Does a playpen need a crib mattress for FT sleeping?

I know that there was a thread on here a while back about not putting your baby to sleep constantly on the flimsy mattresses of the playpens, and to buy a crib mattress in the playpen size instead. This wasn't an issue with my first, who has a crib, but my second is sleeping in a playpen now and will need to move to the bottom soon.

Is there any research to back this up, or any reason (other than "it can't be comfortable") to believe this is true? And if it is, does anyone know where I can get one? I can't seem to google it - all that comes up are matress pads. Where did you get yours, if you use one?

Platinum Member Joined: May 15 2008 Posts: 5035

Location please.
Then perhaps, I may be able to tell you where you can get one, even though chances are you can find it in any baby store..

Posted: Thu, Jun 24 2010, 12:14 pm Post subject:

IMO it's not just a matter of a flimsy mattress but the mattress resting on something that offers no support whatsoever that is equally bad for the baby.
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I live in Baltimore, but was trying to find something online. (Of course, Baltimore store suggestions would be welcome as well! I called one, and they didn't know what I was talking about.)

So does everyone out there get a second crib for their second kid? Or do they just use the playpen itself? What do you do?

Platinum Member Joined: Feb 20 2009 Posts: 7635

My friend uses a portable crib mattress, which has the same dimensions as her pack n play. You can check them out of Amazon to see if that would work for you. Or, you may want to get a portable crib, which probably offers more support and comfort, but can be easily folded and stored when not needed.

Posted: Fri, Jun 25 2010, 1:09 pm Post subject:

Senior Member Joined: May 12 2010 Posts: 138

A Portacrib and p'n'p have almost exactly the same dimensions. A portacrib matt is not more than $35, would definitely invest in one.

Posted: Fri, Jun 25 2010, 1:18 pm Post subject: