Pack n play is handy
Pack n plays are handy for moms and caregivers because they give your baby a safe place to play both inside and outdoors.
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They come in handy in holding your baby while keeping them safe from the dangers that may be in their surroundings.
Pack n plays have been made to be portable which makes them handy for those days when you need to travel with your baby for a picnic, a visit to a friend’s place, or just be outdoors.
They are also great when visiting with other households which may not be baby-proofed because your baby will be kept safe from open sockets and winding cables that pose a danger to them.
As the name suggests, you can simply pack them and set them up for play wherever you go.
While some people are advocates for babies exploring their environment, the truth is that you may not be available to watch them all the time.
You may need to attend to that important call, attend to a handyman doing repairs or installations in the house, take a toilet break or just rest a little.
When you travel with your baby, you also want to provide for them a safe place to play in.
In all these scenarios, your mind will be at peace knowing that your baby is playing safely in the pack n play.
The general rule of thumb to ensure that while your baby is in the pack n play, they are not left unattended.
With time, pack n plays have not only become more portable but have some additional features in them that make them very useful for both the mother and baby.
Some of the additional features are bassinets, diaper changing stations, and some storage areas for your baby’s toys, diapers, and wipes.
The changing station of a pack n play is a detachable changing table where you can easily change your baby during playtime without shuttling in between rooms.
The bassinet provides a sleeping area for your baby in case they fall asleep during playtime or for their nap time.
These additional features help you to take care of your baby without having to carry extra baggage especially when traveling.
They also reduce the clutter in extras that you would need for storage.
Sleeping in the pack n play
The pack n play is usually padded on its floor so that your baby is comfortable as they play.
Babies are prone to falling as they play and this padding helps to cushion them from any injuries that may result from these falls.
Babies normally fall asleep when playing and the cushioning on the pack n play also comes in handy when they fall asleep.
When they fall asleep during play, you can transfer them to the bassinet.
A bassinet is a comfortable place for your baby to enjoy their sleep while in the pack n play.
It is portable and takes less space than the normal crib and is often used by parents on the move.
Some parents also love rooming in with their babies and so placing them in the bassinet allows them to have the baby with them in the same room with them.
Training your child to sleep in the bassinet or the pack n play also trains them to sleep in different places apart from their beds or cribs.
This will be helpful especially when you have to travel with the baby, they can sleep in other places without much of a fuss.
When visiting with friends or you have gone camping, your baby can adjust well to new sleeping environments.
How old should your baby be to sleep in the pack n play?
Experts recommend that for your baby to be comfortable in the pack n play, you will need to introduce them as early as possible.
It may not be advisable to have a newborn in the pack n play since they need a lot of attention and stimulation for them to develop well.
You can have your baby start using the pack n play at about 4 months old.
By this time, they can roll over and hold their heads up.
At this age, they are also curious and love new toys.
They can be put in for short periods as they get used to it.
For about 6 months, you can have your baby sitting in the pack n play for a longer period because by now they are used to it.
At 10 months, your baby has gotten used to being in the pack n play and can not only play but also sleep in the pack n plays.
You have to ensure that your baby is safe as they sleep in it.
That comfort and safety of your baby is a very important aspect to consider before allowing them to sleep in there.
The bassinet that accompanies the pack n play is also a safe place for the sleeping of your baby.
Should you want your baby to sleep on the play area of that pack n play, it is critical to check that it has a firm and comfortable surface that is free of clutter.
A general rule for a safe place for your baby is that it should be on a firm surface.
The surface should not dent or sink while your baby is lying on it.
The mattress should fit snuggly, be firm, and with a bedsheet that is specifically designed for it.
There should also be enough room for your baby to turn and move as they sleep.
The sides should also be raised to keep the baby in while they are sleeping.
Ensure that you clear the place of clutter as the baby sleeps.
Ensure that no toys are hanging off threads into the pack n play since these can be hazards for strangulation.
Also, store the stuffed toys as these can be suffocation hazards for your baby while they sleep.