Am I a "Bad Mom" if I use a Pack N Play instead of a crib?

[regbyandjulie]

Originally Posted by TheWoman I wouldn't buy a crib just yet unless you find a great deal on one. You might just find that the baby won't sleep alone in a crib anyway so it sits in the corner unoccupied until you realize that it is a good place to keep clean laundry before you fold it.

Originally Posted by TheWoman And no, you are not a bad mom. Your sister is going to make you feel guilty no matter what you do.

You're probably right. I should have figured that out back when I first announced I was pregnant and everyone in the family freaked out and said I was "stealing the thunder" from my brother and his new wife's "miracle" pregnancy. Like it wasn't enough that 2008 was all about their wedding, now this year has to be all about their baby? Isn't it enough that everyone is more excited for their baby because it's the first MALE baby to carry on the family name?

LOL- you can see I have hostile feelings towards my family.

[StifflersMom]

A bad mommy is someone that doesn't feed their kids, that worry about their own wants and needs over their children, that abuse their kids, or just plain don't care for their kids.

There are all kinds of mommys and because you don't do things the way someone else THINKS YOU SHOULD, doesn't mean your a bad mommy, just a different kind of mommy. Love your kids, care for your kids, keep them out of danger. The rest is trivial. Its YOUR BABY, you are the only one that can say whats best for your baby, and your family.

My BIL and SIL jsut had a baby, and although I don't agree with everything they do, its THEIR baby and only THEY know whats best. When I do raise concerns, I always end it with that, so they know I am only offering advice, its up to them to decide to take it or leave it. Don't let someone else tell you how to raise YOUR children, but at the same time, when someone offers you advice consider it, think about it and come to a decision thats right for you.

I do think that you need a crib, I agree with purchasing a second hand crib from a store, online or garage sale. The bottom of a pak n play is so hard. They do have the bassinet inserts but once the baby starts sitting up you wont be able to use it anymore.
Have you had a baby shower? You could ask that some of your guests go together for a crib, even a used one. Both the crib and pak n play will last you many years, so they are both great investments.

[darmomof2]

my kids slept btter in a crib and not in a pnp

[Emmy's Mommy]

We were given an expensive crib by my in laws for my daughter when I was pregnant. She HATED it. Used it for maybe a month or two.

We have a 2 story house and during the day she slept in a pack and play portable crib and HATED that as well.

She eventually co slept with us. I would start with the pack and play if you would like. It is an item that even if they do not sleep in it, you will use it. Our crib collected dust for months.

If you buy a used crib, as previously mentioned, just check for recalls. This is a decision that your baby will end up making for you in the long run. You also have my sympathy on the medling family. Been there.

[marion10]

The pack and play once you get done with the bassinet insert is hard on your back. I bought a used crib from a friend. I also want to mention that IKEA has contractors that will come to your house and put together what you buy. It might not be worth it for one thing- but we used it for my daughter's room and it worth it.

[haydensmom4.5]

My son was 4lbs when he was born so when we brought him home he would scream if we put him in a bassinet & his crib. So during the day we had teh pnp in the living room and we would lay & sleep in the bassinet in the pnp and would do great but at night when it was time to lay in the portable bassinet in our room he would scream so after one night of no sleep we put him in the pnp and he slept great. In a year he may have slept in his crib less than 3 months including naps. He HATED his crib and would refuse to sleep in it but once we was placed in his pnp he would sleep great. So you may have a baby who refuses to sleep in his crib like mine. If he did not sleep in his pnp he co slept with us. At 1 yr old we took the crib down & bought him a big boy bed. Good Luck and listen to your heart not what others (sister) say or think. You are the mother & you know what is best for your child.

[loladooder99]

You sister needs to stay out of your business, she does sound controlling. She has no right to give you advice on how many kids you should be having. Even you don't want to cut off contact with her then I would just not tell her anything about my personal life as it seems she will just have something to say about everything. I would recommend getting a crib and a pack in play if you can afford it. A pack in play isn't safe enough for the whole first year. You can save money other ways with thirft store clothes or hand me downs,breastfeeding,cloth diapering,etc.

[loladooder99]

Originally Posted by regbyandjulie You're probably right. I should have figured that out back when I first announced I was pregnant and everyone in the family freaked out and said I was "stealing the thunder" from my brother and his new wife's "miracle" pregnancy. Like it wasn't enough that 2008 was all about their wedding, now this year has to be all about their baby? Isn't it enough that everyone is more excited for their baby because it's the first MALE baby to carry on the family name? LOL- you can see I have hostile feelings towards my family.

ps I would never put up with my family treating me that way. I don't believe its right to let your family run all over you just because they are family. They should treat you with respect and If they aren't going to then they can kiss your behind.

[faeryedark]

No, I don't think so. My youngest DS always slept in the pack-n- play. WE had crib but never broke it out, he was quite happy in his PNP.

[nurseannette]

If you breastfeed sometimes it is easier just to cosleep with baby.
If you decide you do need a crib you could check your local freecycle
group and see if anyone is getting rid of a crib. You can find them
so cheap at yardsales it seems ridiculous to me to buy one new.
Queenofhives is so right about what a baby needs. Love, security
healthy food and clean water. Please let your sister know this
if she ever tries to tell you of her "concerns" again.