Safety of Long Term Play Yard Use?!

I love my "Graco Pack 'n Play Playard" (why they only put one 'y' in it is beyond me). I haven't heard anything and couldn't find anything negative about them or any other brand as far as this question goes.

Yes, it's a play pen, but the marketing folks changed the name a while back because people complained that "children are people and should not be kept in pens like animals".

I used mine for both of my kids, ages 9 and 5 1/2. My daughter, aged 9, used it on a daily basis, but not for over-nights, until she was a year old. Her favorite thing to do was to stand and jump in it, that's why we stopped using it for her. My son, age 5 1/2, slept in it more than his crib or his bassinet; he used it for over-nights as well. We put it away when he learned at age 1 1/2 to climb INTO it to get toys I kept in there after he was walking. We still have it and use it when company is over. It is still in great condition: no weaknesses in the joints or squeakiness anywhere.

I looked up the Pack 'n Play Playards on www.gracobaby.com. The recommendations are for children who cannot climb out and are under 35" tall; it does not mention weight, but my kids were about 3 to 4 years old before they reached 35 inches and were about 2 before they reached 25 pounds (all kids are different, I know, just for comparison of usage). My kids both started walking at about 12 months (they were more interested in rolling balls and sorting puzzles than chasing the cats on to the couch), so they didn't climb OUT of the Pack 'n Play and they never got the chance to learn to climb out of the crib because we moved them to big beds before that happened, about 1 1/2 to 2 years. The changing table insert is for children under 25 pounds in wieght.

If your pediatrician hasn't mentioned a concern about their developement, then don't worry about it. My sister thinks she knows everything about raising kids by what she "hears someone said" even though she has no kids... YET. I can't wait to see how she short-cuts things once she does :)

Just remember: YOU are the Mom. So long as you're kids are safe, what YOU say goes. Have fun. Your sister just loves you, that's why she gives you advice.

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Your baby is sooo much lighter than your sister! Plus, doesn't the mattress have a hard liner at the bottom? Mine did. If yours doesn't, then put one in with thin plywood or something like it if it makes you sleep better. My babies slept in a new, but old fashioned, stroller that laid down flat. It was wonderful, I could wheel them anywhere in any room. Some parents wouldn't approve of that. They also slept in a playpen. In fact, I think my first child slept mostly in a playpen until old enough to sleep in her bed. I felt it was safer than her crib as we had an old crib. Some kids don't have cribs or playpens. People for generations do what they can. I think we, me included!, get way to influenced by the media and lose our practical sense. Many times, grandparents have the better advice.

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Hi S. (it's A. from ICAN). :) I think it's fine! We still use it for my son when we go out of town & he's 15 mos. Those things are basically like a crib. Also, my MIL purchased one for him to sleep in at her house. And, my Godson slept in one for at least his 1st 6 mos & he is fine. I really don't think it's a big deal. If you're really worried still, call the Graco customer service. I'll bet they get asked that question a lot. Plus, it's not like you are using an old, recalled, or worn out pack n play.

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I don't have any official information on this subject, but I know others who have done it seemingly w/o any bad effects on the children. And unless your first two just happen to defy all the odds, they are probably also a good example of what to expect. (although I am more inclined toward a real crib like your sister...) I've never heard of any children being crippled by sleeping in the pack and play.

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I have 5 kids (9,8,6,4 and 2-only 1 girl) and like you, I ran out of room so I used the pack n play as a permanent crib b/c it fit. I usually don't tell anyone b/c I didn't want to hear the negative remarks, but it worked fine and my kids have NO ill effects.

Blessings on your baby boy! Do you have his name picked out?

Blessings,
M.
www.4MyChildrenSake.com

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As a daycare provider in Indiana, it was a state mandate that all children under the age of 2yrs old (or until they climb out or are too big) sleep in a "pack and play or a crib". I don't see why they would make such a law if it were a hazard. I don't know where your sister got her information, but there is nothing wrong with asking her to sight her sources. You should have the same benifit of 1st hand knowledge.
Oprah isn't a good enough sitation. LOL. The transcripts from that show would be a good start.
If you are really worried, ask your ped, but I wouldn't worry.

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Totally untrue...I don't care what anyone else says...your baby boy will be fine in a pack 'n play :) Congratulations!

One other thought - we bought a mattress for our pack and play. You can find them at Babies R Us and Target.

We are constantly in temporary housing for weeks at a time when we PCS and so my 27 month old son has been sleeping in his off-and-on his whole life. I was worried that sleeping on such a hard surface might be uncomfortable (and he already had that baby dent in the back of his head :) so I bought the mattress. Does he care? I don't know, but I felt better.

