Can A Newborn Sleep In A Pack And Play?

Along with such conveniences as baby slings, bottle washers, nursing pillows, and bouncer seats, one of the things new moms find worth buying are portable cribs. Commonly known as "pack and plays," these combination crib/playpens are a lifesaver on vacations, trips to Grandma's, or anytime you need a safe spot to park your little one while you do a chore or pour a coffee. Their mesh sides offer both visibility and air circulation, and they fit neatly into any car trunk when folded. As we know, though, some baby accessories aren't appropriate for the newest arrivals. Even the highest-rated high chair is meant only for babies and toddlers who can sit upright, not newborns or big kids. Is your portable crib safe for newborns to sleep in, or should you wait a few months to try it out?

Good news — your baby will be fine in a pack and play, provided you follow a few guidelines. First, check to see that your play yard meets all safety requirements; ones manufactured after February 2013 must meet certain federal standards. Do a search on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to make sure the make and model of the crib you want hasn't been recalled. Buying a play yard secondhand is generally safe, as long as it's not a recalled model and still has its manufacturing label attached. Even better, look for pack and plays with a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association label (JPMA), which means they've undergone especially rigorous testing.

Once you find the pack and play of your choice, set it up and check for any hazardous defects. The sides should lock firmly, the crib pad should fit snugly to the bottom, and the mesh sides should be free of tears or holes. Everything checks out? Then you can use it even with a newborn. In fact, it may be more convenient to keep your baby in the play yard in your bedroom at night for feedings and diaper changes. Just don't keep the crib too close to your bed, to avoid having your blankets or bedside table items fall in accidentally. 

The safety rules for sleeping in a pack and play are the same as for a regular crib, especially the most important one: Always put your baby to sleep on their back. The pack and play mattress may look uncomfortably flat, but it's actually ideal for infant sleeping, so don't switch it out or put cushioning underneath to make it softer. Cover it with a fitted sheet that conforms to the pad tightly. Pillows, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals are all suffocation hazards, so keep them out of the play yard. Your newborn can sleep in a sleep sack or footed pajamas to stay warm without a blanket. Many portable pack and plays have bassinet and/or changing pad inserts; take them out before putting your baby down for a nap, and never use those inserts for sleeping. 

Whether your baby is asleep or awake, their pack and play should always be placed 3 feet away from anything reachable, such as window cords, doors, or lamps. And once your child is big enough to climb out of their play yard, it's time to pack it away for good.