Toddler play yards are not just for entertaining toddlers in an enclosed place. They also function as a napping and changing station. Choosing a play yard for your toddler is as important as buying other toddler gears. Here is a list of the best toddler play yards that have earned the approval of parents and safety experts.

Graco Pack N’ Play Element Play Yard

Graco has been the leading brand of toddler play yards for a very good reason. The Graco Pack N’ Play Element has been a bestseller for years. Why? Because this toddler play yard is sturdily constructed, has an easy to fold mechanism, a bassinet, toy bar and a diaper changing table. It only weighs 21 pounds which makes it very lightweight and a perfect traveling companion. It only costs $120 to $150, perfect for parents who are looking for an affordable play yard that is packed with features.

Chicco Lullaby LX Play Yard

Chicco Lullaby LX is also considered as one of the best toddler play yards because it has plenty of features. It is thickly padded to keep your toddler comfortable, has a toy bar that can be used inside or outside of the play yard, a night light and a music unit with vibration, a bassinet with a removable and machine-washable mattress, a handy changing table that folds down when not in use and can accommodate toddlers up to 30 pounds. You can easily collapse it using the push-button fold for easy storage. In addition, it comes with a traveling bag and has wheels that protrude through the bag so you can roll it around for travel instead of carrying it. The Chicco Lullaby LX is a little expensive (sold for $190), but because of its functionality and versatility, this play yard is a steal.

Graco Pack N’ Play TotBloc Play Yard

This Graco model is highly-rated because of its big size (allows more room for playing). It is a basic toddler play yard with four mesh walls that feature a happy sun, interactive bugs and toys that crinkle and squeak. Its padding at the bottom is larger and more durable than that of the competition. What makes this toddler play yard even more popular is its ease of set-up – you can just unfold and go. It will take up more space in your home but you can just simply store it when not in use. You can get this colorful play yard for only $99.

Safety 1st Travel Ease Elite Play Yard

Another option of toddler play yards for parents on a budget is the Safety 1st Travel Ease Elite play yard. It is priced around $100 and is packed with almost every feature you could want. It has a bassinet insert, changing table, toy bar and a storage basket which you can hang on the side for easy access to diapering essentials. This play yard is available in different color schemes and is narrow enough that you can maneuver it through most household doorways.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light Play Yard

If you have a family who is constantly on the go, the Travel Crib Light play yard by Baby Bjorn is perfect for your little one. It is a play yard that doubles as a crib so you no longer have to bring a crib with you when you travel. It is more expensive (costs $250) as compared to other toddler play yards, but since you get two toddler gears in one plus excellent safety features (flame resistant and waterproof lining), this play yard will be worth every dollar.

Joovy Room 2 Ultralight Play Yard

The Joovy Room 2 Ultralight (sold for $215) was awarded as one of the top toddler play yards in 2012 because of its overall durability, bigger space for play, modern design and cool color selections. It only weighs about 21 pounds and has a mattress that lies flat on the floor which parents like because it gives them reassurance that their precious ones will stay safe on the ground.

There are thousands of toddler play yards available in the market today. But the play yards above are the best among the rest.