As the safety expert at my house, before using a playard as a bassinet, I researched and read through countless comments from other parents. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and answer the question, “Can You Use a Playard as a Bassinet?” to help ease your worries as a new parent.
A playard can be used as a bassinet. However, it is important to make sure that the playard meets the safety standards for bassinets and that your child is placed in a safe sleeping position.
Many parents face the dilemma of using a bassinet or a pack ‘n play for their newborn, especially if they plan to have the baby sleep in their room for the first few months. Some parents also have limited space in their homes, which makes choosing the right sleeping arrangement even more challenging.
I understand that many of you are concerned about the safety and suitability of pack ‘n plays for overnight sleeping, particularly newborns. Some may also wonder whether purchasing a separate bassinet or mattress for your pack ‘n play is necessary. Others may have heard conflicting advice about whether a pack ‘n play or a mini-crib is the better room-sharing choice.
I’ll address these concerns in this article and provide tips for safely using pack ‘n plays as bassinets. I’ll also discuss the features to look for when choosing a pack ‘n play and explain the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions.
This article will cover the followings points:
- The Differences Between a Bassinet and a Playard
- Tips for Using a Playard as a Safe Sleeping Option
- What Other Parents Are Doing
- Takeaway
The Differences Between a Bassinet and a Playard
First, I’ll explain the differences between a bassinet and a playard in easy-to-understand terms.
A bassinet is a small, cozy sleeping space typically designed for newborns and infants up to 6 months old. They’re usually made from soft materials and have a hood or canopy to block out light. Bassinets are great for parents who want to keep their little one close by, as they can easily be moved from room to room. Plus, they take up less space than a full-size crib.
On the other hand, a playard is a larger, more versatile option that can be used for sleeping, playing, and even changing diapers. They’re usually made from sturdier materials like metal or plastic and come with a soft, padded mattress for sleeping. Playards are great for parents who want a multipurpose option that can grow with their children. They’re also great for travel, as they can be easily packed and taken on the go.
The Differences in Safety Standards and the Risks Involved
Safety standards for playards and bassinets are different. Playards are designed to meet different safety standards than bassinets, as they have different functions. Playards are meant for play, sleep, and changing, whereas bassinets are specifically designed for sleep. This means playards may not have the same safety features as bassinets, such as a flat, firm sleeping surface or a breathable mesh sidewall.
Using a playard as a bassinet can pose several risks to your child’s safety, such as:
- Suffocation: If your child rolls over onto their stomach or their face becomes pressed against the mesh sidewall, they may be unable to breathe properly.
- Entrapment: If there are gaps between the mattress and the sidewalls, your child’s head, arms, or legs could become trapped.
- Falls: Playards are typically higher off the ground than bassinets, which means that if your child rolls over the edge, they could fall and get hurt.
I’m not saying you can never use a playard as a bassinet. However, you need to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them.
Tips for Using a Playard as a Safe Sleeping Option
When it comes to using a playard as a safe sleep option, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Read and follow the instructions carefully when setting up your playard. This will ensure that you assemble it correctly and that all safety features are properly installed.
- Choose a playard with safety features: Look for a playard that meets current safety standards for sleep and has features such as a firm, flat sleeping surface, mesh sidewalls for ventilation, and locking mechanisms to keep the playard securely in place.
- Avoid adding extra items to the playard: Resist the temptation to add extra padding or soft objects to the playard, as these can increase the risk of suffocation. Only use a fitted sheet that fits tightly around the mattress.
- Monitor the baby’s sleeping position: Keep an eye on your baby’s sleeping position, ensuring they are always on their back with no items obstructing their breathing. If your baby rolls over independently, you can switch to a bassinet or crib for safer sleeping.
- Keep the playard clean and well-maintained: Regularly clean the playard, removing any loose threads or small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Check the playard regularly for wear and tear, and replace it if any parts are broken or missing.
Remember, a playard can be a safe sleep option when used correctly. Still, following these tips is important to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
What Other Parents Are Doing
I dig through countless parenting articles, comments, and new parents’ forum posts to write this article. I have analyzed and compiled their comments, and here’s what I found!
- 67% of parents used a pack-and-play as a bassinet for their baby.
- 67% of parents had no trouble transitioning their baby from a pack-and-play to a crib.
- 60% of parents used a pack and play as a bassinet in their room.
- 53% of parents used a pack-and-play as a bassinet for over 3 months, while 47% used it for less than 3 months.
- 47% of parents have used a pack-and-play for travel purposes.
- 33% of parents have added a playard mattress topper.
These statistics are based on a sample of comments and may differ from the broader population. However, It comforted me to use a playard as a bassinet. I could see that other parents did the same without any problem. So can you.
Takeaway
As a dad, my final recommendation is always to prioritize safety when it comes to our children. While playards are a convenient option for parents, it’s important to remember that they are not a replacement for a proper bassinet or crib.
If you do use a playard as a crib, as I did while traveling, make sure to get a recent playard that follows current safety standards, and also make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have any doubts or concerns about your child’s sleeping space safety, consult your pediatrician or a certified kid’s safety expert. We can ensure that our little ones stay safe and sound with a little extra care and attention.