The Ultimate No-Crib Hack for Baby #2 That Saved Money and Space
With my son, I decorated his room with a crib I hardly used. Why? Because I thought that’s just what moms do, which was a total waste of money. The second time around, I overcame the peer pressure (which was tough, especially with having a girl). I spent my money on what I knew worked the first time around, a quality pack n play. The pack n play was such an amazing crib alternative for me that I wrote a post about it that still gets traffic today even with an 8-year gap! The options today are so much better for exactly what I described in my previous post.
Here’s how you skip the crib and satisfy all your baby sleeping needs with 1 pack n play purchase.
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The Ultimate Crib Alternative Mom Hack to Save Money
Phase 1: The First 6 Months (The Bassinet Stage)
The ultimate crib alternative, for seasoned moms that know having baby sleep in their own room is unlikely, is a bassinet. But why buy a singular bassinet that you know for a fact you get less than a year of use out of? Don’t get me wrong, there are some amazing quality bassinets out there that are a drop side crib alternative. However, you’ll still need something else for when they outgrow this phase, when you could have just gotten an all-in-one solution.
The solution, Graco. This brand has gotten me through with both of my kids. I strayed on the carseat, following trends, and I sometimes regret it. Graco has been around forever for a reason! And they evolve their designs to make things even more convenient for parents. My old pack n play had the bassinet as a flip over attachment that turned into a changing table. Now the bassinet comes out completely and is its own standalone compartment. It’s height adjustable, which is a lifesaver postpartum. Yet it’s deep enough that you don’t have to worry about baby going anywhere. I highly recommend this product to anyone worried about space, safety, and convenience.
Phase 2: The Independent Sleeper (The Deep Pack-n-Play Stage)
My son had the luxury of being promoted to sleeping with mommy because it was just the 2 of us. Now, with my daughter, she’s only ever slept independently (although still in the room with us). Here’s how I made it a good experience for her.
I took the bassinet out of my room and brought in the pack n play. While this does require more space (about as much, or a little less than a crib), I was able to make it fit. It was surprisingly easier than I remember to move it from room to room. Just remember to lock the sides before pushing down the center when you re-assemble. There’s tutorials on Amazon for assembly!
Crib Mattress
I could not, with a good conscience, have my baby sleep in her pack n play without an added mattress. If you’re going to treat it like a crib, truly treat it like one. The good news is, while crib mattresses are going for $50-80+, pack n play mattress toppers can be found more in a $20-30 range. This is the exact one I bought and it comes with a washable waterproof cover. That has already been put to the test when baby girl somehow woke up drenched from a nap.
Satin Crib Sheet
While the mattress topper is amazing for comfort and stain resistance, it is not ideal for hair. I have a kiwi-head baby (very short hair) and I try to preserve the strands she has. Just as we don’t sleep directly on our mattress, neither does baby. I opted to skip a traditional sheet, and go with Satin Pack n Play Sheets. The 2 pack that I bought was under $15.
Bonus: Messes happen. Even before potty training, there’s blow outs, spit ups, and drool. Be equipped with Tide spray.
Phase 3: The Final Transition (The Regular Bed)
Now for the fun and cutesy stuff I’ve been waiting for. I finally bought baby girl a bed for her room. I’m still skipping a crib even though many grow with you. We were able to use my son’s as a headboard for a while. I’m also passing on toddler beds just out of personal preference because I think they’re ugly. I purchased a regular twin bed because even my son’s crib just evolved into an open face bed for the toddler phase. My partner is worried about her falling out of the bed but in my opinion they just learn. And if we’re being honest, a kid that’s going to fall out of a regular bed is usually not sleeping in a way that toddler bed bumpers will save them. I’m better off putting pillows on the floor.
Getting a bed that’s low enough to the ground for her to get out as she learns to walk is also important to me. I’m so happy I finally get to give her the Hello Kitty room I’ve been waiting for. She has a Hello Kitty LED light I found at Five Below and Hello Kitty sheets. I don’t like to overdo themes so that’s just being paired with the pink she has all around her room.
Don’t forget to get a mattress pad for the same reasons I mentioned for the pack n play, plus potty training.
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