Why We Returned the Graco Pack 'n Play
Too heavy to actually move. Defeated the purpose of a "portable" playard.
The Moment
Month 2 postpartum. We're going to visit my parents for the weekend. I go to fold up the Graco Pack 'n Play to bring with us.
It weighs 30 pounds. Thirty. The folded bag is massive. I can barely lift it, let alone carry it to the car, load it, unload it, and set it back up.
My husband tries. He gets it in the car. But we both know we're never doing this again.
The whole point of a Pack 'n Play is portability. This thing is the opposite of portable.
We return it and buy the Guava Lotus instead. 13 pounds. Folds into a backpack. Game changer.
The Conflict
The Graco Pack 'n Play is the default. It's on every registry. It's the one your parents probably used. It's affordable and safe and... heavy as hell.
The deluxe models are even worse. They come with bassinets, changing tables, toy bars, storage compartments. More features = more weight. Some models weigh 40+ pounds.
And here's the problem: if it's too heavy to move, you won't move it. It'll sit in one spot. You won't take it to grandma's house. You won't move it from room to room. It becomes a stationary playpen, not a portable one.
Weight comparison
Graco Pack 'n Play (standard): 28-30 lbs. Graco Pack 'n Play (deluxe models): 35-40 lbs. Guava Lotus: 13 lbs. Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light: 11 lbs. 4moms Breeze Plus: 24 lbs. If you actually want to move it, weight matters.
The Learning
After returning the Graco, we bought the Guava Lotus. Here's why it's better:
Weight: 13 Pounds
Light enough that I could carry it myself, even postpartum. Light enough to actually take places. We used it at my parents' house, hotels, friends' houses, even moved it around our own home.
Folds Into a Backpack
The Graco folds into a giant rectangular bag. The Guava folds into a compact backpack you can carry on your back. So much easier to transport.
One-Handed Setup
The Graco requires two hands and some wrestling. The Guava pops open in seconds with one hand. Folds down just as easily. When you're holding a baby, this matters.
No Toxic Smell
The Graco smelled like chemicals for days after we opened it. The Guava had zero smell. GreenGuard Gold certified, which means low VOC emissions. Safer for baby.
Downside: Price
The Guava costs $250 vs. $80-$150 for the Graco. But we used it constantly for two kids. Worth it for the portability and ease of use.
What we use now
Guava Lotus for both kids. Used it for travel, naps, safe play space. Brought it everywhere. Still using it at 2+ years. Best baby gear purchase we made.
The Updated Rule
If you want a truly portable playard, skip the Graco. Get something lightweight that you'll actually move.
Options:
- Guava Lotus ($250): Best all-around. Lightweight, easy setup, low VOCs. Worth the price.
- Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light ($300): Even lighter (11 lbs), but more expensive and harder to find.
- 4moms Breeze Plus ($300): One-push setup, but heavier (24 lbs). Easier than Graco, not as light as Guava.
- Graco Pack 'n Play Lite ($100): If you're on a budget, get the "Lite" version. Lighter than standard models, still not as light as Guava.
Or skip the playard entirely. If you're not traveling and you have a safe floor space, you might not need one. We used ours constantly, but some people don't. Don't buy it just because it's on the registry checklist.
What I'd tell past me
Don't buy the default Graco just because it's cheap and everyone has one. You'll use it twice and then it'll sit in the corner because it's too heavy to move. Spend the extra money on the Guava. You'll actually use it. And when you're using it multiple times a week for years, $250 is worth it.
Not universal
If you have space for a stationary playard and you're not moving it around, the Graco is fine. It's safe and affordable. This is specifically about portability. If you need something truly portable, get something lighter.