https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:53:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595772 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 13:06:44 +0000 LindsayLou 2595772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: You're right, they're not approved for night sleep. It's a judgement call for sure, and it's so hard to know how you'll feel beforehand. I felt comfortable with it, but I totally understand why some people wouldn't. I was also definitely anxious and constantly checking to make sure she was still breathing no matter where she was sleeping. :) my kiddo slept so well in the napper that I wasn't going to mess with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595767 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 12:46:02 +0000 MrsSRS 2595767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: I understand. My first was a preemie who came home on a respiratory monitor. I was very paranoid about circulation and airway placement. But he would.not.sleep in a flat crib so my choice became on me or in a napper/rnp because he wanted to be snuggly and angled. After I got tired enough those seemed safer than sleeping in my arms. My second was a much easier newborn. Fingers crossed you get a good sleeper! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595766 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 12:36:53 +0000 Goldengirl 2595766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSRS: Got it! I guess I'll have to wait and see how I feel at that point. I am predicting I will be quite paranoid about everything at the beginning, based on the fact I'm already worrying about him being able to breathe ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595765 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 12:09:10 +0000 MrsSRS 2595765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: yeeeeaaah. But babies aren't technically supposed to sleep in RNPs either. Ultimately you have to decide what is comfortable for you. It felt safe to me for DS who was small and slept still and swaddled. Definitely not safe for a heavy, mobile baby, but for a newborn it felt fine for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595763 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 12:01:43 +0000 Goldengirl 2595763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSRS: @LindsayLou: I thought babies aren't supposed to sleep in the napper part? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595711 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 06:48:22 +0000 macintosh 2595711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a pack n play on my bedroom for when I need to contain DS in the morning for a few minutes. It's up against the wall, but today I noticed that because of the baseboard there's at least an inch of space between the mesh and the wall. I wouldn't worry about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595709 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 06:41:39 +0000 Ms. RV 2595709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: LO is nearly a year old and at her nine month appt was 27 inches. She still comfortably fits in her travel lite crib and sleeps in it overnight no problem (we use it for two nights every two weeks while camping). She still has plenty of room to play so long as she sits in one place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595705 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 06:36:26 +0000 delight 2595705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For us, a PNP has been essential. So regardless of whether you use it in the beginning, they are handy to have. DD is 3 and we still bring it to grandmas and the cottage and to any hotels. We have used it a bazillion times. I think where you are describing beside your bed sounds fine. Babe won't be rolling for awhile and it'll be wide open at top. We had our pNp in our tv room for naps for he first couple of months and used the top part as a change table. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595695 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 06:06:18 +0000 pachamama 2595695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A PnP with the changing table was essential for us but we had our son sleep in this for 5 months and it worked GREAT. Because he was used to laying flat, the transition to crib took literally one night! Very easy for him to adjust. </p> <p><a href="http://www.target.com/p/chicco-lullago-portable-bassinet/-/A-50827349?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&#038;AFID=google_pla_df&#038;CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping&#038;adgroup=SC_Baby_Top+Performers&#038;LID=700000001170770pgs&#038;network=g&#038;device=c&#038;location=9004989&#038;gclid=CjwKEAjwoPG8BRCSi5uu6d6N5WcSJABHzD8F211VQonk6CpHv9yaayRk0bjKD5Jw5siEr8Bk9JjJLBoCrGTw_wcB&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="nofollow">http://www.target.com/p/chicco-lullago-portable-bassinet/-/A-50827349?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&#038;AFID=google_pla_df&#038;CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping&#038;adgroup=SC_Baby_Top+Performers&#038;LID=700000001170770pgs&#038;network=g&#038;device=c&#038;location=9004989&#038;gclid=CjwKEAjwoPG8BRCSi5uu6d6N5WcSJABHzD8F211VQonk6CpHv9yaayRk0bjKD5Jw5siEr8Bk9JjJLBoCrGTw_wcB&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds</a></p> <p>Sorry that link is so long. </p> <p>This bassinet is much narrower than the PnP. It really worked out fo rus. