The Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard offers several accessories indispensable in caring for an infant. With a removable dome, a changing table, an inner level, and storage on the side make this playard different from other options as it has five different ways to use the playard. Let’s take a closer look at this new addition to the Graco family.
Why The Graco Travel Dome LX Playard is a Need Not a Want
As the Travel Dome LX is in the Pack’n’Play family, it’s designed to pack up and travel with easy family excursions. Like the many other options available in this series, this one will meet the needs of many parents at a reasonable price. Both parents and babies will find endless function from this necessity for child care.
Five Modes
First, let’s talk about the five different ways you can use this playard. In the first mode, you can use the infant dome for very young babies. Next, use the travel dome alone.
From there, use the changing table to dress or diaper your baby. Mode four is the raised internal bed. Finally, use the playard without any of the additions for your baby or toddler.
Travel Dome
The best part of this new playard is the travel dome. It can sit on the top of the playard securely locked into place or come out completely and sit on the floor. Use it inside or outside to keep the baby close by.
With a UV 50 protected canopy, you can take your baby on a picnic where she can lay comfortably. The canopy also includes two dangling stars to encourage eye-tracking and growth.
Attached to the playard, the bassinet is at eye level, making it easy to check on the baby through the mesh. A little mattress inside provides comfort and stability.
Moving the travel dome is a very simple process as it comes out of the base on top of the playard easily. Moreover, it folds down for easy storage. Also, the travel dome includes it’s own carry bag too for convenience, as you can take it alone if you don’t want to take the entire pack ‘n play.
Infant Bassinet
If you have the travel dome in another room or your baby just needs more room, use the internal infant bassinet. It’s raised to keep your baby closer to arms reach. When your baby can sit up or weighs more than 15 pounds, take this portion out entirely and set it aside for the next baby.
Until then, it provides more space to keep your baby cozy. You can use this as a bedside sleeper right next to your bed for easier access to your infant for nursing or feeding. Seeing your baby is easy through the mesh, so you can keep an eye on your baby.
Infant Changer
When it’s time to change your baby’s diaper or outfit, the task is easier with the attachable diaper changer. It’s removable when you need to take it off but can be a challenge to remove the changer. Also, it would be nice if the changer could fold down and move out of the way.
When your child is able to sit up or stand, remove the infant changer to prevent your child from using the changer to pull themselves up and out of the playard.
Playard
Once your child is 15 pounds or more, it’s time to take away the infant components of the playard and use the main bed part. It’s a great place for babies and toddlers to play safely while mom works or cleans or for taking naps.
The mattress pad is completely removable wraps around the playard for compact storage. It also includes a storage bag with a handle for easy storage.
Around the entire interior are mesh walls for easy visibility and breathability. The sides are sturdy and rounded to provide more space and comfort for the baby.
Finally, one side of the playard is on wheels so you can move it around the house easily. Do not try dragging it up the stairs. Also, never leave a baby or toddler in the playard while moving it to a new location.
Storage Spaces
On the opposite side of the wheels by the baby changer is a storage station for holding diapers, pacifiers, wipes, and small toys. While this is the only storage area, it’s extremely handy as you can set up two changing areas in the home.
Also, the playard includes two storage bags making travel easier.
Folding
Folding down the playard is exactly like other playards by Graco. First, take out the mattress. Second, pull up the red handle in the middle of the playard and pull inward.
Third, push in the buttons and collapse the sides one at a time. Now you can fold the mattress around the frame with the hook and loop tabs. Lastly, put the whole thing in the storage bag for convenient travel.
Putting it together is just as easy. Start by taking it out of the bag and removing the mattress. Then pull the sides up by pushing the buttons in one at a time.
When that’s done, push the middle down. Now put the mattress in and attach the velcro in the loops. Add on whichever accessories you need.
Once folded down, the playard takes up much less space. You can easily slide it into the trunk of your car, into a closet, or somewhere else out of the way.
Specification
The Travel Dome LX measures 27 inches wide by 37 inches tall by 28.5 inches deep. Babies can use the raised bassinet and the travel dome until they are fifteen pounds in weight or can sit on their own. The playard weighs 33.1 pounds, which makes it a bit heavy for travel, and you may consider looking for a lightweight playard for more consistent travel.
Do not use the infant parts when your baby begins to move on their own as it becomes a hazard. Also, do not leave your infant in the infant portions without constant supervision as babies often tend to learn to move when mom isn’t looking.
Next, the changing table (or charger) can be safely used for infants up to 25 pounds. Stop using the playard completely when your child reaches 35 inches tall, weighs more than 30 pounds, or is able to climb out of the playard on their own.
Appearance
The Travel Dome LX comes in five different colors, but the choices depend on where you shop. All of the options are subdued and should blend well into your decor without being an eyesore.
The best color for girls is the Annie color, which is a vintage floral pattern with dark green accents. For boys, the Leyton is the most fetching in dots and dark blues. the other options all come in festive patterns like stars, elephants, and diamonds with coordinating colors on the sides.
Purchase sheets for the playard separately if you prefer to keep it covered with changes available when needed.
Maintenance
Sadly, only the bassinet mattress and carry bag are machine washable. However, you can clean the other parts with household soap and water and then drip dry. Do not bleach any parts of the bassinet.
Make sure to wash out the playard and tip it over to remove sand or other debris that can get in, and then clean with a damp cloth and soap. Sand and debris can damage the top rail lock, so do not put it in the travel bag without a quick tap.
FAQs About the Graco Travel Dome LX Playard
Can I use the Graco Travel Dome LX Playard as a co-sleeper?
Absolutely. You do not need to spend more money on a co-sleeper unless you want to. However, the playard may work better and more conveniently in the main family living spaces, and you may not want to drag it daily from room to room. Having both definitely makes your life easier and saves you a ton of work and hassle.
Will the Graco Travel Dome LX work for twins or multiple children?
It’s best to use a playard for a single child. However, there are some playard big enough for multiple children like the Joovy Room2. If you do need to put multiple children in the same playard, do not leave them unattended as they can accidentally injure each other.
How can I be sure the playard is safe for my baby?
Your best bet is to check the playard frequently to make sure it is still in good condition. Check for cracks or sharp edges in the frame, ensure the frame sides are pulled up and clicked into place, and look for tears in the mesh. Remember to always place your baby on their back to sleep and keep extra bedding out of the playard.
Final Thoughts About the Graco Travel Dome LX Playard
The newest edition to the Graco playard family is an excellent option with tons of features that are fantastic for infants. No other playard has quite the same set up although Graco continually tries to outdo themselves! With five modes of use, this playard will make taking care of your infant a much easier task.
