Pack ‘n Play vs. Crib: Key Differences, Pros, Cons, and Buying Tips

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Both cribs and pack ‘n plays (also known as playards) are completely safe options for your baby's sleep space. But how do you make the right choice? Cribs are typically used more frequently as they are permanent fixtures, while pack ‘n plays are portable and often used for travel or occasional naps.

However, some families may opt for one over the other based on factors like cost, available space, and other considerations. To help you determine the best choice for your family—whether a pack ‘n play or crib—our gear specialists have tested both and provided a detailed comparison.

Can a Pack ‘n Play Be Used as a Crib?

Yes, a pack ‘n play can serve as a crib. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), cribs, bassinets, and portable playards with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet provide safe sleep surfaces for infants, toddlers, and babies who meet the height and weight guidelines for each product.

Key Differences Between Cribs and Pack ‘n Plays

While both cribs and pack ‘n plays offer safe sleep spaces for your baby, there are several important distinctions to consider.

· Portability: A crib is typically a heavy, stationary piece of furniture. While some models come with wheels, they can usually only be moved a short distance with minimal effort. In contrast, pack ‘n plays are lightweight, easy to fold, and highly portable, allowing you to move them freely.

· Size: Pack ‘n plays are smaller than standard cribs due to their portability. While this makes them easier to transport, the mattress size is reduced, providing less room for your baby to move. Cribs, on the other hand, have larger mattresses, offering more space for your little one.

· Mattress: Crib mattresses are thicker, more comfortable, and similar in feel to an adult mattress. In comparison, the mattress in a pack ‘n play is thinner and provides minimal padding, making it less comfortable for extended sleep.

· Versatility: A pack ‘n play can serve multiple purposes beyond sleep. For example, it can double as a play space in your living room, giving your baby a safe spot to relax while you do chores. A crib, however, is generally used strictly for sleeping.

· Price: Cribs are generally more expensive because they are made of wood and are heavier. You can expect to pay $150-$200 for a crib, whereas a standard pack ‘n play typically costs around $50, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Crib vs. Pack ‘n Play vs. Playpen

A crib is a fixed, sturdy piece of furniture designed specifically for babies, featuring slatted sides to ensure the baby is safely enclosed. However, the terms "pack ‘n play" and "playpen" are often used interchangeably, which can be a bit confusing, as there are subtle differences between the two.

A playpen refers to the general category of enclosed spaces where a baby can sleep or play. A pack ‘n play is a specific brand of portable playpen made by Graco. In fact, the correct term for this type of portable sleep and play space is a playard.

To make it clearer:

· Crib: A permanent, slatted bed designed for babies to sleep in.
· Playpen: A category of products that refers to any enclosed, free-standing space where babies can play or sleep.
· Playard: A type of playpen that typically includes a mattress, making it suitable for both sleep and play.
· Pack ‘n Play: A branded playard by Graco, which is a well-known product within the playard category.

Our Brand’s Offering:

We also offer a range of versatile and high-quality playards designed to meet the needs of modern parents. Our products provide the perfect balance of safety, comfort, and portability, making them an ideal choice for both home use and travel. Whether you're looking for a secure sleep space or a fun play area, our playards deliver on all fronts.

Pack ‘n Play: Pros and Cons

Retail Price: $129
Age Range: Birth to 25 pounds
Avg. Weight Limit: 35 inches

Today, the term "Pack ‘n Play" is often used to describe any type of playard—a piece of baby gear with enclosed mesh sides that can be used for both sleep and play.

Playards are budget-friendly and highly portable, thanks to their compact design, lightweight structure, and easy foldable feature. They can be quickly packed into a travel bag—typically with the mattress folded over the frame and secured with Velcro.

Many families purchase a playard in addition to a regular crib. Not only is a playard a great option for travel, but it can also be useful in rooms beyond the nursery. For example, parents may keep one in the living room or basement, offering a safe space for the baby while they handle chores like laundry.

Sometimes, a playard becomes a substitute for a regular crib, especially when space is limited. However, it's important to note that Pack ‘n Plays and other playards come with thin, firm mattresses placed on a rigid plastic frame. While these are suitable for occasional use, they may not offer the comfort needed for longer sleep periods, particularly for heavier, older babies. Although after-market pads are available, they are not recommended due to potential suffocation risks.

Best For:
Budget-conscious families who need a portable solution or live in smaller spaces.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and easy to fold for portability
  
• Often includes a bassinet attachment
  
• Smaller footprint, ideal for tight spaces
  
• Dual-purpose—can be used for both sleep and play
  
• More affordable than cribs

Cons:

• Mattress is not as comfortable as a crib
  
• Weight and height limits are lower than a crib’s

How Long Can Baby Sleep in a Pack ‘n Play?

While the exact duration depends on the specific model you’re using, a pack ‘n play generally supports babies until they reach 35 inches tall or 25 pounds in weight, whichever comes first. However, if your little one starts trying to climb out, it's time to move on from the pack ‘n play—even if they haven’t reached the height or weight limit yet.

