Originally Posted by
33 Daiseys
Sleep Safety
JAN 6
Posted by CCPRN
Many home child care providers use portable playpens, or ‘Pack ‘N Play’s for naptime sleep arrangements.
sleep safety pack & play
These are a practical alternative to cribs because they are small, inexpensive and fold up compactly when not in use. But before using a playpen in your daycare there are safety issues to consider:
– Follow the instructions for use and size/weight restrictions of the product.
– Playpens are not as durable as cribs and require regular inspection to ensure their safe use. Only use the mattress that was supplied with the playpen. Check for soft spots that could pose a suffocation hazard. Discard as soon as a hole has been poked through the mesh sides. A child can climb out or become entangled if there is even the smallest hole in the side of the play yard. There is also a risk of choking if there are any tears in the fabric.
– Be sure that all four sides of the playpen are locked in place before use.
– Do not place a child in the playpen when a bassinet or changing station is attached. Babies should not be placed on the attachments to sleep.
– Do not add items such as pillows or extra padding that could cause a child to suffocate in a play yard or a crib. Large toys and stuffed toys should not be placed in the playpen because your child could use them to climb out.
– Play yards are not recommended for unsupervised sleep. For example, they are not a good solution for night time sleeping or for sleeping in another room.
Older playpens come with greater safety concerns. Check the Health Canada Consumer Product Safety website for more details.
Where you place your child’s playpen or crib should also be carefully considered. Do not place near hanging blind cords or near furniture that can be reached to pull themselves out of.