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595654 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 01:41:19 +0000 MrsKRB 2595654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My pack and play is set up the same way - next to me in bed but against a wall on one side. It's been working for us, DD can't roll yet so in not worried about the breathability, and once she can she will probably be in her crib. It's a bit annoying getting out of bed, but less annoying than having to go to the foot of the bed to get her in the middle of the night! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595647 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 00:11:48 +0000 LindsayLou 2595647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had a pack n play with the reversible napper/changer. Baby ended up sleeping in the napper by our bed for 3 months. I personally don't think the sides of the pack n play being pushed up against the wall would be an issue until baby can roll. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595622 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 21:06:59 +0000 littlebear16 2595622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used a PNP at the higher level next to the bed for the first few months. I could actually see DD through the mesh when laying in bed, so I didn't feel like I needed to get up to check on her all the time. It was also against the wall. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595620 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:54:44 +0000 MrsSRS 2595620@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: exactly. Baby can sleep in the napper or you can remove the napper/changer and just use the bassinet if you prefer. Either should eliminate the weird angle/hard to put down while you're in bed issue. And air circulation should be a non issue since baby will be up on the top. Good circulation might concern me a little if the baby was down in the bottom and there wasn't a fan or something with the sides blocked as you described, but that's probably over cautious too. Sounds like your plan will be just fine. And definitely next to you. I think you're right that if baby is at the foot of your bed you'll pop up constantly to check. Remember, it takes about 10 seconds to move a PNP, so you can always change your mind if it isn't working. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595618 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:50:55 +0000 Goldengirl 2595618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pancakes: Definitely will be using the bassinet level! Just paranoid about breathability on the sides. But I suppose it's wide open on the top. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595617 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:49:45 +0000 Goldengirl 2595617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: @MrsSRS: The ones I'm looking at have the reversible napper/changer and bassinet level for the mattress... is that what you mean? He will def be sleeping on the bassinet level (higher up) at the beginning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595616 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:49:12 +0000 Pancakes 2595616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had a pack n play with a bassinet (but not the really deluxe one with the changing station) similar to this <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y9AKZI/ref=s9_simh_gw_g75_i1_r?ie=UTF8&#038;fpl=fresh&#038;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&#038;pf_rd_s=desktop-1&#038;pf_rd_r=58A1SXH78M0N1X5755Q5&#038;pf_rd_t=36701&#038;pf_rd_p=6aad23bd-3035-4a40-b691-0eefb1a18396&#038;pf_rd_i=desktop" rel="nofollow">https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y9AKZI/ref=s9_simh_gw_g75_i1_r?ie=UTF8&#038;fpl=fresh&#038;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&#038;pf_rd_s=desktop-1&#038;pf_rd_r=58A1SXH78M0N1X5755Q5&#038;pf_rd_t=36701&#038;pf_rd_p=6aad23bd-3035-4a40-b691-0eefb1a18396&#038;pf_rd_i=desktop</a><br /> I would think if you used the bassinet it would be fine, but as other posters have mentioned, if you don't use that it may be challenging to get baby in and out. It kind of hurts my back just to think about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595614 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:45:24 +0000 Foodnerd81 2595614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: yeah I wouldn buy the mini one if you can fit a regular size- it's just such a short lived thing. You can start with it on the side then move it to the foot of it's annoying or if you wake each other up moving around too much. But safety wise I think it would be ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595613 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:43:58 +0000 MrsSRS 2595613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: oh bummer. Well then I agree with the pp who suggested a PNP that comes with an infant napper (pricier but cozy like the RNP although less angled) or the "bassinet" which just raises the mattress up nice and high. LO is easy to see and quicker to access for those early weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595611 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:38:46 +0000 Goldengirl 2595611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I had looked at the travel lite crib but like you said, was worried about it getting too small... I'm hoping we can use the PNP for a long time just as a playpen. There is space at the foot of the bed, but last night I was starting to freak out that I'm not going to like him down there because I'll be popping up from bed every 5 seconds to see if he's okay! Lol. Thought it would just make it more convenient to be able to turn over and see him right next to me. But yah the bottom might just be easier.