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Your baby’s playtime is as important as their sleep time. Did you know that a baby’s playtime helps in their intellectual, social, and problem-solving skills? To guarantee a safe playing place, you need to have the best baby playpen. A good baby playpen gives you peace of mind, knowing your baby is safe as he or she plays.
We have done our research and have come up with some of the best baby playpens in the market, also known as playards or play yards. If you are wondering why your baby should play in a playpen, we will give you reasons to purchase one. This information will guide you on how to spot a good playpen and what to look out for when considering the safety of the playpen.
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Types of Baby Playpens
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There are different types of baby playpens designed to suit diverse tastes, preferences, and functions. As a parent, you are probably interested to know the materials that make up the playpen. Playpens can be metallic, wooden, or made of plastic.
Besides the material, playpens are differentiated by their design and functionalities. For example, some baby playpens have a gate or door, while others do not. If you don’t like leaning over when placing your baby in the playpen, you should go for one with a gate. If you are looking for the best baby playpen for outdoor play, there are several options in the market. Important features of an outdoor playpen are insect netting, ground stakes, and a sun shield.
You will also be delighted to know that some baby playpens are expandable. Has your baby grown and the space you have is no longer enough? Just expand the playpen using additional panels. Depending on what you love to see on your baby’s playpen, you can specify your requirements before going shopping. For example, you can go out looking for a metallic, expandable, outdoor playpen.
List of Best Baby Playpens
We have made it easy for you to shop for a good playpen by selecting the best baby playpens available in the market.
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Description
This is a versatile playpen that gives you and your baby options. The versatility comes in two ways—it is expandable and can be used both indoors and outdoors. You can adjust the size and space of the playpen by either adding or removing panels. Besides this versatility, the stakes add for secure grounding outside, making it the best baby playpen for the outdoors.
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This playpen is square-shaped, taking little space compared to other playpens. The playpen is suitable for babies weighing less than 30 pounds and who are less than 35 inches in height. When not in use, just fold the playpen and store it.
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With a nylon bottom for protection from the floor and rough surfaces, this is one of the best baby playpens for your kids. In addition, the nylon makes the playpen water-resistant. The playpen is simple to fold.
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If you prefer plastic materials for your baby’s play area and space, this is the best baby playpen to have. The playpen is also designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
A unique feature of this product is the door that is easy to open. If you feel the 18.5 square feet created by six panels is not enough for your baby, you can increase the space to 34.4 square feet by adding two extension panels.
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This is one of the best baby playpens that is made of wood. It’s a sturdy playpen that makes it secure for your baby to play in.
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This is designed as a removable bassinet. It is easy to fold and ideal for travel. It is made of durable panels.
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This playpen has mesh sides and a weather-resistant canvas floor. These materials make it a light playpen that can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you are looking for a playpen that is easy to carry when traveling, this is the best baby playpen for you. However, this playpen is only suitable for babies that are unable to climb out.
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This playpen is made from 22 percent polyester and 78 percent polyurethane. It is a suitable playpen for babies that weight up to 30 pounds. Once the child is able to climb, you should look for an alternative.
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This is a colorful playpen that will add to the aesthetics of your baby’s play area. Additional features that make it a great option include the 14 panels, an interactive play panel, and one door panel. Furthermore, the panel has a security lock that minimizes the chances of your baby getting out of the playpen.
Adding to its security features are the strong and durable materials used to make the playpen. In addition, these materials are non-toxic. You can use this playpen both indoors and outdoors.
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This is one of the best baby playpens when it comes to materials; it is made of strong durable materials that are nontoxic. In addition, the playpen has a dual locking system making it safe for your baby. The colors and stylish design makes this playpen pleasant to the eye. Importantly, this is a sturdy playpen and can be used as a room divider.
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Reasons to Buy A Playpen for Your Baby
We have given you a list of the best baby playpens, and the choice is yours to choose among the ten. Here are some reasons why you should let your baby play in the best baby playpen:
Safety
Playpens offer your baby a safe playing area and space. The surrounding frames or mesh ensure that the baby does not get out of the playpen. Security can be enhanced by locking the door—for playpens that have doors and/or gates. Having your baby in a secure playpen gives you peace of mind, especially when you need time to do other chores.
Independence
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Having your baby playing in a playpen teaches them a sense of independence from an early age. Although you may love to play with your baby the whole day, that is almost impossible. Having the baby play alone with toys is a good learning experience for him or her.
Multi-Function
Some playpens come with additional features that make your life easier. For example, the playpen can also double up as a diaper changing area, a portable crib, and a bassinet. You can carry your portable playpen when traveling or visiting friends, protecting your baby from harmful items such as uncovered electrical outlets in your host’s house are outdoors.
What to Look for in A Playpen
If you are a new parent or have never bought a playpen before, you are probably wondering what you should look out for when buying one. Remember, the most important feature we want as parents is the safety of our children. This fundamental factor will inform your choice of the best baby playpen. Looking out for the following features will help you in getting the best baby playpen.
- Materials
- Versatility
- Size
- Ease of Use
You should go for a playpen that is easy to set up or assemble. If a playpen is adjustable, it should be easy to add and fix the extra panels. Some parents prefer foldable playpens that are easy to store.
How to Choose A Safe Playpen
In addition to the strong, durable, and nontoxic materials, there is more to a playpen’s safety than you may assume. Make sure the playpen has the required safety mark and complies with play yard standards. Check for JPMA certification. If the playpen has a bassinet attachment, bassinet requirements must also be met.
In addition to checking out if the playpen meets safety standards, look out for the following when choosing a safe playpen for your baby:
Besides the above features that you should consider when looking for a safe baby playpen, you should take several precautions when using the playpen. You should never leave your baby alone—unless when necessary. Secondly, do not leave large items that your baby can step on in the playpen. Your baby may use such items to climb out. Also, never leave the playpen near heaters or radiators.
How to Clean A Playpen
Most of the baby playpens reviewed are easy to clean. For playpens with side mesh and nylons, you can easily hand wash the materials. For the other playpens, wiping down the sides and floor with a damp cloth and soap is good enough to clean the playpen.
Final Verdict
Surreal Bear Infant & Baby Playpen is our top choice. This is because the playpen has all the desirable features a parent would want to have in a single play yard, making it the best baby playpen.
The playpen can be used both indoors and outdoors, has a door with a security lock, an interactive panel, and is made of strong materials. Add the color scheme of this playpen, and you have yourself a beautiful play area for your baby. The New Venture All Stars Baby Playpen spots similar features, making it a suitable alternative to Surreal Bear.
