In comparison with recent developments like baby jumpers and activity centers, the baby playpen was invented very much earlier. Maybe a Cavemen’s parents even sectioned off a bit of the cave for Baby while Mum or Dad cooked the food. That makes sense because first and foremost, this kind of accessory is especially useful for busy mums or dads who are alone all day long without helpers. They can leave their babies or toddlers in a safe area where a tot can play with toys, crawl, or sleep while a caregiver is working from home, doing some housework, is on the mobile phone or PC, just relaxing, etc. Very often, the best playpen for toddlers features a playing panel with different toys, spinning balls, numbers, and so on. So, it also serves as an interactive learning device which develops baby’s motor and cognitive skills.
When to use Playpen for Baby
Evolution has designed the baby brain to develop within small groups, tribes, clans, and especially extended families, etc. over hundreds of thousands of years, not in isolation, which is how many of us live today. This point is mentioned for good reason. It’s important for the mental well-being and development of your child to only use playpens at the right time and in the right way. A playpen should feel to a baby (and even more so a toddler) to be a fun, comfortable, safe place where they can ideally still see or at least hear you.
Are Playpens good for Babies
It’s worth discussing that before deciding which playpen to buy. Do not ever use playpens as a ‘time out’ or as a place to leave a baby for hours at a time. About 30-40 minutes in one stretch is usually OK but if the tot is showing signs before that they are unhappy about being there, pick them up and give them some reassurance and ideally something else to do before thinking about returning them. If you have twins or are maybe looking after a second child, make sure all is well between them too.
Designs, where you and baby can easily see each other, are also preferable for some children.
Which Playpen to Buy
That depends on whether you plan to use it inside only, or inside and outside and also if you want to take it in the car etc. There is no ‘best playpen’, it just depends on what your needs are.
- EDITOR’s PICK – TOP 3
- The Best Portable Playpen – EDITOR’s PICK
- The Most Colorful and Appealing – EDITOR’s PICK
- The Best for Twins – EDITOR’s PICK
- The Most Comfortable
- The Most Extendible
- The Most Versatile and Amusing
- The Best for Developing Baby Motor Skills
- The Best non-traditional Model
- The Best for Outdoors
The Best Playpen for Toddler
What’s the best way to use a playpen? It’s advisable to place the infant in a playpen for a few minutes when he or she is at least 5–6 months and already is beginning to sit up. In this way, the child gradually adapts to this accessory and does not accept it as a limit on their freedom. Of course, you can later increase the time spent in a playpen. But it really should not be more than 30-40 minutes. The child should only be in the playing fenced are for as long as she or he likes it. If they start to get restless, feel anxious, etc., take them out from the playpen immediately and do something else.
Best Rated Baby Playpens – Our Top 3
Nowadays, you may find a great variety of baby playpens brands that are versatile and full of different functions. But we’d like to draw your attention to our three top products which are the Delta Children Play Yard, North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard and Japexty wooden folding Panel.
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1. UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller - Gregory |
| The Best of the Best |
| Weight: 30 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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2. UPPAbaby Vista Stroller - Jordan |
| The Best for a Growing Baby |
| Weight: 50 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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3. BOB Rambler Jogging Stroller |
| The Most Convenient for Strolling |
| Weight: 25.2 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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4. Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base |
| The Best for New-Born Babies |
| Weight: 16.5 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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5. Babyzen YOYO+ Stroller |
| The Best for Travelling |
| Weight: 16.6 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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6. Zoe XL1 Best Single Stroller |
| The Most Friendly-Budget |
| Weight: 11 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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7. Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller |
| The Top for Any Outing |
| Weight: 25.3 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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8. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller, Carbon |
| The Best on Uneven Roads |
| Weight: 27 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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9. UPPAbaby MINU Stroller – Jordan |
| The Most Compact for Travelling |
| Weight: 15.2 lbs |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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Best Baby Play Fence – TOP 9
What are the best playpens for crawling? This question might be asked by many parents who aren’t sure which is the best baby or toddler product to choose for their little children. We will clarify that here. We’ve spent about sixty hours to find out what playpens are the most versatile and worthy of buying. For this target, we’ve made a list of 9 baby products with the best customers’ reviews. So, let’s start.
