Can someone explain baby furniture to me?

[prettybirdy27]

DH and I are getting a head start on shopping for the nursery, but I don't quite understand some things.

First off, playpens. I see these playpens that have a changing station and a bassinet, and a napper I guess in them. Are these supposed to take the place of a crib? Is it safe to have your baby sleep in a playpen instead of a crib? In what instances would I use one over the other? Do I need both?

Here's an example https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/chicco-reg-lullaby-reg-baby-playard-in-empire-trade/1042861690?Keyword=Playpen

When do I put baby in a bassinet vs a napper vs a crib vs a playpen?

Im so entirely confused.

Second thing, strollers. I see these huge travel systems with a car seat in them, and then I see other strollers that don't have that. Can an infant fit in a regular non-travel system stroller? They seem much too big for baby to be safe, but the travel systems seem so huge and clunky to me.

Those are the biggest things that are confusing me right now. Thanks for any advice.

 

[orionfox]

The playpen with the bassinet attachment is great if you dont just want a bassinet to use for a short time. Then once baby is too big for the bassinet part, you can take that out and just use the playpen. Playpens are just fine for baby to sleep in, but often a crib is way better for regular use.

As for the travel systems...you dont want an tiny infant in the stroller part as its not really made to hold a tiny baby. That is where the carseat comes in. You need a carseat for the car, so you can use the same one for the stroller as well. Then once baby is bigger, you can transition them to using the stroller. But the stroller alone is not safe enough for a wee one.

 

[orionfox]

Most people will use a bassinet during at least the first month or two until they are comfortable in moving baby to the nursery in their crib. Newborn babies can be placed right away in a crib, but more prefer them to only be in a smaller space rather than a large crib right away. I myself bought the playpen with the bassinet attachment. That way baby has something else to use when bigger.

 

[TTC First]

It's great that you are doing all your research early. It's best to know what you actually need before buying anything. I can certainly help you out.


First off, playpens. I see these playpens that have a changing station and a bassinet, and a napper I guess in them. Are these supposed to take the place of a crib?

These are definitely not a crib however if you want to use it for napping and are close by it's not bad. Because the edges are typically mesh it can limit airflow to the baby, similar to the breathable bumpers. Also, due to the height of the bassinet it isn't used very long. I think you are also asking about the changing part of it. I have one like this and I thought that it would be great but ended up finding that it was really low. After changing diapers for a while it just killed my back. If this one is tall enough that you don't have to bend over then it would be ok to use.

Is it safe to have your baby sleep in a playpen instead of a crib?

Similar to comments above, if you are close by then it would be ok to let them nap in the playpen. Personally I would not use this as a crib.


In what instances would I use one over the other?

I would use the playpen during the day and the crib at night. Playpens are great when you want to limit the child's access to a room.

Do I need both?

Personally I think that you should look at your house. I have a room that the kids play in during the day so I don't really need to limit their movements. If you need to make sure that they playing in a smaller area than this would be good. You could also consider getting a baby gate that goes in a circle so they can play in a slightly larger area. I really don't use the playpen much at all. I have the baby sleep in a crib rather than a bassinet right from the start.


When do I put baby in a bassinet vs a napper vs a crib vs a playpen?

Bassinet is typically used by people when the baby is first born and they are small. Some people put it in their room so they are close by. Not sure how easy it is to move kids from a bassinet to a crib. I don't use them because the child has to go in a crib anyway. We don't have "nappers" in Canada but based on what I looked up on line this is just similar to a bassinet. This seems to be a total waste of money if you ask me. I always use a crib. Cribs can be used from day 1 to about 2 years. You have to have a crib at one point because you will outgrow the bassinet, napper, and playpens are not for sleeping. You would just use the playpen when you want to limit the child's movement.


Second thing, strollers. I see these huge travel systems with a car seat in them, and then I see other strollers that don't have that. Can an infant fit in a regular non-travel system stroller?

Newborns need to travel in a bucket seat for the first while. If you put a newborn in a regular stroller they will not be able to sit up. I guess you could put one in a stroller laying down but I wouldn't do that.


They seem much too big for baby to be safe, but the travel systems seem so huge and clunky to me.

