Best Playards for Newborns in 2026

When preparing for your newborn, a playard might not be the first thing on your mind. After all, anything with the word play in its name may sound like something you won’t need until your baby is a little older. But a playard designed with newborns in mind can be one of the most useful additions to your baby registry.

The right playard does much more than provide a safe space for playtime. Many models include newborn-friendly features like a raised bassinet, a convenient changing station, and a breathable, washable mattress. As your baby grows, the same playard transitions into a roomier space for sleep and supervised play, extending its usefulness through infancy and into the toddler years.

We’ve rounded up our favorite newborn-ready playards that offer the comfort, convenience, and versatility parents need from the very first days at home.

How We Chose the Best Playards for Newborns

With so many playards on the market, our list is intentionally short. At Bambi Baby, we look beyond product specifications and impressive feature lists. We consider which models parents love most, feedback from our customers, and the firsthand experiences of our own team members who are parents themselves. After 50 years of helping families choose baby gear, we've learned which features make a meaningful difference in everyday life.

Safety is always our first priority. Every playard on our list is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meeting strict standards for low chemical emissions. Each also includes a newborn bassinet, providing a convenient sleep space from day one. Breathable designs, easy-to-clean materials, intuitive folding mechanisms, and long-term versatility were also important considerations.

Beyond those shared features, we looked at what makes each playard especially well suited to different families and routines. The Nuna COVE Aire Go stands out for small spaces, the Nuna PAAL for travel and bedside convenience, and the Nuna SENA Aire for families who prefer a roomier, full-size travel crib and playard. The newly redesigned UPPAbaby Remi V2 earns our all-in-one pick for its thoughtful combination of newborn bassinet, included changing station, and full-size playard.

Each of these parent favorites brings something different to the table. Our goal is to help you understand those differences so you can choose the playard that makes the most sense for your home, your routine, and your family.

Why You Need a Playard

Most families think of a playard as something they'll need once their baby is a little older, sitting up, crawling, and becoming more curious about the world around them. But a playard designed for newborns can be useful from the very first day home, long before your little one is ready for playtime.

During the newborn months, parents often rely on baby seats and loungers to keep their little ones close during supervised awake time. As babies become more mobile, parents naturally start looking for a safe, contained space where their child can play while they tackle everyday tasks. But why wait until then?

A multi-purpose playard combines the functions of several pieces of baby gear into one thoughtful design. From newborn sleep and diaper changes to family travel and toddler playtime, the right playard can serve your family for years.

Bedside Bassinet

Choosing a playard with an included newborn bassinet means you can use the same system as your baby's primary sleep space from day one. Positioned alongside your bed, the raised bassinet keeps your newborn close for nighttime feedings and check-ins. Once your baby outgrows the bassinet attachment, the system transitions into a full-size travel crib or playard, eliminating the need to purchase an entirely separate sleep solution for the next stage.

Secondary Napping Station

If you live in a two-story home with bedrooms upstairs and your main living space downstairs, you'll quickly appreciate having a second dedicated sleep space. Rather than heading upstairs every time your newborn needs a nap, a playard with an approved sleep configuration can provide a convenient napping station in the living room or family room. It allows you to keep your baby nearby throughout the day while maintaining a separate, appropriate sleep environment.

Diaper Changing Station

Newborns need a lot of diaper changes, and having a changing station within easy reach can make those early months considerably easier. Playards that include a changing station, or offer one as a compatible accessory, provide a convenient second changing area outside the nursery. Whether you position the playard beside your bed or in the living room, you'll appreciate not having to hurry back to the nursery for every diaper change—or resort to changing diapers on the couch. Many playard changers also fold or flip out of the way when they're not needed.

Travel

Whether you're flying across the country or packing up for a weekend at the grandparents', planning where your baby will sleep is an important part of traveling with little ones. A playard that folds compactly and includes a storage bag, or offers a compatible travel bag, makes bringing a familiar sleep space along much easier. Instead of relying on whatever accommodations might be available at your destination, you can bring a travel crib you already know how to set up and use.

Playard: A Safe Space for Supervised Play

As your baby begins sitting, crawling, and exploring their surroundings, the playard takes on its namesake role. A contained play space with a few age-appropriate toys and books gives your little one room to discover and interact with their environment. It also gives you the freedom to fold laundry, tidy up, or prepare for the next part of your day while keeping your baby nearby and supervised.

And because many playards accommodate children well into the toddler years, this is one piece of baby gear that can continue earning its place in your home long after the newborn stage.

