Pack ‘n play is a need of every parent who has a baby ready to move and crawl. Originally, Pack ‘n play belonged to Graco line of playpens. But, now the term has become common, and almost everyone uses “Pack ‘n play” to refer towards playpens generally.
Pack ‘n play is a petite carriage-like portable playpen that ensures your child stays put in one spot while you continue your house chores or office work. You can easily fold it and place it in a bag.
Pack ‘n play is also known as a playpen, baby pen, playard, or bassinet.
Some pack’ n plays are equipped with changing tables to help you change the diapers of your infant. Normally these changeable surfaces can be zipped away when they are not required. The bottom surface of pack n play is usually made up of material that can be easily wiped clean.
If you have twins, then it would be beneficial for you to buy a double-decker pack n play that comes with 2 separate spaces for children to sleep in. You can even opt for side by side unit which has two adjacent rooms within the same pen structure.
The entrance gate on most of the standard packs n plays features a lockable door that can be opened or closed handily. You won’t have any problem in opening it while switching between rooms.
If you are looking for something lightweight, strong and sturdy then you should buy the playard with bassinet model or standard tier-drop side model. You may also consider buying playard that features traditional springs rather than mesh. This is because springs provide sturdy support whereas mesh is not recommended for heavily built babies since they can get injured by poking through the gaps of the netting.
Pack ‘n Play sheets are available separately at stores like Walmart or Target. These sheets snap into squares that fit inside the pack n play unit firmly. They provide your child comfortable environment to sleep in giving him a soft feel.
You can do pack n play with your child safely since it is designed with safety in mind. The Pack n play has a bassinet feature for infants under 15 lbs. They are made of sturdy material which cannot be tipped over easily. It also comes with an adjustable 3 point harness that ensures the safety of your baby while you are not around.
Pack ‘n Play reviews have their own high and low points but, they are good enough to provide peace of mind to parents who lack space at home or live in small apartments. Whether you have twins or one baby, this product will prove its worth by keeping your child happy and giving you some free time to go about doing your work without having to worry about him falling sick suddenly.
Pack n Play is a must-have product if you do not own separate space for your baby to sleep and play. You can also use it when you travel with your infant or child. They are compact, lightweight and easy to carry around wherever you go.
Nowadays, they come in different models and designs which you can choose from depending on needs and preference. The best part about pack ’n plays is that you can adjust them at any stage of baby development or requirement such as infant attachment, bed conversion, bassinet level etc. So whether your baby is crawling or standing, he will always find something new to discover in the pack ‘n play!
Some companies offer full-service warranty while some offer limited warranties.
The Advantage of Pack ‘n Play
- Pack ‘n play is advantageous for parents because it helps to keep their children distracted while they take care of work. The baby can play safely with their toys and stay out of any mischief in this playpen.
- You can also use Pack ‘n play as a baby cradle when outside of the home, although you must select a model that can be equally comfortable and safe for the baby as an actual crib to avoid a risk of suffocation.
- Playpens are quite helpful when you want to give a break to your hand from holding your baby all the time. They can lie down and play in a safe zone while you get on with other tasks.
- A Pack ‘n Play can also be useful for mothers who have two or more children at the same age, as they spend less time worrying about their care while they go out shopping or complete house chores at home.
- Pack ‘n play can keep your kid safe from hazardous household items such as cushions, wires and furniture that might harm the child when unattended.
Conclusively, the Pack n Play is a good playpen for babies. It can be used in multiple ways that can help you get more things done around your home without worrying about your baby all the time.
The Disadvantage of Pack ‘n Play:
- Pack n plays are not safe for children under 25 inches tall or who weigh less than 15 lbs. That's because they have a steep drop from the upper level to the lower one which might cause injury to players when they lean over it or when trying to climb out by themselves.
- You must always choose pack ‘n play that comes with an attached bassinet, this will ensure the safety of your child from falls and choking hazards from items placed near the netting.
- Pack ‘n plays with wheels may be heavy and difficult to move around. They also occupy a lot of space when not in use.
- You must take down the pack n play from its assembled state when you want to store it away so that it doesn't occupy precious storage space in your home or garage.
Conclusively, there are some things to keep in mind when using a Pack n Play such as assembling and dismantling them properly before and after the baby uses them. However, if we look at the benefits versus disadvantages, they definitely outdo each other and outweigh one another by far!
Make sure your child is safe while playing in this product. Always supervise him/her especially when he's on an upper level of the Pack n Play.
Who Can Use Pack N Play:
You can use a pack ‘n play for at least six months or more depending on your baby’s age. And they become even more useful during travelling time with the family, going to restaurants and staying at their grandparents home.
Depending on your child’s age, you can place him in the playpen that has toys hanging. It will keep them engaged while you complete house chores or work at office.
You can also use the pack n play as a changing station. Just remove the floor fabric and place it on an even surface to change your baby’s diapers anywhere you want!
Conclusively, the Pack ‘n Play is useful for infant development. It makes babies more active during their playtime which reduces boredom and sleepiness that cause fussiness in them. However, there are some safety precautions that need to be taken before letting your child use this product.
Types of Pack N Play:
There are numerous products available in the market, depending on your need and budget you can choose one that best suits you.
- Pack n play with bassinet is a good option if you want to allow your child to sleep inside them with ease when they’re small and don't have the ability to sit up or stand in place for a long time.
- Pack ‘n play with changing table is also one of the most preferred options as it helps busy parents with multiple children who want to change diapers anywhere in their home or while travelling.
Value of Pack ‘n Play:
Pack ‘n play adds value to your life. Due to its multipurpose features, you can enjoy its several benefits:
- You can put it up anywhere, so the baby can sleep peacefully despite a different location.
- You can keep the baby close to you while working.
- You can use it as a bassinet, playpen and changing station, every accessory in a single product.
- You can also save money by buying an all-in-one package.
Setup for Pack ‘n play:
Let’s check out the steps required for the assembly, so you can know how to put together a pack and play.
Read the Instruction Manual:
You need to read the manual first. Without paying attention to the manufacturer’s tips, techniques and warnings regarding the assembly could make things challenging for you.
Take the first step:
After you’re done with the manual, you should undo the straps that clutch the whole pack ‘n play together.
Sort out the materials:
Once you open the straps, you’ll find different accessories like a bassinet, carrying bag and pack ‘n play itself.
Putting it together:
Organize the materials and start the procedure.
- Pull the pack ‘n play from the centre, ensuring to lock all four sides of the walls.
- In the centre, you’ll find an elevated portion with an anchoring strap on it. Push that downwards with the force of your hand and stabilize the whole thing in place.
- Once the foundation has been laid, put the mat inside the playpen and spread it correctly on the bottom.
- Ensure that there are no openings or spaces left inside that could trap the baby.
What to do with the bassinet?
In case you have only a couple of months old baby, you might want to use the bassinet. The assembly of this product will depend on the company from which you buy it. However, follow the below steps.
- You’ll find rods on both sides of the bassinet’s bottom. Insert the rods into each other on both sides securely.
- Raise the bassinet by fitting the clippers on the sides of the play ‘n pack tightly.
- Take the mat you previously spread across the playpen and put it into the bassinet. Ensure that the padding is properly attached to the Velcro.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you now understand how to put together a pack and play. Slightly older kids could act a bit moody about using the pack ‘n play, but you can entice them into spending time in the playpen by putting attractive toys.