Clean a pack n play w/ smoke smell?

[bostonsmama]

I can't complain. I am so grateful to have been given a pack n play, but it reeks of cigarette smoke. I think the DCP smoked, but I know the family doesn't. Anyways, DH wants to clean it, but none of the fabric side rail covers are removable, and I don't know if the mattress can go in the washer either. How do you clean this? What cleaners are safe and would best get a smoke smell out?

Should I be THAT concerned about putting future DD to sleep in it w/ its history? Will there be lingering chemicals from smoke that I should be worried about that might not wash out? My thought was that if it didn't smell anymore, it should be safe, but with some things the smell never goes away, I guess. We heard oxyclean and a power washer plus some good sundrying could help.

I hadn't really intended on buying/registering for one b/c I knew no one would get it (as it is we're having trouble getting family to offer big things like car seats, crib mattresses, etc), and we don't technically have the room. It'd just be nice for vacations or a second place to change a baby downstairs (although even still, we don't have much room for it). So, if this doesn't pan out, we won't have one at all.

[bubbaray]

I would never use any item that smelled like smoke around a child of any age, and definitely NOT a baby. JMHO.

[brittone2]

You know I'm all weird about this stuff, but I wouldn't use it, personally.

Here's a fairly recent msnbc piece about "third hand" smoke

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35318118...th-addictions/

I think even if you get most of the smell out, there's likely some ick residing in it.

I don't know. If you are looking at infrequent use with it, maybe not a big deal. I personally can't stand anything even remotely smokey though and wouldn't put my baby in it for any extended period of time.

[JBaxter]

Nope dont care if was brand new and free your little one will be laying down on the padding and chewing on that rail. I would get rid of it.

You can try leaving it outside but once it is that permeated it is almost impossible to get the smell out.

[bostonsmama]

Okay, so this brings up its own delicate situation....what do I do with it? This is someone I would see REGULARLY. Should I give it back?? What do you say?

[bubbaray]

If you have the space, I would keep it until the baby is a few months old (not use it) and then give it back, saying thanks, but we didn't use it.

If you don't have the space, I'd just say thanks, we don't have the space.

[brittone2]

If you have the space, I would keep it until the baby is a few months old (not use it) and then give it back, saying thanks, but we didn't use it.

If you don't have the space, I'd just say thanks, we don't have the space.

sounds good to me.

[bostonsmama]

Very politic. Thanks.

[tiapam]

I would not use it, I think it is a health concern. Consider that even if you cannot smell it, your baby might be able to. You don't want to compromise her sense of smell when she is so new and you are trying to establish bonding and perhaps breastfeeding. You can probably get a nice used non-smoky PNP on Craigslist for $30 or less. Or I would register for one, someone might surprise you! Maybe you can tell the person who gave you the smoky one that you really want a certain one?

[essnce629]

I would definately not use it. Secondhand smoke is a risk factor in SIDS and I wouldn't want any amount of smoke anywhere near my baby.

I would still register for one and if you don't get it you may end up with a bunch of gift cards and you can buy an inexpensive basic model for yourself. Or you could get one off Craigslist that comes from a "smoke-free" home.