Nuna COVE Aire Go: Best Newborn & Infant Playard for Small Spaces

If you're planning to keep your newborn close at night but don't have much extra room beside your bed, the Nuna COVE Aire Go is an excellent place to start. Measuring just 24.5 inches wide, it's the narrowest playard on our list, making it particularly well suited to smaller bedrooms, apartments, and homes where every inch of floor space matters.

The COVE Aire Go begins as a raised newborn bassinet, providing a convenient sleep space during those early months of nighttime feedings and frequent wake-ups. Nuna's signature Advanced air design features mesh sides, a ventilated floor, and a triple-layer mesh mattress that encourage airflow throughout the system. The mattress cover is also removable, machine washable, and dryer safe—an especially welcome feature when dealing with newborn messes.

We also appreciate how little effort it takes to transition between uses. The COVE Aire Go opens and folds with one hand, and the bassinet can remain attached when folding. Once your baby outgrows the bassinet, simply unzip and remove it to transition the system into a full-size travel crib and playard.

Why We Love the Nuna COVE Aire Go

✓ Space-saving footprint: At just 24.5 inches wide, it's the narrowest playard in our comparison.
✓ Newborn-ready bassinet: An included raised bassinet provides a convenient bedside sleep space from birth.
✓ Advanced air design: Mesh sides, a ventilated floor, and a triple-layer mesh mattress promote airflow from every angle.
✓ One-hand setup and fold: The bassinet folds with the frame, so there's no need to remove it before packing up.
✓ Easy-to-clean mattress: Removable mattress panels and a machine-washable, dryer-safe cover make cleanup easier.
✓ GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Meets stringent third-party standards for low chemical emissions.
✓ Thoughtful included extras: Comes with a GOTS-certified organic cotton sheet and a travel bag.
✓ Long-term versatility: Transitions from a newborn bassinet into a travel crib and playard for older babies and toddlers.

What to Consider: The COVE Aire Go does not accommodate a changing station. If having a dedicated diaper-changing surface integrated into your playard is a priority, consider the Nuna SENA Aire with Changer or the UPPAbaby Remi V2.

Shop the Nuna COVE Aire Go at Bambi Baby

Nuna PAAL: Best Playard for Travel and Bedside Use

If you're looking for a playard that's equally practical beside your bed as it is on a weekend getaway, the Nuna PAAL delivers an impressive combination of portability, convenience, and newborn-friendly features. At just 19.8 pounds, it's impressively lightweight. Its slim 26-inch width also makes it a great bedside option for parents who want to keep their newborn close without taking up too much floor space.

Traveling with a baby means packing a lot of gear, so we particularly appreciate the PAAL's easy setup and compact fold. The entire system opens in seconds and folds flat, even with its bassinet attached. When it's time to go, the PAAL packs neatly into its included travel bag with convenient duffle-style handles.

The PAAL also offers thoughtful features for everyday use. Its raised newborn bassinet provides a convenient sleep space during the early months, while the breathable mattress, mesh side panels, and washable fabrics make it practical for regular use. Once your baby outgrows the bassinet, the mattress transitions to the floor-level position. A zip-open side panel adds another layer of versatility, allowing older babies and toddlers to crawl in and out during supervised playtime.

Why We Love the Nuna PAAL

✓ Lightweight and travel-friendly: Lightweight design at just 19.8 pounds.
✓ Slim bedside footprint: Measuring 26 inches wide, the PAAL fits comfortably into smaller bedrooms and bedside spaces.
✓ Newborn-ready bassinet: An included raised bassinet provides a convenient sleep space from birth.
✓ Effortless setup and fold: Opens in seconds and folds with the push of a button, even with the bassinet attached.
✓ Breathable mattress: A supportive, breathable mattress and mesh side panels encourage airflow and visibility.
✓ Easy-to-clean materials: A fully washable mattress cover makes dealing with everyday baby messes easier.
✓ Zip-open side panel: Allows older babies and toddlers to crawl in and out during supervised playtime and encourages face-to-face interaction.
✓ GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Meets stringent third-party standards for low chemical emissions.
✓ Thoughtful included extras: Comes with a GOTS-certified organic cotton sheet, insect net, and travel bag with duffle handles.
✓ Long-term versatility: Transitions from a raised newborn bassinet into a floor-level travel crib and playard for older babies and toddlers.

What to Consider: The Nuna PAAL does not offer a compatible changing station, and its bassinet has a 15-pound weight limit. If you prefer an all-in-one newborn setup with a dedicated diaper-changing area, the Nuna SENA Aire with Changer or UPPAbaby Remi V2 may be a better fit.

