With a baby on the way, we understand the need to have all of your baby essentials ready, including bottles, diapers and nursery room.
It is an exciting time to prepare for, but also an overwhelming one.
A lot of the time, this is because there are many items or pieces of equipment that have been recommended to those who are expecting that may not always be necessary.
This leads to confusion and stress, especially for first-time parents.
One item people often get confused about investing in is a Pack N Play.
Pack N Plays can be extraordinarily useful pieces of baby equipment, but, with everything else you need to buy and organize, are they totally necessary?
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Pack N Plays, so you can decide whether it’s worth investing in one for your baby.
What Is A Pack And Play?
A Pack N’ Play, also known as a Playard, is a playpen and crib that is portable – it can be taken anywhere and everywhere!
Pack N’ Plays can be used for newborns, pre-toddler, and toddler stages. Many people consider Pack N’ Plays to be one of the most useful pieces of baby equipment you can have.
But do you really need them?
Do You Need A Pack N Play?
Pack N Plays are versatile and useful items that many parents love. However, they are not always a necessary item to purchase for your baby!
This travel crib is extremely useful when it comes to traveling, given that they are a portable option.
So, if you’re a person who likes to travel a lot, such as visiting family and friends with your little one, then you may want to consider investing in a Pack N Play.
It is also a perfect solution if you want to have your baby around you a lot, but you don’t want to constantly hold them.
For example, it is useful to have your baby in their Pack N Play next to you while you’re cooking in the kitchen.
However, if you are someone who does not travel a lot, then you do not really need to invest in a Pack N Play.
Why Is A Pack N Play Not Necessary?
Pack N Plays are mostly used for travel and sleep. This travel crib is certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a safe sleeping space for your baby.
However, to meet the safety standards, they must be used with the mattress that comes with this all-in-one baby accessory.
Cribs are much more durable and sturdy than Pack N Plays, too, so if you have to choose between the two, then the crib would be a much better choice for sleep.
When Would You Need A Pack N Play?
While not totally necessary for every parent, Pack N Plays can be extremely useful for specific situations.
As we have already mentioned, Pack N Plays are useful for travel because they are helpful for many babies when it comes to sleeping in an unfamiliar place.
Pack N Plays are also useful for keeping your baby close to you while you are busy at home with other things.
Many people choose to invest in this travel crib because of the features that they come with.
Every Pack N Play model comes with a carrying bag and are very easy to set up and fold back down. Pack N Plays can also include other useful baby products, like:
Changing table
Newborn napper
Wheels to move around with ease
A portable bouncer
Musical boxes
Crib mobiles
Newborn, classic bassinet (full size)
Storage units
Many of these things expecting parents would usually purchase separately, but with a Pack N’ Play, you may find options and deals where you can get them all in one!
Do You Need A Pack N Play For A Newborn?
Pack N Plays are not necessary for newborns, but they are useful! Some models come with a full-size bassinet which is an excellent substitute for a classic bassinet.
Additionally, a newborn baby will only use a bassinet for 6 months or less and then will need another crib. So, you could make an investment into a Pack N Play instead!
This is extremely cost-effective.
However, classic bassinets and other baby cribs are still excellent options for babies, especially because of their aforementioned durability and sturdiness.
Final Thoughts
Pack N Plays are some of the most useful pieces of baby equipment out there!
They are portable cribs and playpens that are great for traveling and if you want to keep your baby close to you while you’re busy with other things.
Pack N Plays also come with additional items that come in handy when it comes to caring for your little one.
Many people consider this travel crib especially useful for newborns because they can come included with a bassinet attachment, and the baby can use the Pack N Play once they outgrow it.
However, cribs are a lot more sturdy and durable than Pack N Plays, so it may not be worth the investment if you only want it for your little one to have somewhere to sleep.
Despite their convenience, Pack N Plays are definitely not necessary items!
If you don’t travel around a lot, and already have many of the necessary items for your baby, like a regular crib, a changing table, and a bouncer, then you can give them a miss!
If you do travel a lot, and like the convenience this all-in-one option can bring you, then you may want to consider investing in one.
Carly Link, a 33-year old mother of two toddlers. She is a parent and goes through a lot of the usual parenting difficulties herself. Carly shares all her experiences and knowledge about the best baby products through this blog.
