Is a Pack n Play Bassinet Safe for Sleeping?

When it comes to choosing a safe sleep space for your newborn, a Pack ‘n Play with a bassinet has become a popular option among parents.

Many families love these models because they offer features like changing tables, nappers, and built-in storage.

All Pack ‘n Plays meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines, which ensures they’re safe for infant sleep before reaching the market.

But the real question is:

• Is the bassinet attachment on a Pack ‘n Play safe for newborn sleep?
• Are the bassinet levels safe for overnight sleep?
• Does it provide good airflow and temperature control?
• Can your baby breathe easily inside it?

If you’re wondering whether you can use a Pack ‘n Play as a bassinet—and how it compares to a traditional one—you’re in the right place.

This guide covers everything you need to know about your baby’s sleep. I’ll answer common concerns and FAQs so you can make a confident decision.

Is a Pack n Play Bassinet Safe for Sleeping?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a Pack ‘n Play is safe for infant sleep when used correctly. The AAP recommends placing babies on a firm, flat surface—like a crib, bassinet, or Pack ‘n Play.

Babies should sleep in the same room as parents, but on their own sleep surface, to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

🩺 Research shows that room-sharing without bed-sharing can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50% (AAP). (healthychildren.org)

However, parents sometimes make safety mistakes, like adding extra padding to soften the mattress.
Dr. Charnetta Colton-Poole, a pediatric hospitalist, warns:

🩺 “Safety beats comfort any day—the mattress should be firm, and sheets should be tight-fitting.” (Parents.com)

📺 Want to learn more? Watch this safe sleep guideline from the CDC to help lower the risk of SIDS.

To keep your baby safe, follow these AAP-recommended safe sleep rules:

• Back Sleeping – Always lay babies on their backs.
• Firm, Flat Surface – Use a crib, bassinet, or Pack ‘n Play with a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
• Room Sharing – Keep your baby in your room (not your bed) for at least 6 months.
• No Soft Items – Keep out pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys.
• No Overheating – Dress your baby in light layers or a sleep sack, not blankets.

💡 Bottom Line: A Pack ‘n Play bassinet is a safe sleep space when used properly. Just avoid soft bedding and stick to the recommended weight limits.

Comparison: Pack ‘n Play Bassinet vs Traditional Bassinet

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide between a Pack ‘n Play bassinet and a traditional standalone bassinet:

Can You Use Pack n Play As Bassinet?

Absolutely, yes — a Pack ‘n Play can safely be used as a bassinet, especially for newborns. Both options meet AAP safety guidelines when used correctly.

The difference?

• Pack ‘n Play = Play + Sleep
• Bassinet = Sleep-only

As long as your baby is placed on a firm, flat mattress with mesh sides and no soft bedding, they are safe.

🩺 Studies show that around **69% of infant suffocation deaths** are linked to soft bedding. 👉 That’s why mesh sides and firm mattresses are crucial. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

💨 Good airflow matters.
Mesh sides allow for ventilation, helping to reduce overheating and support safer breathing.

Yes, even the lower level of the Pack ‘n Play can be used for sleep once your baby outgrows the bassinet insert. Just make sure:

• No pillows or blankets
• Firm mattress
• Mesh sides for airflow

Comparison to Other Sleep Setups

When choosing a sleep space for your baby, it’s important to see how different options compare with AAP safety guidelines:

• ✅ Cribs & Bassinets
  Meet CPSC standards with a firm, flat surface and fitted sheet. Ideal for newborns.
• ✅ Pack ‘n Plays (Play Yards)
  Safe for sleep if used without added padding. The mesh sides help reduce overheating and improve airflow.
• ❌ Inclined Sleepers & Positioners
  Not safe for sleep. They increase the risk of suffocation and have been linked to multiple recalls.
• ⚠️ Car Seats, Swings & Slings
  Useful for travel or calming, but not for regular sleep. They restrict airflow and don’t offer a flat sleep surface.

🩺 The AAP strongly advises against using inclined sleepers or placing babies in car seats for sleep outside of travel. These can lead to blocked airways and increase the risk of SIDS.

🛡️ Bottom Line: Stick to flat, firm surfaces like cribs, bassinets, or Pack ‘n Plays — and always avoid inclined or padded alternatives.

My 8-Month Experience with Pack ‘n Play Bassinet!

After using the Graco Pack ‘n Play with Bassinet for 8 months, I’ve had both wins and a few frustrations. Here’s my honest take:

Setup was super easy—the frame popped open quickly, and the bassinet level was ready in minutes. It felt sturdy and safe once assembled. For the first 3–4 months, the elevated bassinet made night feedings easier, and the mesh sides gave great airflow.

But by month four, my baby hit the 15–20 lb limit, so we had to switch to the lower play yard. That made night wake-ups tougher since I had to bend down more.

The biggest downside? The mattress. It’s thin and firm—which is safe, but definitely not plush. I thought about adding padding but didn’t, to stay within safety guidelines.

Space-wise, it did feel bulky in our small apartment at first. But over time, the multi-use nature as both a play yard and travel crib made it worth it. It folds well and is easy to pack.

Would I buy it again? Yes—but with realistic expectations. It’s safe, breathable, and long-lasting, but the bassinet stage is short-lived. If bedside access is a must for longer, consider a dedicated bedside bassinet instead.

After that, you can always Transfer your baby from a bassinet to a crib or Pack ‘n Play as needed.

I hope you like our guide & found it informative. If you have any questions, drop them in the comment box. And don’t forget to share the article because sharing is caring.

Q: Can a Newborn Sleep in a Pack ‘n Play Without a Bassinet?

A: Yes, newborns can sleep in a Pack ‘n Play without a bassinet as long as they are placed on the top-level mattress, which is firm and safe. Since Pack ‘n Plays are designed for long-term use, they can transition from a newborn sleep space to a play area as your baby grows.

💡 Pro Tip: If your baby has trouble sleeping in a Pack ‘n Play, try using a wearable sleep sack. It’s safer than using blankets, which can increase the risk of SIDS.

Q: Are Bassinet Levels on a Pack ‘n Play Safe for Sleep?

A: Yes, the bassinet attachment in a Pack ‘n Play is safe for sleep if your baby is under the weight limit (usually 15–20 lbs) and is not yet rolling or pushing up. Once your baby shows signs of movement, lower the mattress to the play yard level to avoid any fall risk.

📌 The AAP recommends transitioning to a lower sleep surface once movement begins.

Q: Can You Buy Just the Bassinet for a Pack ‘n Play?

A: Technically yes, but not all standalone bassinets fit safely on top of a Pack ‘n Play. For the best results, buy a Pack ‘n Play model that includes an integrated bassinet. This ensures proper fit and safety.

Better Option: Look at all-in-one models like the Graco Pack ‘n Play Close2Baby Playard, which includes a detachable bassinet.

Q: Can a Newborn Sleep in a Pack ‘n Play Instead of a Bassinet?

A: Yes, a newborn can safely sleep in a Pack ‘n Play as long as it has a firm, flat mattress and no extra padding or blankets. The mesh sidewalls help with airflow and reduce the risk of suffocation.

Common Mistake: Don’t add extra padding to soften the mattress. It increases the risk of suffocation. Stick to the firm sleep surface it comes with.