Babies want to explore their surroundings from a very early age, and they do it under the tender loving care of their parents. It is healthy for the baby and joyful for the parent to watch, but the child wants to do it all waking hours, and there is just not enough time to go around for the parent. A play yard offers a solution where babies can safely move and explore while parents can attend other pressing matters. A play yard is a small enclosure for kids with a soft flat base and walls around it. There are several options available in the market, and we have listed down the most crucial things you should consider before making a buying decision.
Most valuable features to look for in a play yard.
Market offerings range from a simple wooden crib to a feature-packed enclosure straight out of a sci-fi movie. We have separated wheat from the chaff for you and listed down the features you should value.
Safety first - JPMA safety seal
Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association or JPMA issues certification to baby products after testing them independently in their lab that they meet at least minimum government standards. Most of the best play yards available in the market already have this certification, but you should still double-check before purchase.
Removable bassinet
Parents are always talking praise of the option to have a removable bassinet. This simple feature will save the effort and space to buy and keep a separate bassinet.
Washable material
Babies and toddlers will not learn to control their bladder as long as they use play yard. A diaper can leak, you can mishandle while changing diapers, or the baby can simply have reflux and spit out the milk while laying down. Your play yard will get dirty from time to time, and a machine washable material of the play yard will save you a lot of effort and keep your baby’s play area clean.
Lightweight and wheels with locks on the bottom
You will have to carry the play area around the house to attend to other urgent matters while also keeping an eye on your baby. The best play yards are the ones that were designed with this need in mind. They ensure easy portability by using lightweight yet strong materials, installing wheels with locks on the bottom.
Storage pockets
There are many items that will always be used exclusively with the play yard, such as certain soft toys, diaper mats, spare diapers, bottles, wipes, and blankets. Storage space with the play yard will help you organize these items in one place.
Diaper change tray
Changing diapers gets easy when you have to do it without bending down. The high walls act as a support for a diaper change station, and we recommend that you get a play yard that comes with it, especially if you want to save space and your precious energy.
An easy folding system
Every once in a while, you may want to take your dear son or dear daughter outdoors or on an extended vacation. To ensure that carrying your play yard with you is easy, we recommend that you should check the folding and setting up system beforehand. Many best play yards come with a tote bag to carry as well.
Added features
There are many features packed with play yards to assist the parent in putting the baby to sleep. From music to gentle moving-car-like vibrations, these additional features only help some of the babies some of the time. In addition, a toy set or a soft book is sometimes packed with the product. We recommend that you ignore these and simplify the decision-making process since these can always be added to the play yard later on.
How to maintain play yards
Play yards last long and, if kept well, can be used by your next child. Here are a few maintenance tips:;
- Always keep it clean. If it smells or gets dirty, wash it immediately before the stains hold the fabric and become permanent.
- Keep all parts of the play yard in place to avoid losing them.
- In case of any damage, immediately replace it or get it repaired to ensure that your baby is safe inside.
Safety tips relating to the use of play yards
- You should always use the manufacturer’s original instructions for assembly to ensure that your baby is safe inside the play yard.
- Most play yards can be used up to 3 years, but this is not a standard. You should always check the manufacturer’s maximum limit, often mentioned in terms of age or weight of the baby, before buying. Toddlers are able to climb and come out of the play yard after a certain period.
- The safe-sleeping guidelines that you need to ensure in any other situation still apply in full to play yards. Therefore, you should still take reasonable care to comply with those guidelines.
Best Play Yard FAQ
Q: Is a play yard worth my money?
A: Play yards are a must-have for parents. Keeping the baby safe and exploring the world is essential while you have to take care of other matters at home. This can only be achieved with play yards in one form or another.
Q: How to get the best play yard for the beach?
A: Best play yards for beaches and other outdoor environments are the ones that have walls made of mesh net and also made of washable fabric. When you set up your baby’s play yard outdoors, more dirt will stick to it, so a washable material helps keep the play yard clean. In addition, a mesh net protects your baby from mosquitoes and other insects.
Q: Can a baby sleep in the playpen?
A: Yes. Babies can sleep in the play yard (also called playpen), but you still have to ensure compliance with safe-sleeping guidelines.
Q: How long can you use a play yard?
A: While it is dependent on your selected play yard, most play yards can last until three years of age. Starting from newborn months, it can take on different roles for your child’s growing period.