Chicco vs Graco Pack n Play
As a new parent, having a portable playard is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you’re using it for sleep at home, when you travel or need to move your child’s sleeping situation at any point, the playard is an essential piece of the puzzle.
We’re reviewing two of the most iconic and well-loved baby brands, Chicco and Graco, and their various playard or Pack N-Play options for babies and children. Each brand has its own features and unique spin on the playard, which gives families a chance to choose the options that suit their needs the best.
By the end of this post, we hope you’ll be able to make a solid, informed decision about which playard is best for your baby.
Chicco Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard
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This portable playard by Chicco is a sleek, elite sleep and play option for toddlers up to 30 pounds.
It comes with a full-size infant bassinet, which holds a baby up to 15 pounds, making it a safe option for sleep from the day your baby comes home from the hospital. The flat, padded mattress will keep your baby safe and comfortable and let you rest easy knowing they are right beside you.
Once your baby grows big enough, the bassinet is removable, and your child can sleep on the floor of the playard, which offers a comfortable, soft mattress. You can put your baby or toddler in the playard for sleep or playtime. It’s totally up to you!
Both the bassinet cover and the mattress cover are machine washable for your family’s convenience. Easy to carry at just 35 pounds, you’ll find yourself traveling with this playard every chance you get. Toss it in the trunk of your car or check it as a piece of luggage at the airport and enjoy any vacation or trip with your growing family.
Made with durable metal and quality fabric, you’ll be able to use this playard for many children or hand it down to other families for years of use.
Why we like it
- It comes with a full-size infant bassinet for babies up to 15 pounds
- Detachable changer and an oversized toddler playard
- Changer includes a zip and wash cover
- Deluxe parent organizer with zipper top and carry handle
- It fits toddlers up to 30 pounds
- The sides have soft mesh for ventilation
- Push-button fold and a large carry bag
- The mattress can be zipped off and washed
- Large rubber wheels make it easy to move
What Parents Love About the Chicco Playard
- Sturdy design and easy to move from room to room
- Follows all infant sleep safety guidelines
- Space-saving design makes it easy to set next to a parent’s bed
- Easy to setup and store away
- Affordable price point
Complaints About the Chicco Playard
- The bassinet changing station is slightly wobbly
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Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard, Push Button Compact Fold
When it comes to baby products, Graco is one of the biggest names in the industry. For decades, families have invested in Graco products for their design, safety features, affordability, and function.
This Pack and Play Portable Playard by Graco fits the bill perfectly; a budget-friendly option for families that does not lack in functionality, thoughtful features, and style. Best of all, it leaves a lot of room for your baby to grow and change while still using the same playard throughout their childhood.
Ideal for a newborn to sleep in, the bassinet is safe and full-sized, making it a convenient choice for new parents. If you aren’t ready to transition your baby to their own room or crib, the bassinet next to the bed is a worthwhile choice. Once your baby outgrows the bassinet, the playard can be used for safe play and sleep while traveling.
Why we like it
- Affordable price tag
- Easy folding wheels allow for easy transport
- Durable frame for easy travel and many uses
- Push-button fold makes closing the playard easy and efficient
- Four sides of mesh for easy ventilation
- Includes a convenient carrying bag for travel and storage
- Over 40,000 positive star ratings on Amazon
- Includes a changing table area for newborns
- Mesh storage pouch to have your baby’s essentials nearby
- Bassinet can hold a baby up to 15 pounds
- Playard fits children under 35 inches tall and up to 25 pounds
What Parents Love About the Graco Pack and Play
- More affordable than Chicco options
- Variety of color and pattern options
- Convenient changing table for quick diaper changes
- The bassinet is full-size and removable as the baby grows
- Wheels and feet fold in for 20% more compact storage
- Lightweight at 22 pounds and easy to carry
Complaints About the Graco Pack and Play
- Difficult to get into the travel case
- The diaper changer may bend with heavier babies
- The mattress often does not lie flat
- Some say it’s difficult to assemble
- Difficult to clean
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Chicco Dash Instant Setup Playard
For a simple spin on the Chicco playard, the Dash Instant Setup offers the easiest way to travel and enjoy time spent with family anywhere.
With no-fuss features and the simple functionality you’d expect from a monumental brand like Chicco, the Dash playard is everything growing families need. Complete with a full-size bassinet, breathable mesh, a padded mattress, and a travel carrying case, Chicco’s Dash playard is a budget-friendly option.
Why we like it
- One-hand push for instant setup and close
- Full-size infant bassinet included for the first few months of your baby’s life
- Surrounded by soft, breathable mesh for ventilation
- Large wheels for easy maneuverability
- A padded mattress offers a comfortable place for a child to sleep and play
- Included travel bag for easy transport
- GREENGUARD Gold certified for quality air surrounding the baby
What Parents Love About the Chicco Pack and Play
- The maximum weight recommendation is 30 pounds
- The bassinet zips on and off
- Designed for newborn babies from day one
- No assembly required
Complaints About the Chicco Pack and Play
- Spot clean only; difficult to clean
- Fairly heavy to lift and carry
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Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Playard
For an elevated version of the traditional Graco playard, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream is a great option for families.
If you are looking for a bassinet designed with more features and functionality, this may be the better choice for the short and long term. If you intend to use it for multiple children throughout the years as your family grows, the quality Graco provides its customers can not be beaten.
Why we like it
- The portable bassinet removes from the playard to use beside the bed
- Raised bassinet positions the baby at eye level
- Bassinet folds up and fits compactly into a travel bag
- Seven different ways to use the playard
- Diaper changer features easily wipeable fabrics
- Complete with a full-size infant bassinet
- Machine washable mattress pad
- Convenient storage container for wipes and other essentials
What Parents Love About the Graco Pack and Play
- Holds a child up to 44 pounds
- Spacious playard can hold and entertain a toddler safely
- The diaper changing station is convenient and easy to assemble
- Travel bassinet is convenient for around the house and travel
- An ideal choice for travel, hotels, and camping
Complaints About the Graco Pack and Play
- It weighs 40 pounds and is heavy to carry
- Difficult assembly
- Large sizes may not fit through some doorways
- No sheets are compatible with the mattress size
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The Verdict: Chicco vs. Graco Pack N Plays
With so many options and brands on the market, it can be challenging to decide what may be best for you and your children. Chicco and Graco are two of the most well-trusted brands money can buy and for good reason. Here are a few ways the two compare and how each one measures up for a reliable, comfortable pack ‘n play for your baby.
Cost
Graco is often the popular choice for families because of its budget-friendly products; Chicco is typically more expensive. This may be because the quality of the materials is better in Chicco products, from car seats and strollers to playards. It’s important to know that cost does not equate to safety; there are many safe options in every baby category on the market that are affordable.
Function
Chicco and Graco playards do essentially the same thing — keep babies comfortable, and promote safe sleep while remaining close to their parents during the early months. For travel, both Chicco and Graco offer a playard with simple features, easy transport, and durability to last for several children and many years.
Features
The primary difference that sets Chicco apart (and justifies the higher price) is the features that it offers in its playard. From using machine washable fabrics to a heavier weight recommendation to extend its use for each child, Chicco has slightly more user-friendly and baby-inspired design elements that may be worth it for some families.
However, if you are looking for a simple design, ease of use, and a trusty product, Graco can provide everything you need.
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Wrap Up – Chicco vs Graco Pack n Play
Whether you’re adding a playard to your baby registry or browsing for the best product for an upcoming vacation, you’re in good hands with both Graco and Chicco playards.
What it comes down to is what you’ll be using it for, the age of your baby, plans for future children, and the functions you’ll need for use. Everything else is just an added bonus!