As I mentioned, when you have a newborn, you don't have them travel directly in the stroller. Each travel system will come with a bucket seat and that will fit onto the stroller. Once the child is big enough it sit on their own, they can travel in the stroller rather than the ticket. The stroller for travel systems are safe, you are just using it to walk with. Some of the systems are definitely clunky! I have the jogger one, it's huge but the large wheels make it very comfortable to push and are amazing in the winter snow or on rough terrain when walking. Keep in mind that not all bucket seats will fit on all strollers.

I hope that helps!

 

[PurpleIvy44]

The pack-n-play that you linked is very similar to the one I have. I never used the changing table piece or the part with the mobile over it. I raised the bottom up and had DD in it for 5 mos right next to me. It's great for travel so baby is used to sleeping in it then as they get bigger you drop it down to sleep or play.

I got a travel system as a gift then a jogging travel system as another gift. I would highly recommend getting a jogging travel system if your going to get one. They have rubber tires and move effortlessly. Even if you don't plan on jogging, which I don't, it so easy to handle. You can snap the car seat carrier that it comes with right onto it.

They have so much gear it can be very confusing. Hope this helps.

 

[2have4kids]

We decided to go with the Halo bassinest so that baby can sleep next to me the first few months and I can just roll him/her over to me in bed to nurse. It also has a small light, with noise, music options and a vibration mode for burping/gassy or colic babies. We have a crib too but instead of getting out of bed and going into baby's room it'll be right next to me. I hope to get more sleep this way? Lofty dreams perhaps lol.

We don't plan on getting a playpen. If we need one later on we can decide then but won't be cluttering up the house till absolutely necessary.
Have you seen this website? It's great for discussing the benefits/problems of baby products: https://www.babygearlab.com/Bassinet-Reviews/Ratings
Like cribs, bassinettes should not have cloth sides or 'bumpers' they are well known to be choking hazards. Stick to something with mesh.

 

[Rainstorm]

For us it was bassinet from birth to 3rd month. Once he not longer fitted in the bassinet, we switched to the pack-n-play. By 6 months he was sleeping in his crib in his room. He never used the pack-n-play to play (he would scream like mad when confined), and when we travelled we ended up using only our sheets, cos the hotels had their own. So we lost trunk space for nothing. But that was my experience...

 

[misspriss]

We didn't plan on having a playpen, but MIL got one with DS. We used the bassinet (not the napper/separate thing, where the mattress that goes in the bottom is raised up) for DS's naps, we have not used it for DD. We didn't use the changing table part for DS, we ARE using it for DD. Right now it's for diaper storage and changing diapers. I wouldn't use it in place of a crib, but it is my understanding if it's safe for naps it's safe for night. People use them for travel cribs when they go on vacation and what not.

We do not use an infant seat and thus do not use a travel system. They are bulky and awkward to me. You do NOT need a travel system to push a small baby in a stroller. In fact, spending excessive time in a bucket seat is BAD for newborns. It can restrict oxygen to the baby due to the curved nature. Babies should be lying flat if they don't HAVE to be in the car seat position. There are many strollers which come with a bassinet option which lie flat. There are full sized strollers which lie flat without a separate bassinet. The important part is that they lie flat enough for a newborn. I have an UMBRELLA stroller that lies flat and is appropriate for a newborn, you DO NOT NEED a travel system. Bucket seats are NOT the best position for newborns, in fact, car seats in general are somewhat dangerous.

You should also not use a bucket seat in a shopping cart, or keep baby in a car seat (including buckets) for more than 2 hours straight, especially when they are newborn (a 5-6 month old I wouldn't worry as much, etc). This is one of the reasons I just skipped the bucket and went straight to the convertible seat, so no one will be tempted to leave the baby in the bucket. My seat is safe from 5lbs and up, so it worked straight from birth.

 

[babyvaughan]

I have the pack n play setup like your link, we are using it instead of bassinet. So for the first few months by the side of our bed then when we feel ready baby will go into a crib in his own room. The pack n play can then be saved for traveling, play time into the toddler years!