</p> <p>@MrsSRS: No RNP's sold in Canada :sad: Our sleep regulations are a bit stricter here. Otherwise would totally get one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595608 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:28:07 +0000 MrsSRS 2595608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it would be ok, and a PNP can be handy later for a travel crib, but I prefer a rock n play for newborn sleep, personally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595607 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:27:38 +0000 Foodnerd81 2595607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also you will likely use a pack and play long after you move baby into his own crib, for travel and such. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595606 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:26:52 +0000 Foodnerd81 2595606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't see why it would be unsafe, at least until baby is rolling- once he's rolling I imagine he could roll into the wall and bang himself (not different than rolling into sides of the crib) or potentially roll into soft bedding on the other side? </p> <p>BUT it might be hard for you to put the baby in gently from a weird angle, so I would think about that. Also it will be really annoying for you to get in and out of bed. Is there space at the foot of the bed? We have a hand me down Graco Travel Lite with Stages, basically a mini pack and play. It takes up significantly less space in our bedroom which is really helpful. But at not even 8 months and very average sized, it's really starting to feel too small. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595605 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:24:28 +0000 BSB 2595605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about a pack n play with an infant insert. My twin PnP had dual bassinet insert. It worked for two weeks then they didn't like sleeping flat. We then switched to them sleeping in the mamaroo then the rock n play. DD stayed in the RnP but we moved DS into the crib because sleeping flat helped with his gas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-using-pack-n-play-for-sleeping#post-2595586 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 19:54:39 +0000 Goldengirl 2595586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was planning to use the PNP for the baby to sleep in our room at the beginning. I measured that I could put it next to me beside the bed, however because the bedroom is narrow it would be right up against the wall and the bed, i.e. no gap of space on either side. Would that make it unsafe since the mesh sides would be blocked? Is there supposed to be open air at the sides or is it fine to have it like that? I tried searching online and couldn't find anything. But I'm also thinking a traditional bassinet is closed on the sides without the mesh... so maybe it's fine?</p> <p>Any idea?? Don't want to end up buying it if it won't work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bouncersswingspack-n-plays-help-please/page/2#post-2580923 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 08:51:30 +0000 snowjewelz 2580923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's honestly a free for all IMO! You never know what your baby likes/dislikes!</p> <p>We got a rock &amp; play gifted; DD was barely in it, didn't like it. We ended up co-sleeping early on, so didn't use the pack &amp; play that much either. We also had a bouncer, it served to have her put down here &amp; there. It helped that all of them were gifts/hand me downs so I didn't spend any $ on them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bouncersswingspack-n-plays-help-please/page/2#post-2580678 Mon, 04 Jul 2016 09:18:54 +0000 sapphire 2580678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>for us- swing - essential. Bouncer - totally optional but we had it in a different room so it was useful but wouldn't have bought one if it hadn't been given to us. Pack and Play - only use for travel but for 6 months had a little travel bassinet which was smaller to pack. Had a regular bassinet for sleeping in our bedroom for the first 4 months before transitioning to crib. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bouncersswingspack-n-plays-help-please/page/2#post-2580670 Mon, 04 Jul 2016 09:10:03 +0000 looch 2580670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had the basics, a lot of the good stuff wasn't available in the location where I lived, and if it was, it was expensive!</p> <p>So, we had a regular crib, a bassinet I purchased for $50 from a friend and a tiny swing, that's it. When my son got older, I had the very basic pack and play that we could use for travel (it's the tiny model that could fit into a big suitcase). </p> <p>All naps and overnight sleep were either in the bassinet or crib. We never did swing naps because my husband was against it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bouncersswingspack-n-plays-help-please/page/2#post-2580592 Sun, 03 Jul 2016 22:13:42 +0000 Goldengirl 2580592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rockinghorse: Thanks for all the info! I wasn't even aware of the travel size PNP... now another option for me to think about haha! I suppose the downside to that is the baby will grow out of it a lot faster than the full size version? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bouncersswingspack-n-plays-help-please/page/2#post-2580560 Sun, 03 Jul 2016 20:15:19 +0000 KayKay 2580560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think that some sort of bassinet-type situation is something most people use for at least 4-6w after the birth. Whether that's a standalone bassinet, a PNP bassinet option, whatever. I think there are rare people who just go immediately to a crib, some people who just always co-sleep, and there are definitely people who use something like that for longer. But I don't think it's a bad assumption that you will like/want one since it's way easier to get a baby in/out of a smaller space that you don't have to bend over as far to reach.