Pack and plays are one of the handiest creations for parents of young babies. They are much more portable than an average baby crib and provide a safe place for your baby to sleep when you are on the move.
They also offer a good second sleeping place if you are living in a bigger home and looking for a comfy and safe place for your baby on each level.
It is OK to let your baby sleep in a “pack and play” if you use it safely. Many experts agree with it and the American Academy of Pediatrics also suggests that a baby can sleep in the pack and play.
But, how to put baby to sleep in pack and play? Here are some handy tips on putting your baby to sleep in a pack and play and which pack and play attachments are safe for your baby’s sleep.
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How to put baby to sleep in pack and play?
Pack and play come ready-made as a safe place for putting your baby to sleep. You don’t have to make any changes or adjustments to make it a safe place for your baby, as it is already safe to put your baby to sleep. Always lay down your baby alone on their back in the pack and play. Keep the surface of the pack and play firm, flat, and clean. Ensure that you follow any guidelines for use, cleaning, and care that come with your particular product. It will help ensure that you are using the pack and play safely. If your pack and play model has a bassinet attachment, you can use it for a diaper change but not sleep or unsupervised playtime.
Can an infant sleep in a pack and play?
Yes! Similar to a crib and bassinet, “pack and play” is federally regulated for newborn sleep. It is completely okay to use a pack and play in place of a bassinet or a crib.
Some “pack and play” models come with an upper bassinet that you can use to put your newborn to sleep. An infant can also sleep in the lower part of the pack and play. Both parts of the pack and play are considered safe.
You should ensure that the pack and play you buy must meet the CPSIA standards. You can get the information from the manufacturer’s website or directly contact them if there is no information on the product packaging or website.
You should know that pack and plays are only safe to sleep for babies with a height of 35 inches and a weight of 30 pounds.
Which pack and play attachments are safe for baby’s sleep?
Many “pack and plays” are available with attachments like a detachable bassinet, a play area at the bottom, and a changing station.
You can use the bottom play area of the pack and play to put your baby for nighttime sleep. You can also buy an appropriate mattress that tightly fits into the play area.
Always choose a mattress sold or recommended by the manufacturer of the pack and play.
Some pack and plays come with full-sized bassinets which fit on the top of the frame of pack and play. They have suitable padding to make it comfortable for your baby to sleep.
But you should not put your baby in the full-sized bassinet once they start rolling. Put them in the bottom play area as it is the safest place due to tall mesh walls, preventing your baby from rolling out.
Never put your little one to sleep on the changing station or in a compact or half-sized bassinet.
How to put your baby to sleep in a pack and play
Sleeping in a pack and play for the first time may not be perfect for your baby as your baby will feel like out of its comfort zone.
If you want to let your kid sleep in the pack and play while on the go, try introducing them to sleep away from home beforehand. Schedule some exercises at home and let them adapt to the play and pack in the safety of your home.
If you are trying it as a new sleep environment, let your baby have an active day before as it will increase the chances of your baby sleeping in it.
Try following the bedtime routine when putting your baby to sleep in a pack and play. Keeping the sequence of events unaltered will activate the ‘it’s-bedtime’ trigger in their heads.
Making the pack and play safe for sleep
Generally, pack and play are already safe for your baby to sleep. The risk only comes from the objects that parents change or add to the pack and play, trying to make things more comfortable for their baby.
Sleeping in a pack and play is not about comfort and it will likely not be as calm for your baby until he gets used to it.
It is fine because safety takes preference over comfort. So, don’t add any stuffed toys, extra pillows, or blankets.
Moreover, some pack and plays come with a bassinet attachment that is only intended for a diaper change. Never leave your baby unattended or sleep in it as they can roll over.
Conclusion
How to put baby to sleep in pack and play? Putting your baby to sleep in a pack and play is nothing different from sleeping in a crib or a bassinet. As long as you are following the guidelines, you can put your little one to sleep in a pack and play safely.
Do not change the play and pack or add anything to it. You should not add stuffed toys, blankets, or pillows as they can cause suffocation. The sleep surface must be flat, clear, and firm.
Once you ensure that you are following all the guidelines and safety rules, you can safely put your baby to sleep in pack and play.