Pack N Play vs Crib: Comparison With Top Pros & Cons

Many parents have been debating on whether to buy a Pack N Play for their child or not. They may be wondering if it’s worth the money to invest in one, and they also want to know what the benefits are.

In this article, we’ll compare Pack N Plays vs Cribs. We will discuss how both products differ from each other. As well as provide all the answers and some information about them, so you can make an informed decision before making a purchase!

Pack n Play vs Crib: Key comparison table

What is a Pack N Play and what does it mean?

Pack n Plays are portable cribs that new parents often use for travel. The name “pack n play” is derived from the idea of packing up all your baby gear in one place, so you can easily move it around. Which allows you to keep your child close at hand most of the time without having to drag along their entire nursery.

Pack n plays are standard in many other countries, but only recently became popular in the United States. They were first invented by Graco Baby Gear thirty years ago and then produced by many good brands like Fisher Price Rock n Play. Since then, it has become a staple for American parents who want to keep their baby close at home without devoting an entire room or buying furniture that will just take up space.

Pack n plays are a very practical and versatile product that comes with many features parents find extremely useful, such as wheels for easy transportation while doing room sharing or a removable changing table attachment to keep all your baby’s necessities at hand.

Types of Pack n Play

There are three different types of pack and plays: Playard, Travel yard, and Open top.

• Playard: this type is the traditional style. It has four walls, a bassinet for newborns, and a changing table attached to it.

• Travel yard: this one folds into itself in order to become smaller when carrying around or storing it. This model does not have side barriers, so that you can take them off if your child grows taller than expected. Some brand comes with travel bags as well.

• Open top: this is a smaller pack and play that does not include the bassinet or changing table. It has soft, breathable mesh on all sides to ensure your safety when your baby sleeping inside it.

In general, these different types of pack n plays are safe for babies from birth up to 35 pounds later in life. The play yards are also meant to be used on the top of a dresser or table. This way, your baby can feel like they’re still in their place, and you don’t have to worry about them rolling off unexpectedly.

Specifications of Pack n Play:

Dimensions: 28″ x 38.75″

Maximum weight capacity: 50lbs

Material: Polyester and foam

Machine washable: Yes, You can line dry or machine dry fabric parts on COOL setting only. It can be tumble-dried for 90 minutes at a warm temperature.

Folding: Yes, it is able to be folded up and stored for easy transport. When folding, make sure all of the fabric parts are dry (including foam).

Is a Pack n Play Safe for Sleeping? (Safety Tips)

A pack n play can be a very safe place while your baby sleeps, as long as you follow the safety precautions. However, if not used properly, it is possible that an unsupervised infant could suffocate in them. So, they should never be left alone with the baby inside. If you do use pack and play, you should follow these safety tips:

• Crib mattresses need to be firm and flat, so the baby does not get trapped in a gap between crib walls and mattress.

• The side rails need to be locked down properly when in use, and they need to fit perfectly against the mattress or pad that goes on top of them for added protection.

• The infant sleeping surface should be tight in the playard, so there is no chance of it slipping and sliding around or getting bunched up on one end, trapping your little one underneath it.

• There shouldn’t be anything attached to either side rail that could fall down over the baby’s face, such as mobiles or stuffed animals. These can be potentially dangerous because the baby could pull them down and suffocate under them.

• If you have a playard with a changing table attachment, you should not make your newborns sleeping in there unless something else on top of it will hold them in place, so they cannot roll off. This type of playard is meant for changing diapers only.

• Parents should not leave a baby to sleep in a Pack and Play if he or she can roll over because they could fall out of it onto the floor.

• The sides need to be high enough so that the child cannot climb out of them on his own, but low enough, so you can reach in and get him or her out easily.

• It should have a thin mattress so that the baby cannot slip between it and the bottom of the pack n play, but thick enough for a comfortable sleeping surface (it shouldn’t sag). If you place a blanket underneath your child to make up for this lack of thickness, make sure it has a firm mattress that will not be pushed out of place by the blanket.

• The toy bar needs to be securely attached, and it shouldn’t have any toys on it that could fall down over your baby’s head or face.

• Check Rigorous Safety Standards before purchasing.

How Long Can I Use a Pack and Play?

There is no set time limit on how long you can use a pack n play. The main concern with using a pack and play for an extended period of time is safety, because play mattresses will not last forever. Most mattresses are designed to accommodate babies until they reach a certain age or weight threshold. So if your baby outgrows their bassinet and pack and play, it is time to purchase a new one.

A good way to measure if your child has outgrown their bassinet or pack n play is by ensuring the mattress fits tightly against all sides of the frame without sagging in any areas; otherwise, they could fall through when you’re not looking!

Read: Safe Baby Cribs with Solid Sides

Pros and Cons of Pack and Play

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry around. Some models even come with slightly elevated stands, so you can use them as a bassinet or changing table for hours at home without having to kneel on the ground every time!

• It is used both outdoors and indoors since they are enclosed in mesh netting. This makes them perfect travel items. They’re also easy to wash and come with travel bags if you need to bring them with you on the go.

• They come in various sizes and can accommodate older babies that are too big for baby carriers but still want or need to sleep in the same room near their parents at night.

Cons:

• According to professional medical advice, it will only work well if your child is able to sleep on their own, which is usually something that parents are trying to teach them.

• Not as sturdy or safe as a crib and can pose some safety concerns if not set up properly.

The Pros of pack and play outweigh the Cons for most families who have done extensive research before making this investment in the optional elevated sleeping areas.

