Portable/mini crib or Pack'n'Play?

BitsKD13

A little back story: My mom is going to set up a crib at  her house for when we are there and/or if she wants to bring the baby her house on the days she'll be watching LO (twice a week).  She had been planing on using my old crib (which was also my brother's crib and is 36 years-old with a drop side).  I told her, and my dad agreed that if the drop side couldn't be fixed into place that it was NOT going to happen. Well it seems they loaned the crib out years ago to someone- don't remember who- and the person never gave it back (aw, shucks darn).  So now we need another option. 

Since both my parents are retired they don't want to spend a lot of money on a crib. When they were at BRU they were looking at the Pack'n'Plays and wondering if they should get one of those to use instead. 

I want to know from you all if that would be a good choice or should we look at getting a mini or portable crib?    Thanks for your input/advice!

NewYearsBride06

Hello. 

Our situation is a little different from yours, but I've researched both and thought maybe I could help.  We live in a one bedroom condo in the city and will not have a nursery until later next year.  At first we figured we would just get a PNP for the baby to sleep in since it will be useful for quite some time after (doesn't feel like wasted money like a bassinet did - to us).  When we took a look at them, we realized how big they really are and decided against it.  Instead, we are getting a portable crib (take a look at the Dream on Me 3-in-1 portable crib).  We liked that it is a decent size, but not huge and that it was a solid wood piece (felt very sturdy).  Also, it folds up nicely/easily when you're not using it.  

 If space is not an issue with your parents, the PNP is very versatile - they will get a lot of use out of it.  But, if you're looking for something more solid, the portable crib is a great option.  Price-wise, they are both very similar.  

 Good luck with your decision! 

Sandy

 

shootingstars00

Definitely get a simple pnp (this one is cheap) BUT also get a better mattress cause the one that comes with it sucks.

MrsGoodkat

The PnP is versatile but if the baby is going to be sleeping there often, I think the mini crib feels more like a "real" bed for them. My mother has the mini crib for LO's sleeping and uses the PnP for him to play in. If you do go with the PnP, I'd recommend getting an extra mattress topper or something to make it more comfortable for sleeping.

LadyTyler

We plan on using first the RnP and then a PnP because we will be in a one bedroom and I know what the baby will be visiting grandparents pretty frequently so we needed something small and portable.  And I just can't justify buying both a mini crib and a PnP, personally.

On the topic of size.  The fancy Graco ones with the extra bells and whistles are bizarrely large.  I second the idea of a very basic one.

On the mattress and safety.  When researching, I actually found a lot more safety experts saying to not add an extra mattress and that the one it comes with really is fine; babies don't have our same expectations for a cushy place and firmer is safer to boot.

BitsKD13

Thanks for the input ladies! 

MrsGoodkat

LadyTyler:

On the mattress and safety.  When researching, I actually found a lot more safety experts saying to not add an extra mattress and that the one it comes with really is fine; babies don't have our same expectations for a cushy place and firmer is safer to boot.

Yes, firm is good! My baby is a picky sleeper (you've heard of picky eaters, but he is very partial to his sleeping environment) so he woke up frequently in the PnP compared to the mini-crib except when we added some extra blankets/padding (underneath the crib sheet, not loose) so that's why I suggested considering something a little more comfortable if they are going to be sleeping in it often! But every baby is different!