S.,

The only thing I found online was risk of suffocation and those models have been recalled. I googled portable crib risks to find them. I personally would not use it longterm, but that is a personal choice. Each time we had a new baby we paid more for the mattress then the crib because we felt it was important for the baby to have good back support. This is a personal choice for you and your husband. If your sister has facts, I would ask her to share them and find out where they came from. If there is something to it, then you can decide from there.

Good luck!
C.

Do whatever you wanna do!!! Pack and Play is the best thing since sliced bread. I have one for the visiting grandkids!!

I know you already got responses about your request, however, i just wanted to put my 2 cents in :) I think i may know what your sister was talking about..... it came out on the news a few months ago.... something called "container syndrome"..... it made references to babies that spend too much time in swings, carriers, bouncy seats and things like that. Supposedly if they sit in those things too long their spines can be affected because of the curved surface. However, a play yard? I see no difference between a play yard and a crib or the floor.... so do not worry. I think she may have probably gotten her information confused... an easy mistake.

BTW, i read that you homeschool.... I'm assuming you're a Christian based on your church reference and your girl's names..... My hubby and I are considering homeschooling as well.... My first choice was a private Christian school ... but I taught kinder in one for a few years and they are not so much different than public school. and i really want to control the "worldly" influences around my daughter..... So my question to you is - at what age did you start homeschooling your child? and What sort of curriculum do you use? I have no clue on where to start. My daughter turned 3 in July and I don't know if this is too early.... Any info is appreciated! Blessings to you and your family!

Did you try looking it up on Oprah website? I have never heard such a thing. Of course your sister might be wondering the same thing that I was, "Why dosent she just get a crib?" I thought it was kind of dinky but who cares if it works for you and your family then do it. Were not the ones up in the am with your baby you are. I very rarely watch Oprah, I find her annoying. Last time I watched her she did something about drounding outside of water. Hours later a boy 12 or older died because he inhaled water and small amounts got in his lungs. So every time my baby coughed or choaked on water I was terrified that he was going to dround. I just cant watch her she gets my nerves all out of order till I realize it was a freak accident. I also never heard of anyone using a pack and play as a perminate crib. We use them on out of town trips but rarely other than that. Good luck hope you find out its nothing and stick to what works for you. Read your update and think thats a wonderful choice.

I am not an expert, so my first advise would be to ask your doctor if they know of any dangers to a child's spine and bone structure from sleeping in a pack and play.

In my humble opion, as a mom of three, I would recommend finding an crib, most come with a good mattress. If cost is an issue, you can find used cribs in the paper, yard sales, or Craig's list all the time. And Walmart Supercenters sell inexpensive mattresses. I just don't think a play pin is going to give growing children the support they need, not only for their bones, but for a more comfortable nights sleep...I know I wouldn't want to sleep on a padded piece of cardboard. Again your doctor is the best place to go for this information. Good Luck!

Hi,

Your response totally startled me. As I also have my daughter sleeping in a pac n' play right now because our master bedroom is on the first floor and her room is upstairs. She is 2 1/2. Would you please share with me any information you get. My daughters ped. has never mentioned any concerns about hips or spine at her well babies and she seems to be fine. I am assuming your other children have not had any issues as well from the decisions you made. I would really appreciate your help. We currently live in Germany so I am a little out of the loop as far as current information. Here is my email ____@____.com Thanks a bunch

I'd talk to the makers of the crib thing ,,dont go on just hear say
L.

Okay, let's look at this a bit... in other cultures babies sleep in floors, on the ground, on hard still mats, etc. They are not all walking around deformed. Look at your older children. Are they deformed? I doubt it. Actually, I just called my girlfriend who works for Graco and used to work for Evenflo (she is a designer), and she said that there is no dangers. They would not market a playard that is unsafe for a child to sleep in.

I bought one of those expensive "co-sleepers" and honestly the mattress was constructed the same as a pack n play. I know many people who use them instead of cribs because they don't have large bedrooms. Also, lots of families put all the kids in one room (both sexes together). Some families slept all together in the same bed, too. And I know many families whose babies sleep with them from birth and they have plenty of rooms the children could sleep in. So I think it's a matter of personal preference. The physical deformities are probably from putting children in pack n plays after they have outgrown them, but I think that would be more like 3 years old. By the way, love your daughters names!

I have not heard such news.

BTW, my husband is a police officer and it is not illegal in any way to have siblings of opposite sex sleeping in the same room or even share a bed especially while they are young. They could share a room till they are 100. Whoever said it was illegal is not correct. As far as Oprah goes, I agree with others. She doesn't even have kids. Do what you need to for space saving and to keep the little one close.

I'm not a huge Oprah fan, but I don't think she even has kids, so what would she know about it anyway? You need to do what works for your family and forget about what anyone else thinks or says about it. BTW, I love your girls names.

Hi S.-

I can't imagine that there is anything wrong with sleeping in a pack n play and as far as her climbing into it to see if it was comfortable or not, I'm guessing she weighs significantly more than your children so the pressure on the bars would be greater and she would feel it more than a little one would.

