Pack 'n play

A pack 'n play, also called a play yard, is a mesh-sided portable enclosure that folds down for storage or travel and sets up again in minutes. Many parents use one as a daytime play space, a travel crib, or an overnight sleep surface when it includes the mattress or pad the manufacturer sells for that model.

In a small home, a pack 'n play often does double or triple duty: nap space in the living room during the day, travel crib at a relative's house, and a backup sleep space if a nursery is not ready yet. Its main advantage over a mini crib is that it folds into a bag and can move between rooms or leave the house entirely, which a fixed crib frame cannot do.

When shopping, use only the mattress or pad made for that specific pack 'n play model, since a mattress from a different brand or a full crib mattress will not fit correctly and can leave dangerous gaps. Check the fabric for tears and the frame for a locked, stable setup before every use. A common mistake is adding a thicker aftermarket mattress topper for comfort, which changes the fit the manufacturer tested and designed the unit around.