2 play yards pose a risk

Busy parents may welcome the convenience of a play yard that comes with an attachable changing table with safety straps.

But in our recent safety tests, two play yards, the Baby Trend Orange Oak Deluxe Nursery Center and the Summer Infant Nature’s Purest Soothing Comfort Playard, were found to pose a potential strangulation hazard to young children.

We judged them Not Acceptable and recommend that parents not buy those models. Our tests showed that when the table is left over the play yard contrary to manufacturer’s instructions, the safety straps could be manipulated through the table to the area below. If buckled, the straps could form a loop that allows a small child’s head to fit through. Though the likelihood of this happening is low, there’s no need to take chances; there are other play yards that don’t present that kind of risk.

What can you do? If you already have one of these two play yards, stop using the changing table attachment and remove it immediately. If you plan to buy a play yard soon, consider one of our highly rated alternatives.

To learn more about the play yards we tested, including which models we recommend, see our full play yards Ratings report.