- Nursery Articles -
Playard vs. Crib? How to Find
the Perfect Option for Your Child
Whether it's the first month or year of a baby’s life, sleep is always important. With so many options available, it's likely that you've spent hours researching the benefits and differences of playards, bassinets and cribs, as well as products that match your needs and preferences.
To avoid any confusion, we've outlined the main differences between playards vs. cribs so that you have all the information you need to feel confident that your child is resting safely and soundly.
What Is a Crib?
A crib is an enclosed, slatted bed for a young child or baby. It is larger in size than a bassinet and, as a result, it generally has a permanent place in a room or nursery.
With the right mattress and crib fitted sheet, a crib can be a cozy and safe place for your child before they transition to their first bed. Cribs are often considered a traditional sleeping option, and due to their stylish nature, they make a nice, long-term investment for your child. Some cribs can even convert to beds and grow with your child as they get older.
What Is a Playard?
Smaller than a traditional crib, a playard serves as a trusted companion for families looking for a versatile sleeping option. Although a similar concept, playards are lighter, smaller and easier to transport.
Playards are durable, easy to set up and take down and provide your child with the room needed during a nap or playtime. What's more, there are designated changers for your playard available so that you can change your baby or child with ease and comfort.
Crib vs. Playard: What Are the Main Differences?
There are benefits to both options. We've created a simple guide to help you decide on the best one for your home, child and current and future preferences.
Cribs
As your child grows and requires a different sleep setup, a crib offers a long-term solution needed to accommodate this.
Products such as this Kendall Toddler Bed Conversion Kit makes it easy to transform your baby's crib into a bed suitable and comfortable for a toddler.
Playards
For smaller spaces or if you are looking for an option for travel, a playard is a beneficial choice. Alongside other useful baby gear, such as this Nuna LEAF™ Grow Baby Bouncer, you are able to sit back and relax as your baby plays. Playards can easily be moved from room to room or packed up for weekend trips. They can even be used for naps if your crib is in a different area.
Playards allow you to make the most of your space without the stress of extra assembly.
5 Tips for Setting Up Your Crib or Playard
1. Understand Your Room's Measurements
For both a crib and playardy, we recommend measuring both the entire room and designated space. Be sure to make a note of these measurements to see if you have additional room available for other furniture items such as a dresser, changing table and bookcase.
2. Prepare for Today and Tomorrow
It's important to remember that every child is different. Their transition from a crib to a bigger bed could happen between 18 months or even after the age of three. Consult with your pediatrician to determine what’s best for your child.
3. Buy Your Items Together for Ease and Efficiency
Getting your baby's room ready is an exciting experience, and just like your baby, your list of must-have items will grow over time. With this in mind, we recommend that you buy your crib mattress or playard sheet at the same time as the crib or playard. This ensures ease and efficiency as you build out your baby's room, as well as confidence knowing that your furniture and accessories are ready for your baby.
4. Create a Comfy and Safe Space
When you have your crib and mattress ready, we recommend additional items to help keep your baby safe and protect the crib to ensure long-term use. This linen mesh liner will ensure that your baby's hands stay inside the crib and you can use a waterproof mattress pad for life's little messes.
5. Create a Healthy, Happy Room
It can be tempting to fill your shopping cart — both in-store and online — with all the items that your baby will need in those first few years. Since your child needs a healthy and happy room to grow, be sure that your crib or playard are tested to meet and surpass the highest regulations and standards.
Our GREENGUARD Gold Certified cribs, rocking chairs and dressers will give you those extra layers of comfort, assurance and safety that you and your baby need, want and deserve today, tomorrow and always.
Cribs for a Good Night's Sleep
A Versatile Convertible Crib
With five colors to choose from, this Kendall Convertible Crib will be an eye-catching focal point for any nursery or room. It's also easy to convert from a baby to toddler bed with a 2-in-1 mattress design: one side offers a safe and supportive surface for your baby, and the other side includes a layer of foam when your toddler is ready for that important milestone.
An Efficient 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Get ready to enjoy this Rory 4-in-1 Convertible Crib for many years to come. Not only is the style timeless and classic but there are so many options on how to use the crib over time. The crib has three height options, and the mattresses available are double-sided with your baby and toddler in mind.
A Dreamy Mid-Century Convertible Crib
The perfect combination of safety and style, the West Elm x PBK Mid-Century Convertible Crib can be converted from a crib to toddler bed as your child grows. The style isn't just limited to the crib: the matching Lullaby Crib Mattress features a distinct design for each stage.
A Stylish Upholstered Convertible Crib
If you’re looking for a crib that will make a statement, then we recommend that you start with The Blythe Upholstered Convertible Crib. From the beautiful upholstery to carved molding, and every little detail in between, this crib will be a stylish addition to your nursery. The nightstand and extra-wide dresser and changing topper complete the look.
Playards for Travel and Home
A Lighter Playard
If you prefer to travel light, then the BABYBJÖRN® Travel Crib Light is exactly what you need. With a foldable and portable crib, along with a breathable mesh fabric in either black or silver, you can keep an eye on your baby as they sleep or enjoy some playtime. Complete with a carry bag, this playard requires minimal time and effort to put together or take down.
A Comfy Playard
If you are looking for a playard that combines comfort and style, then you will love the Nuna SENA™ Aire Playard. The Broken Arrow Caviar pattern is exclusive to Pottery Barn Kids. This playard was designed with maximum comfort, durability and safety in mind. From the sturdy frame to skid-proof feet, this is a great option for parents looking for a quiet atmosphere for their baby. The convenience of the attachable changer means you are all set before, during and after nap and play times.
Whether you start with a crib or playard, we hope this guide provides the insight and recommendations that you need to create a comfortable space for your child for many years to come.