1. Delta Children 36″ x 36″ Play Yard
The Best Portable Playpen
The Delta Children Play Yard is a good option if you are looking for a bigger play yard for your toddler. It is intended for babies with a maximum weight of up to 35 pounds. Having a 3-foot square area, the product provides lots of great space for kids. On the sides of the mesh, there are different animal designs that are funny and attractive. The play yard comes with mattress flooring and a carrying bag. Thanks to its bag, it can be easily folded for both storage and travel. The weight of Delta Children is 28 pounds, that makes it a bit on the heavy side if you are trying to move it around.
- Roomy for kids games.
- It comes at an affordable price.
- It comes with a carrying bag and a mattress.
- Perfect for traveling, except it a bit heavy.
- A bit complicated to assemble it.
- Being rather heavy could reduce the traveling appeal for some.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How much does it weigh?
A: It weighs 28 pounds.
Q: Is it equipped with wheels?
A: No, it isn’t.
Q: My daughter is 25 pounds. Can I use it for her?
A: Yes, you can use the play yard for her since its weight limit is up to 35 pounds.
Final Verdict
If you want your child to have enough space for playing games and just relaxing Delta Children 36″ x 36″ Play Yard is the best variant for him. A big advantage is the carrying bag that allows you to fold it in a compact size and travel everywhere you want.
2. Regalo My Play Portable Playard Indoor and Outdoor
The Most Comfortable
Regalo My Play Portable Playard is considered to be one of the most comfortable and safest toddler play yards. It weighs only 11.95 pounds, and you can easily fold it in a compact size within a few seconds. When it comes to set up, it also very simple and won’t take much time. The Regalo Playard is made from waterproof material, and it is suitable for outside and inside use. The mesh is almost transparent, great for seeing baby and baby seeing you and the floor is made from high-quality nylon. Also, the bottom is removable and washable. The frame is steel and sturdy enough for an active kid. The play yard comes with a carrying case together with a shoulder strap.
- Ultralight and portable.
- Simple setup.
- Made from water-resistant material.
- The bottom isn’t padded.
- Not as much space to play as some.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Does it have a canopy that protects a baby from the sun?
A: No, it doesn’t.
Q: Is it spacious enough for twins?
A: That depends on the twins. You might want to go for a bigger model.
Q: Is it made from a waterproof material?
A: Yes, it is, and you can use it outside.
Final Verdict
If you want your kid to feel safe and comfy, Regalo My Play Portable Playard Indoor and Outdoor is a perfect choice. It’s one of the best portable playpens which meets all safety standards since it’s quite durable, reasonably spacious and made from water-resistant material.
3. Evenflo Versatile Play Space, Multi Color
The Most Extendible
Evenflo Versatile Play Space is a versatile and spacious product for outside and inside use. Its height is 28 inches, and the weight is 16.88 pounds. It comes with sturdy reversible legs that allow you to put the play yard on the lawn. Also, there are non-skid pads that make the product stable on every kind of surface. It is simple to set up and fold up thanks to its design. A significant advantage is that Evenflo is equipped with waterproof and UV resistant panels making the product safe for your tot. Also, if you wish to expand the product, you can buy 2-panel sets separately.
- It comes with reversible legs and UV resistant panels.
- Affordable price.
- Quite roomy.
- Non-skid pads won’t scratch the surface.
- The 2-piece extension isn’t included.
- The design won’t be every parent’s taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Does it come with 2-panel extensions?
A: No, you have to purchase them separately.
Q: Is there any protecting canopy?
A: No, it doesn’t have such an option.
Q: What is the maximum number of panels that can be attached to this play yard?
A: You can attach a maximum of 8 panels.
Final Verdict
Evenflo Versatile Play Space combines all the features that make it great and high-quality. Thanks to its reversible legs, non-skid pads, waterproof and UV resistant panels it’s a perfect choice for outside and inside use as well.
