A pack n play is a staple when it comes to baby gear items. Whether you’re looking for a safe place for your baby to play or nap at home or want something you can bring along when traveling, a pack n play is a perfect choice.
Like other baby gear items, there are many varieties to choose from as manufacturers try to create products for every situation and need.
While there are large pack n plays, there are also those that fall into the mini pack n play variety. These are smaller than your average pack n play but still serve the purpose.
Let’s take a look at some considerations to keep in mind as you shop for a mini pack n play as well as some of the best ones out there.
In this article
- Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Choices
- What to Look for in a Mini Pack n Play
- 8 Best Mini Pack N Plays for 2020
- 1. Graco Travel Lite Crib
- 2. Baby Trend Nursery Center, Tanzania
- 3. BabyBjorn Travel Lite Crib
- 4. Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard
- 5. UNiPlay Portable Lightweight Baby Playpen Playard Travel Crib
- 6. Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib & Bassinet
- 7. Delta Children LX Deluxe Portable Baby Play Yard With Removable Bassinet and Changing Table
- 8. Dream On Me, Zodiak Portable Playard
- Bottom Line
Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Choices
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | Graco Travel Lite Crib | Travel Crib Converts from Bassinet to Playard, Lauren | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Baby Trend Nursery Center, Tanzania | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light - Silver | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
What to Look for in a Mini Pack n Play
Here are several things to keep an eye out for as you search for a mini pack n play.
Safety
As with any baby product, safety is concern number one. The crib should have passed a stability test by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure that it won’t topple over under pressure.
It should also be made to prevent a baby’s head from getting stuck if an accessory is attached, like a bassinet. Look for height requirements that may prevent a child from climbing out on their own.
You also want to make sure your mini pack n play has a locking mechanism to keep it from folding while your baby is in it.
Another thing to consider is whether there are hinges if there are also rails at the top that fold down. When the rails fold down, they can make a diamond or “V” shape. This can pose a danger for the child’s neck or head.
Easy Assembly
You don’t want to spend a lot of time fumbling around, trying to figure out how to put your pack n play together, especially if you’re traveling.
Look for one with easy instructions that don’t look like an encyclopedia. Many pack n plays come with a button so you can break down the crib and fold it easily.
Portability
Wheels are a must if you want to move your pack n play around. You should look for ones that fold so that it makes everything more compact and easy to store if you’re traveling.
Strong Frame
If you’re going to be assembling and disassembling your pack n play frequently, you want one that has a sturdy frame. You want one that’s not going to get bent if you put in and out of your car a lot.
Ventilation
Many pack n plays have meshed walls that allow for air to get in easily. This is important because you don’t want anything that can pose a suffocation hazard.
Easy to Clean
Babies can be messy. That’s why you want a mini pack n play that’s easy to clean. Look for one that can be cared for with mild soap and water. Also, look to see if the carrying bag can be thrown in the washing machine.
Mattress
Look for a pack n play mattress that has rounded corners. These are much safer for your baby. If you’re planning on using this for your baby to sleep on when you’re traveling, you’ll want to buy a quality mattress.
Be sure that it’s not too thick because that can cause a suffocation risk.
8 Best Mini Pack N Plays for 2020
Now that you know what to look for in a mini pack n play, let’s check out the best ones out there.
- Graco Travel Lite Crib
- Baby Trend Nursery Center, Tanzania
- BabyBjorn Travel Lite Crib
- Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard
- UNiPlay Portable Lightweight Baby Playpen Playard Travel Crib
- Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib & Bassinet
- Delta Children LX Deluxe Portable Baby Play Yard With Removable Bassinet and Changing Table
- Dream On Me, Zodiak Portable Playard
1. Graco Travel Lite Crib
If you’re looking for a mini pack n play, this one from Graco is a solid choice because it’s twenty percent smaller than traditional play yards. It can fit easily in many rooms, especially if you’re tight on space.
