My husband and I were extremely nervous when we had our first child, which is something that happens to most new parents, I suppose. But it almost seemed like we were overly concerned. We were constantly concerned about how our daughter slept at night. We couldn't sleep much as new parents, but we wanted to make sure she got as much rest as possible.
Because our apartment is small, we could not get a crib, but we find a Pack N Play, which is a good option. It's small, compact, and safe. Unfortunately, our daughter did not enjoy it. She would only stay in it for about 5 minutes at a time before wanting to get out. Obviously, she is not comfortable with it.
After doing some research, I found out that many other parents were experiencing the same issue with the Pack N Play system. That's why I tweaked the Pack N Play to make it more comfortable for our daughter to sleep in. If you don’t know how to make a Pack N Play more comfortable, I am here to share with you.
Is Pack N Play a comfortable option?
The Pack N Play is a large foldable crib that is a lifesaver for young parents. I admired the ingenuity that went into the engineering of this piece of portable furniture together.
Safety and functionality come as the top priorities in Pack N Plays and other playards, with comfort being second or third. But, adults and children have different definitions of comfort..
We, adults, adore luxurious pillow-top mattresses and memory foam toppers. But, babies will sleep almost anywhere if the conditions are favorable. If your baby is tired enough, car seats, bassinets, your arms, and even the floor can serve as a great place for him/her to sleep.
We expect more comfort for our kiddos than a car seat or our arms when we look at a Pack N Play. We want to make certain that our babies will enjoy sleeping in it. We blame the level of comfort when they don't sleep.
Pack N Plays are already rather comfy. However, there are a variety of techniques to improve its comfort.
Let’s look at how to make a Pack N Play more comfortable for a baby.
How to make a Pack N Play more comfortable
Add a darkening tent
Pack n Plays are sometimes used when the family is away from home. As a result, you may not have all the comforts that your baby is accustomed to at home. Brightness is a common cause of babies having difficulty falling asleep in a playard.
Your baby's room at home most likely has curtains or blinds that keep it nice and dark, which is ideal for sleep. But if you are not at home, the brightness in the room cannot always be controlled.
That is why having a darkening tent is a great option to control the brightness level for your baby..
Make sure the temperature is ideals
A hot room is unpleasant to sleep in for both adults and babies. I like to bring a small portable fan that I can place right next to the Pack N Play.
Keeping the air moving will do wonders for improving sleep conditions and increasing comfort.
Remove all accessories
Hanging mobiles or toys from your playard is not permitted. Keep your baby's sleeping area free of distractions and potential hazards.
Toys are great for playtime, but they are not appropriate for bedtime. To make the sleeping area more comfortable and safe, keep all toys and accessories out of it.
Age-appropriate
The ideal age to use a pack n play is when your baby is six to eight months old. Most newborns can sit, reach, and pick up close toys at this age. Just make sure if you need to leave them in the pack n play for a short time, you still keep an eye on them.
Correct size
The sizes of travel cribs and Pack N Plays are not standardized. As a result, you must exercise extreme caution while selecting a mattress for your pack n play.
There should be no gaps between the mattress and the wall or bumps on the mattress once it's been installed. An unsuitable mattress can increase the risk of SIDS significantly (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Add Safe Toys for playtime
The best thing you can do to make playtime more exciting and delightful for your child is to fill the playard with her or his favorite toys, such as stuffed animals. This method will not only make your child comfortable, but it will also keep her happy and entertaining at the same time. Check out my guide on Crib Safe Toys here.
Please keep in mind that the space inside the Pack N Play can be limited, which is why it is recommended that you only put the toys inside it when it is time to play. Remember to take it off before your baby goes to bed so that he or she has enough space to move around.
Get a comfortable mattress
If you've tried everything and your baby still won't sleep in the Pack N Play, it's time to replace the mattress.
There are many options for third-party mattresses. But exercise extreme caution when selecting one. Remember that the softness, texture, and firmness of his or her sleeping environment will all play a role in how comfortable your baby feels while sleeping.
As a result, if you want to turn his or her Pack N Play into a sleeping haven, investing in a high-quality Pack N Play mattress is highly recommended. It will give you peace of mind knowing that when your baby sleeps in it, he or she will be comfortably supported. Here are some options for replacement Pack N Play mattresses:
Dream On Me, 3 Inch Foam Pack and Play Mattress
This Dream on Me mattress would be an excellent choice if materials are important to you. It is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, phthalate and lead tested, and meets all Federal Flammability Standards, besides introducing airflow technology.
This mattress is also dual-sided, with a firm infant side and a waterproof toddler side, ensuring that it will last for years as your child grows. It is not foldable. However, it is a high-quality, breathable, and safe sleeping alternative.
Mini crib mattress pad/pack n play mattress
If you're looking for a high-quality mattress topper, make sure it doesn't contain any toxic chemicals that could irritate your skin. Mini crib mattress is ideal for the baby's delicate skin.
This product is revolutionary because it is made of ventilated memory foam, which ensures that your baby's pack n play is safe and comfortable for a long time.
The mattress has a waterproof cover that can be removed. It's a piece of cake to clean. Place it in the washing machine and dry it without fear of shrinking. It is also stain-resistant and non-slip.
LA Baby Waterproof Portable
The LA Baby Waterproof Mattress is the last model on our list of Pack N Play mattresses. It comes with a waterproof cover, as the name suggests, so you can easily remove stains and keep the mattress fresh at all times. Aside from that, it is made of polyester fiber, which is extremely comfortable.
Another advantage of this portable crib mattress is that the cover is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial to protect your baby's sensitive skin. Because the materials are non-toxic, there is no need to be concerned about your baby's health. In terms of thickness, it is only 2-inch thick, which may not provide enough support as your baby grows. But this is enough to provide adequate comfort for newborns.
This mattress is made of high-quality, lightweight materials that are both durable and easy to transport. Despite being on the lower end of the price spectrum, this pack n play mattress provides excellent value.
DIY Pack N Play Mattress
Sometimes a mattress that fits the Pack N Plays may not be found, or you don't have the money to afford one. Fortunately, you can just create your own mattress. Following the steps below!
Materials required: 1/2 inch foam pad that is trim to fit, a play yard sheet, and scissors.
All done! Wasn't that simple?
Conclusion
As parents, we are always concerned with what is best for our children. Above all, you want your child to be happy, safe, and comfortable, particularly when she or he is playing, having fun, or sleeping. If you have a Pack n Play, your child is most likely spending most of his or her time in it. As a result, you make that a sleeping and playtime haven for your child.
Therefore, many of us are looking for ways on how to make a Pack N Play more comfortable for babies' sleep time. Whether you decide to buy an extra pad, mattress or do a DIY project, make sure it is safe and does not pose a suffocation risk.
Hope you found this article helpful!