How Long Do Baby Sleep In Pack N Play Bassinet

For new parents, nothing beats the convenience of a pack n play. This allows them to take a break while their child is entertained within a contained space. Honest to goodness, I can’t picture myself as a parent without a play yard for my infant.

But you may be curious about the purpose of, and the security of, a pack n play for your baby.

Here I am to tell you that it is necessary and perfectly safe, at least up to a certain age. Let’s investigate this in greater depth.

What is a pack n play?

Your child can sleep and play safely in a pack n play, a small, portable playpen with a mattress. Both wooden and metal versions with mesh walls are available.

These confines are not the same as a playpen. Most playpens are simply a perimeter fence designed to be placed on the ground without any sort of padding.

There are key differences between this and a bassinet. Newborns and infants up to the age of three or four months can sleep safely and comfortably in bassinets.

Pack ‘n plays are convenient because they can be folded up and taken along on trips. Babies and toddlers benefit greatly from pack n plays.

The typical weight limit for a pack ‘n play is 30 pounds, though this can vary from model to model.

Benefits of a pack n play

Both a bassinet and a changing table that attach to the top rail are available on some models of Pack n’ plays. Thus, a play yard can be put to use from the moment a new baby is brought into the home. And you should still change diapers on the changing table sometimes.

When it comes down to it, a pack n play is the best place to keep your baby because it is secure and easy to monitor. A small child wouldn’t be able to jump out of the top because the walls are too high. Your infant can rest comfortably there and even play unattended if you so choose.

A playpen can be taken anywhere. Even if you’re at Grandma and Grandpa’s house or away for the weekend, your baby can still sleep in his or her own crib. For the first six months, some parents find it more convenient to have the pack n play in their own bedroom.

Look for a pack n play that can be easily transported and set up without much effort. Some models may be awkwardly large and cumbersome.

Are pack n plays safe for sleep?

In a nutshell, yes. Remember that the main pack n play area or the newborn napper (bassinet) are both viable options for putting your baby to sleep during the day or night. In what follows, we’ll discuss solutions for both scenarios.

However, there are a few exceptions to the rule when it comes to the security of a child sleeping in a play yard.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents use a firm mattress for their infant’s sleeping arrangements. It has been determined that babies should not sleep on loose or flimsy bedding.

If you have to leave your baby alone in the crib for any length of time, it’s a good idea to take away any comfort items like bumpers, blankets, pillows, and soft toys. Don’t put anything in the area where you sleep, and use only fitted sheets designed for your particular pack n play.

Sheets from a third party that don’t fit your playard perfectly can shift and bunch, posing a suffocation risk.

Be sure to sleep on a thin, firm mattress. I’ve written a fantastic article detailing all the features and benefits of pack n play mattress pads.

There should be plenty of ventilation on all sides of the pack n play. Most manufacturers now include mesh ventilation panels on the sides of the pack n play as standard equipment.

Baby should always be placed on his back to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this method to prevent sudden infant deaths during sleep.

Make sure the pack n play is assembled properly and the sides are locked in before using it. While some playards can be put together in a few simple steps, others require more time and effort. Before putting baby in it to play or sleep, double-check that everything is securely fastened.

Can a baby sleep in a pack n play?

Babies of all ages can sleep in a pack n play, but each stage calls for a unique strategy. Though it’s not safe for a newborn to sleep in the pack n play’s base, there are still plenty of ways to put it to use for your little one. For infants weighing less than 15 pounds, most pack n plays include a bassinet insert.

The pack ‘n play with the newborn bassinet is ideal for daytime naps because you can keep an eye on your baby while he sleeps.

Babies who are able to roll over on their own can sleep safely in a pack n play. Check out my other post where I go into greater detail about how to get a baby to sleep in the bottom of a pack n play for more information.

If you had any doubts as to whether a baby could sleep in a pack n play, this video should put those to rest.

Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a pack n play every night?

As long as the rest of the safety rules are followed, a pack n play can be used as a safe place for baby to sleep. As long as you are also adhering to the other sleep safety guidelines mentioned here, it doesn’t matter how often you use it.

However, remember that pack n plays are not intended for nightly use and should only be used for travel and daytime play. Your pack n play may show signs of wear and tear earlier than expected due to the increased use. If you want to make sure your baby is as safe as possible, you should inspect the pack n play on a regular basis.

When should a baby stop sleeping in the pack n play bassinet?

By the time most infants reach three or four months, or when they learn to roll over on their own, they have outgrown their bassinets.

Likewise, the infant’s weight must be considered. There is a 15-pound weight restriction on the pack n play bassinet. When a baby reaches about 12–13 pounds in weight, it is no longer advised that they sleep in a pack n play bassinet due to the risk of suffocation. Approximately at this point, the baby outgrows the bassinet attachment to the pack n play.

