A pack and play is one of those life savers for many parents. But sometimes they are not used 100% because there are some issues you may not know about. In this article we answer the main questions about pack and plays and their mattresses and how to use them as useful tools for your baby's care.
Do I need mattresses for pack n play ?
Some parents put their baby in a pack 'n play in their room, to be as safe as possible from SIDS. But the pack 'n play mattress is basically made of wood underneath and they want a more comfortable mattress for their little one. What we recommend is only to use the hard mattress of the playard because it leaves no gaps in the corners or edges. These gaps can cause entrapment and suffocation.Besides playing on the mattress can enhance safety and comfort.
Yet, if you plan to use one, make sure there are no gaps on the sides. The mattress has to be firm, but it's better than wood. Roll up a sheet and make sure everything is flat and fit tightly.
How to choose a pack n play mattress?
We talked so much about the importance of mattresses, so how do we choose a suitable mattress?Here's what we should pay attention to when choosing a mattress.
Right Fit
No matter which pack n play mattress you choose, one of the most important feature is fit. Because most play yards are almost the same size, the mattresses should be too.
The size selection should be easy, but of course, while everything standard is supposed to actually be standard that is not always the case.
Some pack and play mattresses may be a little smaller than they should be and some play yards are roomier. Irrespective of the size it says it is, you cannot be sure a mattress fits cozily until you drop it into place.
A safe choice is a snug one. You have a good fit if you cannot fit more than one finger between the perimeter of the play yard and the edge of the mattress.
We even urge you to measure your playard to establish if a standard playard mattress will fit properly. The two most important parameters to consider for the size are the length and the width.