Make pack and play more comfortable

We are about to pack up and go stay with family through the end of December. Planning on putting my 16 week old daughter down in a pack n play for her naps and night sleep, but the little flimsy mattress seems really uncomfortable considering she'll be using it exclusively for like 6 weeks.

For parents that use the pack n play a lot, how did you make it more comfortable for your kid? I know they don't really sell mattresses and anything you add isn't considered safe, but I'm seeing extra foam pads on amazon- are those pretty comfortable and also considered a decently safe sleep surface? Could I just fold up a very thick quilt and lay it underneath the little pad that comes with the pack n play or is that a no go? Is there an obvious solution I'm not thinking about?

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We travel quite a bit and use a graco pack n play.  I know it says not to use a mattress pad or anything else, but has anyone found a safe way to make the pack n play more comfortable?  We just use a fitted sheet now.  LO doesn't have the best sleeps on it and I'm convinced it's not comfortable.  The mattress is about an inch thick - I wouldn't want to sleep on it!

comments (15)

  • Make pack and play more comfortable

  • Make pack and play more comfortable

    For a new baby? Or lo? Our twins sleep in theirs at their grandparents or when we travel. I just stack a flew blankets on the bottom and give then their favorite lovey and a binkie and they're fine. They cry because it's a new environment but within 10 mins at the most they're out and sleep fine all night!

  • Make pack and play more comfortable

    I use either a bath towel or recording blankets under the crib sheet on the pack n play. The covering is tin plus it's kind of cold. I have done this since LO was quite small. I just make sure the crib sheet is taut and that the underwater is fully tucked under the little cardboard mattress thing.

  • I bought some quilting 'stuffing' (don't know it name) and put that under the sheet.uch much better and snug.

  • Graco makes a quilted pack n play sheet. I got mine at Babies R Us.

  • I also just stack a pile of blankets underneath the sheet. More for my piece of mind because she slept just fine without it :)

  • Thanks ladies! It's for LO, these are great tips!

  • Sof'sMama

    Inactive

    Posted 10/22/12

    We use a play yard mattress sold separately by dream on me. It doesn't fold though.

  • michie211

    Inactive

    Posted 10/22/12

    Egg crate foam under the sheet? I wouldn't suggest it for a new LO, but I think it's fine past like 9 months.

  • We use the MamaDoo Kids mattress topper and it is the more comfortable solution we have found. Our LO loves it. It folds in 3 so it is super portable. Good luck!

Can you put a mattress pad in a Pack N Play?

Just roll the mattress pad and take it wherever you go. The topper measures 38 by 26 inches to fit a standard Pack 'n Play. But do not forget this is a soft mattress pad, which is not intended for infants and babies.

How do you put padding on a Pack N Play?

DIY Pack 'N Play Mattress.
Cut out four sections of the foam pad using the Pack 'N Play mat as a guide..
Stack the four foam cutouts on top of the Pack 'N Play mat..
Put the fitted play yard sheet over the foam and mat..
Place inside Pack 'N Play and make sure it is flat and has no gaps..

When should I lower my Pack N Play mattress?

When should you lower a Pack N Play? It's time to lower the Pack N Play and start using the bottom level as soon as your baby is able to push up on his hands and knees — OR — when your baby reaches the bassinet weight limit, typically 15 lbs. Go by whichever happens first.

Can a baby sleep in a pack and play every night?

Is it safe for baby to sleep in Pack N Play every night? Yes, absolutely. A Pack N Play is a perfectly safe alternative to a crib or a bassinet since it meets CPSC standards for infant sleep.