Are baby playpens a good idea?
Playpens are a good idea as they provide your child with a safe place to play independently, especially if they are crawling or cruising. While you’re busy, your child can be occupied with soft toys and baby books, and a playpen is a great way for them to explore and learn new skills without getting hurt.
The types of baby playpens
Wooden playpens
The most traditional style of playpen is wood framed and spacious, with plenty of space for your baby to crawl and explore. They normally require assembly and tend to be best for more long-term use, becoming a somewhat permanent feature in your room.
Plastic playpens
They tend to be eye-catching and durable, but can be on the large side for modern homes. Usually fairly easy to assemble, some plastic playpens can adjust to the size of your room by removing panels.
Metal-framed playpens
Probably the most versatile, playpens with metal frames are usually adjustable to the shape and size of your room, with some even offering the ability to use as a fire guard or room divider. They tend to be more expensive, but often come with fold-down benefits which make them ideal for travel or for bringing out as and when required.
Pop-up playpens
Pop-up models tend to be less durable and hardwearing, but for temporary short-term use on holiday or when visiting friends and family, they are a relatively stress-free way to create a safe space for your baby, whatever the environment.
What age do you stop using playpens?
The age you should stop using a playpen is when your child can climb out. Most parents find that when a baby can pull themselves up, they might start to get tired of being in the playpen if it’s small.
How much does a baby playpen cost?
Generally, baby playpens aren’t particularly cheap, especially given that they need to be made from high-quality, durable materials and adhere to UK safety standards. For a decent playpen you can generally expect to pay at least £100, although you can pick up cheaper alternatives that do the trick for more ad hoc use. If you’re planning to use one regularly, it’s best to invest in one that will stand the test of time.
How do I choose the best playpen for my baby?
With so many different playpens to choose from, here are some things to consider when making your decision:
Dimensions: How much space do you have for a playpen? Some playpens are extremely large and spacious whilst others have a smaller footprint. Consider whether the size is fixed or if the playpen offers some choice depending on the positioning or removal of panels. A larger-sized playpen is great if you want to get inside too, whilst a smaller playpen is ideal if you are limited on space.
Ease of assembly: How easy is the playpen to assemble? Does it require tools to put together? If you’re not keen on sacrificing a whole section of your living room, you should consider how easy it is to fold down and store when not in use.
Portability: Does the playpen come with a storage or carry bag that enables you to take it with you when travelling or visiting family? More portable playpens tend to be a little less sturdy, but are ideal for occasional use.
Where can it be used? - Is the playpen suitable for use outdoors as well as inside? Some metal or alloy-framed playpens can be used outdoors and double up as a fun play area in the summer months. Is the base waterproof to prevent your child getting a wet bum on damp grass?
Does it come with any accessories? - Consider whether the price includes any accessories such as padded mats, balls, and entertainment or whether they are available to purchase separately.
Other uses: Some playpens offer a fixed shape and size, whilst others can convert into fire guards, safety gates and even room dividers with additional wall fixings.
Important safety points for baby playpens
Babies should always be supervised in playpens, but in addition to this, there are a number of other safety considerations you should make when using one.
Only buy a playpen with BS EN 12227: 1997, 1999 or 20110 safety mark.
Ensure that your playpen is not located near to an open fire or other heat sources.
There should not be any large items inside that your baby can step on and use to try and climb out.
Make sure that nobody ties anything across the top of a playpen as this is a strangulation hazard.
The playpen mustn’t be placed near doors or windows that your little one might be able to open.
Keep the playpen away from dangling cords or cables.
Always keep the playpen clear and ensure that it is in good condition with no holes or broken pieces of wood or plastic.
Which are the best baby playpens to buy?
Overall, the BabyDan Deluxe Playpen is the best playpen to buy as it’s safe, attractive to look at, comfortable for your baby and incredibly flexible too. Whilst it’s not cheap, the ability to adjust and reposition the sides to suit your environment certainly makes it worth the investment. It can even be used as a room divider with additional wall fixings.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.
Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard.
When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.
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