Here's everything you need to know about using a pack 'n-play as a crib replacement or for general baby sleep.
Using a Pack ‘N Play for Sleep
A pack ' n-play is a must-have item for any baby, so you most likely included one on your registry. Having a safe place to put your infant when you need both hands free (or need a break) is useful.
Babies may learn to entertain themselves while you are not present, thanks to the safety and security of a pack 'n play, which confines them in one location and keeps them safe until the home is fully babyproofed.
Some parents, however, use a pack'n-play for their children to sleep in for extended periods, including naps and overnight.
If you live in a small space, have multiple children sharing a room, or don't want to devote an entire wall to a full-size crib, a pack ' n-play may be the ideal solution.
Also, if your child will be sleeping at someone else's house while you or your spouse are at work, a pack ' n-play can be used as a temporary crib. It's the best option for giving your baby a safe, secure, and comfortable sleeping environment while you're away from home without requiring other caregivers to keep a crib at their home.
A pack ' n-play is an excellent choice for a portable sleeping solution. These items are designed to fold up small and light, allowing you to sleep wherever the wind takes you (be it in a hotel room on vacation or your neighborhood park on a sunny day).
Some newborns prefer this location. Because the space is so unfamiliar, many infants struggle to sleep in their cribs during the first few months. Remember how they spent their first nine months of life in a cozy sac? Certain infants prefer sleeping in a pack 'n play because they feel more secure than in a crib, and in some cases, this preference is justified.
How To Put Baby To Sleep In Pack N Play
Early exposure to sleeping in a location other than their parents may aid the transition.
The experience will be novel and likely less than ideal for a baby who has never slept in a pack-n-play.
A Busy Day Is Required For Playard Napping
If the day preceding the transition is busy, the chances of success in transitioning a baby to a new sleep environment increase.
Maintain The Tradition
When putting your child to sleep in the pack-n-play, stick to your usual routine. They will know it is time for bed if they continue to follow the same sequence of events.
They'll be out like a light in no time if they're already exhausted.
Recreate The Original Environment
Installing an app and playing the same lullabies, white noise, or music your baby hears in their smart crib could be extremely beneficial.
Bring your regular bedding to take comfort to the next level.
Keep The Surrounding Dark
Use blackout curtains, a tent, or a canopy for regular naps. Many parents swear by daytime naps, but we've never had success with them. Most infants thrive in environments that are dark and quiet.
Ensure they don't see bright lights for at least a few hours before bed. If you've been exposed to light before going to bed, your Melatonin levels will be disrupted, and if your surroundings are constantly shifting, you're in for a long night.
Safety Requirements For Pack ‘N Plays
All Playards sold in the United States must pass various Consumer Product Safety Commission tests (CPSC) to be safe for infants and toddlers.
Hannah Holt
- You should not fold the Pack 'n Play while a baby is inside, so it should have a secure locking/latching mechanism.
- The top rail strength of the Pack 'n Play is tested to prevent injuries such as cuts, choking risks, entrapment, strangling, falls, and escape.
- It must be sufficiently high to prevent escape.
- The mesh or cloth on the sides must be strong enough to prevent tearing, which could result in trapping, strangulation, falling, or escape.
- All Pack 'n Plays are subjected to a rigorous floor strength test to ensure that the frame will not break or deform under normal use.
- They inspect the Pack's Play mattress to ensure that it cannot be easily raised by a child, resulting in entrapment or asphyxia.
- The accessories for the playard have also been verified to be safe for the infant.
How Long Can Babies Sleep in Pack ‘n Play?
The American Psychological Association or the product manufacturer can provide reliable information. The maximum allowable height and weight vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even product to product.
Playards are typically designed for infants up to 35 inches tall and weighing less than 30 pounds, though this should be confirmed with the manufacturer.
When using their products for sleeping, the well-known brand Graco advises parents to "provide the monitoring necessary for continued safety." Overnight sleep in a playard should be fine as long as the playard is safe, the child has not outgrown it, and they are being monitored.
Conclusion
For many new parents, purchasing a pack 'n play is a kind of parental initiation ceremony. You can use this multifunctional item from naptime to playtime to diaper duty! They are ideal for apartments with limited space or mobile families due to their portability.
If you follow the weight/height and usage guidelines, your baby will be safe and secure when using his pack ' n-play, whether for a quick nap or nighttime room-sharing.
