BabyDan Deluxe PlayPen 72-360 cm - White

Product Information

This is where a playpen really comes into its own as a very convenient safe space to place your crawling baby or younger busy toddler when life throws some multi-tasking challenge your way. Equally, some days there are just times when you need to sit down and have a moment for yourself. Playpens provide that opportunity to continue being part of your child’s playtime without having to chase them round the home, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries and them a chance to experience independent learning. Pop-up models tend to be less durable and hardwearing, but for temporary short-term use on holiday or when visiting friends and family, they are a relatively stress-free way to create a safe space for your baby, whatever the environment. What age do you stop using playpens?

Dimensions: H63 cm x W72 cm x L103 cm | Age: Birth to 15kg (approx 3 years) | Material: Sustainably sourced beech wood | Foldable: Yes | Assembly required: Yes (tools required) What we like As a parent, you can create a safe environment for your child’s play with a playpen. A playpen is also really useful for you when you need to clean, do the laundry or prepare some food. Your child can safely play and have a good time in the playpen without you having to worry about where he or she is going to crawl next and get into trouble. Multi-use: Safety Gate, Hearth Fire Guard and Room Divider (Wall mounting kit required. Sold separately) With so many different playpens to choose from, here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Often referred to as “the baby jail” in my home, the BabyDan Deluxe Playpen has been an invaluable addition to our family’s daily life for the last two and a half years.

Most parents and carers will be familiar with the following scene – your home delivery arrives at the door in the midst of your toddler’s carefree rearrangement of everything in the lounge. Whilst you have a safety gate to stop them getting near the front door or stairs, how do you leave them in an overturned room long enough to bring the groceries or other shopping in? When your baby starts to crawl, cruise or take those tentative first steps, simple tasks like going to the loo or doing household chores can become a challenge, particularly if your child is no longer entertained by options like a baby bouncer.These are better for smaller spaces and are very easy to keep clean. These tend to be durable, which is great if you're planning to have more than one child. Do I need a baby playpen? Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 71cm | Age: Birth to 2 years | Material: Fabric (unspecified) | Foldable: No | Assembly required: Yes What we like Having owned the BabyDan Deluxe Playpen for over two years, it’s safe to say that we’ve rigorously tested it. Both my DC have grown, and despite being a toddler and preschooler, we still find use out of our playpen on a regular basis.

There's plenty to think about when it comes to both the style and the design. You may prefer a wooden playpen or a material like metal for aesthetic and durability reasons, or a plastic playpen may be preferable as it's often lighter and easier to move and clean.

How do I choose the best playpen for my baby?

For those new to the world of parenting who are worried that playpens aren’t conducive to proper learning and reaching those all-important baby milestones, we’re here to reassure you. Whilst one-on-one playtime with your baby is extremely important, the best playpens allow babies and toddlers to have some independent playtime, which is also a crucial part of their development. Simply place some sensory toys inside and watch them explore and learn about their environment. They tend to be eye-catching and durable, but can be on the large side for modern homes. Usually fairly easy to assemble, some plastic playpens can adjust to the size of your room by removing panels. Metal-framed playpens For those concerned that a playpen is a big investment, why not get your money's worth by opting for one that can be used in a variety of different ways?

Dimensions: ‎155 x 155 x 65cm | Age: Birth to 24 months | Material: Plastic | Foldable: No | Assembly required: Yes (no tools required) What we like There are so many different designs and shapes for baby playpens, so you are sure to find something that's suitable for you. Playpen safetyThis square-shaped baby playpen from award-winning brand Venture is not only spacious and designed to British Safety Standards, but comes with cushioned jigsaw play mat and a bag of brightly coloured balls too. I use a Summer Infant Pop N Play for DD. We have a dog so it is used just as much to keep DD's toys safe as to keep her safe. It folds up fairly small and we have also discovered we can loosely fold it with all the toys/play blanket inside and store it neatly in the corner. It also has a waterproof base, so good for the garden” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user Eryri1981 We used this one. We filled it with ball pit balls and toys and popped my daughter in it for toilet trips, getting stuff in the car etc. I also used to bring it into the kitchen when I was cooking so I could chat and play while making dinner (well away from the job or any surfaces!)” - recommended by Mumsnet user MindatWork Our verdict Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. Having birthed two DC just 15 months apart, she knows all too well how helpful a safe, sturdy and easy-to-clean playpen can be in day-to-day life. So, she's fully invested in finding the best playpens for new and growing families. Babies should always be supervised in playpens, but in addition to this, there are a number of other safety considerations you should make when using one.