According to the CPSC, a play yard is a framed enclosure with mesh or fabric sides that’s designed for children to sleep or play in around their home, while traveling, and other purposes. Specifically, play yards provide sleep and play accommodations for children who are less than 35 inches tall and cannot climb out.  Although Pack ‘n Play is Graco’s trademarked name, it’s often used as an everyday term that refers to a play yard. “I generally refer to them as portable cribs or play yards, since pack and play has become like Kleenex or Coke where the brand name [becomes mainstream],” says Dr. Hoffman.