newer parenting brand, and their focus is on high-quality, innovative baby products. So far, they're doing a tremendous job.

The whole thing is only 11 pounds, and it fits into a backpack that they give you. It opens in seconds, and the crib sheet is the same size as the Björn. It's super steady and low to the ground.

There is no bassinet position, unfortunately, but this option is Greenguard-certified.

The coolest thing about this playpen is the fact that the bottom is waterproof and can be hosed off.

It's a lightweight, easy to open travel crib that's designed to be taken through rough conditions. It doesn't sun-bleach easily, and there's more than enough room for a few toddlers.

It's a basic option that's incredibly affordable and durable for the price.

I have no idea why Century was the first play yard to include an activity wall, I'm just glad that they did. Not only that, but they also offer a zip-down side, a washable mattress, and easy folding. 

Did I mention it's made partially from recycled materials and that it's under $150? The travel bag is included as well. 

Your little one can play, rest, or just chill out with this innovative and inexpensive play yard. 

Parents love products that do double duty, and this play yard from Skip Hop does just that. During the day, it's a pretty big play yard with plenty of room for activities. At night, it's a cozy portable crib, ready to lull your baby into slumber with its cushy but firm mattress. 

It's made of airy mesh all around, and the durable, wipe-clean fabric isn't scratchy at all. You should know, though, that this isn't the easiest option to put together: Expanding it does take a little practice. But it's well worth the effort for the amount of space that you get.