I actually only responded because of your update that said she thought it was illegal for your son to share a room with his sister. I laughed out loud at this one!! As someone who has very fond memories of sharing a room with her younger brother (24 months younger) until I was in 4th grade, I think she's a little off on this one....

edit: I found one article online about this, but it doesn't indicate that there are any health risks at all:
http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/baby/packnplayoracri...

Good Luck,
K.

I realize that some people think Oprah is some kind of "know it all" Goddess of all things, but I don't happen to be one of them. Look at your other two. Are their spines or hips deformed? If you are concened, check with the Ped. or even call a orthopedic doctor who specializes in children's conditions...but don't rely on Oprah. Just because your sister thinks she's an authority doesn't mean you have to also.

I was told when shopping for my baby's crib mattress that they are so light, it doesn't really matter too much what they sleep on. I was told to just buy the least expensive one I could find. I assume people might think they are unsafe because they can fold up and stuff. I think you are just fine. Everything has risks. It seems like you are always aware fo the condition of the pack and play, so you just do what is right for your family. I can't tell you how many times people told me what I was doing was wrong. I am sure every mother has that experience. I am also sure you could find a story of this being a danger, just like you could find one about cribs being dangerous or co-sleeping being dangerous. Again, we're all in this together and I think you will be as safe doing what you're doing as anything else. Do what works for you, Mama!

my first daughter slept in one for 2 weeks spans at a time several times when she was a baby (when we would visit my parents or my in-laws), she also slept in one for about 2 months when we were moving between hawaii and texas (army life!). she is 4 now and just fine =) my younger daughter napped in the pack 'n' play constantly b/c her sister was 2 at the time she was born, so it was more convenient to just let her nap in the livingroom! she is 2 now and also just fine! i usually placed a quilt or thick blanket in the bottom of the playpen, just b/c it was easier to clean if their diaper leaked =) i just made sure to tuck it in well so it wasn't loose around them

I think you are referring to a portable crib/play pen. A play yard is a little different.

We used our portable crib/[play yard often for my son and we had not problems. He had a crib in his room that converted to a toddler bed, but when ever we were out, or if he slept at Nana's he used the portable crib.

If you are concerned with your child's development then you should check with your pediatrician. If at your regular pediatrician visits your dr is unconcerned with how they are developing then I am sure it's fine.

It's possible that since they are not well padded that over use could cause some kind of issue, but it seems that you are replacing yours regularly and have kept up with making sure they are safe. If you, your husband and pediatrician are not concerned then I wouldn't worry about what Oprah says!

Sounds like a ploy to make you spend money on a toddler bed, then on another bed when the child outgrows that. My 5th child slept fine in a packnplay until he was almost 2, and was able to climb out. We did put a couple of stiff pieces of cardboard underneath the thin mattress though, so that it would be the same across the entire surface, since it did tend to poke up a bit in the center.

I think it's fine, but you can buy one of those mattress pads to put in there to make it comfortable.

I think that the story on Oprah may have been about the changing table incident. The child had rolled off the changing table and had gotten strangled in the belt and I believe that also older children have strangled themselves in the belt being inside it with the changing table in it. YOu need to remember that not all Dr. have the same beliefs as others so while your dr. says one thing is safe another may not. Also while your Dr. gives you the go ahead hers may not. I know I follow my Dr. pretty much to a t. BTW I am not say ing she is right and you are wrong period this is the story I think you are looking for. It is definately your choice to do as you please and I am certain you check for all saftey hazards!

next time you see your Dr. check with him on his thought's about this. I personally do not agree with it like your sister. but your Dr. may know more.I do agree that the safety issue is a big one the company that makes them will also have information about this.

well, first of all i have to mention that i have a different view of these things. when i had my first child, i started looking into the whole 'organic food, clothes and bedding'. at first i was stunned, then literally shocked of how much prooven dangerous materials, colors etc are used for everyday baby stuff.i know there's no way to keep it all from them.but just thinking of how much hrs a baby spends sleeping...it makes sence that its absolutely important where the child sleeps. assuming u have a crib (www.ikea.com) sells the cheapest one called sniglar for 79,99, made of solid beech, then u'd have to look into mattresses. there's so many poisonous chemicals in all regular mattresses, flamebreakers etc. that can release toxic fumes (www.nontoxic.com, u can see the different articles there) its just something u should consider. i know, my mother didnt worry about what i sleep in and what i ate, and im still alive. but knowing about the possible danger for our children, plus the footprint that we leave....it makes me want to do it better. my son is 3 years old and still sleeping on the organic coco wool and cotton mattress that we got him. u can find them online for almost the same price as regular mattresses. they are easy to take care of. u know, if u need any more information, dont hesitate to ask.
Have a great day!