You also want to stay away from bassinets that have a soft bottom and sides. If you must leave your baby alone while he sleeps in his bassinet, make sure the base is nice and sturdy.

When should a baby stop sleeping inside the pack n play?

When a child reaches 30 pounds in weight, 35 inches in height, or is between the ages of two and three, it is no longer necessary for them to sleep in a pack n play.

Your infant may not weigh 30 pounds but may be unusually tall for his age. This indicates that he may be able to exit his pack n play or that he may be too big for it.

If your child is getting close to 35 inches in height, it’s time to graduate him or her from the infant pack ‘n play.

Some infants are particularly robust and may exhibit signs of frustration if they are unable to freely move around. Whether your baby is short or tall, you should make sure he is not able to tip over the pack n play. In the same vein, that should serve as a warning that it’s time to find a new place to lay your head at night.

Observe your child’s behavior while in the pack n play as a whole. Everything you need to know can be gleaned from observing his actions.

What is the Best Pack N Play with Bassinet?

1. Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove

If you’re looking for a warm and cozy space for your baby, look no further than the Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove. The cuddle cove is a cozy and secure place to rest your infant. Simple to install and remove from the pack-n-play.

Since it is so easily transportable thanks to its carry handles, you can use it in different rooms of your house without having to drag the entire unit around with you. The vibrations and canopy of the seat will help your baby feel safe and secure. Baby and new mom can relax in comfort on the pack n play bassinet’s elevated mattress.

The pack n play has a breathable mesh exterior and a plush mattress for baby’s comfort. Changing diapers on a removable changing pad provides a clean, secure place to do so. The shelves provide ample space for stowing away and organizing daily necessities.

Infants weighing less than 15 pounds can use the seat, those weighing between 30 and 35 pounds can use the changing pad, and children under 35 inches in height can use the pack ‘n play.

Pros:

• Vibrating bassinet/seat with a cover and convenient handles.
• This bassinet/seat can be used independently of the pack-n-play if desired.
• Cupboards with built-in storage
• Big, detachable changing mat
• Two adorable designs are offered.

Cons:

• Constantly difficult to put together
• A short lifespan is typical for a vibration unit.

2. Chicco Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard

The Chicco Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard is an exceptionally practical alternative to a separate pack n play and bassinet. Your baby will have plenty of room in the spacious bassinet.

Because of its lofty perch, picking them up for those wee hours of the night is a breeze. A large changing pad that can be removed from the diaper bag is included. The pack-n-play comes with a convenient parent organizer that can be detached and taken along for the ride.

The mattress of an infant bassinet can be lowered to convert the space into a large bed or play area for a toddler. What’s even more impressive is that every fabric can be cleaned in a washing machine. The cover of the plush bassinet mattress can be easily removed and washed in the machine.

The tabletop cover can be removed, washed, and reattached. The rubberized wheels make it easy to roll the case around the house or take it on the road.

Pros:

• Fabrics that can be easily taken apart and washed
• Extra-large bassinet, changing table, and playard
• Disposable parent holder
• Automatic fold-down and stowaway pouch
• Sound-activated, nightlight-equipped, and mobile electronic toy bar.

Cons:

• Even at its lowest setting, a toy bar is incredibly noisy.
• Extremely large portable storage unit with zipper.

3. Delta Children LX Deluxe Portable Baby Play Yard

This Delta Children pack n play is an excellent choice if you are shopping on a strict budget.

You can take it with you on your next trip with no hassle because of how quickly and easily it sets up and folds down. Because of its waterproof surface, the changing pad requires only a quick wipe down after each use.

Of course, if you want to save money, you should expect to get something of lower quality. Also, it’s worth noting that there isn’t mesh on all four sides of the product.

Pros:

• One sided wheeled device
• Stuffed animals and a detachable storage pouch are included in the swinging arm.
• An impervious table top
• Rapid collapsing for minimal storage
• Super low cost

Cons:

• Limit of 25 pounds on table’s weight capacity
• lacks a complete mesh enclosure
• It seems like some of the parts are made on the cheap.
• The pockets aren’t very large or deep.

4. JOOVY Room Playard and Nursery Center

This nursery center from JOOVY is worth mentioning because it comes with a bassinet for infants and a changing table that parents have come to trust over the years.

The waterproof linings or covers on both the table and the mattress make them simple to clean.

In contrast to tables on competing sets, this one can be conveniently folded up and stored away. When you’re done using it, you can flip it out of the way.

