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Buying Guide: Playards

• Available Features
• Safety Tips

A playard provides a safe and contained play space for your baby. Portable and convenient, playards give baby room to stretch and parents a chance to take a break, read a favorite magazine, or just relax nearby. However, a playard should never be used as a substitute for adult supervision. Great for traveling or even picnicking, a playard is a space that gives babies and parents a chance to rest and enjoy a little independence.

Available Features
Playards can be as basic as a padded floor with mesh or slatted sides, or they can come with a bounty of extra features such as a bassinet, changing station, mobile - even an outlet to connect an MP3 player or iPod. Here are some of the more common features to look for:

• A removable canopy will allow you to use your playard indoors and out while protecting baby from the sun.
• A convertible playard features a removable bassinet that can be used until your child weighs about 15 pounds.
• A changing station fits securely on top of or nests inside the playard providing a convenient place to change baby. These often come with convenient pockets to store diapers, wipes, and other diapering necessities.
• A removable mobile or toy bar provides extra entertainment for baby.
• Electronic features such as music, vibration, and lights can help soothe and relax baby.

Browse our full selection of playards

Safety Tips
The most important thing to remember about a playard is that baby should never be left unattended inside of it. These portable play areas are not meant to take the place of adult supervision. There are a few other safety issues that you should consider as well.

• Always make sure all the drop-sides are raised and locked in the upright position while baby is in the playard.
• Mesh holes should be no more than 1/4" large, and the space between slats should not exceed 2 3/8". Check mesh sides and rails regularly for any holes or tears.
• Do not place any extra padding, large toys, or bumper pads in the playard. They can be used to climb out of the playard.
• Do not tie anything across the top of the playard, including any toys.
• Never leave your child unattended in the playard.
• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines very closely for assembly, folding and unfolding, and all height and weight restrictions.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) has developed a certification system to identify which products have been manufactured with safety in mind. Look for the JPMA seal while you're shopping for a playard. It's an easy way to make sure the playard you choose meets the highest standards for safety.

A playard can bring lots of enjoyment to baby, and a give you a little bit of free time. Friends and family will be delighted to see a playard on your registry. It lets them know baby will always have a safe place to play when mommy comes to visit them!

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