Technically speaking, no, although there are advantages to both. Playards are less expensive and more portable than cribs. Some babies sleep better in cribs, and a crib is often more comfortable for the infant. But it’s hard to know up front whether it’s worth the investment, especially if money is tight. Playards, especially those with bassinet attachments, are perfectly safe for the first several months of a baby’s life. It’s only when babies get older that playards may pose a challenge because of the child’s height, weight, and activity. Since it’s hard to predict how big your baby will be when they eventually transition to a bed, you might decide to cross that bridge when you get there.