How to Choose a Portable Playard for Travel
By Car Seats, Strollers, & Baby Essentials | Evenflo® Official Site | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how to pick the best portable playard for travel. Compare features like sun protection, portability, and ease of setup to find the right baby travel bed for your family.
Quick answer
For most traveling families, a portable playard with a detachable sun canopy and water-resistant floor offers the best balance of protection and convenience. The Evenflo Play-Away Portable Playard Deluxe Support adds UPF 50+ coverage and a padded floor, making it a strong choice for indoor and outdoor use.
Why portability matters for a travel playard
When you're on the road, every pound and extra minute counts. A travel playard should pack down small, set up quickly, and fit into your trunk or suitcase without hassle. Look for models that weigh under 20 pounds and include a carrying bag. The Play-Away line is designed with portability in mind, so you can take it from the living room to the hotel room without breaking a sweat.
Sun protection and outdoor use
If you plan to use the playard outdoors, a UPF 50+ canopy is a game-changer. It protects your baby from harmful UV rays while allowing airflow. The Play-Away Portable Playard Deluxe Support features a detachable canopy with full or half dome coverage, giving you flexibility depending on the sun's position. The standard Play-Away also includes a UPF 50+ canopy, but without the half-dome option.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Travel playards get dirty fast—sand, crumbs, spills. A water-resistant padded floor makes cleanup simple. Both Play-Away models offer this feature, but the Deluxe version adds a more robust support system for extra stability. If you anticipate frequent outdoor use, prioritize models with removable, machine-washable fabric components.
Decision rules for choosing a travel playard
- Check the weight and packed size: Weigh the playard and measure its folded dimensions. Aim for under 20 pounds and a bag that fits in your car's trunk or overhead bin. The Play-Away models are built for easy transport. If you fly frequently, look for a playard under 15 pounds.
- Evaluate sun protection needs: If you'll use the playard outdoors, choose a model with a UPF 50+ canopy. The Deluxe Support offers both full and half dome coverage for adjustable shade. For indoor-only use, a canopy is optional but still useful for naptime darkness.
- Prioritize easy-clean surfaces: A water-resistant padded floor makes cleanup fast. Both Play-Away models have this feature, so you can wipe down after snacks or sandy trips. Avoid models with non-removable fabric if you expect heavy messes.
- Consider setup and takedown time: Practice setting up the playard before your trip. Look for one-step or pop-up mechanisms. The Play-Away line is designed for quick assembly. Time yourself—if setup takes more than 2 minutes, consider a different model.
Product facts at a glance
- Play-Away Portable Playard Deluxe Support: Detachable UPF 50+ sun protection canopy with full or half dome coverage that is easy to unzip. This lets you adjust shade coverage depending on sun angle, keeping your baby comfortable during naps outdoors.
Play-Away Portable Playard Deluxe Support - Play-Away Portable Playard Support: Detachable UPF 50+ sun protection canopy and easy-to-clean water-resistant padded floor. The water-resistant floor wipes clean quickly after spills or outdoor messes, saving you time on the road.
Play-Away Portable Playard Support
Who should buy which playard?
Best for
- Families who travel frequently and need a lightweight, packable playard with sun protection.
- Parents who use the playard both indoors and outdoors and want adjustable shade coverage.
Not for
- Families who only need a stationary playard at home and don't require portability.
- Parents on a tight budget who prefer a basic model without a canopy.
