Many parents would be lost without the convenience of a pack and play. However, they are not always utilised fully due to complications that you may be unaware of. This page addresses the most often asked concerns regarding pack and plays, including the mattresses they come with and how to best utilize them in the care of your infant.
Bringing your baby or toddler along for the ride is made much easier with a portable crib, often known as a pack 'n play, or travel cot. It may be used as a bed or playard at home, and it folds up small enough to take on the go.
The four most significant characteristics of a pack 'n play are child protection features, user comfort, ease of use, and portability.
However, the standard pack-and-play base is generally cold, hard, and uncomfortable.
Many parents bring in a particularly sized mattress for added warmth. A pack 'n' play cushion can serve as a soft place for your child to sleep or as padding during playtime in the portable crib.
Here are a few things to think about when purchasing a pack n play for your baby, as well as a list of the best pack n play beds currently available.
When it comes to infants, a playpen mattress isn't strictly necessary. However, some playpens may not feature a cushioned base, so it may be a good idea to invest in an additional floor mat for your child's play area. However, when your child gets older and heavier, you may want to replace the playpen's thin cushion with a more substantial one. For this reason, some families choose to purchase an additional bed.
We have a wide range of playpens for your baby right here at My Baby Nursery.
Do Pack And Plays Include A Mattress?
Not much fancier than the solid pad that comes with pack and play. This occurs on Graco as well as other brands of pack and plays alike. If you plan to give your infant a mattress to sleep on for an extended period of time, We suggest a packed and play mattress. The included pad for the playpen is safe but rather uncomfortable. You can sense the reinforcement bars with just a little bit of pressure.
Is A Mattress Ever Required For A Pack N Play Or A Playpen?
In an effort to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), some parents choose to keep their infant in a cot or playard in their own bedroom. Since the pack 'n play's mattress rests on a wooden base, the parents would prefer to replace it with something more plush for their infant. For this reason, we advise only using the playard's firm mattress. Entrapment and suffocation are two potential outcomes of these spaces.
However, if you do decide to employ one, make absolutely sure there aren't any openings on the sides. A firm mattress is preferable to a wooden one. Take a sheet, roll it up, and check to see that everything fits snugly.
Is There A Pack N Play Mattress?
For pack n plays, there are a few different options. Some of them are mattresses, and some are just thick sheets with padding.
The Dream Upon Me is highly suggested. The playpen fits it perfectly. It could end up being far more comfortable for the baby than the basic "bed" of the pack 'n play.
The Sproutwise Kids organic foldable playpen mattress is another option. It's still sturdy, but it's softer and more accommodating, and it fits the playard like a glove. The crib mattress is placed on top of a playpen mattress, and both are covered with sheets.
The time has come to acquire the quilted bedding for the baby. Adds a bit of padding without altering the mattress's firmness. This cushioned sheet goes just on pack n' play first, followed by a conventional crib sheet; that way, if she has an accident, you only need to wash the latter.
Can A Crib Mattress Be Used In A Pack And Play?
Mattresses designed specifically for use in a pack n play have been developed. Unfortunately, a crib mattress is not compatible with the normal size of a pack and play. Since it is best for your baby's safety, you should use a mattress that fits snugly in the baby bed since your child will sleep soundly and comfortably. If you're concerned about finding a mattress that fits your pack and play, you needn't because there are plenty of excellent options available, especially for Graco models.
Is A Separate Pack N Play Mattress Required?
For parents on the go, a pack 'n play can be a lifesaver. It provides a secure environment for your child to play in while you go about your day.
Your baby will also enjoy sleeping in a pack n play that has been outfitted with a safe and supportive mattress. It's flexible enough to go wherever you go, from room to room to holiday get-togethers to family reunions.
To complete the ensemble, yes, a high-quality pack-and-play mattress is ideal. While many travel cribs include a mattress pad, it is often too hard and plasticky to be used as a bed.
Consider Your Pack's Playing Style
Mattresses designed specifically for your pack 'n' play's make and model are available for purchase.
Most pack n plays are closed, while others feature a bassinet that may be attached to the top. When shopping for a mattress, keep the aesthetic of your existing pack n play in mind.
Will It fit? What Mattress Size Should I Purchase?
Fit is just as crucial as the mattress's aesthetic.
Even though most packs and plays are standard dimensions (37′′ x 27′′), there might be a variance of up to an inch across brands.
It's a good idea to get a pack and play if you can try out the mattress inside. If you don't have access to a measuring device, we recommend consulting the user manual for your pack & play for these specifications.
