Baby Playards – Simple to Complex!

Baby playards serve more than one purpose for parents in most cases. While they are still used as play pens for babies much of the time, they are also now used as portable bassinets or cribs for babies.

Options are impressive when it comes to playards

As their purpose has evolved, so has their style and construction. Instead of basic square playards that look much the same from brand to brand, you can find playards that are square, rectangular, oval and even hexagonal. They are now easier to put up and take down, usually with one hand (great for parents whose hands are already full!). If you travel a lot, a baby playard serves a dual purpose – by day it’s a safe place for your baby to play, at night it’s a portable crib.

Changing needs mean the evolution of baby play areas

Babies go everywhere these days, so baby playards are getting more sophisticated to fit that need. Jeep, Eddie Bauer, Graco, Evenflo and others are adding features to a baby playard that make them just as practical for outdoor use as indoors:

• Fine mesh sides and detachable mesh tops to catch cool breezes while keeping out bugs
• Detachable sunshades to shield babies from harsh UV rays
• Washable materials that can be easily hosed down
• Carrying cases for the beach, camping or road trips
• Rust and corrosion resistant materials for beach and poolside use

When you’re ready to buy your baby’s playard, make a list of all the ways you plan to use it. Use that list to help you choose the best model for your little one!

Also see: Jolly Jumpers