4. North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard
The Most Colorful and Appealing
North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard is a multi-colored play fence which can be used both outside and inside. It has eight plastic and water-resistant panels that provide much space for your children (34 square feet). Besides, if it’s necessary, the panels can be adjusted for less area. You just need to pull out a desired number of panels. The play yard weighs up to 25.3 pounds, and you can easily fold it up in a compact size. Also, it has a carrying handle allowing you to take the product wherever you want. Its height is 26 inches making kids games very safe. There are special non-slippery pads that won’t scratch the floor.
- It provides plenty of space for babies.
- Portable and easy to set up.
- Colorful design.
- For outside and inside use.
- Non-skid pads.
- It can be easily adjusted for a smaller space.
- Without floor coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is it possible to add more panels to this play yard?
A: Yes, it’s possible. You may buy them separately.
Q: Is the mat included?
A: No.
Q: Is it made from metal?
A: It’s made from durable plastic.
Final Verdict
There’s a nice colorful construction feel with the North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Play area. It’s spacious, durable, and reliable for kids aged between 6 months and 24 months.
5. Kidzone Baby Playpen Kids 8 Panel Safety
The Most Versatile and Amusing
Kidzone Baby Playpen Kids 8 Panel Safety is a nicely designed child playpen with a fun and attractive design, full of multiple colors and images. It has a playing phone, house and rotating balls to entertain your tot. The flexible shape and eight replaceable panels allow you to create such shapes as square, rectangle, or so on. That’s why this toddler playpen can be easily adjusted according to the desired size, and you can place it either outside or inside. It’s very reliable and safe as it has a safety lock and it’s a lead-free product. The Kidzone Baby Playpen is easy to set up and fold up.
This model comes in two colors – in pink (for girls) and blue (for boys) if the color choice thing is your thing.
- Beautiful design.
- Fun elements like the built-in phone.
- High-quality and durable.
- Easily adjustable for different size or shapes.
- Safe locking play fence.
- No floor coverage.
- The case isn’t included.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Does it come in a case?
A: No, it doesn’t.
Q: How much does it weigh?
A: It weighs 30 pounds.
Q: Does the product material contain lead?
A: No, it’s a lead-free playpen for a baby.
Final Verdict
The bright and fun design of Kidzone Baby Playpen will attract your kid’s attention and should make it a fun area for them to be in. A good choice for many parents.
6. Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play
The Best for Developing Baby Motor Skills
Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play is another popular baby product with a colorful and cute design. It is full of such entertaining activities as spinning balls, feet patterns that produce lovely sounds, rotating gears, and so on. The playpen is huge and provides enough space for your child or maybe even twins. A big pro is that it comes with a rubber base that helps it stick to the surface and to remain stable. Also, there is a safety lock that assures that your toddler won’t get out of it. What is also good is that Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre can be used both outdoors and indoors.
- Features built-in activities.
- Simple to set up and fold up.
- Spacious big enough for some twins.
- It isn’t heavy.
- It comes with a rubber base.
- Doesn’t have padding.
- Not suited to traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is it padded enough?
A: Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with padding at all.
Q: Is this a portable play yard?
A: No, it isn’t.
Q: Can I use it outside?
A: Yes, it’s convenient to use for outside and inside use.
Final Verdict
If you want your kid not only to be entertained but to develop their motor skills Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play is a perfect choice.
7. Chicco Lullaby Baby Playard
The Most Non-traditional
Chicco Lullaby Baby Playard is one of the best baby play yards since it represents a very versatile 3-in one design. It comes with a napper for newborn babies, with a bassinet for infants, and finally, it can be used as a playpen for toddlers. All of these parts are removable, and they adapt to each baby’s stage. Also, a mobile with three plush toys will help your baby to fall asleep quickly. A zip mattress is also removable and machine washable. There is a special changer for keeping diapers and other kid stuff in. The product sets up and folds up easily into a carrying case that is included.
- Clever and versatile 3-in-1 design.
- A great Playard with bassinet.
- Comes with a mobile for baby to watch.
- Has a zip and machine washable mattress.
