Once they learn to walk, babies are unstoppable. However, in everyday life, you can’t always watch your baby all the time. In a playpen, the baby can stay freely and safely.
There are different types of playpens.
Playpen that can also be used as a sleeping area have limitations on the weight of the child.
Therefore, pay attention to the maximum allowable weight in a playpen.
Recommendations for choosing playpen
Types of playpen
Infant play yards
This type of playpen is the most versatile playpen. Some are designed to travel and are packed in a carrying bag. Others have accessories for infants and parents. They are a great option when there is limited space
Expandable baby gate
Expandable baby gates are a good option when a permanent gate cannot be installed. They are made of metal, wood, or mesh and can often be installed directly out of the box without the need for assembly.
Summer baby gate
This type of playpen differs from the others in that they usually have no bottom. Many look like plastic baby gates joined in a round shape. They can be used both inside and outside, weather permitting. Since they are usually made of plastic, they can be easily cleaned.
Playpens with a changing table
One of the best and most useful options. A changing table can be attached to the top of the playpen for easy access when your baby needs a diaper change.
Many playpens of this type have extra pockets to hold diapers, wipes, creams, lotions, bottles, etc. The changing table can be removed so that the baby can play or sleep.
Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer’s height and weight recommendations when using any playpen. They are usually only for babies under 25 pounds and less than 35-40 inches tall.
Playpen Review
Advantages and disadvantages of playpens
Advantages:
- greater protection for your baby in everyday life;
- freedom of movement;
- support when learning to walk.
Disadvantages:
- baby cannot be left alone in the playpen for long periods of time;
- the playpen restricts the freedom of the child, which means it infringes upon his research interest.
Advice on buying: What to look for when buying playpens
There are many brands of playpens: Graco, Regalo, Evenflo. But not only the name of the manufacturer plays a big role. As in the case of children’s furniture, other criteria are more important, which we will consider in a comparison of playpens.
Pay particular attention to the quality of the material used and its workmanship. The size also plays a major role, depending on the age or number of children. In addition, the ease of use in everyday life is also important for parents to consider.
Playpen Materials
The type of material also plays a decisive role. For example, you can choose between mesh, plastic, or wood.
Wood
This material is usually used to make the classic playpens. Wood is always a good investment in baby furniture because it is very robust. Here, however, prefer to buy natural wood, because painted wood is often contaminated with harmful substances. And you certainly know: the absence of harmful substances has the highest priority in baby furniture.
Plastic
Plastic is very durable. Due to the low weight, these grids are also particularly easy to transport. Outdoor playpens are often made of this material. But here, too, great importance should be attached to the absence of harmful substances.
Net
Mesh grids are not very sturdy, but they are foldable and all the more cozy for the baby. Mesh is also very safe because the baby falls very softly in the event of a fall.
All our reviews are based only on expert judgment or practical experience with most of the baby items. We strive to ensure that our leadership is independent and as detailed as possible.
The Best Playpens and Playards for Babies
- Regalo My Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor.
- Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play Yard.
- Toddleroo by North States Superyard 6 Panel Baby Play Yard/Barrier with Wall Mount Kit.
- Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard.
- Baby Trend Retreat Nursery Center.
- Graco Pack ‘n Play Nearby Seat Playard.
- Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard.
- Dream On Me, Zodiak Portable Playard.
Best Infant Play Yards
Regalo My Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor
- The My Play 6-panel measures 48 inches wide and 26 inches tall.
- Water resistant for indoor and outdoor use.
4,8 Rating
Creating a safe play area for your child in seconds, the lightweight, foldable, play yard is ideal for at home, when traveling, at the park, or a day at the beach. Ages: 6 to 24 months.
Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play Yard
- Covers a large area: Total dimensions are 59x59x23.6inches.
- Easy to assemble: It is lightweight, easy to put together and take down, without 15 mins.
4,7 Rating
The height of the fence is long enough for the baby to stand and walk while the area inside the yard is plentiful for them to explore around. Safety locks will give you a sense of relaxation and surely engage your children in all sorts of playful activities within the enclosed limit.
Best Expandable Baby Gates
Toddleroo by North States Superyard 6 Panel Baby Play Yard/Barrier with Wall Mount Kit
- Designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Fits openings from 38.5″ to over 16′. Complete with wall hinges, screws, and mounting connectors.
4,7 Rating
Designed to fit a variety of openings or stand-alone, this versatile unit includes a wall mount to secure from wall to wall for a safe play area. Maximum height: 26″ tall. Suitable for children ages 6 to 26 months.
Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard
- Includes eight 24” panels, can fit openings up to 192”.
- Wall mounting brackets add 2” to each side, 4” total.
4,7 Rating
Providing a versatile way to keep your child safe, the Regalo Super Wide Baby Gate and Play Yard offers numerous convenient configurations for around the house. It can be used as a standalone play yard or a gate and is ideal for large, angled, or uneven openings.
Best Nursery Center Playpens
Baby Trend Retreat Nursery Center
- Removable Rock-A-Bye Bassinet with a canopy and carry handle.
- Manufacturer max age: 24 months. Manufacturer min age: 0 months.
4,7 Rating
The Baby Trend Retreat Nursery Center features a Removable Rock-A-Bye Bassinet with a canopy and carry handle, plush fabric and mesh sides for proper ventilation, and 2 toys.
Graco Pack 'n Play Nearby Seat Playard
- Easily switch comfy infant seat to flat play spot.
- Automatic mobile moves with the portable seat, keeping baby entertained and engaged.
4,7 Rating
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Nearby Seat is a comfortable spot, tailored for daytime play or nighttime sleep. With the easy-switch reversible seat, you can use the inclined seat or flat nest bassinet in or out of the playard. Large, extended-use changing station (up to 30 lb) for easier diaper changes.
Best Portable Playards
Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard
- Automatically folding feet and wheels allow for a compact fold for easy storage and transportation.
- Handy wheels for added convenience.
4,7 Rating
It’s perfect for travel with folding feet and wheels, allowing a 20% more compact fold, plus a durable and sturdy frame that can stand up to lots of on-the-go use. If play yard gets sandy, carefully remove sand from all surfaces before packing into the bag as sand can damage the top rail lock.
Dream On Me, Zodiak Portable Playard
- Lightweight aluminium frame with locking casters that allow easy mobility.
- Dimensions are 40 L x 28.5 W x 29 H inches, and it weighs approximately 16.25 pounds.
4,7 Rating
Whether playing or napping. Setup is a snap and easily breaks down to fit the included compact and convenient carrying tote bag. The four meshed sides are fashioned in trendy designs and colors providing an easy fit for any room.
FAQ - Playpen
❓ What age do babies use playpens?
As soon as your child stands up independently and begins to pull himself up on the crib, crib, and changing table, then you know that it’s time to resort to a playpen. By the way, this is usually the case from the 7th month.
❓ What is the maximum weight of a baby for playpen?
Playpens can be used on average up to a baby’s body weight of about 33 lb. But of course, there are differences between wood, plastic, and fabric. And of course, there are also differences between the individual manufacturers.
❓ Can a baby sleep in a playpen instead of a crib?
Playpens are not intended to be used for unsupervised sleep because they do not meet the same safety requirements and are not as durable as cribs. If a change table or bassinet is provided as an accessory for the playpen, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and use.
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