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We first started with a single pack’n’play and then due to circumstances needed to purchase another. The first two pack’n’plays are the ones we used. The following two are other options you will commonly find in the market.
Here you get my honest opinion of the 4 different pack’n’plays and what I would strongly recommend.
The Uniplay Pack in Play/Travel Crib
Dream On Me Travel Light Playard, Black
This was the first travel crib we purchased. For whatever reason, I wanted to try a different style. I felt like the typical pack’n’play was great, but what if this was better?
This style has legs that go down at an angle. The mattress sits on the floor rather than being elevated.
This option is lighter weight and more square when boxed up. It seemed like it could fit in a large suitcase while traveling. Have we ever flown with this…absolutely not.
It seemed like a great idea though.
We have used this travel crib in our camper. Because the legs have angles it fits better in the space. The hall where our daughter would sleep was too narrow for a traditional pack’n’play. The angled legs however could fit under the kitchen table which allowed it to fit. I know that is a very weird and specific example. basically, it worked for us where another would not.
For me, the pros are that it is a unique shape which could come in handy and it is lightweight which could help for travel.
The cons for this travel crib are that it is unique meaning it can be more difficult for others to set up. For example, if you drop your baby off with Grandma they may feel a bit lost.
This style also requires a bit more assembly. The pieces physically come apart. The legs get removed when it is collapsed. The more traditional pack’n’play involves more folding and breaking down rather than building with pieces.
If you want to check out exactly what I am talking about click the link here. I could not find the exact brand we used, but this one looks identical.
Traditional Pack’n’Play but Smaller
The next pack’n’play we purchased was the Dream On Me Zodiak Portable Playard with Carry Bag and Shoulder Strap, Navy, Small
Click here if you would like to view it.
This was the second pack’n’play we purchased. Our daughter came to work with me so one travel crib was set up there full-time. We decided to purchase this second travel crib mostly for weekend events. If we needed a travel crib for naps or late nights this is the one we used.
It felt like a lot to own two travel cribs, but for our situation, it was very helpful. We try to remain very minimal in our baby gear, but when you need something pull the trigger and get it.
This pack’n’play has the standard setup and tear down. It is however a slightly smaller version. Thinking back we wanted one that was affordable. I don’t think we specifically wanted a smaller version.
I would not recommend this unless you are working in a tight space.
When you go to pack it up it tears down as normal. The flat part that you place around the pack’n’play is tricky. The ends do not meet up nicely. There is extra padding that has to be overlapped in the folding.
It should be simple but is quite annoying. It would make it difficult for someone unfamiliar with it to set up or tear down and get into the travel bag.
Another concern is that the small size will be quickly outgrown. Some babies and toddlers are just big kiddos. Some are quite tall for their ages. Our daughter was very average-sized, but we still felt she was outgrowing it quicker than desired.
I don’t have a pro to this model. It is more like the traditional so people are familiar with it, but it is slightly different in how you box it up so there is still confusion.
Wait, I guess the pro would be it could fit in a tighter space.
The cons are that it is like the traditional, but slightly off. This is annoying. It is small and will more quickly be outgrown.
The Cadillac Version
We did not own this type of travel crib, but I am very familiar with them. These are the standard pack’n’play with varying attachments.
Click here to see exactly what I am talking about.
First, you have the newborn insert. This raises the floor of the pack’n’play. It is helpful for moms during recovery to not have to bend as far. This has to be removed as soon as your baby starts showing signs of rolling. Rolling can happen within the first few months, so this is quite short-lived.
Some versions have it where the top is split into two sections. One half is a small bassinet and the other is the diaper changing area. The bassinet will be short-lived because once they are rolling they will crave more space.
The changing area I suppose you could use for a while. I am just a big fan of diaper changing on a large guest bed or simply the floor. I have never been into “changing stations”.
These pack’n’plays often come with other small attachments that hold diapers and wipes.
With the Cadillac as I call it, you have the pack’n’play in its simplest form plus anywhere from 2-4 attachments. Once your baby is over 6 months all those attachments are going to need to be stored somewhere. You could use the pack’n’play for another 2 years. This is why I am not a fan of extra parts and pieces.
An important reason to own a pack’n’play is for travel purposes. When you are traveling it is not likely you will be taking all the attachments with you. Also for breaking it down you have to take the time to remove them all while still at home.
I understand the attachments can be helpful for a recovering momma, but there are other options. You could use a dock-a-tot on a couch or place a blanket on a bed and change your baby there.
I simply do not believe this pack’n’play with all the bells and whistles is the best option.
Pros are its great for moms during recovery. You have everything you could need altogether. This can be beneficial in multistory homes. When the nursery is upstairs this may be your place for everything on the main level.
The cons of this style are having all the extra parts. They cause more headaches for breakdown, traveling, and future storage.
Traditional Pack’n’Play
If I can recommend anything to you it is the old trusty simple, full-sized pack’n’play.
There are simple for tear down, travel, and storage. You don’t have to worry about extra attachments, they are a decent price, and you get the most life out of your purchase.
Pros they get the job done without any extra hassle.
Cons there aren’t any because they do the job they were intended to do.
This is the pack’n’play I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Click here to see it.
Conclusion
I am honestly not crazy about the two pack’n’play we have. I also wouldn’t want the Cadillac. My choice, if I had to do it again, would be the fourth option I mentioned. The trusty full-sized pack’n’play.
Don’t make the same mistake as me. Go for the old trusty. There is a reason this style of pack’n’play has been used for years.
Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Get a simple pack’n’play that will last you as long as possible.
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