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There’s a pretty good chance that you played and even napped in a playpen when you were a baby. Now you may find yourself looking to buy one for your own little one and finding yourself confronted with playpens, travel cots, and playards, unsure of the exact difference.

There seems to be some disagreement on whether they are all the same or different. They do largely resemble one another and overlap in function, though with some new twists. There are differences in weight limits, and playards have more emphasis on sleep than playpens which, as the name implies, are largely for play.

Let’s take a look at two playards: the Nuna Sena and the Halo Dreamnest.

Nuna Sena

The Nuna Sena has already picked up a couple of awards for quality, and with Sena’s emphasis on high-concept design and being eco-friendly, it’s easy to see why. They take their job of seeing to what they call “the most basic moments of raising kids” very seriously. The Sena is a great-looking product that manages to remain very practical.

The Nuna Sena is also easy to assemble and use, with Nuna Sena boasting that “it is the only travel cot that you can fold with one hand.” That may be true, but it can be noted that to collapse the mattress and stow the cot really needs two hands.

Still, that is not a negative. The Nuna Sena is easy to use and folds up quickly and easily, which is convenient in many situations, such as needing to relocate it or having to get it out of the way when cleaning. And yes, it stands on its feet when folded. You will find the Sena very easy to set up and take down, without any of the struggle that sometimes accompanies travel cots.

That said, at 25 lbs, you probably won’t want to be carrying it around or relocating it all that often.

The Nuna Sena is comfortable and secure for your child as they grow from baby to toddler, with a removable bassinet usable up to 15 lbs, and a quilted mattress pad for an older child up to 30 lbs and 35” in height. All sides are mesh to allow for ventilation and visibility, while the base sits a few inches above the floor to protect from drafts. Depending on your needs and usage, the Sena also has an available insect net for outdoor use.

At a reasonable price point and high level of quality, the Nuna Sena is definitely worth considering.

Halo Dreamnest

Like the Sena, the Halo Dreamnest can be used by your child from birth to toddlerhood, with a maximum weight of 15 lbs for the bassinet and 30 lbs overall.

This well-designed playard provides a comfortable and breathable space for your child, with mesh sides and an Air Mesh mattress that helps avoid overheating. This increased airflow allows for greater comfort and a better sleep. The mattress features removable, machine-washable fabric to allow for easy care, and the entire system folds neatly and easily for transport in the included carry bag.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the Halo Dreamnest is the rocking motion. This feature lets you gently rock your little one off to dreamland simply by stepping on a foot pedal. Additionally, the Halo Dreamnest Plus series includes a changing table, allowing for easy diaper changes on babies up to 25 lbs anywhere you go.

Easy to use, with a quick and simple fold, the Halo Dreamnest is an attractive high-quality 3-in-1 sleep system for your baby. Slightly heavier than the Nuna Sena, it is still easy to bring with you when needed.

Both the Nuna Sena and the Halo Dreamnest will serve you a long time and keep your baby safe and comfortable, offering them a comfortable sleep space anywhere you may go.

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