It also weighs less than twenty pounds, making it ideal for travel, or even to move from room to room or outside. It folds compactly in a travel bag so you don’t have to worry about having anything clunky around.
We also like this one as our top pick because it has a height-adjustable bassinet that grows with your baby. This one can be used for the newborn, infant, and toddler stages.
Start off using this as a bassinet for your newborn until they’re 15 pounds. Then, you can move up to the infant stage that has an elevated space for your baby until he reaches 20 pounds.
From there, you can fully use the play yard for your toddler until he gets 35 inches tall. There are those all-important wheels we talked about for mobility as well as the mesh sides for ventilation.
This mini pack n play is also reasonably priced, especially when you consider all of the use you’ll get out of it as your child grows.
Pros
- Grows with your baby
- Reasonably priced
- Wheels for mobility
- Mesh sides for ventilation
Cons
- Not many extra features
2. Baby Trend Nursery Center, Tanzania
Here’s another solid choice if you’re looking for a mini pack n play that you can travel with and use in your house. It has a full-size bassinet that you can remove as your baby grows. There is also a mobile with three plush toys to keep your baby busy.
When it comes to portability, there are easy to move wheels that also lock in place. It’s compact and easy to fold with the one-hand locking mechanism. Use the handy bag to bring this pack n play with you anywhere you go.
The pack n play is designed for children under 35 inches tall and less than 30 pounds. The bassinet and changing area are only recommended for babies up to 15 pounds or up to 25 inches tall, whichever the baby reaches first.
As an added feature, this pack in play has a diaper stacker that can come in handy if you’re using the pack n play as a changing station as well.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Bassinet area comes with a mobile
- Diaper storage area
- Easy to fold and go
Cons
- A bit heavy compared to other models
3. BabyBjorn Travel Lite Crib
BabyBjorn is a known name in the baby gear industry so it should come as no surprise that it has one of the best mini pack n play options out there.
This is a simple pack n play with no bells and whistles or added features. But it’s simple to set up and fold up. It fits easily in the bag provided.
So, if you’re looking for one for traveling, this is a good option. It also has a soft and comfy mattress for your little one. Since the sides are mesh, there’s quality ventilation as your baby sleeps and plays.
The mattress cover and crib fabric come off for easy washing. Since this pack n play is so light and portable, it’s also a great option to bring along if you’re taking a plane.
The one thing you probably noticed with this one is the big price tag. It is, by far, the most expensive option on the list. If you want something exclusively for travel, this could be a good choice.
But, if you were looking for something with more options and versatility, you may want to look for something else for the price.
Pros
- Extremely light and portable
- Mesh sides
- Machine washable fabric
Cons
- Expensive
- No added features
4. Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard
Graco has another great option if you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive mini pack n play. This playard gets the job done with its durable frame and handy wheels which are great for traveling.
It also has feet that fold automatically and allow for easier, more compact storage. This pack n play is under 20 pounds, so it’s also lightweight and easy to carry whether you’re using it for travel or to move from room to room in your house.
It also comes with a handy bag for storage and travel. It’s easy to clean with mild soap and water. We also like all of the mesh the provides for maximum ventilation.
If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive playard, this one can certainly get the job done. If you wanted more features, you’ll have to look for something else.
Pros
- Economical
- Lightweight
- Easy to pack and carry
- Includes wheels
Cons
- No additional features
5. UNiPlay Portable Lightweight Baby Playpen Playard Travel Crib
This pack n play from UNiPlay is another good choice if you just want a playard and aren’t concerned with many other features.
This one is a good choice for when you’re on the go. It is lightweight and durable. The whole pack itself weighs under ten pounds. It doesn’t get much lighter than that!
Babies can use the playard to have fun, but also take advantage of the comfy mattress when it’s nap time. Although the pack n play isn’t heavy, it is extremely sturdy. The frame can resist up to 120 pounds.
