Playpens for Babies

Points to consider as you shop for playpens

Life, unfortunately, does not brake for child rearing. Whether it's a phone call, a meal that needs to be prepared, urgent housework, or any other of each day's small contingencies, there are moments when baby can't be given your undivided attention. Playpens are the pause buttons that every parent needs on such occasions. Here's what to look for as you shop Playpens.com for a little "remote control" of your baby's whereabouts.

What's in a Playpen? Babies, of course. But what that question really means is "what does 'playpen' mean anymore?" These days, you're more likely to find "play yards" being sold as play pens, and the mingling of the two terms can lead to some confusion. A play yard is essentially Play Pen 2.0 - an enclosure that not only keeps a baby safely confined, but also has functional and entertainment features such as a changing table and portable bassinet, a vibration mode, or even a music player with an MP3 outlet. As popular as play yards have become, the classic play pen design endures, and remains an invaluable accessory for busy parents who want a sturdy, durable, and perhaps even furniture-quality product that will keep their baby safe.

Shopping Tips for Baby Playpens
Safety
Baby playpens that have been certified as meeting the voluntary safety standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials are marked with the seal of the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association.

To further ensure safety, check for the following:

• Railings that lock in place, are at least 20 inches tall, and can support 50 pounds
• With wooden playpens, the spacing between rails should be no greater than 2 3/8 inch
• If the design features mesh sides, the weave should be less than .25 inch to prevent clothing or buttons from catching in the holes
• After purchase, check the play pen regularly for splinters, holes, broken seams or tears, and other potential hazards

Baby Playpen Features
Playpens for babies may not come with MP3 capabilities, but there are several useful features you might want. A foldable design would make it much easier to store the playpen when it's not needed. Some models come with swivel locking wheels that make it easy to move the enclosure within the home, or even outside. Other models are designed for portability and travel outside the home. A multi-height adjustment feature would allow you to adapt the play pen as your baby grows.

Padding and Sheets
Cotton or vinyl padding that covers the whole interior of your play pen helps make the space soft, colorful, and protective. Washable playpen sheets are easier to deal with than scrubbing the floor.

Playpen Material
The classic wooden playpen is usually what springs to mind when people think of playpens. Strong and durable, wood is always a beautiful addition to any room (see our selection of Kettler wooden playpens made from solid beechwood for some examples). We also carry a variety of metal playpens for a more contemporary style, and plastic playpens that are colorful and fun.

Playpen Accessories
An empty playpen is more pen than play. See our playpen accessories section for toys and other items that will liven up your baby's favorite hideout.