With the birth of a baby, parents face many questions, the solution of which directly affects the full development, health and safety of the baby. First, adults carefully select a good crib, a reliable and comfortable stroller, and diapers suitable for delicate skin. But after a few months, when the child begins to hold his head up and roll over, the question arises about a new acquisition - a playpen. Many parents doubt whether it is worth buying it or is it better not to waste money? To come to the right decision, you need to understand why your child needs a playpen, what are the advantages and any disadvantages of using it.
A safe and fun space to play
A playpen is a popular device that encloses the baby’s play space and gives the mother the opportunity to leave for a short while, leaving the child completely safe. Many people believe that the child does not need this product at all. There is an opinion that a playpen is needed only by an eternally tired mother, who needs to leave her baby in it for at least some time in order to cook porridge for him. Some people think that the child has no need for such an invention at all - the little one feels like he’s in captivity there. However, every year more and more mothers decide to buy a playpen not for their own convenience, but for the comfort and full development of the baby. How are these aspects related to each other? The fact is that modern playpen manufacturers create products with soft rugs or mattresses equipped with interactive functions. It can be:
- removable soft toys;
- small safety mirrors;
- rattles;
- applications made from materials of different textures;
- details with sound effects, etc.
When playing in a playpen with similar additions, the baby enjoys being in an exciting, bright and colorful play area. By interacting with interactive details, he learns about the world. And all the benefits of the playpen do not end there.
Who needs to buy a playpen and when?
It is necessary to purchase this item before the moment when the baby begins to move around the apartment without hindrance. And all because the baby should be taught this subject in advance. Many young mothers very often manage to do without it. A lot depends on the living conditions, the mother and the baby itself. But there are some situations in which you simply cannot do without a playpen.
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At home, this children's item will be very useful in cases where you need to redo a lot of work and at the same time make sure that the baby does not fit anywhere. After all, if a baby calmly crawls around the room, it is impossible to do his job without worrying that he won’t do anything. Some mothers cannot even calmly be in the toilet while their child is on the move. Some people put the child in bed, but experts say that it is better not to do this. They assure that the child should know that he should sleep in the bed and not play.
In nature, it is very difficult to keep track of a little fidget. And all because various “interesting” troubles in the form of insects or fragments can lie in wait for him in the grass. It is for this reason that it is simply necessary for travelers to purchase a playpen so as not to give up their old way of life. When traveling, the playpen also acquires the function of a sleeping place.
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Are there any disadvantages
The disadvantages of the arena include the fact that its location requires some free space. However, the small model fits perfectly even in a small apartment. For a larger option, you need to provide a free zone in the room.
It must be remembered that the playpen has all the advantages only if the child voluntarily agrees to spend time in it.
To do this, it is recommended to place babies in them as early as possible - from three months. The toddler's first stay in this play space may be limited to a couple of minutes. Next, you need to increase the time, observing the baby’s reaction. ← whole list
Types of arena
The playpen is divided into 4 categories:
- Mesh is the most common. It has certain advantages: transportability, lightness, the walls will protect the child from bruises when falling, their oilcloth surface is more hygienic than fabric or wood. There are corner type options, which, unlike rectangular ones, take up less space.
- Screen. Plastic shields are fastened and installed on the floor. Because of their transparency, the child can freely observe what is happening.
- A playpen bed will become indispensable when traveling. It has a fairly hard bottom, mesh walls and sufficient dimensions for the baby to feel comfortable while sleeping. They are divided into “umbrellas” and “books” depending on the design.
- Wooden playpens are environmentally friendly, as manufacturers claim. It is convenient for a child who is just learning to climb, as it is very easy to climb the bars. But there is also a disadvantage of such a playpen: if you fall, you can hurt yourself. Soft sides, which are usually hung on the bed, are inconvenient to use for playpens.
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It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question whether the playpen is safe for the baby or not, since experts are still arguing about this. That is why every mother must decide for herself whether to buy it or not.
How to choose a playpen
It is better to choose larger products so that many toys can be placed inside and the baby himself can fit. Be sure to pay attention to the height of the arena. It is important that the child cannot fall out of there. In any case, the height should be over 80 centimeters.
Some models already include various toys in the kit. In addition, you can buy a special play mat. This is a useful device that will help keep your child occupied and develop motor skills, hearing and vision. Play mats have a positive effect on thinking, mental and emotional, physical and mental development. By the way, they produce models that are used from birth.
The product must be stable and securely fixed to the floor, otherwise it may tip over. Choose models with locking wheels, fasteners and additional legs. Some devices are produced on five legs, one of which is in the center, and some even on six or seven. The playpen should not wobble!
For models with mesh or fabric walls, the mesh and fabric should not fall through or sag. They must be firmly and securely fixed. The mesh should be fine so that your fingers cannot get stuck inside. And by choosing transparent walls, you can easily observe what your baby is doing. And the child will be able to see his mother.
Fabric or oilcloth is used as covering. The fabric is stronger, more durable and safer, which is especially important if. Such a baby will definitely want to bite the sides. However, oilcloth washes better. Therefore, choose the sides from fabric, and the bottom from oilcloth.
Many products additionally have handrails-rings, which the baby can hold on to and pull up. Due to which he will learn to get up, stand and take steps along the sides. The kit may include various toys, a cover or bag for transporting the playpen, a mattress or rug, a mosquito net, a music box, and so on.
Choose a calm color so that the baby does not become overexcited and is less tired and tense. It’s good if the bottom of the product is located at a distance of about ten centimeters, this will protect the child from drafts and diseases. Pay attention to the weight and age of the child for whom the playpen is intended.
