If you're in the market for a play yard, odds are you aren't going to just walk into a store and pick up the cheapest one you can find. After all, your little bundle of joy not only deserves the best, but deserves to be safe and comfortable. Even on a budget, finding the best play yard for your little munchkin can be quite easy with the right information.
Getting Started
When starting out, you need to make a decision on what type of play yard will fit your needs. Will your baby be sleeping in your room at first? Will you be purchasing a separate changing table or will the play yard double as one? Are you going to be travelling with baby? What about extra features - such as mobiles, vibrating features, music? Make a mental list of what is a must-have for you and your baby before heading to the store.
Types Of Play Yards Available
Play yards come in two different types: Basic and Deluxe. Basic play yards are usually just a lightweight, netted rectangle without any of the extra features. Deluxe models come with anything from changing tables, removable bassinets, toy bars, music boxes, and so forth. Price is also a big distinguishing factor as well. Basic models start at $40, whereas the deluxe models can run upwards of $170.
- Basic. Basic play yards are designed with portability in mind. They are lightweight and tend to weigh somewhere in the 20 pound range. They are usually always rectangular and designed for fitting through doors, being folded up easily, and being loaded in and out of a car trunk when travelling.
- Deluxe. If you're not on a budget and you're looking for a little more than just-for-travel, then deluxe may be the way to go. There are so many different options to choose from. These options include diaper changing tables, bassinets, diaper organizers, vibrating mattresses, hanging toy bars, electronic mobiles, and many others. These tend to be larger in dimension and heavier than the basic models, so if you plan on moving your play yard frequently from room to room, you may want to check the dimensions against that of your doors at home.
Typical Features
When choosing features for your play yard make sure to choose a combination that works best for you. Do not pay for extras that you will not use. There are several common features that are most useful to have:
- Bassinet/Changing Station. These usually clip onto the top bars of the play yard and create a nice little napping area for your newborn. Look for a bassinet that secures firmly to the top with a locking mechanism to prevent any slips or to keep away prying hands of older siblings.
- Storage. Babies come with a lot of extra stuff and storage on a play yard may be something you're interested in if you will be moving it from room to room. If your nursery is upstairs or on the other side of the house from the living area, you may want to keep extras of everything close at hand. Some play yards come with zippered side pockets, fabric shelves, hook-on fabric storage pouches, or small clip-on parent-organizer bags.
- Toys, Music, Lights, Vibration. Some play yards come with hanging toy bars. Other, more deluxe units may come with a clip-on, electronic music center. These come with different features such as music, nature sounds, MP3 capability, and vibration modes.
Brands
There are several brands that have made a name for themselves in the baby gear community. These are brands that have passed safety regulations time and time again. You will most likely encounter a few of these names in your shopping: Graco, Safety 1st, Chico, and Baby Trend.
Shopping Tips
One of the most important things to remember when shopping for baby gear is the manufacture and packaging date. Safety regulations are updated frequently and the merchandise with the newest date will adhere to the current safety regulations. Of course, the look, feel, and portability of the play yard are important as well, but safety should always come first.
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