Baby Playpen: The Best Ones You Will Find In 2024

For a new parent, keeping track of everything is new and challenging. Keeping everything close, taking care of the little one, and dealing with the regular chores might get tough. But baby playpens will come to your aid when you want to keep the baby safe and keep your sanity intact. 

Playpens are similar to playards. These enclosed areas are a safe place for the babies to move around, crawl, explore, and play while keeping them safe from potential accidents. This is beneficial for all parents who are traveling to some other place that has not been childproofed, or some park or in your home while you are busy with your own work. 

You can keep a check on them from afar, and so can the caregivers. These are some of the best choices for your baby, and they come to your aid in a lot of situations. In this article, we are going to look for the best playpens there are in the market in 2024.

What Should You Look For In A Playpen?

Like any other baby gear, you have to consider a lot of things before you get it for that little munchkin. Playpens come in various ranges; they can be absolutely lightweight, so you can carry them around, or sturdy ones. Each comes with its own set of benefits. They also come with a lot of accessories like carry bags, padded play mats, and sun covers.

If you know what add-ons you want for your baby, that automatically narrows down your choice. But first of all, you have to think of when, how, and where you want to use it and what exactly you are looking for in a playpen. You have to think of whether you want to use it indoors or outdoors. Whether you want it to be portable or not. Think of these things first before you bring the right one home.

As for how to choose one, here are a few tips to help you –

Safety Certifications

Look for playpens that come with safety certifications. It’s best to opt for ones with JPMA and ASTM safety standards. These badges ensure that the product you are buying is certified by consumer product safety commissions. 

Height and Structure 

The sides of the Paypen should be 20 inches high. This height ensures that your baby isn’t climbing out. Also, make sure that the structure of the product you choose is sturdy. This way, you get to ensure that the baby doesn’t tip over when trying to climb up and get out. 

Mesh & Slat Specifications

Does the playpen mesh for the sides? If yes, make sure that the mesh is ¼ inch. It helps you prevent their small fingers from getting caught in between. If you are choosing wooden playpens, go for slat spacing exceeding 2 to ⅜ inches in height. 

Padding & Mattress

Before you go and buy one, make sure that the playpen has good padding at the bottom. It should be a firm mattress that snugly fits the bottom. If you use additional soft bedding there, it can cause suffocation and put your baby at risk of suffocation. 

Locks & Hinges

Another thing to keep in mind when checking the product is to see if the locks and hinges connect properly. The top rails of the playpen should connect and lock without much effort when lifted into a position. Also, the locks should be strong enough to keep your child safe from accidental collapse. 

Age & Weight Limits

The manufacturer must provide the age, weight, and height restrictions in the product manual. This should help you understand whether the playpen is a good purchase or not. If it’s under the requirement criterias for your baby’s age, weight, and height, you should probably skip this one.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Are the materials used in the playpen strong and sturdy? Will those endure regular cleaning and maintenance work? There should be a product manual with cleaning and maintenance guidelines.

Safety Tips

Safety is the most important thing you must consider before buying anything for your baby. So before you buy anything, you have to keep certain things in mind.

• Enclosed feature – When you buy one, check the enclosure feature. Check if those tiny little hands can easily open them. 
• Limitations – Check if there are any limitations to weight, age, and height. Most of these do not come with a weight limitation, but there are some which are better for infants and toddlers.
• Set up – Check whether the playpen is secured or not after you are done with the setup. Check if those little creatures can easily push them over.
• Safety standards – To keep your mind at peace, check if it meets the ASTM safety standards or not.

7 Best Playpens Of 2024

Here I have put together a list of the best playpens for helping new parents out in their mission of getting the correct one for their babies.

The California Beach Co. Pop N’ Go Playpen

If you want to get something that covers all the factors and is one of the best playpens that you will get in the market. This playpen comes in a hexagonal shape and has room for multiple children. Additionally, the large zipper enclosure makes it easy for the babies and their parents to get in easily.

Pros:

• Setting this up and breaking it down is simple.
• Moreover, it has a travel bag.
• It is easy to clean this up.
• Fits adults and multiple kids.

Cons:

• It does not come with a playmat.

Costway Babyjoy Baby Playpen

If you are looking for something to contain your little one, along with some room for them to crawl around, this is your pick. It has almost 6 feet of space for the toddler and the baby to explore. Moreover, it has mesh walls that are almost 27.5 inches high, and the zipper entrances keep them secured inside.

Pros:

• The playpen has non-slip suction cups for keeping it in one place.
• The design is spacious.
• It has breathable, soft mesh walls.

Cons:

• The floor is not padded.
• It might be a bit tricky to set it up.

4moms Breeze Plus Playard

This playpen is portable and can be used as a playpen, changing table, as well as a bassinet. Moreover, this is the best on-the-go care station that you will get for your baby.  Well, opening and closing this one is also handy and will not take much of your time when you are busy.

Pros:

• It has a versatile, 3-in-1 design.
• It comes with a water-resistant padded mattress.
• A travel bag is included.

Cons:

• Only the sheet that the brand makes fits the playpen.
• The price is quite high.

Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen

This has a huge play space, almost around 25 square feet. Additionally, it comes with a lot of space, a panel for drawing, a play panel, and five different sensory toys.  It is also easy to fold and can be tucked away when not needed.

Pros:

• It meets all the CPSC and ASTM standards.
• Comes with built-in toys.
• It has strong hinge connectors, and the anti-slip pads provide stability.
• You can expand it with additional panels.

Cons:

• It does not come with a playmat.
• It is a bit heavier than other playpens.

Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard

You can use this portable playpen indoors as well as outdoors. It also has a padded floor, which keeps the baby comfortable it has 14 square feet of space inside for your baby to enjoy and play around. 

Pros:

• The floor is padded and comfortable.
• It is easy and lightweight to store.
• Putting it together is not difficult.

Cons:

• It is suitable for babies from 6 months to 2  years.

Graco Pack N’ Play LiteTraveler LX Playard

Setting this playpen is very easy, and you will be able to create a safe space for your baby in absolutely no time. You can fold it compactly, and then when opened, it becomes quite spacious. Moreover, the mesh walls make it breathable, and your baby will play around in the comfort of the passed floor.

Pros:

• It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
• It is compact and travel-friendly.

Cons:

• The sun canopy does not give complete coverage.
• It is suitable for kids who are 35’’ or shorter than that.

Veer Basecamp Pop-Up Tent

You can keep a baby inside a playpen for a long time if they are comfortable inside. This is also one of the best beach playpens. This will keep the sand off their tiny feet and protect them from the sun and the ocean. Setting it up is also easy as it has a pop-up design. 

Pros:

• Meets JPMA and CPSC safety standards.
• There are pockets inside for extra storage.
• The sun cover regulator temperature.
• It is very lightweight.

Cons: 

• The floor is not padded, and there is no mat inside.

Well, you will find a lot more available in the market, but choose the ones that are best for your child and meet all your needs. Make sure that the product is safe and will protect your little one from the potential hazards.

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