How to choose a playpen

The playpen is a great help for parents. When preparing dinner, doing housework, or spending time outdoors, Mom and Dad may not keep track of the baby. But if they put the baby in the playpen, he will be safe.

What are the playpens

Playpen cots

Usually these are small and light models weighing from 7 to 25 kg. In them, the child sleeps and plays. Can be used from birth up to 36 months.

Most crib playpens are rectangular or square metal frames with a fabric cover. Sometimes they are made of wood. They fold easily and fit into a carry bag. This type of playpens is often complemented by side pockets for storing diapers and other small items, a vibrating music unit, toys and a side access so that the baby can get into his house himself. For sleep and rest, it is often equipped with a mosquito net.

Playpens can be folded horizontally, with a book and an umbrella.

1. The bottom of the umbrella arena consists of several plates, which is harmful to the child's spine. Therefore, it is recommended to use it together with an additional mattress. The playpen folds up like an umbrella and fits into a carry bag. The wheels remain outside, making it easy to transport.
2. The playpen has a flat bottom. Often equipped with castors and soft side pads. Takes up more space when folded down than an umbrella.
3. The horizontal arena is the most difficult to transport. When folded, it retains its original size, but becomes flat because the frame of the arena drops to the bottom, and the legs can be unfastened or hidden.

Playpen with mesh wall

The net arena can be either a play arena or a crib playpen. It's lightweight, folds quickly and fits into your carry bag. Comes in different colors and sizes.

The arena with a mesh wall is suitable for small apartments and small spaces. It can be angular or rectangular, which takes up little space. Often equipped with handles so that the child can stand up by himself.

Advantages

• Has soft sides and bottom. The child will not be hurt if it falls.

• Easy to fold and transport.

disadvantages

• The fine mesh negatively affects the baby's vision, creating a strong load on the optic nerves.

• If there are holes in the weaving, the baby can get stuck fingers, buttons and any buttons on clothes and toys.

• Low weight. The child can turn the playpen over.

Play wooden arena

Wooden arenas are inconvenient to carry, because they do not add up, but disassemble. These 'houses' are bulky and heavy, and their walls are made of slats. They are made from natural wood: birch, beech, pine and aspen. The rods of the playpen are varnished to protect the child from damage.

Advantages

• It is safe for eyesight. The kid sees everything that is happening around without violating the integrity of the picture.

• It is made from environmentally friendly material, so exploring the world 'taste' will not harm your baby.

• The child can stand up and hold on to the twigs without risking bending the wall, falling out of the arena or turning it over.

• There is enough space in the classic wooden arena for the child to play freely.

disadvantages

• If you fall on hard walls, the baby can hurt badly.

• Difficult to transport and assemble.

Inflatable playpen for baby

The inflatable arena is used as a play center. It has a thick bottom and soft sides, so the child is not in danger when falling. Can be completed with inflatable toys.

This arena is best used for summer cottages or outdoor recreation. Before using it for the first time, it must be washed and ventilated.

Advantages

• The playpen is easy to deflate and transport.

• You can pour balls into it to make a 'pool'.

• It is easy to care for it, just wipe it with a damp cloth.

• Suitable for games, you can jump and crawl in it.

disadvantages

• Not suitable for long term use. As a rule, the playpen is designed for children 6-12 months old.

• Often has a strong and persistent rubber odor.

Arena-screen

Screen playpens are usually made of plastic, wood, metal. They have no bottom, acting as a 'fence'. They can take any shape. Most commonly used between 12 and 48 months of age. With the help of a screen-playpen, a play space is created in the apartment, and the child is safe.

Advantages

• It is easily installed in the apartment, takes different forms.

• Used to fence off potentially hazardous areas in the room.

• Assembles quickly.

disadvantages

• Plastic models can be unstable. When buying a playpen, make sure your baby doesn't tip it over.

What to look for when buying a playpen

When choosing a wooden playpen, make sure that the distance between the slats is 6 cm. In this case, the baby's head, handle or leg will not get stuck. The slats must be sanded and varnished. Otherwise, the playpen will become a source of splinters and scratches for the baby.

When purchasing a mesh playpen, check the mesh. It should be well taut. There can be no breaks or damage on it, and the distance between the weaves should be no more than 0.6 cm. Also, make sure that the wheels are automatically locked.

Consider the following nuances:

1. Locks with which you can lower the sides of the arena must be inaccessible to the child.
2. No parts should protrude from the walls and bottom, and dangerous areas are hidden and covered with caps.
3. The sides of the arena must be over 51 cm.
4. Locks with which you can lower the sides of the arena must be inaccessible to the child.
5. No parts should protrude from the walls and bottom, and dangerous areas are hidden and covered with caps.
6. The sides of the arena must be over 51 cm.

If you are going out into the countryside or on a trip, look out for the simple 'umbrellas' and 'books' nets, equipped with a mosquito net and a changing table. Inflatable models will also be a good option, but only if the child has not started to walk.

For home, the most optimal will be classic wooden arenas. If you want to protect your child from potentially dangerous places (fireplace, steps) or divide the room into children's and adult sections, choose a screen-playpen.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right diapers for your baby and the secrets of choosing a sunscreen for your baby.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.