How we tested the Summer Infant Pop N Play
Our parent tester, Rebecca, mum to a now two-year-old, put this playpen through its paces at home when her daughter was just four months old.
While the manufacturer recommends use from six months to 24 months (or when your child is 35 inches tall), Rebecca found it to be a safe space for her baby to rest and play earlier than the six-month mark.
She bought this playpen secondhand and used it every day for around three months, citing the generous amount of space as one of the elements she liked the most. We think it’s large enough to be used with two babies, so it will be a useful purchase if you have twins.
What’s in the box?
How easy is the Summer Infant Pop N Play to assemble?
Extremely easy! The Summer Infant Pop N Play comes fully assembled, so it can be used straight out of the box. All you need to do is open the playpen out (you’ll need two hands) and pull the side straps down to the bottom to create tension so that they sit securely under the feet.
With no fiddly parts to put together, this is one of the easiest playpens to assemble - even easier than the popular BabyDan Deluxe Playpen, for example - popping open for use in a matter of seconds.
While some reviewers say the unfolding takes some getting used to as the straps are initially very tight, which makes securing them a challenge, the intuitive design means it’s simple to use right from the get-go. Parent tester, Rebecca, says, “There were no instructions with my playpen as I bought it secondhand, but I found it really easy to pop it open without them.”
Read next: The best baby toys from newborn to 12 months
How does the Summer Infant Pop N Play look?
The Summer Infant Pop N Play isn’t the most attractive playpen we’ve seen, but it’s not the worst either. Parent tester, Rebecca, says, “The colours aren’t great [specifically the green base], but it can be folded away, which I’m glad about!’
While we have also seen this playpen in aqua, complete with a UV sun canopy and separate play mat, online, it’s not generally readily available to buy in this colourway for a decent price.
The hexagonal design of the Summer Infant Pop N Play is minimalist, which some parents will appreciate, and it stores away neatly in a cupboard its accompanying travel bag so that it’s not a permanent eyesore in your home when not in use.
How safe and sturdy is the Summer Infant Pop N Play?
The Summer Infant Pop N Play has mesh sides, which means the playpen is both breathable and airy. This fabric also allows you to see your baby at all times while they are playing inside.
At 66cm, the sides are high and the netting is strong enough to contain even the most adventurous of climbers. Just make sure the straps are tightened fully when the playpen is popped open so that it holds the metal crossbars in place and is as sturdy as it should be. The straps are secured by a clip on the outside of the playpen so can’t be opened or loosened by small fingers.
While this particular Summer Infant playpen doesn’t come with a separate play mat, which means it isn't very padded, the base is water-resistant so it can be used both indoors and out. Plus, there’s no weight limit, so it can be safely used with more than one baby if necessary.
This playpen is intended for use with adult supervision, but it’s both sturdy and well made. Rebecca says, “I felt confident about leaving my daughter in it.”
One downside in comparison to playpens like the Venture All Stars Duo is that it doesn’t have a door, so you’ll need to bend down to put your baby in and take them out of the playpen, which could put a strain on your back over time.