Shop the Nuna PAAL at Bambi Baby

Nuna SENA Aire: Best Full-Size Travel Crib/Playard for Newborns and Infants

If you're looking for a roomy, full-size playard that can comfortably serve as your newborn's primary sleep space and grow with your little one, the Nuna SENA Aire is an excellent choice. Measuring 30 inches wide, it's the largest playard on our list, giving babies more room to stretch out and eventually play. It's especially well suited to families who have the space for a full-size setup but still want the convenience of a travel crib that folds and packs away easily.

One of the SENA Aire's standout features is Nuna's signature Advanced air design, which combines mesh sides, a ventilated floor, and a triple-layer mesh mattress to encourage airflow from every angle. The raised newborn bassinet provides a convenient sleep space during the earliest months, and its updated zip-off design makes transitioning to the full-size playard simple. Despite its larger footprint, the SENA Aire opens and folds with one hand.

For parents who want even more functionality, the SENA Aire is also available with a dedicated changing station. The changer attaches securely to the playard, features an easy-to-clean surface, and can conveniently hang from the frame when not in use. This makes the SENA Aire particularly useful as a secondary sleep and changing station in a living room or family room. As your baby grows, the changer and bassinet can be retired, leaving a spacious playard for supervised play and continued use through the toddler years.

Why We Love the Nuna SENA Aire

✓ Roomy full-size design: At 30 inches wide, it provides plenty of space for sleep and play.
✓ Newborn-ready bassinet: An included raised bassinet provides a convenient sleep space from birth.
✓ Advanced air design: Mesh sides, a ventilated floor, and a triple-layer mesh mattress encourage 360-degree airflow.
✓ One-hand setup and fold: Nuna's unique zigzag frame opens and folds easily, even with the bassinet attached.
✓ Available changing station: The SENA Aire + Changer bundle includes a convenient changing surface that can hang from the playard when not in use.
✓ Easy-to-clean mattress: Removable mattress panels and a machine-washable, dryer-safe cover make cleanup simple.
✓ Stable construction: A sturdy aluminum frame, eight-leg design, and skid-resistant feet provide stability for everyday use.
✓ GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Meets stringent third-party standards for low chemical emissions.
✓ Thoughtful included extras: Comes with a GOTS-certified organic cotton sheet and a travel bag with a convenient carrying handle.
✓ Long-term versatility: Transitions from a newborn bassinet into a spacious travel crib and playard for older babies and toddlers.

What to Consider: The SENA Aire's larger footprint makes it less ideal for particularly small bedrooms or tight bedside spaces. While the playard itself weighs 22 pounds without the bassinet, the changing station adds another 7 pounds. If portability or a smaller footprint is your priority, the Nuna PAAL or COVE Aire Go may be a better fit.

Shop the Nuna SENA Aire at Bambi Baby

UPPAbaby Remi V2: Best All-in-One Travel Crib & Playard

Some baby gear earns its place in your home by doing one job particularly well. The UPPAbaby Remi V2 earns ours by taking on several. With an elevated newborn bassinet, a full-size playard, and an included changing station, it's a system that can serve as your baby's bedside sleep space, a convenient care station in the living room, and a familiar place to sleep when you're away from home. As your little one grows, the bassinet gives way to a roomier space for rest and supervised play.

UPPAbaby has also put plenty of thought into the little details that make life with a baby easier. The changing station folds out of the way when not in use, and the entire system opens in seconds with just one hand. Its soft, breathable comfort-top mattress is fully washable, while the mesh walls provide excellent visibility and airflow. The newborn bassinet accommodates babies up to 20 pounds, the highest bassinet weight limit of our four picks. Later, the zip-open front panel offers easy access for interaction and supervised playtime.

Another reason we love the Remi V2 is its impressive assortment of accessories, available separately, that make the system even more practical. The clip-on Changing Station Organizer keeps diapers, wipes, and creams neatly within reach, so everything you need for a quick diaper change is right where you need it. For families who travel frequently, UPPAbaby also offers a padded Remi travel bag designed to protect the playard during transport, including air travel. And the Remi V2 Room Darkening Canopy is particularly useful for daytime naps or sleeping away from home, helping create a darker sleep environment even in bright rooms or unfamiliar accommodations. These thoughtful extras give parents more ways to tailor the Remi V2 to their family's everyday routine.

Why We Love the UPPAbaby Remi V2

✓ All-in-one versatility: Combines a newborn bassinet, travel crib, changing station, and full-size playard in one system.
✓ Included changing station: A convenient fold-away changer provides a dedicated diaper-changing area without an additional purchase.
✓ Newborn-ready bassinet: Accommodates newborn bassinet use up to 20 pounds.
✓ Soft comfort-top mattress: Features a soft, breathable mattress designed for comfort.
✓ One-hand opening: Sets up in seconds.
✓ Breathable mesh design: Mesh walls encourage airflow and provide clear visibility of your little one.
✓ Easy-to-clean mattress: A fully washable mattress makes dealing with everyday baby messes more convenient.
✓ Zip-open front panel: Provides easy access and face-to-face interaction during supervised playtime.
✓ GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Meets stringent third-party standards for low chemical emissions.
✓ Excellent accessory assortment: A clip-on changing organizer, padded travel bag, room-darkening canopy, and additional mattress covers are available separately.
✓ Long-term versatility: Transitions from a newborn sleep-and-care station into a travel crib and playard for older babies and toddlers.

