Comments on: What do you think about allowing your baby to sleep in a playpen instead of a crib?

By: ladydye_5

ladydye_5 — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:00:59 +0000

as long as the baby is safe and comforted it is fine. i have twins and there were times they slept on the floor, couch, in a chair, playpen, crib, carrier, and even a box with a pillow in it. my daughter was a very finicky sleeper and there were times she would fall asleep in her car seat and we would leave her in the seat and carry her in the house in it and sit the whole contraption in the crib and leave her sleep. most playpens i have seen/used have a small pad that fits in the bottom of it. trust me the baby is fine. she is safe and no hazard of falling or hitting anything. my advice is pick your battles, sleeping in a crib vs. a playpen is not a big deal. there are much more important things to really worry about. your baby will be fine no matter where she sleeps (as long as it is safe). good luck and congrats
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mother of 10 year old boy/girl twins

By: Mommyof 2Agirlies

Mommyof 2Agirlies — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:25:59 +0000

My newborn (now 6 months) slept in her playpen untill she was 5 months old. Her bedroom is a little farther from ours (also she had breathing problems) than I would like so I waited a bit longer to switch her to her crib. But now I find that when we take a trip she won’t sleep in places like a bed or couch without having some type of border around her. It’s weird.. she has to be able to touch something with her hand/foot. But other than that I don’t see how it’s affected her development. About the comfortable thing.. I run a daycare & I actually had a mom bring in a 3 in foam pad (that was cut to fit) to put on the play pen mat. We just put a play pen sheet onit & we’re good to go:)
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Mommy of 2 & daycare provider for 7 years

By: Doodlestuff

Doodlestuff — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:41:59 +0000

If the playpen is no longer used for play, then not a problem. I personally don't think there's a problem, but run it by your pediatrician as well. Perhaps there are concerns that we yahoo!posters are unaware of that peds know about.
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By: Lil Lawson

Lil Lawson — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:55:59 +0000

you shouldn’t have her sleep in the same place she plays. she’ll get confused about if it’s time to play or sleep and then you’ll get frustrated. but if she doesn’t play in it, it’s a fine thing.
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By: linedancer563

linedancer563 — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:50:59 +0000

My daughter is 9 months old, and still sleeps in her playpen. When she became to big for the bassinet part, I just took it out. She sleeps great, and it is small enough to be right by my bed. I say let her sleep where she is comfortable. The first few months of my baby's life, she would sleep nowhere, but in her bouncy seat! Then, I just stuck the bouncy in the playpen! She will let you know when that playpen has become a nuisance. Plus, if she sleeps, you sleep. Everybody wins.
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By: hstanley4

hstanley4 — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:39:59 +0000

There’s really no difference–just whatever works best for you & your child. My baby slept in a playpen until he was 4 months old. He finally adjusted to both & I just used the crib because I didn’t want to waste it (it was a gift). He still sleeps in a playpen if he ever stays over with his grandparents, or just for taking naps during the day. I say, stay with the playpen…especially if its letting both you & baby get some much needed rest!
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By: lbear

lbear — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:20:59 +0000

when i went to a hotel my baby slept in a playpen. truthfully a play pen is a lot cheaper then a crib. so yeah I think it's a good idea!!
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By: Porsha and Jerry

Porsha and Jerry — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:09:59 +0000

I think that it is fine for her to sleep in the playpen. My daughter also sleeps in a playpen, that has a bassinet that you attach to the top until they are up to 20 lbs. She loves sleeping in the playpen,and has never had a real crib. I love the playpen because its portable and smaller than a crib. I think if the baby sleeps in it, it must be comfortable for her. When babies are uncomfortable they will let you know by crying or arching their back.Babies are supposed to sleep on firm matresses, so I dont really see any problem with it.
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By: Victoria M

Victoria M — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:36:59 +0000

Playpens are not made for prolonged sleeping as the mattresses may begin to sag.
A mesh crib bumper would solve the problem with her pulling at the bumper, as you are supposed to remove those fluffy ones once the baby can roll over.
A second step might be a crib tent. This puts the same mesh material used in a pack n play all around baby, inside the crib bars. No more pulling the bumper down, and no more losing her pacifier.
For a little while, the playpen is fine, just be sure to watch for wear and tear.
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By: MJ D

MJ D — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:02:59 +0000

I think it sound like it works for your family then go ahead. Playpens are ment to be safe. I would continue to let her sleep in it as long as she enjoyed her sleep.
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