Table of Contents
Comparison Table
Product
Title
Features
Price
Our choice
Hadwin 14 Panel Activity Center
- Built-in toys
- Built-in Storage
- Can be set up in different shapes
Premium Pick
Venture All Stars DUO
- Large Surface Area
- Play Panel Included
- Includes Mats and Balls
Best Value
HI SUYI Portable Baby Playpen
- Good for saving money
- You want a fun ball pit
- Comes with a 3-month warranty
Our Choice
Hadwin 14 Panel Activity Center
Buy this product if you have an awkward shaped room.
- Built-in toys
- Built-in Storage
- Can be set up in different shapes
Pros
- Built-in toys
- Built-in Storage
- Can be set up in different shapes
- Can be used on hard floors and carpet
Cons
- The panel screws have to be secured tightly as they can be unscrewed by inquisitive babies if loose
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Premium Pick
Venture All Stars DUO
Buy this product if you want to save money as it includes mats and balls.
- Large Surface Area
- Play Panel Included
- Includes Mats and Balls
Pros
- Large Surface Area
- Play Panel Included
- Includes Mats and Balls
Cons
- Can only be assembled in a square
Check out the last deal for this product
Best Value
HI SUYI Portable Baby Playpen
Buy this product if you want something fun for your children to play in
- Good for saving money
- You want a fun ball pit
- Comes with a 3-month warranty
Pros
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Packs Away Small
- Comes with a 3-month warranty
Cons
- No bag to store poles in
- Zip door frame so older children can easily escape
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Exqline Pop Up Large Baby Playpen
Buy this product if you want want an easy to assemble playpen.
- Available in 5 colours
- Other designs available
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Pros
- Available in FIVE colours
- Other Designs by the same company available
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Only a bad point for some but takes up a lot of space
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Hadwin Foldable Baby Playpen
Buy this product if you have a large family or need it for multiple children
- Mum can play too
- Folds up into a storage bag
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Pros
- Large enough for mum to get in and play too
- Folds up into a storage bag
- Can be used inside and outside
Cons
- Very large space needed for use
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Millhouse Plastic Baby Playpen With Mats
Buy this product if you don’t have carpet.
- Comes with mats
- Suitable for 2-3 children
- Great for younger babies
Pros
- Comes with mats
- Suitable for 2-3 children
- Great for younger babies
Cons
- Not great if you have 2-3 year olds
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Hadwin 6 Panel Portable Playpen
Buy this product if you have one or two babies
- Weatherproof base for use outside
- Quick set up and pack down
- Portable
Pros
- Weatherproof base for use outside
- Quick set up and pack down
- Portable
Cons
- Poles are PVC not steel
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Dreambaby Royale Converta 3-in-1 Playpen
Buy this product if you have use for a fireplace cover or room divider as well as a playpen.
- 3-in-1 Style
- Can buy extension panels if needed
- Extra Tall
Pros
- 3-in-1 Style
- Can buy extension panels if needed
- Extra Tall
Cons
- No toys included with the playpen.
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Baby Playpen buying guide and FAQ
What is a Playpen and Do You Need One?
The Cambridge Dictionary definition of a playpen says a ‘small structure with bars or a net around the side but open at the top and you can put a baby in to play safely.’
This is pretty self-explanatory and as long as it can be played in safely it constitutes a playpen.
But do you need one? This is dependent on your situation and having one can be very helpful. They allow you to get your housework done whilst not having to constantly be carrying or checking on your baby.
They can also be helpful for your baby’s development and allows them to interact with other children in a controlled environment.
A bonus of using a playpen when it comes to ball pit balls is that it keeps them contained rather than them being all over the house.
Choosing the Best Baby Play Pen for you Baby
There are a few things you need to take into account when choosing the best playpen for your baby and these things will determine which one you buy.
Floor space – Make sure you check the floor size of the unit you are looking to buy. Measure the floor area you have available and then compare it to the unit you are looking at.
If you have a funny shaped room, make sure your unit can be changed to fit the area.
Strength – Some babies can be heavy, and strong, so getting a playpen that can support their weight is paramount. You want to avoid injury then invest in a stronger frame such as steel.
Lightweight – Your baby playpen will be moved a lot, you’ll need to move it to clean, move it to get to things behind it, and what not so make sure it’s lightweight so it’s easy to move.
Easy to pack away – Making sure you have a unit that’s easy to pack away is essential if you aren’t going to leave it out full time. You’ll find yourself needing to pack this away regularly so an easy setup and pack down is great.
Types of Baby Playpen
You can get a few different types of baby playpen and knowing each one will help you with your decision on what one to buy.
Wooden – Wooden playpens are the nicer looking ones but can be more difficult to pack away. You can also find that wooden playpens will get bitten by teething children and leave marks.
Plastic – Plastic playpens are quite popular and come in lots of different styles. The good thing about them is that you can usually build these in a shape to suite your room.
Pop up – Pop-up playpens aren’t as popular as they don’t really hold children in them, they are very easy to get out of. They are better for older children who can come in and out as they please.
Metal structured – These are another popular design for the best playpens and pack away nice and small. They build up using the poles and have a fabric frame, these usually have a base included.
How Much Does a Baby Playpen Cost?
Baby playpens range in price but you shouldn’t be looking at spending any more than £120 or any less than £40. Spending less than £40 could result in a very poor-quality unit and there is no need to spend any more than £120 for a decent playpen.
Important Safety Points for Baby Playpens
It’s important that, although playpens are for fun, you should follow the safety tips to ensure that the children don’t harm themselves.
– Make sure your unit has a safety mark.
– Never leave a child alone in a playpen
– Keep up to date with cleaning your playpen
– Don’t leave large items in the playpen
– Don’t position your playpen near an open fire or radiator
– Make sure your playpen has an open top and nothing is obstructing it
– Avoid placing playpens near open doors or windows
What Age is it Safe to Put a Baby in a Playpen?
Most playpens are suitable for children aged 6 months upwards.
You’ll need to make sure you check the upper limit as some playpens have a weight restriction, such as ones that have frames, so older children won’t be able to play with them for the risk of them breaking.
The most common upper bracket for age is 36 months.
Do you really need a baby playpen?
We would recommend that you invest in a baby playpen for the early part of your baby’s life.
Once a child gets older, an indoor climbing frame or ball pit might be better suited and more enjoyable for a toddler.
You need a playpen if you are struggling to get housework done whilst looking after your baby, they can be a great tool to aide you whilst you find your feet and get into a routine.
How Long Can I use a Baby Playpen For?
Having a playpen shouldn’t mean you just leave your baby in there to play all day long.
You should still make an effort to stimulate your baby in other ways such as reading with them, doing puzzles, colouring, and drawing.
These types of activities will keep your child’s brain stimulated and actually help them sleep at night.
