There are a lot of places where newborn babies can sleep, like Bassinet, Crib, and Pack n Play. All these sleeping products are designed to provide a safe, comfortable sleep environment.
For example, Bassinet provides a small area, whereas a crib offers a large space to sleep in it and can hold more than 50 pounds (22.68kgs)
Apart from that, Pack and Play (sometimes called play yards/playards or playpens) is very similar to the crib.
Which means large but, on the other hand, very light in weight (Pack n Play vs Crib).
You can place it wherever you want in the room, take it with you on the trip, and it provides a restricted playing area and a sleeping area to sleep in it.
But the question here is, “Are pack n plays safe for infants to sleep in? Can a baby sleep overnight in it safely?
Well, all these questions will be answered based upon the evidence & proof so that you can make a valuable decision.
So stay tuned with me.
Are Pack n Plays Safe for Infants To Sleep In?
Yes, Pack n Plays is safe for infants to sleep in it. This incredible product is entirely safe & secure to use for sleep because it fulfills the safe sleep guidelines presented by the Consumer Product Safety Commission [1].
It provides a perfectly flat surface to sleep; side rails strong enough to prevent a child from strangling & a strong corner bracket to prevent side-rail collapse.
So, If your Pack n Play has these things, it means your infant is sleeping in a safe sleep environment.
Just avoid putting any toys or loose blankets close to your baby during his sleep as per the recommendation of US CPSC [2]
While babies sleeping are playing in it, make sure: a pack’ n play should have mesh sides for breathability & a latching mechanism that is easy to operate but difficult for a child to open/fold from inside accidentally. Its floor has strength so that it does not bend & provide a flat surface to sleep.
Also, watch this video by the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) [3] recommendations to protect against SIDS.
San Francisco, CA—Infants should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents–but on a separate surface, such as a crib or Bassinet, and never on a couch, armchair, or a soft surface—to decrease the risks of sleep-related deaths, according to a new policy statement released by the AAP.
So from the above evidence & proof, we can say, yes, Pack and Play is safe for infants to use.
But the next thing that comes to mind is that it is safe to use overnight and how long an infant can sleep in it. Let’s check it too.
Note: It’s too difficult to answer just in one line because it can b used up to 1-2 years depending on the size & other factors like age, weight limit. I recommend to read, How long can baby sleep in Pack n Play? to make valuable decisions.
Are Pack n Plays Safe for Overnight Sleep?
Yes, you can use Pack n Play for overnight sleep as long as you follow the safety guidelines set by CPSC. Along with it, you have to make sure your little one is comfortable in it, has proper airflow, and does not cross the age limit to be on the safe side.
An official journal of 2016, [4] APP relieves that 3500 infants die annually due to sleep-related infant deaths & SIDS.
Approximately 3500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ill-defined deaths, and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.,,,,,,,,, Recommendations for a safe sleep environment include supine positioning, use of a firm sleep surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing, and avoidance of soft bedding and overheating.
To lower the risk of SIDS, APP recommends following “ABCs of Safe Sleep guidelines” [5].
- A: Alone
- B: Sleep on Back
- C: in the Crib
Watch the below video by “Arkansas Children’s Hospital” to get an overview of all these guidelines perfectly.
Note: APP does not recommend placing anything in the crib, Bassinet, or pack n play to lower the risk of SIDS. Then how you can keep your infant’s sleeping area warm in the winter.
Check this guide: How to keep baby warm on cold, freezing nights?
Just like a bassinet, a Pack and Play ( Bassinet Vs Pack n Play ) also come in a lot of options are;
- Pack and Play for Travel
- Small Pack n Play
- Pack and Play With Changing Station
- Pack n Play With Bassinet
But it depends on you which one you prefer to buy as per your need & requirement. If you still have a question in mind regarding buying the Pack n Play. Then read; Do I need Pack N Play for infants?
Here is a list of the 7 Best Pack And Play 2021 if you want to explore some options.
Now, what next? Here are a few essential articles that help you to take care of your newborn baby.
- How to make pack n play more comfortable?
- Can a pack and play be used as a crib?
- How to clean a pack and play?
- Do I Need a Sheet for Pack n Play and Crib?
I hope your life is our guide “Are pack and plays safe for sleeping” & found it informative. Now, put your valuable comment and feedback in the comment box to help other moms like you make a quick decision.
And don’t forget to share the article because sharing is caring.
Dr. Sakshi Patel
Senior Content Writer
Dr. Sakshi Patel, an expert in Human Development and Family Studies, combines her academic knowledge with personal experience as a mother to twins. She provides comprehensive articles and meticulous reviews on baby essentials, offering accurate and up-to-date information to help parents make informed decisions. Read more.
