Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
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​Compare Playpens (Playards): Graco Pack 'N Play or Joovy Room2?

Joovy Room2 Playard
Photo Credits:Joovy
Babies grow fast! It doesn't take much time before they are able to crawl around the house making it quite difficult for the parents to keep them under their watchful eye. Playpens, also known as playards, were invented precisely to provide the toddler with an enclosed, safe, and pleasant environment for play time. 

​Playards have evolved over time, and the best brands today come with features that keep the toddler both entertained and comfortable. In addition, they easily fold and can be carried anywhere you go. This becomes quite useful when you're visiting the grandparents, other relatives and friends, or when you're traveling and you need to keep the toddler under control in unfamiliar environments such as hotel rooms.
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​​​There are a number of features you should be looking for when buying a playard:
  • It should be spacious enough for the baby to feel free and play comfortably.
  • It should have a strong sturdy frame.
  • The walls should both be transparent and meshed so that air can flow in from the sides, you can see what the baby is up to, and the baby does not feel confined.
  • It should be quick and easy to set up and fold. Best playards can be installed and folded in less than a minute.
  • It should have a soft mat or a mattress so the baby can rest or sleep when tired.
  • It would be nice to have wheels so it can easily be moved around by just pulling.
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You will find below a comparison of the most popular two playards sold on Amazon, the Graco Pack 'N Play On The Go and the Joovy Room2 to help you choose the one that will best suit your needs. Note that these are not just best sellers but have also received raving reviews from Amazon customers (average ratings of 4.5 stars each, out of 5 stars, at the time this article was written).

If you're in a hurry and wish to see Amazon price information for the selected playards, please click the following link:
Selected Playards on Amazon


Comparing the Graco Pack'n Play On the Go and Joovy Room2 Playards

The following pictures show the two playards:

Graco Pack 'N PLay Playard
Photo Credits: Graco
Joovy Room2 Playard
Photo Credits: Joovy

​The following table compares the features our two selected playards:


Table Notes 1-5 Explained:

Playards Carrying Bags
Note 1: Airy mesh on four sides provides good ventilation, and the child does not feel confined. 
Note 2: Both brands can be quickly and easily set up and folded.
Note 3: The Graco playpen bag has a handle to carry, while the Joovy Room has shoulder straps (see picture).
Note 4: The Graco comes with a removable, full size bassinet that provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap, at home and away. 
Joovy comes with a mattress and a 100% cotton sheet that slips right over it.
Note 5: Though Graco does not come with a sheet, matching Graco sheets can be separately obtained (see below Amazon products section).

Note also that both playards offer additional colors. The available colors will be shown when you click the product images in the Amazon section below.


So which playpen (playard) to buy?
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Here we have two great playpens with a lot of similar features as shown in the above comparison table. However, there are some important differences you should keep in mind before you decide which one to get for your little one:

Even though both playpens have metallic frames, the Joovy Room2 has a frame made of steel and aluminum, and the material it's made of is luggage-grade 600-denier fabric. This explains why the Joovy is heavier even though both playards are about the same size.

The Joovy comes with a thick mattress and a 100% cotton sheet that is very soft and well made and that easily slips on the mattress so the baby can comfortably rest and sleep when tired. The Graco comes with a bassinet that can be used by the baby to take a nap and that can be removed when the baby wants to play.

A final note on upkeep: Care for both playpens is very easy. You just need to use a damp cloth or a sponge with household soap to wipe all the various parts.

Graco Pack 'N PLay and Joovy Room2 Playards on Amazon

The above compared playpens are both available on Amazon.  
Please click the Amazon US link image below for the playpen of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase.
​Please Note: For non-US customers, when you click the links below, you will be provided with the Amazon links for your country (such as Canada or UK), if the product is available in your country.
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Graco Pack 'N Play On the Go Playards

Joovy Room2 Playard


One more good choice:

If you prefer the Joovy Room playpen, but would like one with a bassinet, please check the following Joovy Room playard with bassinet that follows, the features of which are described below. When you click this product, you will be offered additional colors when available:
Joovy Room Playard with Bassinet 
  • Flip-away changing table with sturdy vinyl top for easy cleaning supports a baby up to 25 pounds.
  • Full-size bassinet holds infant up to 15 pounds.
  • Diaper organizer and giant side pocket provide plenty of storage.
  • Waterproof cotton fitted sheet and travel bag included, additional sheets sold separately.
  • Two wheels for easy moving around your home.
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