Simply cut out the mesh, being careful to not cut on supporting
seams. Add sheets/blankets and you have a toddler bed or reading
tent! The fitted sheet on top is simply held by the mobile that
came with it. Extend the life of your Pack n Play and save money.
Hey, I have one of those things! I shared and held onto the idea and bided my time... It turns out, Spencer never really cared for our Pack 'n Play at all. He was probably just never put in it regularly enough. Sasha spent more time in it as a baby. So I was finally ready to dig into this project!
I started with a box knife, but found scissors were actually much easier to control and I was still able to just slide them through the mesh. You do not want to cut the supporting fabric around the mesh!
Added a folded quilt and it quickly became a nice, protected napping spot.
Sasha also loves to play in it. To keep Spencer from rolling out in his sleep, I tuck a neck pillow under the edge of the quilt.
I mistakenly purchased a twin sheet first, but this is a crib sheet stretched atop the mobile arm that came with the Pack 'n Play. (I got each sheet for about $3 at a local thrift store.) The mobile itself is unnecessary. Notice that my topper looks nothing like the one from Pinterest. Surprised? I did find more on Pinterest that looked like mine, though!
Crib sheet atop the mobile.
The cool thing about using this as sleep space is that if you travel, this folds down small. You can have a familiar sleeping space for your little one no matter where you go! I'm wondering / considering whether I can insert the changing table piece and put some plushies in there. I haven't tried that.
Cosleeping arrangement (with me on the floor)
Sasha and Spencer roll around, wrestle and giggle their heads off in this thing! Sometimes they play through one mesh side. Sometimes Spencer spins in circles in it, giggling all by himself. I can make a pallet next to it and "cosleep." I may try it next to our bed at some point, which would definitely keep him from rolling out, I think I'll have to take the top off for that, though. Its awkward enough trying to put him down asleep through the side without it being blocked.
This was seriously the easiest project ever! If you're sure you won't need your Pack 'n Play again (or have a spare), I definitely recommend this upcycle. It can be a reading nook, fort, carriage, whatever. You and your children are only limited by your own imaginations!
What other baby products have you found ways to upcycle for longevity?
