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Becoming a new grandmother is as exciting as becoming a new mom! Not only do we get to relish in our new-found “baby love” but we get the fun part!! I was so excited to start shopping for baby stuff that I could not contain myself. One of the first things I searched for was a portable crib among a list of other items and supplies. A portable crib is slightly smaller than a full size crib and is a perfect crib for grandmother’s house. In this blog I will speak about wooden portable cribs and another alternative – Graco Pack ‘N Play which features a removable, full-size bassinet that provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap, at home and away.
Wooden portable cribs
One of the first items I purchased as a new grandmother was a portable crib. The first step is deciding on what color you want for your portable crib. Look around your home. Where will you set up the portable crib and are you going to leave it standing or will you be folding it up and storing.
There are a number of different styles and I will touch on that later, but for now I will center my attention on the wooden cribs. They come in all sorts of colors so you will want to consider your color scheme in the room.
White is a good choice as it is going to go with any color and will look attractive in the room. It gives a nice, clean and crisp look to the room. No matter what baby blanket you want to use as a throw, it will look adorable.
A brown portable crib would look best with an earthy color scheme such as tans, creams, country blue, hunter green, while black would look nice if you have more of a modern decor with burgundy, grey, whites or blues.
Next, let’s take a look at the dimension of this smaller crib. The Consumer Products Safety Commission defines undersized cribs as those measuring less than 49 3/4 inches long and 25 3/8 inches wide.
Carousel Designs reports that its portable crib mattresses measure 24 inches wide and 38 inches long. Knowing the measurements is helpful in deciding where you will put the crib.
Also, it is important to note that when you are looking for these cribs, make sure the mattress comes with it. Don’t assume it will be included with the purchase. You will want the better mattress and they really are inexpensive. I found the brand “Dream On Me” to be a very good brand.
There are a few different selections such as 2-in-1 breathable 3 inch firm or extra firm. Personally, I think the firm is good as I don’t think the sleeping surface should be too hard. That’s just my opinion.
You should consider buying “bumper pads” for this style crib as it will protect baby’s head, hands and feet. I have posted some crib ideas with sheets, bumper pads and mattresses I found from Amazon. Please see below.
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(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Graco Pack ‘N Play
Base Folding Feet Playard
The second item I bought was a Graco Pack ‘N Play. I really like this style of the portable crib as it has many features. It is not just a crib, but you can use it as a bassinet, changing area, crib, and a playpen. This model comes in blue, pink, and a print.
Take a look at these product features:
- Automatic folding feet and wheels allow for a more compact fold, making it easy to store and perfect for travel.
- Signature Graco push-button fold makes closing quick and hassle-free.
- Toy bar with three soft toys.
- Airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation.
- Durable frame
- Convenient carrying bag for no-fuss travel and storage
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Includes: playard, bassinet & carrying bag
- 29″H x 28.5″W x 40″L
- Maximum weight/height capacity:
- Bassinet: 15 lbs.
- Playard: 35-in. tall
Graco Pack ‘n Play Close2Baby Playard
This particular pack ‘n play is my favorite as you can see it is perfect for a newborn right up to toddler-age babies. Take a peek at these features:
PRODUCT FEATURES
- Easily folds for transport or storage
- Portable napper keeps baby cozy and happy by your side
- 2-in-1 convertible design
- For quick and convenient diaper changes, the playard includes a removable changer with wipe-clean fabric & integrated storage to keep the baby’s essentials nearby.
- Infant bassinet provides an elevated spot for your baby to lay
- Integrated storage organizer keeps baby’s essentials close at hand
- Airy mesh on all sides provides maximum ventilation
- Compatible sheets available & sold separately
- push-button fold makes closing your playard quick & easy
- Integrated wheels add convenience for easily moving the playard around the home
- Convenient carry bag included for no-fuss travel and storage
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Playard, Napper, Changer, Bassinet & Carry Bag
PRODUCT DETAILS
- 27″H x 29″W x 33″L
- Product weight: 29.21 lbs.
- Child use guidelines: children under 35″ tall, unable to climb out, Portable Napper: Infant up to 15 lbs.; Infant Bassinet: Infant up to 15 lbs.; Changer: Infants up to 25 lbs.; Playard: Children unable to climb out
- Polyester
- Wipe clean
Once again, this is perfect whether you are going to grandma’s or traveling. This is easy to set up and easy to fold. This works out very well at my house. I used this for my grandbaby when he was born right up to now. I use this now as a play yard and for naps. He is safe and secure and I don’t have to worry about him climbing out. I purchased this for the downstairs area and I keep the wooden portable crib upstairs for sleepovers. This comes in a neutral color grey with a trim called sorbet (neutral colors of gold, blue, and pink).
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Sheets for pack ‘n play and wooden portable cribs
When you shop for crib sheets, make sure they are for a “portable” crib because there is a difference in size. Graco makes a variety of sheets such as quilted, waterproof, extra soft, and natural cotton.
Please note that you have options as to where you can purchase sheets for your pack ‘n play. Amazon sells a brand called Cuddly Cub and those sheets are compatible with the pack ‘n play.
As far as to crib sheets for the wooden portable crib style, Amazon has a variety to choose from. Also, for the wooden crib, don’t forget to choose a bumper pad. Your little one may roll around and hit his or her head. The bumper pads also keep the baby from sticking hands or feet through the slats. I have found some great buys and posted them below for you to consider.
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Wrapping it all up
If you are planning on doing a lot of travel such as camping or going to visit family overnight, I highly recommend the Graco Pack ‘N Play for its ease in setting up and taking down. It also comes with a carrying case for easy travel. This is ideal for grandma’s house if she is going to be watching your baby while you work. It is also great to use as a safe play yard when you don’t have time to watch the baby and you need to get things done. If you are looking for a more permanent fixture for a crib, then I would suggest a classic portable wooden crib. Bedding for either style of cribs is easy to obtain and there are a lot styles to choose from. I hope you enjoyed this blog and found it helpful.
Happy portable crib hunting!
Evelyn