Modern playpen designs are fun, comfortable, and easily portable. They also have multiple features like adjustable mattress heights and helpful sections like changing tables.
These features make playpens an all-encompassing solution that is more convenient than traditional cribs, for most parents. One big question, however, arises as a common concern for parents and caregivers: can babies sleep in playpens?
Come along and let’s get you some answers on this and other key issues to consider when using playpens as sleep areas.
Is it Safe for a Baby to Sleep in a Playpen?
Yes.
Pediatric experts define safe sleep areas for babies as open and accessible, firm, flat, and comfortable surfaces with safety barriers to protect babies from falling.
Therefore, based on these standards, regulators like the American Academy of Pediatricians approve quality playpens, with the requisite safety features, as safe sleeping spaces for babies.
Playpens have many safety features that ensure they can be a safe sleeping tool for your baby. They include:
- A sturdy structure – the frame of the playpen is made of a strong material that can bear weight and the rigors of baby play without falling apart.
- Stability – the design and elevation of the playpen remain stable enough such that there is no risk of it tipping over as a baby plays or moves around while in it.
- Mesh-material sides – the sides of a playpen have a tough but soft mesh material which serves as a safety barrier while also ensuring breathability.
- No sharp edges – the edges of the structure all be rounded to prevent injuries. It is equally a plus if the edges have a protective buffer like rubber or padding.
- A proper fitting mattress – a good playpen will usually have a mattress that is comfortable and fits perfectly; it should sit flat on the base and not leave gaping spaces along the edges.
Further, to guarantee safe sleeping, experts recommend a playpen with a flat and firm base. This ensures that the mattress stays level to comfortably support the baby’s weight as they sleep and keep their airways open. Proper breathing and sleep posture are vital in preventing SIDS.
Can a Baby Sleep in a Playpen Overnight?
Sleep safety experts only recommend playpens for short sleeping sessions like daytime naps when parents can keep an eye on their children.
Close monitoring ensures that parents can respond to any comfort or safety issues that arise as their babies sleep in playpens. Overnight sleeping, however, does not allow for close monitoring because parents are mostly asleep at the time as well. Hence why pediatricians discourage the use of playpens for overnight sleep.
That being said, many of today’s playpens are developed specifically for infant sleep and incorporate many designs that are suitable for babies to sleep in. In the opinion of some child experts and parents, they can fully meet the requirements of safe sleep for infants.
For example, some playpens are designed to double up as portable cribs while other designs even come with detachable bassinets.
Such playpen models may be more suitable for overnight sleeping. Especially in situations where parents can keep the playpen in their room as a co-sleeping or room sharing solution.
When is it Appropriate for a Baby to Sleep in a Playpen?
The first rule is to always check the playpen manufacturer’s stipulations. Most manufacturers indicate age limits for when it is safe to place a baby in the playpen and may highlight any sleep safety precautions you should follow.
Additionally, pay attention to developmental stages.
For example, in the infant stage between birth and 6 months, most babies are not yet able to roll over independently. It is thus safe for them to sleep in a playpen because they are also fairly small in size and weigh less.
In contrast, as babies cross the 12 to 18 months mark and grow into the toddler stage, they develop more motor skills. They can roll in their sleep, start to stand with support, crawl, and so forth. Plus, they grow taller and weigh more.
These developmental changes can make sleeping in a playpen less safe without constant supervision. You simply never know when they may turn into a cramped position given the smaller dimensions of a playpen or when they may wake unattended and try to stand or climb out.
In a nutshell, sleeping in the playpen is appropriate for infants and young toddlers. It is ideal to move on to other alternatives as kids advance further into the toddler stage.
Benefits of Using a Playpen for Baby Sleep
While there may be debate about whether playpens are safe for sleep, it is easy to see why they are so popular among parents and why medical experts vouch for them. They offer lots of benefits such as:
1. Portability and Convenience
Most playpens have collapsible designs that you can fold, carry, and set up in different areas of your home. This is highly convenient because you can set the playpen up in your living room, dining area, home office, or outdoors for your baby to nap or play in.
Moreover, when you need to travel and need a safe play or sleep space for your baby, portable playpens come in handy. You only need to fold one and bring it along.
2. Ease of Supervision
Playpen manufacturers typically use mesh material to construct the sides of playpens. The see-through nature of the materials makes it easy to keep an eye on babies while they play or nap. This allows you to multitask or socialize more comfortably as long as the baby and the playpen are within your line of sight.
3. The Multifunctionality of Playpens
Parenting can sometimes feel like a full-time hiking job given all the baby gear you need to drag along.
A multifunctional playpen changes all this because it has different utilities and reduces the baby gear you need into one unit. It, for instance, can provide a sleep and play area as well as a changing table and storage slots all in one. These features can be particularly beneficial for travel or easier baby care in different parts of a home.
Playpens with bassinets additionally simplify co-sleeping in the infant stage whether you are home or away.
4. Compact Size
Playpens have modest dimensions compared to sleep alternatives like cribs. They can thus fit in spaces such as a shared bedroom, home office, or living area without taking up too much space or becoming an obstacle.
Proper Bedding and Accessories for Sleep in a Playpen
Proper bedding and related accessories are key components in creating a safe sleeping environment for babies. This applies to playpens too. So, let’s look into the right bedding and accessories to choose for a playpen, shall we?