</p> <p>Other than that, I think it's very specific to your house, lifestyle, parenting techniques, and kid's preferences, so just buy whatever you think would be helpful (I'd pick like one or maybe two things), borrow stuff you'd like to try out once the baby gets here and you are seeing what works/doesnt, and then get rid of whatever didn't work.</p> <p>We started with a PNP w/ lots of bells and whistles and a bouncer for DD1. We used the PNP as the bassinet but never really after that -- we didn't need it much as a playyard (FT daycare), found it a pain to travel with (both grandparents bought basic ones that lived at their houses, and we just used hotel PNP/cribs most times). We sold it when she was a year and bought a Guava Family Lotus, which is amazing since it's actually fly-able for the times you need it. She loved the bouncer, so we kept that for DD2 (and coming LO3). We never got any other things like that because our kids both slept/napped in their cribs by 7w and I never felt I needed any additional baby containers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bouncersswingspack-n-plays-help-please/page/2#post-2580497 Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:17:52 +0000 rockinghorse 2580497@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a 10 week old, and so far this is what I think... </p> <p>I registered for an infant to toddler rocker<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-T2518-Newborn-to-Toddler-Portable-Rocker/dp/B002OOWAB2/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467579826&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=infant+to+toddler+rocker" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-T2518-Newborn-to-Toddler-Portable-Rocker/dp/B002OOWAB2/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467579826&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=infant+to+toddler+rocker</a><br /> a pack and play<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Playard-Reversible-Napper-Changer/dp/B00GY8J8H8/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467579874&#038;sr=1-3&#038;keywords=pack+and+play" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Playard-Reversible-Napper-Changer/dp/B00GY8J8H8/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467579874&#038;sr=1-3&#038;keywords=pack+and+play</a><br /> and a co-sleeping bassinet<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SwaddleMe-By-Your-Side-Sleeper/dp/B00YBADM1O/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467579919&#038;sr=1-1&#038;keywords=co+sleeper+bassinet" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/SwaddleMe-By-Your-Side-Sleeper/dp/B00YBADM1O/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467579919&#038;sr=1-1&#038;keywords=co+sleeper+bassinet</a></p> <p>We liked the co-sleeping bassinet between our pillows for the first couple of weeks when she was too tiny for us to comfortably co-sleep with her (I am breastfeeding and want her close at hand). We would also use the rocker between our pillows when she was having some reflux issues. It has some nice adjustments for head height. After a couple weeks, though, we just wanted the bed back. We have a small bedroom, and the pack and play (which we have in the livingroom, useful for naps) won't fit. We then ordered a travel pack and play<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Travel-Lite-Stages-Manor/dp/B00HAZUJLI/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467580184&#038;sr=1-7&#038;keywords=travel+pack+and+play" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Travel-Lite-Stages-Manor/dp/B00HAZUJLI/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467580184&#038;sr=1-7&#038;keywords=travel+pack+and+play</a><br /> This has been really nice next to the bed for night time and for naps, and it just fits. We can also use this camping. The specific one we have has three stages, and we obviously have only used the one so far.<br /> We also ended up ordering a swing after 8 weeks<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Comfy-Cove-Swing-Rory/dp/B00XJ68Q12/ref=sr_1_11_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467580313&#038;sr=1-11&#038;keywords=graco+swing" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Comfy-Cove-Swing-Rory/dp/B00XJ68Q12/ref=sr_1_11_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467580313&#038;sr=1-11&#038;keywords=graco+swing</a><br /> and I can't believe we didn't get one sooner! I can get short naps and some periods of contented awakeness where I can do things like eat (!) or laundry (!) or the dishes (!). Get a swing! I also still am using the rocker, and can rock it with my foot and can drag it around the house. She also loves the 2 little bugs that hang from the arm. She smiles at them!</p> <p>We also got a second hand bouncer like this<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Safari-Smiles-Bouncer/dp/B00PAUF3MU/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467580531&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=bouncer" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Safari-Smiles-Bouncer/dp/B00PAUF3MU/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1467580531&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=bouncer</a><br /> that we drag around outside and for picnics and whatnot, but our rocker would work find for that as well. We just keep the other one designated for outside. It might be a little smaller and travel a little better too, but it isn't that big of a deal.</p> <p>All in all, you will get things you don't need, and not need things you get, and that's just the way of the baby. :silly: </p>