What Age Do Babies Stop Using A Playpen

The right playpen is an investment because it will be used repeatedly after the baby is born. A baby playpen can do double duty as a portable crib and a safe place to put your child down for a moment.

What is a playpen?

A playpen is a portable, small enclosure with bars or a net on the walls and an opening on top, where a baby or child can play and be distracted while their parents are busy.

Most playpens are made of wood furniture for portability and flexibility in placement.

In addition, its light weight, malleability in design, and security make wood a popular choice.

It’s a place where a kid can go to get away from the technology of the outside world and use his or her imagination in safety.

A playpen is not the same thing as a crib because a playpen is typically made of lighter material and can be moved around more easily.

Various ages that are suitable for playpen;

1. To ensure that the baby grows up knowing that the playpen is safe, it should be introduced to the baby between the ages of four and six months. The infant may develop anxiety if left in an enclosed space before being introduced to the world.
2. Between the ages of six and eight months, a baby is developing some important skills, and the safety and comfort of a playpen make it the perfect environment in which to learn and grow. To encourage independent movement and development, new toys should be introduced while they are in it.
3. The baby can now crawl or stand up between the ages of eight and ten months. It may seem as though confining them will curb their sense of adventure. They need room to roam, and a playpen isn’t necessarily the best choice for that.

The Many Functions of a Playpen

• Napping

When it’s nap time for the little one, the playpen comes in handy.

The benefit here is that a kid can learn to sleep anywhere and not just in his or her bed.

• Playtime

When it’s time for the child to play independently, parents and caregivers can leave a selection of toys in the playpen.

• Travel

A playpen is helpful for travel because it frees up your hands from carrying the baby.

The baby can play or nap in the playpen, giving the parent some time to get other things done.

In situations where space is at a premium, playpens can “double” as a bed so that both parents can get some rest.

Places where pets are kept, where electrical cables or outlets are exposed, and other potentially hazardous areas of the home should be enclosed in a playpen to protect young children from injury or infection.

When looking to buy or acquire a playpen, it’s important to take into account a number of criteria, including the baby’s weight.

When shopping for a playpen, make sure it can hold the baby’s weight and won’t give way while the child is inside.

The newborn’s weight should also be considered.

A playpen for a baby or toddler should be large enough so that they have some freedom of movement while playing.

The playpen needs to be lightweight and simple to set up and take down.

The playpen should fold up or be able to be hung when it’s not being used.

Another crucial consideration is the available space within the designated area for the playpen.

If one’s home is already cramped, there’s no point in buying a huge playpen that will take up even more room.

The playpen’s additional features, such as wheels for easy transport, a place to stack diapers, and storage for baby gear, are also important to consider.

In case you need to rock a baby to sleep, a rocking attachment is also very helpful.

Since a playpen isn’t intended for long-term use, it’s important to think about cost when shopping for one.

At what age do babies stop using a playpen?

Babies can play and rest securely in a playpen. Typically, infants outgrow the need for a playpen between the ages of three and six months old, though this varies from child to child.

It’s not a good idea to leave them in there for too long, as they might come to rely on it as their primary sleeping arrangement. If your child seems distressed or uneasy whenever you remove them from the pen, they may be developing a dependency on it due to the amount of time they spend alone in it.

Even though it may seem easier to keep your baby in a separate room by themselves all night every night now that he or she can’t roll away from you, eventually you’ll want to move them into a cot beside your bed.

10 Tips To Transition Your Baby to A Crib

Transition to Crib Tip #1 – Have A Safe Sleep Space

Make sure your baby is following the abcs of safe sleep before you even consider putting him or her in a crib. The following will give her a more comfortable and secure night’s rest:

• There should be no soft objects, including bumpers, pillows, or stuffed animals, in the baby’s crib. Keep in mind that a dull crib is a secure crib.
• Swaddling is a method of keeping a baby warm at night without using a blanket. When Should Your Baby Start Sleeping Under a Blanket?
• The sheets and mattress inside the crib should be firm and snug. (Tally up the number of baby blankets.)
• Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back. Once your newborn is able to roll over onto her side or stomach while sleeping, she can remain in that position.
• The crib must not have any cushions, positioners, or pillows. Find out more about the sleeping necessities and Dockatot security.

