Playpens are a great way for parents to give their babies some independence and they can also help with sleep. But what about safety? We at Baby Gear Lab conducted an infant drop test to find out if playpens were safe or not. Check it out!
What is a baby playpen?
A baby playpen is a sturdy, enclosed space in which a baby or toddler can safely play. They come in a range of sizes and styles, with different features and materials. Playpens give babies a place to play, sleep or rest when they are not in their cribs. If your baby doesn’t feel comfortable in the playpen, try swing bouncer or rocker.
They can also be used as a pen when you need to take your baby out of the house, safely in an enclosed space away from germs in public places like airports, restaurants, and other public venues. Some come complete with trays for storage, toys, and play mats.
Some playpens can be attached to a crib or bassinet via the changing table, which allows you to transfer your sleeping baby from one place to another with ease. Aesthetically pleasing, they are also functional and can make family time more efficient since everyone is within arms reach of the baby.
Are playpens good for babies?
Yes, playpens can be a great way for babies to explore their surroundings and learn new things. They can also help with sleep, as well as provide a safe place for your baby to play when you need to take them out of the house.
Playpens should always be used with caution and supervision, however, as they are not 100% safe. Make sure to read the safety instructions carefully and follow them closely. Always use the straps provided to keep your baby safe and never leave them unattended.
Types of Baby playpens
There are a few different types of baby playpens on the market. Let’s discover them:
Plastic playpen
The most common type is the plastic playpen, which is sturdy and usually less expensive. It is great for indoor and outdoor use. The playpen sets up in minutes with no tools required, which makes it a cinch to move from one place to another.
Natural playpen
A natural playpen is a slightly more expensive version of a traditional plastic playpen. It is made from organic cotton mesh and has breathable sides to ensure your baby’s safety. It is also lightweight and easy to transport.
Pack’ n play
A Pack’ n Play is a portable playpen that can be set up in minutes. It features a bassinet for newborns, as well as a changing table and a storage area. It is perfect for travel and folds up easily to be carried on the go.
Mesh playpen
A mesh playpen is another type of baby playpen that is made from see-through mesh fabric. This allows you to keep an eye on your baby at all times. It is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, as it is sturdy and weatherproof.
Wooden playpen
A wooden playpen is a more traditional type of playpen. It is made from natural wood and is sturdy and durable. It is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Safety and precautions with baby playpens
As we previously mentioned, playpens are not 100% safe. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when using one:
- Do not leave your baby unattended in a playpen.
- Make sure the playpen is sturdy and will not tip over.
- Do not use a playpen if it has loose or sharp edges.
- Make sure all locks and latches are secure.
- Do not let your baby climb or hang on the sides of the playpen.
- Keep toys and other objects out of the reach of your baby to avoid choking hazards.
- Do not put your baby to sleep in a playpen.
- Make sure the playpen is in a well-lit area.
How to choose the right baby playpen for your needs?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best playpen for your baby. Here are five of the most important ones:
Size
One of the first things you should take into account is the size of the playpen since it will determine if it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Some playpens can be set up indoors or outdoors.
Functionality
Another thing to consider is the functionality of the playpen, as it will determine how it can be used. Some have more bells and whistles than others, so make sure you go for something that best fits your needs. You might also want to think about where you are going to use it most often – indoors or outdoors.
Price
Price is another thing to consider, as playpens can be quite pricey. Take a good look around online at different prices and choose the one that best fits your budget. You might also want to look for deals or coupons before you purchase something in order to save money when buying baby products.
Safety features
When it comes to safety features, you should look for a playpen that has a wide base and cannot be easily tipped over. Also, make sure there are no sharp edges and the latches work well so your baby can’t escape.
Ease of use
Good quality playpens have to be easy to set up and fold away when not in use. They should also be lightweight so you can move them around with ease.
Build quality
You should look at the build quality of the playpen. A good-quality product will be sturdy and durable. It might also have a few safety features to keep your baby as safe as possible.
Conclusion
There is a lot of debate among parents about whether or not to use playpens for babies. Some think they are good because it provides an opportunity for the baby to explore and develop motor skills, while others believe that they can be harmful by limiting mobility, preventing exploration, and hindering development. No one seemed to have enough information on this topic, so we did some research! Here’s what we found out: *Some studies show that using a playpen prevents children from developing their brains as well as other children who don’t use them* The conclusion? It depends on how you feel about your child’s brain development, but in general, no conclusive evidence has been made either way.
You may also like to read: What is a sleeper for a baby?
