When shopping for the new baby, parents are always looking for items that are both versatile as well as durable, something that would stay with the baby for years and is worth all the money they put in it. One of these awesome and versatile baby items is a “Pack and Play.” You must be thinking, what is a Pack and Play for babies? Well, here’s an overview of a Pack and Play and how it can benefit you and your baby.
Overview
Pack and Play are walled portable play yard for babies that can be folded, have a ton of accessories, can also become an infant bassinet as well as a toddler playpen. Yes! A pack and play are all of this in one. You can use your Pack and Play while traveling or simply drag it all over the house and work in peace while your baby plays in the pen or naps in the infant bassinet.
Pack and plays are designed and manufactured specifically to be portable, easy to assemble and pack, lightweight and durable.
There are many models available, so you can easily choose one according to your need and budget. The most minimalist pack and Play come with a basic napping infant bassinet and play space, and the most deluxe one has a ton of accessories like a changing station, a changing caddy as well as a bouncer.
Most parents select the pack and Play that comes with a bassinet attachment as well as a washable changing insert. So, the infant bassinet can double as a changing station as well. The infant bassinet can tolerate as much as fifteen pounds of weight; hence the most bassinets are made to double as a changing station in all models. These bassinet attachments are very popular with new parents as they like to have their babies close in the starting months of their infant’s life.
Many pack and play models come with a longer bassinet covering the entire pack and Play, so the baby is safe and doesn’t roll over and fall in the playpen underneath. However, experts and doctors suggest that parents shouldn’t put their baby in the bassinet when he or she gets older enough to roll or even get up on his hands and knees. In such cases, the bassinet should be packed away for good. A sturdy bassinet can be safely used until your baby is about three or four-month, after that, it can be dangerous to use the infant bassinet.
Always look for bassinets that have the ability to securely attach to the crib rather than just resting on it. So what is a pack and play best for? Well, we will discuss the many uses and benefits of Pack and Play. However, the best reason to buy a Pack and Play is to give your baby a secure, safe, as well as familiar space to play and nap both when you are at home or traveling. Let’s move on to our guide of using a pack and play, read ahead to know what is a pack and play used for?
What is a Pack and Play Used For?
The most straight forward use of your pack and Play is to provide an enclosed space for you to play and nap in while you are at home or traveling. They are even great at beaches, outdoor picnics, BBQ’s as well as an extended stay over at your grandparents.
The beauty of pack and Play lies in the compact design; these are made to fold in a compact way so you can easily store it while it’s not being used. Here are a couple more uses for a Pack and Play.
1. Baby Gate
While you are traveling, at a picnic, or even at your parents for a prolonged stay, your pack and Play can act as a baby gate for your baby. It’s the perfect thing to block off areas of hotels or houses that you don’t want your baby to explore.
2. It Can Double as A Toy Storage Area
While the baby sleeps in the bassinet, all the toys go underneath, and it’s the perfect setup. All the toys in one Play will also keep the nursery clean and tidy, and once the baby is up, you can put in with the toys in the playpen to play and stay engaged for hours at end.
Accessories of Pack and Play
Regardless of the model, every pack and Play comes with certain accessories, here are the accessories that might get an option for when you go buy your Pack and Play, once you are clear on the notion of what is a Pack and Play and how it’s beneficial for you.
1. Travel Dome / Portable Bouncer
There are many models of pack and Play that come with a travel dome or a bouncer. Many also come with a Portable seat that has a canopy. Both the Dome and Bouncer can easily be removed from the Pack and Play. This helps to keep baby close by when you are working in the kitchen or having some me time.
2. Diaper Changing Station
Another convenient accessory of the pack and Play is the changing station. Although not all models have a changing station, many of them come with a washable changing sheet that you can spread on the bassinet and change your infant easily.
3. Infant Bassinet
All pack and play models are equipped with an infant bassinet. This is a great accessory as it keeps your baby high and easily accessible. An infant can sleep in the bassinet for almost three months. Most parents like to keep their babies close to them in their room in the initial months, and the bassinet is perfect for such settings.
4. Toddler Playard
The Pack and Play will stay with you for a long time. As the baby grows into a toddler, you can keep the pack and play aside as his playpen. This will keep him out of harm’s way and leave you free to do your work and keep a close eye on your baby simultaneously.
5. Integrated Storage Organizer
Many deluxe models come with a storage organizer, and this is again a huge help as you can store all baby items in one place and use them when you change the baby.
Benefits of Pack and Play
So now you know what is a pack and play and how does it work and what are the accessories of a Pack and Play. Let’s move on to the many benefits of a Pack and play.
1. Workaround and Mobility
A parent has a huge responsibility, and if you are a new parent, your responsibility and stress regarding the new baby at its peak. You want to keep your eyes on the baby 24/7. However, this isn’t possible or practical; in such a situation, a pack and Play is Godsend. You can put your baby for a nap or keep him in the playpen with his toys and go about your business. This portable and lightweight playpen can be taken everywhere. It’s easy to assemble and dismantle, it’s easy to carry, and it’s perfect if you have a house that needs a lot of maintenance. The beauty of pack and Play is that they are incredibly lightweight as well as foldable too. So, you can move them room to room without any hassle. This way, you can keep your baby with you no matter where you are in the house.
2. High Bassinet
The high bassinet of the pack and Play keep your baby visible at all times. So you can easily keep an eye on your baby while working and pick him up within seconds if he cries. Reaching out to your kid has never been easier.
3. Cheaper Than Cribs and Cots
Solid wood cots and cribs are extremely expensive, and your kid will outgrow then very quickly. Compared to that, Pack and Play are cheaper and durable. There are also multiple uses of a Pack and Play, whereas a cot is only used to put the baby to sleep.
4. Compact
Easy to fold and compact designs make the pack and play very attractive. If you are traveling by car and you play to stay in a hotel, a Pack and Play will feel like the best thing ever.
5. Safety
A pack and Play is an all-rounder. You can use it for nap time as well as for playtime. It’s extremely safe and secure and made with durable materials. It also gives you baby enough space to play without getting cramped or uncomfortable.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered what is a Pack and Play, and its many benefits. We have also discussed the uses and accessories of a Pack and Play is. A Pack and Play is a practical and durable baby item to buy if you are expecting your first or second child.
