Do I Need a Pack n Play — Can Newborn Sleep In It?

In my opinion, Pack and Play is not necessary for infants. The thing that matters is a feature that provides comfort to newborns and helps you to take care during the first few crucial months easily.

Such as Bassinet, which is specially designed for this task. After that, you can switch newborns to Crib or Pack n Play, as per your need and standard.

But, If your Pack and Play has a bassinet too, I recommend staying with it; why?

The reason behind this is, Once your baby outgrows the Bassinet, you must have to switch newborns to a more prominent sleeping place where they can comfortably & safely sleep. So, Crib Or Pack and Play is the only option left for you.

If you have Pack and Play with Bassinet, which means your infants can still sleep in their familiar sleeping place, even more than 1-2 years ( depends upon the size).

Well, this is my opinion! Now, let check some factors & evidence that supports them.

Can Newborns Sleep in Pack and Play?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) [1], a Crib, Bassinet, and Pack N Play are the safest sleeping place for newborns to sleep. So, Absolutely Yes, Pack N Play can also be used for newborns to sleep during their first few months.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has developed many criteria that make the newborn sleeping product safe.

All the manufacturers have followed these guidelines [2].

Like the Mesh Sides wall that lower the temperature, a Strong Sidebar that doesn’t let the baby fall out, a flat hard mattress for perfect safe sleep, etc

Watch the below video by APP, in which they said, “pack n play ( also called Playard or Playpen) is safe for infants to sleep.”

APP policy explained by “HealthyChildren” Organization [3].

Place your baby’s crib, Bassinet, portable crib, or play yard ( pack n play) in your bedroom, close to your bed. The AAP recommends room-sharing because it can decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% and is much safer than bed-sharing.

When I was doing research, I also found one question asked again & again by parents: “Can a baby suffocate in a pack and play?” Well, the answer is NO.

The baby will not suffocate in the Pack and Play until it is not covered or have a Mesh Side.

The mesh side of pack n play provides better airflow that also helps to reduce the temperature in it.

You can even let the baby sleep at the bottom ( in the playpen ) of the Pack and Play due to its mesh side that provides excellent breathability.

So, all this evidence shows & proves that newborns can also safely sleep in pack n play until they follow the safe sleeping guidelines. But how long can the baby sleep in it?

Well, to understand this, you have to read us; How Long Can Babies Sleep In Pack n Play? Guide to make a valuable decision.

Can Infant Sleep In Pack n Play Bassinet Or Napper?

Yes, newborns can sleep in the Pack n Play Bassinet because it is safe to use & specially designed for the infant. It has all the features you need like, vibration, music, nightlight, rocking, etc., to soothe the baby.

You can use Napper for a short nap under your supervision, but it is not safe for a long sleep.

Napper does not have a high sidewall. The baby can easily rotate or change its potion and can accidentally fall out of it. So it is not safe to use a napper to let the baby sleep in it for long and alone.

Should I Get a Bassinet or Pack n Play?

If you ask me what I should recommend, I recommend you buy a bassinet over Pack N Play because it gives you a lot of features that you don’t find in Pack and play.

It is difficult to answer in just one line how Bassinet is far much better than pack play.

So to understand this, you first have to understand the difference between Bassinet and Pack n Play.

Should I buy a pack n play, Is a Pack and Play Worth It?

Yes, pack n play is worth it if it also has a bassinet & napper changer to take care of your little one up to 1-2 years.

After that, even manufacturers recommend switching to more prominent places like Crib or Baby Bed for safe sleeping.

In the end, the choice is yours; if you have a reasonable budget and it matches your need, then feel free to go with pack n play.

Here is a list of the 7 Best Pack N Play 2021 if you want to explore some options.

Now, what next. Well, below are a few more informative guides that help you to take care of your newborn baby!

1. Can a pack and Play be used as a crib?
2. Can pack and play be Used as a Bassinet?
3. How to make Pack and play more comfortable?
4. Do i need a sheet for pack n play?

I hope you like our guide and found it informative that it helps you make a valuable decision.

Now, it’s your turn. Let us know in the comments section: what do you think? Do you need a pack n play for a newborn baby? Help other moms like to make a quick decision.

And don’t forget to share the article because sharing is caring.