It’s also very easy to put together and can be taken apart just as easy to put in a bag to store and go. It fits easily in a carry-on bag that is included. You can really sling it over one shoulder while carrying your baby with the other arm.
Parents will also enjoy the mesh lining that provides ventilation and easy access to keep an eye on the baby.
Pros
- Easy to assemble, store, and carry
- Durable frame
- Lightweight
Cons
- No added accessories
6. Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib & Bassinet
We like this product from Flisko because you can use it as a bassinet and a playard. It’s a good deal for the money. Plus, it folds up easily and stores compactly.
This pack n play, bassinet combo is made from high-quality materials that can prevent it from collapsing or folding when you don’t want it. It’s made from all safe materials, so your baby is not in danger.
There’s no complicated setup. All you have to do is snap the bassinet’s frame in place and you’re ready to go.
You can use the bassinet on top when your baby is small and then use the bottom portion for sleeping as they get older. The side zipper helps to convert the crib to a playpen.
Feel safe that your baby has good airflow with the breathable mesh fabric that surrounds the entire pack n play. You also don’t have to worry about buying a mattress or sheets because they’re both included.
This is a great product for the price if you really want a pack n play for travel. It’s also good if you’re going to move the pack n play around the house a lot or outside.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Folds up easily and compactly
Cons
- Not many added features or accessories
7. Delta Children LX Deluxe Portable Baby Play Yard With Removable Bassinet and Changing Table
Delta has a good product here if you’re looking for a pack n play that has features. This one has a removable full-size bassinet and changing table. Your baby will love the removable arm with hanging plush toys above.
It’s also great for travel because it folds up quickly and easily. Use the carrying bag included so you can bring your pack n play wherever you go.
There are two wheels that allow for easy movement. There are also two side pockets for storage. You can put diapers, wipes, pacifiers, or anything else you may need.
The bassinet holds babies up to 15 pounds while the changing table can hold up to 25 pounds. The playard is safe for kids up to 35 inches tall.
Compared to other pack n plays on the list, this one is on the heavy side at about 35 pounds. Keep that in mind if you’re thinking of taking it along many places.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Includes bassinet, changing table, and play yard
- Includes two side storage pockets
Cons
- On the heavy side
8. Dream On Me, Zodiak Portable Playard
This mini pack n play from Dream On Me rounds out our list of favorites. It got our attention because it’s lightweight (only 16 pounds) and mobile. It’s also easy to set up and folds easily for storage in the included bag.
The airy mesh sides allow your baby to breathe easily. Since the sides are see-through, you’ll always know what your baby is doing.
There is a padded floor so your baby can play and nap in comfort. The rounded corners are also a great safety feature. It’s recommended for kids under 36 inches.
Cleaning is easy too. Just use a damp cloth and let it air dry. There are no added features or accessories, but this one is reasonably priced for what it offers.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Lightweight
- Great for traveling
- Compact
Cons
- No added features or accessories
Bottom Line
When it comes to finding the best mini pack n play, finding one that has some added features may be your best bet, especially if you’re using it for travel.
You want to have as many comforts of home with you as you can when it comes to taking care of your baby. This is why we chose the Graco Travel Lite Crib as our top pick.
It doesn’t go crazy with accessories, but it has just enough to make it a winner. It’s also one of the smallest and lightest ones on the list. It also folds compactly, making it great for travel, especially because it comes with its own bag.
You can get great use out of this one as well because it can be used for the newborn, infant, and toddler stages. Start off using this as a bassinet for your newborn until he’s 15 pounds.
Then, you can move up to the infant stage that has an elevated space for your baby until he reaches 20 pounds. This one checks all the boxes because it has wheels and meshed sides too.
If you want a mini pack n play that you can get a lot of use out of and that is just the right size, this is a good choice. As you shop, you want to be sure you’re choosing one that suits all of your needs and is also safe and comfy for your baby.