It is important that the product is as safe as possible. Therefore, choose designs without sharp corners. Metal elements must be hidden using special plugs. Don't forget about reliable fasteners. Below we offer a rating of the best models. The top 12 includes models that vary in design, cost and functionality.
| Model | Description | Characteristics | Price |
| Intex My First Gym | Multifunctional inflatable playpen for children over 8 months; can be used as a small pool; soft sides and bottom are springy; safe, but not strong enough | Compact size and light weight; arc with toys included; soft sides and waterproof bottom | 1400 rubles |
| Fairy Classic | A classic rectangular product, for a child over six months and up to 3 years old; frame made of metal, walls made of mesh textile, oilcloth on the bottom, upper sides made of paralon and oilcloth | Soft mesh nets and all-round visibility for baby; easy care and washing; 4 round handles to support the baby; folds up | 2200 rubles |
| Happy Baby Alex | Square model for children from 4 months. up to 3 years old, with body weight up to 14 kg; frame made of plastic and metal; textile walls; cozy and comfortable, compact and lightweight | Includes carrying bag and mosquito net; Wheels with locking and handles for support fold quickly and conveniently | 3500 rubles |
| Jetem Sport | Stylish premium model; high strength and durability, original design in the form of a tent house; spacious space allows you to easily accommodate two children at once; The opening on the side fastens securely | Folds up and fits in a bag; transforms into a house; large diameter – 114 cm; stable, reliable and durable; waterproof bottom | 7000-9000 rubles |
| CAM America | Premium playpen with square shape; suitable for large babies weighing up to 24 kg, twins or two children; frame made of plastic and metal; fabric walls; The sides are upholstered in thick leatherette | Durable solid bottom and stable massive support legs; spacious, quickly and easily folded; pull-up handles; heavy weight – 15 kg | 11500 rubles |
| Bertoni Lorelli Nanny | Cot-playpen for newborns from the first days of life; suitable for children weighing up to 15 kg; stable and lightweight, rectangular shape; frame made of plastic and metal, walls made of textiles; not height adjustable | Folds compactly; additional leg in the center and wheels with locking; side manhole; mattress included; cover and mosquito net | 3500 rubles |
| Happy Baby Martin | Playpen-bed for active children from birth to 3 years; for a child weighing up to 25 kg; frame made of plastic and metal; walls made of high-quality, durable textiles; rectangular shape; average weight, but comes with a rather hard mattress | Soft wheels with locking; 2 levels of height adjustment; handles for support, pockets and side pocket; carrying bag included; easy care; Folds up compactly and quickly | 4600 rubles |
| Capella Sweet Time | Another cot-playpen, expanded equipment; Suitable for 0-3 years, body weight up to 14 kg; average weight of the structure; textile walls and metal+plastic body; cheerful stylish design, compactly folds into a special bag | Large wheels with locking; 2 levels of height adjustment and 7 stable supports; Includes mattress, cover, changing table; mosquito net; side hole, music and vibration | 4000 rubles |
| Hauck Dream`n Play | Folding cot for children from birth to 3 years old, weighing up to 15 kg; spacious and roomy; easy to fold and wash; walls made of transparent textiles; hard wooden bottom with oilcloth; stable, reliable and durable | Minimum equipment; additional central leg; double safety locks when folding; convenient case with handles; mattress included | 4500 rubles |
| GLOBEX Square | A simple and affordable square-shaped model; for children from 4 months. and weighing up to 14 kg; durable metal frame and transparent wall on the sides; hard bottom and sides are covered with oilcloth; easy to clean | Folds up compactly and quickly; handles-rings for support and soft sides, easy care, but not a sufficiently stable design | 1800 rubles |
| HAUCK Baby Park | Screen playpen for a child older than six months to three years; includes 5 partitions and one section in the form of gates that open in both directions; durable and strong, reliable and safe; polygonal shape but hard and heavy | The width of one section is 61 cm; weight – 13.5 kg, reliable lock for the gate section; soft mattress mat included | 7000 rubles |
| QiaoQiao Toys | The playpen is a screen house for games, which can also be used as a dry pool; polygonal plastic design; durable and resistant | Easy to disassemble and assemble; light weight – 9 kg; convenient to wash; no bottom and solid opaque walls | 6800 rubles |
At what age will it be needed?
If there is a need for a playpen for a baby, then it will be needed from 3-4 months, because later, when independent movement begins, this will be perceived as a restriction of personal freedom and may result in protest. At an earlier age, newborns are much more comfortable in a crib or stroller.
You can use the playpen for up to 1-1.3 years, then the child will be able to get out and the structure will no longer perform its main function - safety.
Or not, each parent decides for himself. All children are different, some can stay in a fenced space for about an hour, playing calmly, others protest from being in it for a minute. Therefore, only personal experience and knowledge of the character of your little one will help you make the right choice.
Is it worth purchasing
The main advantage of the playpen:
- safety of the baby;
- the emergence of personal free time for the mother.
The use of a protective structure is more important for the parents than for the child. They leave the baby safe and do household chores. After all, it is not always possible to provide vigilant control to your beloved child.
The disadvantages of using a playpen often include:
- territory limitation;
- decreased baby's mobility.
These disadvantages of the influence of the fence on the physical development of the baby are still controversial. Firstly, during the breaks between sleep, the child will not always be active; he also needs to develop fine motor skills and play with educational toys. The playpen is best suited for these purposes. Secondly, we are not talking about the baby staying in a confined space all day. This is definitely harmful.
But for the time when mom needs, for example, to prepare dinner, it will be very useful. In addition, the structure can be moved to the kitchen and the whole time you can talk to your baby. Of course, the older the child gets, the less time he should spend in the playpen. Due to limited space, the child moves less, which affects the poor development of muscle mass.