Transition to Crib Tip #2 – Create a Good Sleep Environment

The nursery should be designed with your baby’s comfort in mind. Make sure they have a relaxing space that encourages sleep, such as

• The room is completely dark thanks to the blackout drapes. When the lights are out, you shouldn’t be able to see your hand in front of your face. These drapes are top-notch examples of blackout technology.
• There are to be no wall or ceiling mounted light projectors or nightlights.
• A high-quality, always-on white-noise generator. (In the womb, babies are exposed to a lot of white noise).
• Baby should be in comfortable clothing and the room temperature should be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Babies are frequently overdressed and overheated. If you’re not sure what to wear, look at the TOG rating!

Transition to Crib Tip #3 – Swaddle Baby

That crib seems excessively large for your infant. If your baby has been sleeping in a rocking chair or bassinet, they may find this bed to be overwhelming. Use a swaddle each night to make them feel secure and comfortable.

Swaddling can prevent babies from waking up and create a warm, secure environment similar to what they experienced while still in the womb. In addition, your baby will look so cute wrapped up in a burrito!

If you’ve noticed that your baby resists being swaddled, try the following techniques.

After you have weaned your baby from the swaddle, a sleep sack or Zipadee-Zip can serve as a sleep cue and a way to keep baby warm without using loose blankets.

Check out these top rated baby sleep sacks.

Transition to Crib Tip #4 – Make The Nursery Familiar

You can’t expect your baby to sleep well in her crib when you leave if you never spend any time in there with her. Do things with her in the nursery like playing with her, changing her diaper, feeding her, cuddling with her, etc., during the day.

As you encourage her, you can do tummy time in the crib. You could also play with her in the crib by putting some baby toys in there.

All of this will ease your baby’s transition to her new crib by acclimating her to the sights, sounds, and smells of her new environment.

Transition to Crib Tip #5 – Make the Crib Feel Like Mom

Make the crib as familiar as possible if your baby prefers to sleep in your arms.

When making the change, try sleeping with the baby in the swaddle or with the pacifier for a few days. Or, before putting your baby in the crib, you can sleep on the sheets.

Transition to Crib Tip #6 – Start A Bedtime Routine

Establish a regular bedtime routine with your baby as you transition. This teaches her to wind down before bed and prepares her for sleep. Your infant will learn to associate the routine with a time of rest.

You can swaddle your baby after giving her a bath, reading her some bedtime stories, giving her some goodnight kisses, and finishing her last feeding of the day.

We really appreciated having a set routine for winding down each night. When our parents or a babysitter put our infant to bed, this was a huge help. Since the routine was always the same, she knew that soon enough it would be time for bed.

Transition to Crib Tip #7 – Do the Bedtime Routine in the Nursery Before you Transition

When you are ready to make the change, do the entire bedtime routine in the nursery for a few days.

For the next three to four days, you can wear your baby in pajamas, read books, feed him or her, and cuddle with him or her in your room. This will help her remember her nursery in a positive light and ease the pain of leaving it.

Transition to Crib Tip #8 – Choose A Sleep Training Method

If you want to start sleep training your baby after he or she has turned four months old and is now able to sleep through the night in the crib, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various approaches to sleep training before making the switch. Whatever strategy you choose, stick to it. Your infant will develop a sense of security and familiarity with the crib as she spends more time in it.

Transition to Crib Tip #9 – Start With Nighttime

I disagree with the advice that you put your baby to sleep in her crib for daytime naps at an early age.

We went in the opposite direction and began the changeover in the evening. This method served us well because once infants overcome their day/night confusion, the desire to sleep is stronger in the evening than in the morning.

Babies typically have a greater need for sleep at night because they have been awake all day. If your baby sleeps well at night, this may be a good time to make the change.

Transition to Crib Tip #10 – Pause for a Minute

Many mothers who have had babies before will tell you that they can’t always respond immediately to their child’s cries. Babies often make some noise while sleeping as they learn to link their sleep cycles. It’s important to stop and assess whether or not your baby actually needs you when you hear her struggling.