What is a Baby Crib?

A baby crib is a small bed that can be used from birth until approximately age two. Modern baby cribs are made of metal, wood, or plastic and consist mainly of four parts: 

• The mattress support base

• The spring frame with slats or mesh for ventilation

• A hood canopy to protect against light and noise in daytime sleepers

Good cribs are generally considered safer than cots, which have been associated with SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The mattress support base should be sturdy and firm so that it does not sag or bend in the middle when a child is placed on top of it.

Types of Baby Cribs:

• Mattress and Spring: These are the traditional kind of cribs made with wood and mattress.

• Portable Cribs or Standard Cribs: It is small, easy to move around.

• Mini Cribs or Travel Cribs: Travel cribs or mini cribs can be folded for taking on vacation or trips. They usually have wheels too, so you don’t have to carry it!

• Cribs with drawers: Sometimes, you might need a little extra storage space. That’s where these baby cribs come in handy!

• Convertible Cribs: Convertible cribs can transform into a Youth Bed as your baby grows up, which means that they have the same footprint and design but different materials to accommodate babies and young children.

• Cribs with changing Table: These are ideal for parents who don’t have space or want to use the same piece for both purposes.

• Modern Baby Cribs: With modern baby cribs, you can create your perfect baby’s nursery look because they offer options in styles, colors, and materials.

• Cribs with a side of storage: Sometimes, you might need a little extra space. That’s where these baby cribs come in handy!

• Vintage Baby Cribs: If you are looking for vintage style, there is always the option to get an old fashion type of baby crib, which uses solid hardwood and corner posts.

Baby Crib Specifications:

• Dimensions: A full size crib is 36 inches long, 18.25 inches wide, and 32 inches high from the floor to the top of the rail when in position for use as a crib
• Material: The product components are made from a combination of wood, metal, and plastic.
• Weight limit: The baby crib weighs 45 pounds when fully assembled.
• Color: The color is white to blend in with other nursery furniture.

Things to Remember Before Buying a Baby Crib

–Size: Make sure that the furniture is big enough for your child to be comfortable and will fit in the space you have.

–Style: There are a variety of styles available, from classic to modern designs.

–Safety: Check if it has been tested by a third-party organization such as Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

–Firmness: It should be firm so that it does not sag when the child is on top of it.

–Ease to assemble: Some cribs can be difficult and time-consuming for parents to put together, so look out for a simple design!

Also read:

• Best 5 Non Toxic Greenguard Gold Certified Cribs
• Best 5 Extra Tall Cribs for Toddlers

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make with Baby Cribs?

• Using a crib with missing or loose parts: This can be dangerous and potentially lead to falls.
• Placing the mattress too low: The mattress should not sag more than one inch. This can lead to suffocation!
• Keeping stuffed toys & pillows in the crib: Baby stuffed animals or soft objects may pose a choking hazard for the baby.
• Using the crib past two years old: Cribs are only designed for babies up to the age of two. After that, it is time to move your child into more spacious and soft bedding, like a young toddler bed or youth bed!

Pros and Cons of Baby Cribs

Pros

• It is modern and stylish
• It comes with a lot of features, such as the toddler rail and plush mattress pad for everyday sleep.
• The quality of the materials used are good.
• It is easy to assemble and clean.
• This product can be converted into a toddler bed.

Cons

• It can be difficult to remove the side rail for toddlers that are transitioning into a toddler bed.
• Crib mattresses are on the smaller side, so you might have to buy an extra one for when the baby is bigger.

FAQs of Pack N Play and Crib

Can a pack n play be used as a crib?

Pack n plays are great products while raising kids, but they should only be used as play yards and cannot even replace a regular bassinet! Doing research is important for parents before making a purchase.

It is not safe to put your baby in the pack n play for long periods of time unsupervised because they can suffocate or roll over onto their stomachs while sleeping if you are using it as an alternative to a crib!

Is there a weight limit for cribs?

The weight of standard cribs is no more than 25 pounds. If you are using a top-of-the-line sturdy crib, that will probably be sufficient for most people and their babies. Just make sure to check if it’s made with solid wood or pressed/particle board material because those materials tend to break down over time under high amounts of weight. And that will result in a broken crib and a not very safe sleep environment for your baby.

Read: Why Baby Is Standing in the Crib and Won’t Sleep?

Can a baby suffocate in a pack n play?

No. A gap between the side and the mesh wall allows air to flow through it, so no baby can suffocate in one of those playpens. However, there are other ways for babies to get trapped or stuck inside these pack n plays:

Conclusion: Should I Buy a Crib or a Pack and Play?

The choice is up to you, but here’s my recommendation to help you with making the decision.

• If you think your baby will use a crib and not want to be moved, buy one.

• If you don’t mind moving them around or bringing them with you wherever you go (like we do), get a pack and play! They’re easier to travel, too. Just make sure it works well on stairs.

• If you want to maximize your space, buy a pack n play.

• If you have no problem spending money on something that will only be used for a couple of months, get a crib. A good quality one can last through multiple kids and save money, though! I had an amazing Graco we passed down to both our sisters, and it’s still going strong after ten years.

• If your baby will sleep in the same bed in your own room, just get a pack and play. They’re smaller than cribs, so they take up less space! Also, if you already have furniture that can convert to a bed (like our Ikea one), the pack n play is perfect for that too.

So there’s my full comparison of pack n play vs crib! I hope it helped you!