Play yards

What's behind our play yard Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 6 models in play yards to see which ones perform best.
We look for:
  • Overall score
    Overall score is based on safety assessments, ease of use, and portability.
  • Safety
    Safety assessments mean that all six models tested met the requirements of the ASTM F406-08a Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards. The safety score shown consists of whether the model has a changing table strap, whether the bassinet is easy to dislodge¿by an older sibling, for example, and whether the mattress is securely attached and cannot be easily dislodged from the bottom of the play yard by the child occupant.
  • Ease of use
    The Ease of use score is based on our judgment of ease of set-up and closure, and accessibility and ease of use of the latches.
  • Portability
    Portability is based on our judgment of how easy it is to pack and carry or transport the packed play yard.
  • Bassinet
    Bassinet is our safety assessment of the means of attaching the bassinet to the play yard.
  • Weight (lbs.)
    The weight of the play yard in pounds.

Connect

Forums

Discuss products and safety with subscribers and fans.

Follow Consumer Reports

Play yards—updated versions of playpens—are for more than just playing. Play yards can also provide babies with an enclosed place for napping and some can function as a portable changing table, saving you from having to run to the nursery for every diaper change. If you're looking for information about play yards, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ play yard reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our play yard buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and play yard reviews to help you choose the best play yard for your needs.

Play yard buying guide

Play yard buying guide

A play yard doesn't have to be high on your list of priorities, but it will certainly come in handy--especially when you hit the road. Play yards are usually easy to set up and collapse, giving you a portable, safe space for your baby to rest or play.

... Read more

Getting started   |   Types   |   Features   |   Brands   |   Shopping tips   |   Safety strategies

Babies & Kids News

Safety 1st toilet and cabinet locks recalled due to locking failures

About 183,000 toilet locks and 685,000 cabinet locks from Safety 1st are being recalled, warned two government agencies, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada. The locks...

2 bike helmets offer poor protection from impact, our tests find

Any bike helmet is better than riding with no helmet. But when you're paying $50 or $60 for one, you'd like to think that it's going to protect your head if you crash into a curb, a rock, or...

When to retire a child seat, how to recycle an old one

Hand-me downs are a part of growing up in many families. It can be a great way to save money, but not all things should be shared equally. For instance, child seats can be passed down, though...

New labeling will help you pick the best sunscreen

Coming soon to a store near you: sunscreens with labels that are easier to understand. The Food and Drug Administration plans to give manufacturers until mid-December to make all the changes,...

Think safety when turning over mowing tasks to your teen

With a long summer of mowing ahead, parents of teens and pre-teens may be wondering when it's safe for a child to take over this chore. Children under 18 suffer 13 percent of the 68,000 mower...
left arrow right arrow
See also:
Nursing bras
See buying guide down arrow
Baby food
See buying guide down arrow
Baby formulas
See buying guide down arrow
Baby carriers
See buying guide down arrow
Bassinets
See buying guide down arrow
Baby bathtubs
See buying guide down arrow