Pros:

• Along with a foldable table and bassinet for a baby.
• Waterproof coatings or linings
• Extra-large side pocket for carrying items
• Each side has two wheels.
• Affordable

Cons:

• Impossible to Put Together
• Undeflated, it’s still a bulky bundle
• Low-lying bassinet for infants
• Heavy indeed

5. 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

The 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard can be folded and unfolded with a single motion, taking up very little space when collapsed, and transporting it is a breeze with the stowaway duffel bag.

This pack n play will keep your infant safe and sound. It has a solid construction and thick, attractive feet that rest flat on the ground.

It has air vents and mesh sides all the way around to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Pros:

• Superbly solid structure
• Quickly and easily folds and unfolds
• Included carrying case
• Totally permeable mesh construction.
• The bassinet and the changing table are detachable.

Cons:

• Extremely little cushioning on the rods.
• Items cannot be washed in a washing machine.
• Sheet, storage pocket, and other add-ons not included.
• No wheels

6. Baby Trend Resort Elite Nursery Center

The Resort Elite Nursery Center from Baby Trend is another reasonably-priced playard that also functions as a bassinet for newborns.

An added bonus of the playard’s infant bassinet is that it can be taken out and used independently. In addition, a canopy and a toy bar are included.

This pack ‘n play’s secure surrounding changing pad is one of its best features.

This pack n play, unlike some of the others we’ve seen, has higher sides to keep your baby contained and prevent them from rolling off.

Pros:

• With its four wheels, it’s super convenient to move around.
• Bassinet for infants can be taken apart
• Baby can’t get rolled off the changing table thanks to the higher sides of the safe surround changing pad.
• Mesh on all sides for air circulation
• Packs flat for convenient storage in a suitcase

Cons:

• Only a quick wipe with a damp cloth will suffice for cleanup.
• Complicated instructions make assembly a chore.
• The battery life of the music system is terrible.
• The quality of construction varies.

7. Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard

Aside from being an excellent Pack ‘n Play, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome LX Playard also stands out for its unusual design. One of the best features of this playard is its ability to convert into a bassinet for a newborn.

The dome bassinet is detachable from the rest of the pack n play for convenience. Since it can be folded into its own carrying case, it’s easy to take along on day trips or overnight excursions.

Naturally, the rest of the pack n plays are well-made as well, with a changing table and mesh on all sides for enhanced visibility and ventilation.

Pros:

• The dome bassinet can be folded into its own carrying case for convenience when traveling.
• Furniture with a table and drawers
• The table’s fabric can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
• Babies can rest comfortably under the shade of the large canopy of the dome bassinet.
• The all-around mesh design improves airflow and visibility.

Cons:

• You can’t use a washing machine
• The bassinet/napper for infants is a pain to set up.
• The tabletop isn’t always level (it has a slight tilt).
• The playard mat’s foam padding isn’t of the highest quality.

8. Evenflo Portable BabySuite DLX Playard

At long last, Evenflo has released a top-notch pack n play.

The Evenflo Portable Babysuite DLX Playard is the lightest pack n play on our list, making it a great choice for traveling with your little one.

Because it has wheels on one end, you can easily roll it from one living quarter to another when you’re away from home.

Baby bassinets typically feature a detachable mat with a toy bar for added convenience. This provides the opportunity for your infant to engage in beneficial tummy time while playing on the floor.

Pros:

• Extremely portable and lightweight.
• Play bar has stuffed animals and other plush toys.
• A breathable mesh on all sides aids in visibility.
• A set of wheels on one end makes it simple to move from one location to another.
• Tummy time mat with toy bar can be used as an infant bassinet on the floor.

Cons:

• The use of a washing machine is forbidden.
• Slightly challenging set-up
• There are some cheaper components that could break down over time.
• The mattress is extremely thin and unsupportive.

9. Nuna Sena Aire

The Nuna Sena Aire playard with bassinet is perfect for parents who are always on the go. There’s a bassinet for the baby and a playpen for the toddler, but there aren’t a ton of extras. When you’re on the go, that’s all you really need. With the bassinet at this height, your baby is always within easy reach. With the playard folded, it’s easy to take along.

This is an excellent bassinet and playpen combo, so you can easily remove the bassinet as your child gets older. Any part of the unit can be put together or taken apart with a single hand, regardless of the mode it is in.

Your sleeping infant will stay cool thanks to the ventilated mesh sides and mattress. Simply unzip the cover, and toss it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. It’s durable, stylish, and lightweight—perfect for a trip.

Pros:

• This bassinet’s frame can be folded for easy storage or transport.
• Air flow through the mattress, walls, and ground
• Hardwood planks that can be taken up and washed in a washing machine
• Suitcase for vacationing with a handle
• One-handed zigzag frame extension

Cons:

• The small size can be quickly outgrown.
• Separately available table attachment

10. Graco Pack ’n Play On the Go Playard

If you want to use a pack n play as a bassinet, you shouldn’t pass up the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard. It’s cheap, straightforward, and packed with features.