No more than 1 finger should fit around the perimeter of the pack n play's mattress and frame.
Making sure the pack n play is the proper size is a major step in keeping your child secure while they sleep inside.
Check To See If The Mattress Is Breathable.
Selecting a well-ventilated mattress is important for creating a healthy sleeping and playing environment for your infant.
Mattresses can either be naturally breathable or have side vents put in to increase airflow.
The use of a mattress protector is recommended, but only if it is breathable and hypoallergenic.
One forum mom apparently read the word "breathable" and assumed her baby could lay on its stomach and breathe through the mattress.
Oh, no, no, no!! When a mattress is described as "breathable," it means that even a minimal quantity of air can pass through it and provide ventilation. The term does not refer to being able to easily take a breath. In no event should your little nose and mouth be allowed to touch any mattress.
Firmness
A newborn should not sleep on a soft mattress, no matter how appealing the concept may be. Bedding that is too soft poses a risk of sudden infant death syndrome and therefore should be avoided.
You can feel the mattress's hardness with a fingertip if you're able to do so. A delicate object that can be readily dented is not safe for a baby.
Check out our range of baby playpens at My Baby Nursery.
Material vs. Innerspring
Your options for a mattress are either foam or innerspring.
Since innerspring mattresses are so easily torn, they may not be the most practical choice for a pack n play. But, a high-quality innerspring mattress is preferable than a low-cost foam one.
To ensure your child's comfort and safety, we advise investing in a high-quality foam mattress for your pack n play.
Waterproof vinyl is standard on some mattresses.
Should I Go With A Used Mattress?
Baby pack 'n plays are reasonably priced. A good one can run you $40–$50, but a cheap one can be had for less than $20.
Therefore, it is always preferable to acquire a brand-new unit.
Second Hand mattresses are risky since you never know their history and they could be hiding harmful microorganisms like mold and mildew.
Instead, it's better to splurge on a new mattress for the baby.
Portability
This type of playpen or crib is called a "pack and play" because it can be easily disassembled and stored away when not in use.
The standard design for a pack 'n play mattress is a single-piece construction that is both large and heavy for its weight.
Because of their compactness, they are not too cumbersome to transport in a vehicle. As a matter of fact, the greatest worry is that they will get dirty while being transported.
When you acquire your new mattress, open everything carefully and hang on to the plastic it came in. Protect yourself against harm while on the go with this.
However, selecting a pack n play bed that is lightweight and compact for storage will make your life much simpler. There are options that fold together or roll up, but you should prioritize portability.
Safety
In the same way, you should check that the national criteria for flammability (16 CFR 1632 / 1633 in the US, BS 5852 in the UK) and the cytotoxicity of the material inside the mattress have been met before purchasing a mattress for your child.
You should look for one that doesn't outgas chemicals like phthalates and lead.
Keep it from bunching up and becoming a suffocation hazard by placing it at the bottom of the pack and playing (especially if it's a foldable type, make sure it's snapped in tight).
Is A Waterproof Mattress Necessary?
Waterproof vinyl coatings, found on many pack 'n' play mattresses, are ideal for the practical reasons of maintaining the mattress for a longer period of time and making it easy to clean.
But they are less pleasant to sleep on, and we frequently end up covering them with a cotton mattresses protector anyhow, which serves as an extra layer of protection and softens the surface.
Simply said, a mattress that is watertight is preferable, but not required.
Is A Mattress Protector Required?
Mattresses for use with a pack 'n play may be purchased with or without a vinyl coating designed to keep moisture out.
Regardless, it's smart to safeguard your mattress with a breathable cotton cover. The mattress protector pad is more pleasant than a vinyl surface and will help keep the mattress clean and protected.
It will keep your infant safe from harm and the mattress protected without sacrificing comfort.
What Is The Purpose Of A Pack N Play Mattress?
Soft, Cozy, And Warm.
The pad/protector that comes with a pack-n-play is softer than the mattress. Our pack n play bed pad is constructed primarily of bamboo fiber,cotton, and Tencel, making it exceptionally soft and breathable. Consequently, by using them, the pack and play is made more comfortable for the infant. In addition, a mattress protector provides more warmth than a mattress pad when a baby is napping. Since they are more comfortable, they sleep for longer periods of time.
Increase The Mattress's Lifespan.
Drool, spit up, spat diapers, and other bodily fluids will leave a nasty residue on the mattress. When a mattress has been used for a long period, it might develop stubborn stains that are difficult to remove. Invest in a couple pack n play bed protectors if the mattress cannot be easily cleaned or if the cover cannot be removed.