I have a Jogger travel system as well, and no those smaller strollers can't hold the car seats. One stroller that I considered was the City Mini GT it folds so small so that could be an option for you that you can attach carseat to as well. I went with a jogger because need something great for outdoors, beach, camping etc.

 

[jlw617]

It is confusing, there is a ton of gear out there haha! I used the bassinet thing of our pack and play with dd1 until she was about 3 months, then she went to a crib, I never used the changing pad part of it but then again pack and plays have come a long way since she was born 8 and a half years ago and the one on mine slanted and was really annoying! Other than that I used it when family would come over for their young children and for when we travelled, it was a life saver when we had to move and being that my husband was in the military for 8 years, it got a lot of use out of it

We used a travel system a lot with our first but I wore dd2 most of the time and she slept in a pack and play.

I think a lot of it is just a learning thing, seeing what works best for you, my brother and friends and I always joke about "second child syndrome" and that 1st time parents including ourselves always have all the fancy gear and what not for the first child and subsequent children are much "less fortunate" but really it's just seeing what you need and will use based on your lifestyle, good luck!

 

[bathbabe]

We do not use an infant seat and thus do not use a travel system. They are bulky and awkward to me. You do NOT need a travel system to push a small baby in a stroller. In fact, spending excessive time in a bucket seat is BAD for newborns. It can restrict oxygen to the baby due to the curved nature. Babies should be lying flat if they don't HAVE to be in the car seat position. There are many strollers which come with a bassinet option which lie flat. There are full sized strollers which lie flat without a separate bassinet. The important part is that they lie flat enough for a newborn. I have an UMBRELLA stroller that lies flat and is appropriate for a newborn, you DO NOT NEED a travel system. Bucket seats are NOT the best position for newborns, in fact, car seats in general are somewhat dangerous.

You should also not use a bucket seat in a shopping cart, or keep baby in a car seat (including buckets) for more than 2 hours straight, especially when they are newborn

Completely agree with this!!! As long as baby is led down flat you DO NOT need a travel system. As long as the seat unit either lies flat or you have a carrycot part its fine
Personally I hate seeing babies constantly stuffed in their carseats, I can count on 1 hand the amount of times iv ever did it with my son x

 

[prettybirdy27]

Thank you everyone for the great advice! DH and I mulled it over quite a bit, and we decided to not get the bassinet/playpen thing and just go with a crib, but we're also open to seeing how everything goes once we get baby home and if we decide we need a bassinet at that time, then we can go get one.

We do like the idea of a travel system, though, we just hate how bulky they are. We're going to look at some tonight and drive them around the store and just really get a feel for them.

 

[maryanne1987]

I always found the bassinet/playpen handy but to be honest not till my son was up and on the move. It was really only used as a playpen for when I had chores to do and needed him somewhere safe but still close to keep an eye on him.

In regards to travel systems I totally agree with the ladies saying you don't need one. As long as you have a lie flat pushchsir that's all Thats matters. The best position for a newborn in a pushchair is totally flat, and even health professionals suggest a young baby is never left for more than 2 hours in a bucket car seat. So many studies show reduced oxygen levels within babies within half an hour of being in those kinds of seat. Personally I only used one when absolutley nessicery. Good luck chosing a pushchair! Hope you find one you like!

 

[Twag]

The playpen thing you have we have as a travel cot and use it only when we go away to stay somewhere else - my son had a bassinette and is now in a cotbed as will #2

We didn't have a travel system I do not like seeing babies being pushed around all scrunched up in there car seats it doesn't look comfy as long as baby can lay completely flat and it is a buggy you are comfortable with and ticks all of your use boxes then you are good to go - we have the Phil & Ted's Navigator love it

 

[icegurl470]

We used a pack and play with a bassinet in our living room which was nice for the newborn to nap in. Then we took the bassinet out and used it in our bedroom because she was not sleeping in her crib yet and she outgrew her bassinet. Now she's finally sleeping in her crib (since 12 months) and we have the pack in play back in the living room and I put her in there when I need to clean up so she's not in the way.

We got a travel system, but only used it like once or twice. We did however use the infant car seat and we still use the stroller, just without the car seat attached to it.

 

[Koifish]

I am just figuring it out as I go.