- Creates soothing surrounding for infants.
- Can be wheeled around.
- The attached mobile doesn’t rotate automatically.
- Coloring is a bit drab.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Does the mobile rotate?
A: Unfortunately, it doesn’t spin automatically.
Q: Can I travel with it?
A: Yes, you can quite easily, since it isn’t heavy and comes with a carry case.
Q: What kind of music does the mobile produce?
A: It doesn’t play music.
Final Verdict
Chicco Lullaby Baby Playard is a cool and versatile variant on the play area design with its 3-in-1 capabilities providing excellent comfort and safety to your tot. We highly recommend it to many parents.
8. Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Playard
The Best for Outdoors
Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Playard is an excellent dual-use baby product that can be used both outside and inside. The reason for this is the floor which is made from waterproof material. However, it’s a quite thin canvas. The mesh sides provide enough visibility but are less see-through than some models. The play yard’s weight is only 12.2 pounds, which makes it very easy to move it from one place to another one. Summer Infant comes with a carrying bag with a shoulder strap, allowing you to travel with it. The play yard with metal frames may be compactly folded and stored.
Another bonus is that you can buy an optional extra canopy which will protect your little one from the sun’s rays outside.
- It can be used both outside and inside.
- Super lightweight – pretty much best in class – so very easy to carry.
- Cheap price.
- It can be easily folded for storage and traveling.
- An additional canopy doesn’t come with the play yard.
- The bottom isn’t firm enough and overall the design is not the strongest.
- The mesh could have been more see-through
- No mattress option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use it outside?
A: Yes, of course. Summer Infant Playard is made from a water-resistant canvas.
Q: Do I need to buy a protecting canopy separately?
A: Yes, you have to buy it since it isn’t included.
Q: Is the bottom firm enough?
A: Unfortunately, it’s a bit flimsy.
Final Verdict
Although that Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Playard isn’t as high-quality as other baby products, it’s an excellent lightweight variant if you want to save your money.
9. Jaxpety Wooden Folding Playpen
The Best for Twins
One of our top picks first because it is expandable in size and configurable in at least 8 different shapes, including hexagons and octagons, or can be used to section off a corner or area of a room, using one or more walls. All of which makes it the best playpen for twins. We also like it because kids need to experience more than just plastic – they need different textures, colors, and shapes.
It’s both sturdy and safe, looks great, has a very safe door design and good mounting to go onto the carpet and other kinds of flooring. If you want to think longer-term, this is a handsome looking wooden model that will age gracefully and might one day be a collectible item.
- Perfect for twins as it can be expanded.
- Cheap price makes expansion cost-effective.
- Looks great.
- A bit fiddly to set up (requires an Allen wrench).
- Not suited for traveling.
- Wouldn’t like being left outside in the rain much.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use it outside?
A: Yes, but expect sun fade and water damage if you leave it out in bad weather for long periods.
Q: How big can I make it?
A: As big as you like, just buy more.
Q: How about use for pets too?
A: Not really. Big dogs might be able to jump it and very small dogs slip through the bars.
Final Verdict
A good looking and versatile playpen, that is a great option for twins.
How to stop Playpens from Moving
The simplest solution is to place them in the corner of a room, so that two walls will stop most movement. Failing that, put them snugly up against a sofa, cupboard etc. and there will be one direction they can’t move at all and if there is snug contact, the friction will inhibit movement. You can also use small wedges or heavy objects leaning against the walls. In fact there are many ways.
Can Playpens Be used as Cribs
Playpens with cribs are available and of course you can make a bed inside a playpen but cribs are small and playpens are big, so not always, no.
Best Baby Playpen
Along with baby walkers, jumpers and activity centers, the playpen is another favorite accessory for babies. It’s handy and practical since its safety allows a busy mother to leave her child alone for a while. In the article, we reviewed the best eight playpens with a different design, constructions, functions, and so on. To our mind, all of them are worthy of buying, and we will highly recommend them to many caring parents.