You won't have to spend as much time cleaning up the mattress because the packed n play mattress protector will absorb most of the slobber and diaper leaks.
If you really want to safeguard your mattress from spills, though, you should use a waterproof pad below the protector.
Aids In The Prevention Of Dust Mite Allergies.
Sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, and difficulty breathing are just some of the symptoms that can arise from an allergy to dust mites. If you do not use a mattress protector, dust mites will feast on your dead skin as you sleep.
Sleep Noise Should Be Reduced.
A mother mentioned on a parenting site that before she began using a packed n play mattress pad/protector, her infant would wake up multiple times during the night.
She mentioned that the pack n play's included mattress pad was a little too firm for the baby's comfort while lying down on it directly. It also created noises whenever the infant moved, though these subsided once a mattress protector was used.
Since the pack n play bed pad/protector helps to dampen outside sounds, the infant can stay in bed for longer.
Simpler To Clean
Cleaning and drying a pack-and-play mattress pad or cover is far less of a hassle than cleaning and drying a regular mattress. Baby's pack n play bed protector should be removed and washed after any accidents including spit up, excrement, or vomiting.
Without a watertight pack n play mattress protector, however, you'll need to remove the mattress, wash it, and rinse it completely to get rid of stains and odors. Since it could take days for the mattress to dry entirely and not smell, this could be a significant difficulty.
What Is The Best Way To Clean A Pack 'n Play Mattress?
We've compiled three strategies for keeping the mattress in your playpen spotless.
- One option is to use a baby wipe to clean it, since this may help eliminate any stains. To give it a thorough cleaning, though, you may put it in a tub of hot water with some laundry detergent, vinegar, & baking soda.
- Perhaps the vinegar scent remains even after repeated attempts to remove it. We advise using a powder or stain remover without fragrance, such as OxiClean Baby Clean Overspray, in this situation. If you need to, fill your bathtub with water and soak the mattress. This choice is 99% effective in eliminating stains.
- The third and final choice is the easiest. Simply use crib sheets on the playpen mattress and change them out anytime they get dirty.
My Baby Nursery has a wide range of baby nursery playpens for your little bub.
When Can A Baby Be Placed In A Playpen?
Between six and eight months is the sweet spot for playpen use. Most infants this age are able to sit up, extend their arms, and grab surrounding objects. If you stay close by, the baby won't fuss if you leave him in the playpen for a few minutes.
Babies that age also enjoy playing with new toys, so just be sure to provide at least one in the playpen. Do not attempt to secure toys to the playpen's walls or ceiling with ropes or chains, as they can strangle a baby if they become entangled in them.
At around eight to ten months, most babies can sit up unassisted and some may even crawl. This could explain why he seems bored with his playpen. If you don't let him out, he may start crying in his playpen because he wants to explore the world outside its confines. You can keep her entertained in the playpen by giving her some novel things to play with.
Once your baby starts walking, you can probably start putting away the pack n play. When he learns to walk, he will likely become very vocal in his objection to being confined.
Therefore, should we purchase a mattress protector for my portable crib? In all likelihood, you do. Unfortunately, unlike sheets, pack 'n play mattresses cannot be machine washed and dried. Therefore, to safeguard the mattress from spit-up and diaper leaks, it is recommended to spread a well-fitting pack n play mattress pad/protector. In addition, the warmth and coziness provided by the pack n play mattress rubber can let your baby get some much-needed shut-eye.
A mattress pad or cover such as a pack n play is a must for everyone's bed. Mattresses without protectors are like high-end smartphones without cases. Therefore, if you don't already have one, you should acquire one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pack N Play
Yes! Just like bassinets and cribs, playards are federally regulated for infant sleep. It's perfectly fine to use a Pack N-Play instead of a crib or a bassinet. A newborn can either sleep in the upper bassinet (that comes with certain models) or the lower part of the Pack-N-Play.
The best and safest option to make a pack-n-play more comfortable is to use thicker quilted sheets.
Pack 'n Plays (or Playards) are safe and comfortable enough as they are! Babies do not need a thicker or softer Pack 'n Play mattress. They are already comfortable enough on the included mattress.
Pack 'n Play Sheet: The Pack 'n Play doesn't come with a sheet, and the included mattress is pretty scratchy. If you're going to use it as a bassinet/crib frequently, we recommend getting a couple of sheets, or even quilted ones, to help the baby sleep better.
Most playard bassinets have a weight limit of 15 lbs. Many infants will max out the weight limit around four months. When the infant can push up on their hands and knees, you should discontinue use.