I have a twin pack in play in my room. They will sleep in the raised portion it came with for a little bit and then I will move them to the crib. My room is to far from their room so I'd like them with me for the first few months. I do have cribs ready though. Mine doesn't have a bassinet and I don't have the changing bit I have an actual changing table. I don't plan on using it for playing or as a play pen but will be nice for the beach or visiting family I can take it with me.

As for strollers you just need to research them. You don't have to get a travel system stroller. I got all in one car seats they don't come out of the car. My stroller is nice (big but I have twins so couldn't avoid that). I got a side by side stroller with adjustable back. It has an infant insert for cushion and head support and allows me to lay them back. As they get older I can remove things and adjust the stroller backing up as needed. The straps have cushion pads and are also adjustable. I'd rather not add to the bulk. I'd also rather pay for an all in one car seat that's the same price as the travel attaching car seat and it lasts my kids their entire car seat life instead of paying twice the amount upgrading carseats as they grow. I also don't plan on going out a ton and using the stroller a lot while they are newborn. I did also pick up slings (or however you call them) for hubby and I to use for quick trips to the store so we don't always have to rely on the giant stroller.

I think it's about preference. Go to the store and test some stuff out and see what you like. Also consider if waking baby up to move from car seat to stroller will be an issue for you or if your ok waking baby up to move them into a stroller. I know that was a big deal for someone I knew. I also agree I think baby will be better not stuck in a car seat for a long time and laying flat instead.

 

[Mrs_Bump]

You need a cot. Anything else is optional. We gave a Phil and teds stroller which lies completely flat but can be raised to a seated position when child is older. If you have a car you need a car seat. I also had a moses basket, maybe the same thing as a basinette. These are great if you want baby to sleep in the same room as you in the day as its easy to carry baby around with you.

 

[mh_ccl]

**My personal opinions only**

When we had our first, I thought the pack n play wouldn't get used much. But we actually had it in our room for the first three months. She slept in the bassinet attachment until she outgrew it, then slept in the regular part. We only moved her to the crib in her nursery when she started sleeping through the night around 3 months.

I never used the changing attachment for the pack n play, but our house is laid out with our room, nursery, kitchen and living areas all on the same floor. So for me, it was only a few steps to the nursery where I had a changing table.

For travel, I got a Graco Click Connect system ad I loved it. The stroller folds down pretty compact and fit easily into my trunk, and I could pop the car seat in and out without waking the baby if she was asleep. I would not get a jogging stroller, as most of them I've tries are too large to fit in our vehicles easily. I liken it to having an SUV - everyone thinks they need one, but their actual usage would be fine with just a decent sedan. If you are really planning on going out jogging, taking the stroller on trails through the woods, etc., then a jogging stroller may be right for you. But if you'll mostly be using it to get across parking lots, down sidewalks, and through stores, a regular stroller will be just fine.

 

[Scout]

I had a pack n play and only used it when dd started crawling and I needed a place to sit her while I cooked or something like that. I had a bassinet but baby hated and would not sleep in it..only cried. I used a newborn napper thing (taggies snuggle sleeper from bru) a bit until I started cosleeping. We ended up cosleeping until baby turned 17 months and that's when she went into a regular full size bed, so although I had a crib she never slept there. I wouldn't buy too much up front (I wasted so much money) just wait and see what baby likes. If it likes the crib, then you don't need to bother with anything else.

I didn't like the travel systems either for the same reason...too bulky. I bought a chicco liteway stroller and still use it today (dd is 2) It was great from birth bc it reclined flat. I never once wished I had bought a travel system.

GL

 

[Kristalebear1]

Everyone's probably answered your questions but if you are looking for a good stroller I recommend the Urbini Omni travel system. Its not like others, it has a pram/bassinet that converts into a stroller seat for older babies, it also snaps off the base completely And allows the car seat to snap in in place of it so its not bulky (google urbini omni the pics are much better than my description) its a bit pricey at $200 but much cheaper than most, and such a good buy. And it collapses so easily!!! Comes in tons of colors to!!

Oh and I used the seat in bassinet setting for the first two weeks (my LG is 3 wks old) as I could get up and down to her crib while healing. So it really has been useful.