2 play yards pose a risk

Some play yards, once known as playpens, come with an attachable changing table, including safety straps, to make baby care more convenient.

But in our recent safety tests, two play yards, the Baby Trend Orange Oak Deluxe Nursery Center and the Summer Infant Nature¹s Purest Soothing Comfort Playard, were found to pose a potential strangulation hazard to young children.

We judged them Not Acceptable and recommend that parents not buy those models. Our tests showed that when the table is left over the play yard contrary to manufacturer instructions, the safety straps could be manipulated through the table to the area below. If buckled, the straps could form a loop that allows a small child¹s head to fit through. Though the likelihood of this happening is low, there's no need to take chances; there are other play yards that don¹t present that kind of risk.

In response to our safety concerns, Summer Infant said in a statement that the restraint straps in the Nature¹s Purest Soothing Comfort Playard 64050 comply with "all applicable safety regulations as warranted by ASTM standards," and that "consumers can use this product with complete confidence." Messages seeking comment from Baby Trend were not returned.

What you can do

If you already have one of those play yards, stop using the changing table attachment and remove it immediately.

If you plan to buy a play yard soon, consider one of our highly rated alternatives: the Chicco Lullaby LX ($160), which has a bassinet and a changing table, or the Cosco Funsport Travel ($45), a bare-bones model that has neither.