Choosing the right travel crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. If you’re looking into Graco Pack ‘n Play models, you’ve likely discovered the sheer variety they offer. It’s easy to spend hours comparing them all. I’ve done the research for you, focusing on two popular models: the standard Pack ‘n Play bassinet and the Graco Travel Lite Crib with Stages.
Comparing Graco Pack 'n Play Bassinet and Travel Lite Crib Side-by-Side
I personally own both the Pack ‘n Play bassinet and the Pack ‘n Play Travel Lite with Stages. We use the full-size Pack ‘n Play in our living room, while the Travel Lite is conveniently set up in our bedroom.
The standard Pack ‘n Play excels in longevity and versatility. It serves as a spacious and comfortable bassinet initially and transitions into a playpen as your baby grows.
The Graco Travel Lite crib, on the other hand, prioritizes a smaller footprint. The full-size Pack ‘n Play simply wouldn’t fit in our bedroom, making the Travel Lite the perfect bedroom bassinet solution. While it also converts to a playpen, it’s important to note that your baby will likely outgrow it sooner than the standard model.
Similarities Between Graco Pack ‘n Play Models
Both the Pack ‘n Play bassinet and the Travel Lite are designed to accommodate babies from birth through the toddler years. A key feature they share is the suspended sleep surface, positioned several inches from the top. This “bassinet” level is invaluable for newborns and young infants, minimizing strain when you’re frequently lifting and placing your baby down – something you’ll be doing countless times each day in those early weeks.
While more affordable Pack ‘n Play models exist, they often lack this crucial removable bassinet feature. Without it, you’d have to bend much further down to reach your baby, which can be challenging and uncomfortable. Investing in a model with the bassinet feature extends the usability of the furniture piece, taking you from the newborn stage well into toddlerhood.
As your baby develops, the bassinet component can be easily removed, and the mattress pad can be positioned at the base of the Pack ‘n Play. This transformation turns the bassinet into a playpen, providing excellent value and utility for over two years.
To summarize, both the Pack ‘n Play bassinet and the Travel Lite share these benefits:
- Safety for newborns and infants: Designed with safety standards for young babies.
- Easy assembly and disassembly: User-friendly setup and takedown for convenience.
- Foldable sleeping pad: Includes a portable and foldable mattress pad.
- Convertible to playpen: Transitions from a bassinet to a playpen for extended use.
Pack ‘n Play Bassinet Review: Pros and Cons
In our experience, Baby B demonstrably prefers the larger Pack ‘n Play over the Travel Lite. This preference might be attributed to the Dream on Me mattress we use inside the Pack ‘n Play. This Dream on Me 3″ mattress offers a noticeably softer and more supportive surface compared to the standard pad that comes with the Pack ‘n Play. Crucially, it maintains a safe firmness, avoiding any unsafe mushiness, and feels even more comfortable with a lightly padded mattress cover.
PROS of the Pack ‘n Play Bassinet
- Accommodates Dream on Me mattress: Compatible with a more comfortable aftermarket mattress, enhancing baby’s sleep.
- Spacious: Allows baby to lie in any direction comfortably.
- Larger play area: Provides ample space with dimensions of 39.50 x 28.25 x 29.00 inches.
- Extended usability: Lasts longer as baby grows into childhood due to its size.
- More affordable: Generally less expensive than the Travel Lite, despite its larger size and versatility.
- Good portability: Folds easily and is reasonably portable for car travel.
- Wheels for mobility: Equipped with wheels on one end for easy room-to-room movement.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Available in various colors to suit different preferences.
- Makeshift changing table: Large enough and sturdy enough to be used as a temporary changing table, preventing baby roll-offs.
Graco Pack 'n Play Bassinet Used as a Changing Table
CONS of the Pack ‘n Play Bassinet
- Larger footprint: Doesn’t fit in smaller bedrooms.
- Uncomfortable included pad: The standard sleeping pad is firm and basic, often requiring a separate mattress purchase for optimal comfort.
- Not full crib size: Incompatible with standard crib accessories like ramps and full-size crib bedding.
Pack ‘n Play Travel Lite Review: Pros and Cons
Unless space is a major constraint, the standard-sized Pack ‘n Play offers more advantages overall. However, if a smaller footprint is essential, the Travel Lite remains an excellent alternative, surpassing similarly sized competitors, such as standalone bassinets that babies quickly outgrow. The Travel Lite’s ability to convert into a playpen (or even deep storage) after the bassinet phase offers greater long-term value compared to bassinets or co-sleepers that are solely designed for infant sleep.
PROS of the Travel Lite Crib
- Compact size: 20% smaller than standard Graco playards (23.2 x 33.5 x 32.2 inches), ideal for smaller spaces.
- Softer included pad: The included sleeping pad is softer than the standard Pack ‘n Play pad, though still not as plush as a Dream on Me mattress.
- Canopy cover: Includes a canopy for shade and privacy.
- Wheels for portability: Features wheels on one end for easy movement.
CONS of the Travel Lite Crib
- Limited mattress options: No readily available equivalent to the Dream on Me mattress designed for the larger Pack ‘n Play.
- Sheet availability: Sheets specifically sized for the Travel Lite pad can be harder to find.
- Shorter lifespan: Baby will outgrow the bassinet and playpen functions sooner than the standard Pack ‘n Play.
- Higher price point: More expensive than the standard Pack ‘n Play.
- Limited color choices: Currently available in fewer color options.
Baby in Graco Travel Lite Crib
Which Graco Pack ‘n Play Should You Choose?
For most families, the full-size Pack ‘n Play is the recommended choice, unless space limitations are a primary concern.
It offers greater longevity, is more economical, and provides more flexibility in terms of mattress upgrades if your baby dislikes the included pad. It’s also just as travel-friendly and portable around the house as the Travel Lite crib.
Recommended Pack ‘n Play Starter Kit
Graco Pack 'n Play Starter Kit Recommendation
This is my personal Pack ‘n Play setup, including the mattress and bedding.
This specific combination of play yard, mattress, sheets, and pad is the result of thorough research on Amazon, considering “Customers also bought” suggestions, dimensions, materials, and user reviews. The Dream on Me mattress fits perfectly and snugly, ensuring baby’s safety.
It’s easy to mistakenly purchase products intended for full-size cribs, so always double-check dimensions before buying any accessories.
To simplify your shopping, here are direct links to the exact Pack ‘n Play play yard and bedding I recommend:
Important Note on Mattress Safety: The decision to use a supplemental mattress is personal. Always prioritize your baby’s safety by conducting thorough research and discontinuing use of any product that raises safety concerns. Ensure any added mattress fits snugly on all sides and avoid adding extra padding or blankets beyond the mattress and a fitted sheet.