Rushing in will become the norm if you do it all the time. Our infants may need a couple of minutes to calm down.

Transition to Crib Bonus Tip – Gradual Approach

Before your baby is sleeping through the night, you can begin the process of transferring him or her to a crib. After their 3am(ish) feed until morning, that’s when they’ll be at their noisiest, so start putting them in the crib.

Babies are usually worn out and half-asleep at this time, so they may fall back to sleep easily in their crib. You can put them to bed in their crib for the first time after about a week or two. After a week, change it to 9 p.m. to midnight. They’ll soon be able to spend the entire night in their crib after being put to sleep between 6 and 7.

I hope the move to the crib goes smoothly. You’ll feel like a new person once she moves into her own room and begins sleeping soundly through the night.

Pay attention to your baby’s physical development and milestones so you’ll know when to move her to a lower crib.

The 8 Best Baby Cribs of 2022

Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit

Pros

• There are four different bed-height options.
• Changing from infancy to toddlerhood
• Choices in a rainbow of hues

Cons

• Does not expand to a queen size
• Costly

Our top pick is the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed because it can be used for multiple stages of your child’s development. This best-seller is a great value because it can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed to a daybed using the included conversion kit.

The metal mattress platform that serves as a crib can be adjusted to one of four different heights, making it ideal for use with a child of varying ages. The six color options range from single standard colors to two-color combinations, so they can be used to complement the aesthetic of any nursery.

It has a maximum child weight of 50 pounds and measures 53.5 by 29.5 by 35 inches.

Best Budget: IKEA Gulliver Crib

Pros

• Affordable
• Converts to a bed for a young child

Cons

• Limited to a single shade
• Just two heights to choose from

You can rely on IKEA to offer a timeless crib at a reasonable price. This top-rated and straightforward crib can be easily converted to a toddler bed by disassembling its side and switching its base height. This affordable crib comes in a single neutral color option.

Weight: 44 ounces; Dimensions: 53.5 by 29.5 by 33 inches; Maximum Child Weight: Not Stated

Best Convertible: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso

Pros

• Different hues are available.
• There are four possible forms.

Cons

• Available in a la carte conversion kits
• Some people have trouble putting it together.

If your child will be sleeping in their own room for an extended period of time, a convertible crib is a great investment. You can easily adapt the bed to their changing needs as they get older. This option is built to last and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized bed (with the purchase of separate conversion kits).

Weight: 50 lbs. Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches Maximum Child Weight: 50 lbs.

Best Acrylic: Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib

Pros

• Glass panes
• Converts to a bed for a toddler
• Durable

Cons

• Separate conversion kit required.
• Costly

Acrylic cribs stand out from the crowd because they are a completely contemporary take on the traditional baby crib. The transparent slats give the bed a light, airy look that complements the white walls and crisp white sheets in the nursery. There are only two mattress height options and no included toddler conversion kit with this crib.

Weight: 83 pounds | Dimensions: 54 by 30 by 36.5 inches | Maximum Child Weight: 200 pounds

Best Mini Crib: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib

Pros

• Minimalist layout
• Eco-friendly, lead-free finishes
• Converting Four Times

Cons

• With two color choices
• Available in a la carte conversion kits

A mini crib is a safe sleeping space for a baby from birth to around 18 months that can be placed in a parent’s room, a small nursery, or anywhere else. This compact alternative doesn’t skimp on sophistication, though. Conversion kits are available to convert the 4-in-1 crib to a day bed or a twin size bed. Mini cribs require a special mattress and bedding set that fit the smaller size of the crib.

Weight: 40 pounds | Dimensions: 39.75 x 26 x 35 inches | Recommended Age: 2 years or Height: 35 inches

Best for Travel: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

Pros

• Portable
• Easily arranged

Cons

• Sheets are not always included in bundles.

When you’re away from home, make sure your baby has a warm, safe, and comfortable place to sleep. This convenient alternative to a standard crib is a hit with new parents. Reviews from parents rave about how convenient it is.

