Playpen for infants and toddlers - what it is and which one to choose

All parents know very well that children are very playful. They want to look everywhere and are curious about everything. This innate interest in the world can sometimes be troublesome for people who look after them, for example when they dream about having a cup of coffee. A playpen for a baby can even give you a moment for yourself and your little one a place for great fun.

What is a baby playpen?

A playpen is a type of fence in the form of walls, which designate a safe space for the toddler to play. Apart from a fence, it sometimes includes a base equipped with a mattress. Playpens vary in height, size, and material used. They are suitable for different age groups - the higher they are, the more suitable they are for older children who will not be able to get out of the playpen.

Playpen or travel cot?

A playpen and a standard travel cot are essentially two different pieces of furniture. Playpens are usually larger and take the shape of a square, circle or polygon. This is all to give your little one as much space as possible to play freely. In addition, some playpens have only walls, thanks to which the child can play on a mat or carpet. Travel cots are also usually foldable and have fabric sides. The choice of materials, sizes and functions is much greater for playpens. However, there are solutions - such as our 4-in-1 KOYA cot - which combine playpen and cot functions in a very practical way. At night they become a source of peace and relaxation, and during the day they serve as a mobile kingdom for your baby. And as a parent, you'll appreciate that it has functional castors that let you move it from room to room, so that your baby can play close to you.

And there's more - our 4-in-1 SOFI travel cot not only serves as a place to sleep when you're out and about, but also as a cot and a cradle! This solution is for people who appreciate multi-functionality of equipment, easy and quick folding and transformation of a cot into a playpen. SOFI demonstrates an extraordinary design, as well as functionality appreciated at the Kids' Time 2019 trade fair.

Is a playpen a good solution?

Even the best prepared home for the arrival of a newborn baby is not one hundred percent safe. It is difficult to remove all obstacles from a playful toddler’s way. A playpen, on the other hand, effectively eliminates dangers. Apart from the increased sense of security, the playpen also gives parents a chance to cook dinner, clean the house, or take a shower. This will be especially appreciated by caretakers of children who love movement. They have a special ability to disappear from sight - usually when a parent needs to do something urgently.

A playpen for travelling - advantages

Playpens work even better while traveling - especially to unfamiliar places which are unsuitable for small children. In such places, we usually don’t have much influence on the space around us and cannot control everything. Besides, wherever you go, your child will always feel at home, because they will be in his favorite playground.

Advantages of a playpen - why is it worth it?

A playpen is also a great choice if your child doesn't have their own room. In such a situation, it can become a small substitute for a child's kingdom - a separate, isolated space full of favorite toys. It will also work well in a big house, especially if the nursery is located at a considerable distance from the rest of the household. Thanks to the playpen, you can create a place for your child to play in any space.

This moment, when a parent controls the toddler from some distance, is as important for you as it is for your child. They can learn to be independent and gain confidence that they don't need to have a parent around all the time to feel safe and have fun. Having a separate play space is also good for forming good habits and regulating the rhythm of the day. When the sleeping and playing areas are clearly separated, it is much easier to convince the toddler that the cot is not a place for crazy experiments, but is only for sleeping. 

Since when can a baby play in a playpen?

Remember that the playpen is supposed to be, above all, an oasis of safety. The child playing in it should be able to move on its own - crawl or walk. The child should be prepared for its stay in the playpen by getting familiar with the new place. Therefore, let's start with a few minutes in the caretaker's company, and then extend this time, at the same time moving away and checking the reaction. The rule is that the baby should associate the playpen as a friendly, nice place to play, so it should be put there only when it is in a good mood.

Does a playpen affect a child's development?

Children are mobile by nature and enjoy exploring new places and objects. They also need constant contact with those around them. Doesn't the playpen limit them a bit? Certainly it should not be a permanent place for the child. It is a much smaller space than the whole house or even a room, so it can quite quickly put a child into a state of boredom. The world watched from behind the rungs or the mesh seems distant and inaccessible to the toddler, just like mom, dad or siblings.

So let's use the playpen wisely - when the situation requires it, and let's also make sure that the time spent by the toddler in the playpen was not lost for him. You can furnish it with interesting, interactive toys yourself. A good idea is to hang a pocket on one of the walls, where the child will be able to hide various items.

What to look for when buying a baby playpen?

When choosing the perfect playpen for your little one, be sure to pay attention to a few details.

Playpen size

The more spacious, the more freedom of movement the child will have. But not everyone can afford, if only due to housing conditions, the largest models - so you need to take into account both the convenience of the child and the size of the apartment. A piece of furniture that is too big may make you less eager to unfold it every day. 

Playpen height

The higher it is, the longer it will serve you, as it will work even for a few-year-old child. Additionally, it will be useful only when the child wants to stay in it, i.e. when it is comfortable. This will be ensured by a comfortable mattress or mat, such as our two-layer MATTY - thanks to them, all jumps, sit-ups and other stunts of the toddler will always end with a soft landing.

Type of a playpen

There are basically two categories of playpens: those made of wood and those made of lighter material and covered with mesh. Playpens with rungs are obviously more durable and stable, but they are also heavier. It should also be noted that toys may fall out of the playpen while the child is playing. Playpens with material walls, on the other hand, are more mobile, easier to fold, and additionally no toy cars, dolls or blocks will slip outside. When choosing this model, remember that the mesh should be as transparent and uniform as possible, so that it does not limit the visibility of the child.

A playpen means more safety for a child, a separate little kingdom of its play, as well as invaluable help for parents. It will be appreciated by everyone, who needs a deep breath and certainty that their little one is safe.