A Suitable Mattress
The padding of a playpen mattress cushions the baby and keeps them comfortable whether they are playing, sleeping, or enjoying some tummy time.
An ideal playpen mattress further helps ensure safe sleeping. It should be firm enough such that it does not sink in when the baby’s weight rests on it. This is important because a level sleeping position enables babies to breathe safely without obstruction as they sleep.
It is equally crucial for the mattress to fit the playpen correctly without any sizeable gaps along the edges. Big gaps can leave the room where a baby’s limbs can get stuck or pose other risks for a baby that can roll over.
Safe, Comfortable Bedding
Sleep safety guidelines for babies recommend that parents only use a fitted sheet in a baby’s sleep area until they are about 12 months old. Any extra loose bedding can become breathing obstructions if a baby moves around in their sleep. Babies should also not use a pillow.
In light of this, it is advisable to only use a fitted sheet as suggested during the infant stage. Aim for a warm soft fabric for comfort. As the baby grows older, you can explore other bedding options like a light warm blanket.
Additional Playpen Accessories for Better Sleep
Little ones can be quite fussy about where and when they sleep. More so if they are yet to get used to the playpen or if you are using it in a new environment.
Consider using helpful accessories to make naptime or sleeping in the playpen more appealing for your tot. Some top options include:
- A night light – a safe night light with ambient brightness can make your baby feel safer in the playpen and comforted when they turn and see you nearby. This can help them sleep better.
- White noise or soothing sounds – a white noise machine or a suitable speaker to play soothing sounds can lull a baby to sleep.
Tips for a Better Sleep Experience in a Playpen
Place the Playpen in a Calm Environment
Aim for a quiet area with ambient lighting when choosing where to place the playpen. Such a calm sleeping environment makes it easier for a baby to relax and comfortably drift off to sleep. Quiet and minimal movement in the area will also a long way in ensuring the baby sleeps until they are well rested.
Avoid Overdressing Your Baby
Select bedtime or naptime clothing that fits your baby comfortably and does not restrict their movement.
More importantly, avoid the temptation to overdress your baby. This is a common problem that keeps babies uncomfortable and often results in fitful sleep.
Choose baby clothes fabrics that are suitable for the season or the temperature in the room. Soft cotton, for example, fares well in most seasons. It is breathable, which is great for body temperature regulation, and you can choose between light and warmer garments depending on the season.
Keep the Playpen Clutter-free
Toys, unnecessary bedding, feeding bottles, and other objects in a playpen become safety hazards when the baby is asleep in it. They can accidentally lead to choking, suffocation, and other accidents.
Consequently, it is best to remove all objects and leave the playpen empty at bedtime or naptime.
Consider Using a Baby Monitor for Peace of Mind
As we have mentioned above, paediatricians stipulate that babies should only sleep in a playpen while under keen supervision. So, consider using a baby monitor if you:
- Choose to use a playpen as a sleeping area for your baby overnight.
- Use a playpen for sleep in situations where you can not monitor your baby consistently.
A video baby monitor is particularly ideal for this because it enables you to keep checking whether the baby is comfortable and safe.
Limit Stimulation Before Bedtime
Strive to create a wind-down routine where you gradually reduce the level of stimulation your baby is under before bedtime. It helps calm them down so that they can fall asleep and sleep better. High stimulation from screens or active games does the opposite of this.
An example of a wind-down routine is changing your baby into their sleep attire and reading to them at bedtime.
Playpen Vs Crib: Which is Better for Sleeping?
Playpens are undoubtedly convenient, cost-effective, and beneficial due to all the features they offer. Nevertheless, when it comes to safe comfortable sleeping, cribs are ultimately the better choice. Here is why:
Structural Safety
Cribs typically have a more solid build compared to playpens which often have mesh sides. As such, cribs remain more stable no matter how much a baby moves or uses the side railings as support to stand.
The structural stability of cribs further extends to the toddler years when children become more mobile and even attempt to climb out of their cribs.
Sleep Safety
Cribs are designed for long sleep sessions. It is why they have firm bases to ensure mattresses lay evenly flat which is very important for safe sleeping.
Most modern crib designs now also have multiple height adjustment levels. Parents and caregivers can thus adjust the height levels as their babies grow to enhance their sleep safety.
In comparison, sleep safety standards vary from one playpen model to another. Some are very safe and have all the requisite features like ample space, breathability, a firm mattress base, height adjustability, and a well-fitting mattress. Unfortunately, these features are not standard for all playpens but they are for most cribs.
Ample Space
Most playpens are designed to be easily portable. Consequently, they tend to have relatively smaller dimensions which can be less comfortable for overnight/regular sleep. On the flipside, large playpens have plenty of space but the low height of the sides makes babies outgrow them quite fast.
Conclusion
It would be remiss to overlook the many benefits that playpens offer to parents and caregivers. Especially those that have an active lifestyle where cribs are not always an option. So, the better compromise is to acknowledge that playpens are indeed a worthwhile solution.
Clafbebe has over 20 years of experience as a baby furniture manufacturer. We combine our vast expertise in sleep safety and childcare to produce quality playpens with child and parent-friendly features. Contact us for a quote or inquiries at any time.
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