EDITOR’s PICK |
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1. Delta Children 36" x 36" Play Yard |
| The Best Portable Playpen |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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Delta Children Play Yard is one of the most spacious play yards for your kids. It has mesh on the sides with funny animal pictures, mattress flooring, and a carry case. The last one allows you to fold the product easily for both storage and travel. A big pro is that such a high-quality accessory is at an affordable price. |
| Pros: — Roomy for kids games — At an affordable price — It comes with a carrying bag and a mattress — Perfect for traveling |
2. North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard |
| The Most Colorful and Appealing |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard is one of the best infant play yards with an appealing and colorful design. A great advantage is that the product can be used both inside and outside, thanks to its eight waterproof panels. What’s also great is that the panels are adjustable for a smaller or larger area. The bottom is equipped with non-skid pads that won’t scratch surfaces. The play yard is easy to set up and folds up compactly for storage or travel. |
| Pros: — Provides plenty of play space for babies — Portable and easy to set up — Colorful design — For outside and inside use — Non-skid pads — It can be easily adjusted for smaller spaces |
3. Jaxpety Wooden Folding Playpen |
| The Best for Twins |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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The Jaxpety Wooden Folding Playpen is one of our top picks first because it is expandable to be the best playpen for twins and also because very young kids need to experience different textures, colors, and shapes. They often live in a world of plastic toys, plastic this and plastic that. This Jaxpety model is made of sturdy wood, is appealingly multi-colored and can be configured in three different shapes. So, this ticks lots of boxes. It’s sturdy and safe, looks great, is a change from a world full of plastic, and for older toddlers, you can have fun choosing what shape to make together. Thinking longer-term, no one is likely to want to keep a plastic playpen as an heirloom but this handsome looking wooden model will age gracefully and will be quite happy to sit up in the attic until the next generation needs it. |
| Pros: — Plenty of space for one or two babies to play — Choice of fun layout shapes an older toddler could choose — Looks and feels great to baby — Wood design is attractive, strong and will age well — Can be easily adjusted or expanded for a huge range of different spaces |
A useful article. Thank you for such a great review.
When is the best time to start using a playpen for kids?
The recommended age is 5-6 months when your baby is already beginning to sit.
Can I use a playpen outside?
Actually, it depends on the model. If you want to place a playpen outside, you have to choose the product with water-resistant material. Besides, it would be great if it is designed with a protecting canopy from the sun.
Can you recommend another best Playard for twins?
It depends on the twins. You need twins who get on and you then need an awful lot of space, so that each has room to play without possible friction with the other. When thinking about playpens for twins you might choose to go extra-large with just a big playpen with a gate for toddlers. Alternatively, you could put two playpens side by side and open or close the gates to each as needed. Or to reduce your cost, you could create a big play area by using one of the models we have shown that allows you to section off part of a room. A playpen for babies who don’t move much is one thing because newborns don’t crawl at all and it takes a while for a baby to move to the toddler stage, where twins get more interactive with each other.
Can playpen be used as a crib, how about more detail?
It depends on the model. There are some 3 in one designs, like the Chico three-in-one we reviewed here but generally speaking, no you can’t use a playpen as a crib, you can buy a playpen that has a crib option. A crib is a small area for sleeping but a playpen should be a much bigger area for crawling around and latter toddling. So, a real crib is too small to be a good playpen and a good playpen on its own is too big to be a good crib. It’s actually pretty simple to just get a proper play area and then make a sleeping area for your tot inside it, with a comfy bedroll of some kind and pillow plus a blanket.
How to stop playpen from moving – can you say more?
Some playpens might move about if you have a strong toddler, in that case, you have some different options. The simplest is to put some heavy objects on the floor up against one side of the playpen and that will stop it moving in that direction – you can then place more on other sides if you want to restrict movement further. Another option is to place the playpen in the corner of a room – that way there are two directions where the will stop any kind of movement. You might consider some kinds of fixing as well but that might men drilling, ropes, etc. which all gets a bit more complicated.
Can you recommend another Playard with Bassinet?
You might find other models – it depends on where to buy – but we really liked our top-rated model, which seemed to us to be a clever design at a reasonable price and with some cool features.