What to Consider: At 24.6 pounds with its mattress, the Remi V2 is heavier than the other playards in our comparison. If lightweight travel is your top priority, the Nuna PAAL may be a better fit. However, for families who want a complete newborn setup with a changing station included and plenty of optional accessories, the Remi V2 offers an especially practical solution.

Shop the UPPAbaby Remi V2 at Bambi Baby

How to Choose a Playard

Whether you're adding a playard to your baby registry or purchasing one at the last minute for an overnight trip, choosing the right model may seem pretty straightforward. But taking a little time to think about how you'll actually use it can make a big difference. The best playard isn't necessarily the one with the most features; it's the one that fits your home, your routine, and your family's needs.

Before making your selection, consider the following:

• Think about why you're buying one. If you're adding a playard to your baby registry, ask yourself what you envision using it for. Is it on your list simply because everyone says you'll need one, or do you have a specific purpose in mind? Knowing whether you want a bedside bassinet, a secondary care station, or a portable travel crib will help narrow your choices.

• Consider when you'll start using it. If you plan to use your playard from birth, choose a model with an approved newborn bassinet attachment. A raised bassinet makes it easier to reach your newborn during those early months, before transitioning to the lower playard mattress when your baby reaches the bassinet's developmental or weight limits.

• Measure your bedside space. If your playard will replace a traditional bedside bassinet, pay close attention to its dimensions. Make sure there's enough room beside your bed to move around comfortably, especially during nighttime feedings and diaper changes.

• Think about where you'll change diapers. Planning to keep your playard in the living room or family room? A model with an included or compatible changing station can save you countless trips back and forth to the nursery. Consider a changing organizer, too, so diapers, wipes, and other essentials are always within reach.

• Prioritize portability if you'll be traveling. Compare each model's weight, folded dimensions, and ease of setup. An included travel bag is helpful, but if you fly frequently, you may also want to look for a padded travel bag designed to protect the system in transit.

• Choose room to grow if you're past the newborn stage. If your baby has already outgrown the bassinet stage, you may not need a system with newborn-specific features. Instead, focus on a full-size playard with plenty of room for supervised play and an approved sleep surface for nights away from home.

• Look for easy access if playtime is your priority. A playard with a zip-open front or side panel can make interacting with your little one easier. These openings are especially nice as babies become more mobile, giving you the opportunity to sit nearby, share toys, and engage during supervised playtime.

Pro Tip: Choose a Color You'll Want to Live With

Speaking from experience, this is one detail I wish I'd thought more about when creating my own baby registry. I was so excited to be having a little girl that nearly everything I registered for was pink, including a playard with a beautiful, feminine print. I loved it when I picked it out. But once all that pink baby gear made its way into my living space, I realized I'd overlooked something: the playard wasn't just baby gear. It was also going to become part of my home's everyday landscape.

Fortunately, many premium brands now offer playards in sophisticated neutral colors and understated fabrics that blend beautifully with home decor. Before choosing a color or pattern, think about where your playard will spend most of its time. A style that complements your bedroom or living room may be one you'll appreciate much more once it's set up and being used every day.

Are Playards Worth It for Newborns?

Absolutely! A well-designed, newborn-ready playard can be one of the hardest-working pieces of baby gear in your home. From providing a convenient, approved sleep space during those first few months to offering a familiar place to rest while traveling and a dedicated space for supervised play, its usefulness extends well beyond the newborn stage.

The best playards for newborns are thoughtfully designed to make everyday parenting a little easier. Each of our four favorites brings something special to the table, and all offer the quality, convenience, and versatility we look for when recommending baby gear to growing families. At Bambi Baby, our goal is simple: to help you invest in products you'll feel confident using from those first precious days through the busy toddler years.

Still have questions? 

Bambi Baby experts are ready to connect! If you have any more questions regarding Playards or Travel Cribs, you can reach us at cs@bambibaby.com or chat with us on our website. We would love to hear from you!

We would also love to see you in store! Feel free to visit any of our store locations in New York, New Jersey, or Miami if you prefer personalized assistance from one of our experts. We're here to ensure you find the perfect gear for your baby with confidence and ease.