Best Playards: 

• Graco Pack ‘n Play
  
• Joovy Room2
  
• Aeromoov Playard
  
• Baby Bjorn Travel Crib
  
• Kinder King 4-in-1 Playard (Our Recommended Pick)

What Our Team Thinks:

“Personally, I chose a crib for both children and stuck with it for my first. Baby #2, however, was completely different, especially when it came to sleep. We had the best night’s rest in the BabyBjorn Travel Crib, so much so that we swapped it for our crib in the nursery. It’s a cozy, comfortable, and safe sleep space that was approved by even our pickiest sleeper. It quickly became our must-have for all sleep! For families seeking a versatile, comfortable, and safe sleeping solution, the Kinder King 4-in-1 Playard is also a great option. It offers both a bassinet and a play area, making it perfect for growing babies, and its compact, travel-friendly design is ideal for parents on the go.” – Megan Larsen, Gear Expert & Mother of Two

Crib: Pros and Cons

Avg. Retail Price: $350
Age Range: Approximately 0-3 years
Avg. Weight Limit: Approximately 0-50 pounds

A crib, typically a fixed piece of furniture with a wooden frame and high slats, is the most common type of baby bed. Cribs come in various styles and shapes, most commonly rectangular or circular:

• Traditional Cribs: The most basic type, typically rectangular with high slatted sides. These are the most common and widely used cribs.
• Mini Crib: A smaller version of the traditional crib, designed for families with limited space. Some mini cribs have wheels or can fold for portability, though they are not as long-lasting as standard cribs.
• Convertible Crib: A versatile option that can transform from a crib into a toddler bed, and sometimes even a full-size bed as your child grows. This makes it an excellent long-term investment.

While cribs are typically more expensive than pack ‘n plays, they offer higher weight and height limits, often usable until about 3 years old. Convertible cribs, in particular, extend beyond the crib stage, making them a worthwhile investment for growing families.

However, cribs are less portable than playards and take up more space, so they’re not ideal for families seeking flexibility or frequent setup changes.

Best For:
Families looking to invest in a single, long-lasting piece of furniture.

Pros:

• Highly durable and suitable for both newborns and toddlers
  
• Some models convert to accommodate your child well into childhood

Cons:

• More expensive
  
• Less portable and takes up more space

Pack n’ Plays vs. Cribs: Comparison

Price Comparison

Pack ‘n plays are typically much more affordable than full-size cribs. You can find a pack ‘n play for around $100 to $150, while a crib generally starts at $150 to $200.

Winner: Pack ‘n Play

Weight Comparison

Cribs are much heavier than pack ‘n plays due to their permanent structure. A pack ‘n play weighs around 20-25 pounds, while a crib typically weighs at least 50 pounds and can reach up to 100 pounds or more.

Winner: Pack ‘n Play

Space-Saving Comparison

Even though mini cribs exist, pack ‘n plays are still the better space-saver. They have a smaller footprint and flexible mesh sides, making them easier to fit into tight spaces.

Winner: Pack ‘n Play

Period of Use Comparison

Cribs can be used for a longer period due to their size and sturdiness, holding babies up to 35-50 pounds. Pack ‘n plays max out at around 25 pounds and offer less comfort as your baby grows, due to the thin mattress and rigid plastic frame.

Winner: Crib

Portability Comparison

Full-size cribs are difficult to move without disassembly, and even mini cribs with wheels are heavy. In contrast, pack ‘n plays are highly portable, lightweight, and can be easily folded and stored in a carry bag.

Winner: Pack ‘n Play

Assembly Comparison

Setting up a crib is more complicated, but it’s a one-time setup. A pack ‘n play is easy to assemble and take down but requires repeated setup and storage.

Winner: Tie

Stability Comparison

Cribs are usually made of wood and are more stable due to their weight. Pack ‘n plays are made from plastic and mesh fabric, making them lighter and less stable. However, both options are stable enough to keep your baby safe, as long as weight and height limits are followed.

Winner: Crib

Safety & Sleep Comparison

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, both cribs and pack ‘n plays are safe sleep surfaces for babies and toddlers when the proper weight and height limits are followed. Remember to place infants on their backs to sleep and keep the sleep area free of soft items like blankets and toys.

Winner: Tie

Crib, Pack n’ Play, or Both: How to Choose

The good news is that both cribs and pack ‘n plays are safe and suitable for your little one. However, if you have the space, a crib is generally the more comfortable option for long-term use. It will also last longer than a playard like a pack ‘n play.

That said, having a pack ‘n play in addition to a crib can be incredibly helpful. It gives you the flexibility to travel or create a safe sleeping area in another part of the house. Additionally, a pack ‘n play is a fantastic crib alternative for families with limited space due to its portability, easy assembly, and convenience for quick setup and takedown.