Kids are messy, and that’s a truth no parent can deny! When you become a parent, you’ll expect to find your baby’s toys in every corner of the house. However, this does not mean that you should restrict your baby’s playtime or stop giving them toys to avoid mess. Children are natural explorers and this is how they learn new things. In this case, a baby playpen can make things magically easier for you. A playpen lets you provide your baby with a separate place to play so that they can learn new things without throwing their toys around the house. In this guide, we will explain how to find a playpen for babies that’s safe as well.
Key Features of a Safe Baby Playpen
Choosing the right baby playpen involves more than picking a cute design or a popular brand. Here are some main features to consider:
Consider the Playpan’s Size
The size of the baby playpen should be one of the few things that you should consider first. The playpen should be big enough for your child to have plenty of room to move so that they can play freely. You can also pick the playpen based on the size of the room. Additionally, consideration is if you plan to use the playpen for naps or even as a travel crib. In this case, make sure the size accommodates a comfortable sleeping arrangement.
Choose a Safe Structure
Apart from the size, playpen for babies should have certain qualities to make them completely safe. These safety features include padded corners and edges so that there are no accidents. If the corners are not padded, then babies can accidentally get their fingers stuck in them and end up getting hurt. Similarly, extra padding on the playpen’s edges are a wonderful protective addition because they will prevent injuries if your little ones bump into them. Therefore, sharp corners or hard edges can cause injury if your child trips or bumps into them.
Sturdy and Non-Toxic Materials
You should always check if the playpen for babies is made out of reliable materials. This is because they should be able to handle the rough-play of a toddler while also providing them with a reliable and safe playing area. Moreover, if the playpen is so reliable, then it will not tip over easily and can put your baby in harm’s way. Additionally, children also tend to put things in their mouth or bite them a lot. This is why the materials should also be non-toxic and safe for them.
Height of the Walls
A safe baby playpen should have walls at least 50 cm (around 20 inches) high. This height will act as a natural barrier and also prevent your child from climbing out of it easily. This also means that the kids will not be taking the toys out to create a mess. When the walls are so tall, both the kid and their playful things stay inside those boundaries. This way, you’ll have a more controlled and secure environment for your baby to enjoy.
Protection Against Trapped Fingers
If your playpen is foldable for portable purposes, then you should also check for areas that could trap your baby’s fingers. The design should not have any unwanted gaps where your baby’s tiny fingers can get trapped. Therefore, despite being foldable, the edges and folds should be smooth and protected by some mesh or paddings so that the safe folding mechanism can keep your baby safe.
Common Hazards to Avoid in Baby Playpens
- Small Parts or Attachments: Firstly, it is wise to avoid designs which have small parts or attachments to the playpen. This is because such parts can cause safety hazards if kids are able to remove and swallow them. Babies often explore new things and play with different objects by putting them in their mouths. So, it is best to choose smart designs with solid constructions.
- Unreliable Padding or Mattress: It is common for playpens to have a mattress in them or soft paddings. However, the mattress should be firm, reliable, and of the right size. If the mattress does not fit the playpen well, then it might pose a risk of suffocation in children.
- Footholds for Climbing: Babies, especially toddlers, are extremely curious and they try to crawl or climb over barriers whenever they can. This is why you should check that there are no footholds in the playpens so that kids do not use them for climbing.
Additional Tips for Choosing and Using a Baby Playpen
- Pick a Bright and Fun Design: Babies love bright colors, patterns, and shapes. This is why you can easily go for visually appealing designs that your babies will definitely love. The designs do not have to be too complicated. You can also make things exciting for your baby by considering small details like a beautiful color.
- Consider Portability: consider the purpose of using a playpen. If you need to use it at home only, then you can easily choose a wooden or sturdy playpen. However, if you plan to move the playpen from one room to another or take it on trips, you’ll also find plenty of lightweight and easily foldable options online. Many modern playpens are designed for easy setup and breakdown so that you can transport or store them quite effortlessly.
- Check for Certifications: Look for playpens that meet safety standards and are certified by recognized authorities. These certifications often mean the playpen has undergone rigorous testing and meets strict safety guidelines.
Conclusion
To simply summarize things, we can put the safety considerations in very simple terms. Size, material, and structure are the main features that you’ll be looking at essentially. With size, both the size of the baby and the room are important things you can consider. Additionally, the structure should be strong, padded for security, and free from sharp corners or unwanted gaps. The structure is also supposed to have walls that are tall enough that kids do not climb out of them easily if there’s a foothold in the baby playpen. You can also look at aesthetic features to make the right choice. In short, selecting the best playpen is as simple as this!