The newborn seat is very comfortable, has great back support, and can be reclined to a flat position so your baby can play in peace. The canopy shields their eyes and skin from direct sunlight while they enjoy playing with the hanging stars.

The graco pack n play bassinet is a safe and comfortable option for naptimes on the go. Baby should be refreshed at the diaper changer.

It has wipe-clean fabrics and is near to the integrated parent organizer. When your baby outgrows the changer and infant bassinet the pack n’ play effortlessly converts to a large playard. This pack n play bassinet combo is easily one of the top-rated pack n play with bassinet options.

Pros:

• Baby seat’s canopy and plush toys can be taken away.
• Wipeable, detachable diaper changing pad
• Large playard can be created from the infant bassinet, which is easily removable.
• Simply push a button to fold it up.
• Constructed with a large storage compartment

Cons:

• Baby may outgrow bassinet because of its limited length
• Playard is the only place where Cuddle Cove can be used effectively.

11. Costzon Baby Playard

The Costzon Baby Playard is an excellent option for infants and toddlers of all ages thanks to its spacious design and detachable bassinet. The bassinet is a convenient place to rest your newborn child that keeps them off the floor.

The infant bassinet can be taken out as the child grows, allowing the playard to be used as a full size crib. The playard’s zippered side entrance is great for kids and makes it easy for parents to lay beside their infant.

When not in use, a flip-up table makes cleanup a breeze. Almost as useful as the side pocket where you can stow a diaper stacker.

Your baby will be delighted and soothed by the overhead mobile’s gentle light and music. You can easily relocate the entire bassinet/pack-and-play set wherever you like in your home. When you’ve found the ideal spot, you can feel secure knowing that the two wheels can be locked in place.

This crib bassinet set is convenient because it folds up small and comes with a tote bag.

Pros:

• Baby diapers are flipped away from the changer
• The height of the removable bassinet is ideal for infants.
• The playard features a side zippered door.
• The mobile phone plays soothing tunes and doubles as a night light.
• Folds up small for easy packing and transport

Cons:

• Difficult to put together
• Not as cozy as some other mattresses

How To Choose The Best Playard With Bassinet

Size

Pack and play models come in a wide range of sizes and weights. Some may be more cumbersome than others, both when folded and when set up, especially if they have a lot of extra features or are big enough to be used as playards for multiple infants.

When shopping for a playard, such as a pack n play with bassinet, it’s important to consider how much room you have and how big the playard will be once assembled.

Weight Limit

In order to keep your child safe, you should be familiar with the weight limits for each component of your pack and play. The changing table (if present) and bassinet are included in this as well as the main playard space.

Portability

Although portability is a major selling point for pack and plays, not all models share this quality. Some pack ‘n plays may be cumbersome to disassemble, stow away, carry, or transport from one room to another.

Check out the various options for portability that your pack and play has to offer. Check to see if it comes with a carrying case, how heavy it is, how easily it sets up and breaks down, whether or not it has wheels (on one or both sides), and how quickly it can be disassembled.

Cleaning Instructions

To put it bluntly, babies make a mess. It’s inevitable that your pack and play will get dirty from time to time due to things like spit up, diaper blowouts, and more.

You probably want the fabrics to be as simple to clean as possible, considering how often you’ll be cleaning them.

While it’s ideal to have a pack n play made of machine-washable fabric, considering other factors like whether or not its components are waterproof or easily wiped clean can be just as helpful.

Safety Features

Make sure the wheels lock into place or are only on one side of the playard (so the other side is more stable and grounded) if the playard has wheels.

Also, check that there is mesh siding on all of its exterior walls. The breathable sides also make it easier to keep an eye on your baby and lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Additional Features

Playards that double as bassinets are just one type of all-in-one nursery set that can come with a variety of helpful accessories for parents. These capabilities aren’t strictly required but would be nice to have.

Such items can range from change tables and canopies to portable music players with vibration capabilities and travel bags with side pockets.

Conclusion

A pack ‘n play provides a secure environment for baby to rest or play. It can be used from the day you bring your new baby home in the bassinet all the way up to the time your child is about three years old.

Most pack ‘n plays, when used with a firm mattress and a sheet that fits snugly, are compliant with all AAP safety standards.

Because of the mesh sides, you can keep an eye on your child as he sleeps or plays even if you have to tend to other matters.

These lightweight playards are ideal for use around the house or on the road.

What do you think? Yes! Having a pack n play on hand is a great idea, as you can never predict when you might need one.