It includes a mattress, mattress cover, and convenient carrying case, and can be used from birth until around age 3 (or until your child can climb out).

Maximum child weight: up to 3 years old Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 24 inches Weight (including carrying bag): 13 pounds

Best Alternative Shape: Stokke Sleepi Crib

Pros

• Turnable, lockable wheels
• Modular crib with a detachable side panel

Cons

• Costly
• A regular bed mattress will not work in the crib.

This unusual oval crib is designed in a style reminiscent of that found in Scandinavia. The mattress base is height-adjustable to three different positions, and the crib’s swivel wheels can be locked for easy portability from room to room. Once your infant has developed into an active toddler, you can make getting in and out of bed easier by removing one side of the bed.

The oval Stokke mattress that comes with it is necessary because of the shape of the bed.

Weighting in at 44 pounds, its dimensions are 29.1 by 33.6 by 50 inches. Limit of 176 pounds for kids.

Best Foldable: Dream On Me Jett Non-Full Size Folding Crib

Pros

• Detachable wheels
• Foldable

Cons

• Low-density mattress pad

If you need to store a crib temporarily at a guest house, grandparent’s house, or other location, a foldable model is a convenient option. Its compact foldability and lockable wheels make it a practical choice for tight quarters.

The three-stage adjustable mattress can keep up with a developing infant. This crib has a foldable mattress pad that measures 1.5 inches thick and comes in a variety of colors. A second crib mattress will have to be purchased.

Weight: 36 pounds; Dimensions: 38 x 26 x 36 inches; Maximum Child Weight: 50 lbs.

What to Look for in a Baby Crib

Size

Make sure the crib will fit in the room it is destined for before making a purchase. The typical dimensions of a standard crib are 28 inches by 52 inches, while those of a mini crib are 24 inches by 28 inches by 43 inches.

Standard vs. Convertible

It’s important to consider whether or not you already have a toddler bed or a bed large enough for your newborn, as well as how your child will use the crib. There are a wide variety of cribs available, and it’s important to find one that fits your family’s needs and preferences.

A standard crib has the dimensions of 28 inches by 52 inches and may not be able to be expanded to a full- or even a queen-size bed. A standard crib can be used from the moment a baby is born up until the time that child reaches the crib’s milestones or begins trying to climb out. You’ll need to buy a separate toddler bed if this one doesn’t have that option.

Cribs that can be easily converted to a toddler bed and then a full-size bed are called “convertible cribs.” These are excellent if you’re trying to stretch your dollar as far as possible, as they’ll be useful from infancy well into adulthood.

Mini: Due to their smaller size, mini cribs can only accommodate infants and toddlers of a certain weight and height. It’s time for a new bed once your child reaches the specified weight or age. However, mini cribs are a fantastic choice if you need a secure, yet compact, place for your baby to sleep.

After dozens of infant deaths were linked to the use of dropside cribs, their use was outlawed a decade ago. They pose a serious health risk even when used properly, and it’s against the law to distribute them.

Bar Spacing Safety

Checking the size of the crib is essential, but so is ensuring there is adequate space between the slats. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that the distance between the crib’s slats not exceed 2 3/8 inches (roughly six centimeters). Make sure there is no way for your child’s body to slip through by checking this distance twice. Check for broken or missing slats as well.

Mattress Height

Check the distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the crib’s side rails before putting your baby in there to make sure they won’t be able to climb out and hurt themselves. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a distance of 26 inches from the top of the mattress to the top of the raised crib side. 4

FAQS

When should a baby be transitioned to a crib?

It is up to the parents to decide when and how to move the infant to a crib. While some infants may go straight to sleep in their cribs, others may spend their first few nights in a bassinet or play yard. By three to six months of age, most infants are ready to transition to a crib.

How long should a baby stay in a crib?

Babies vary greatly in appearance. Some children are perfectly content to use a crib until they are well into their preteens, while others may start to fuss or even climb out as early as 18 months. Keep your child in a crib for as long as possible, as transitioning to a regular bed requires maturity and good sleep hygiene.