How to choose a playpen for a child

The baby is growing every day. First he begins to roll over, then crawl, then sit. Under no circumstances should he be left unattended at this time. It is at this age that the playpen will become an excellent helper for the mother and will help protect the child. How to make the right choice of this useful device?

Types of playpens for children

Today there are a huge number of varieties of playpens depending on their purpose. This:

• gaming;
• beds;
• screens;
• inflatable.

Let's consider each of them separately.

Pros and cons of playpens

Playpens are designed for short-term stays of the child. Today, manufacturers produce models of various shapes: round, square, oval, polygonal and even angular. As for the materials from which they are made, it can be wood, mesh or plastic. Mesh designs have remained popular for many years. The advantages of such a device include:

1. Compact, because it can be easily folded, placed in a car or simply hidden.
2. Safety, because its walls are soft and the child will not get bumps.
3. Mobility.

But such a device also has its drawbacks.

1. The mesh will strain the baby's eyesight when constantly looking at it.That is why you should not leave your child to play for more than 30 minutes at a time.
2. Difficult to care for. Unlike the bottom, which is covered in most cases with oilcloth, the mesh cannot always be easily washed and cleaned. It will also be difficult to clean soft parts.
3. Risk of injury. By inserting a finger into the net, a child may injure it. Therefore, it is worth choosing a mesh with a window diameter such that the baby cannot stick a finger through it.

Features of playpen beds

Cribs are usually chosen if there is too little space in the apartment to install both a bed and a playpen. In addition, this purchase allows you to save money. The service life of the crib is up to four years; some models for very small children can be equipped with a changing table. Their main features include:

• compactness;
• ease;
• safety;
• ease of care;
• additional accessories.

At the same time, some models, for example “books”, may have an uneven bottom, which negatively affects the child’s sleep, and in the future, his posture. Also, the bottom may be too low, which is inconvenient. In some modern models, the bottom height can be adjusted.

Advantages and disadvantages of screens

Such designs are universal fences that can be placed anywhere depending on the wishes of the mother and baby. They help create an enclosed play space or simply protect the child from a dangerous place (stairs, fireplace, etc.). While playing, the child will not feel lonely, because it will be good to see his parents through the panels. Often mattresses are included with them. The advantages of such models include:

• multifunctionality;
• compactness;
• sustainability;
• ease of care.

Among the disadvantages are the heavy weight (about 20 kg) and the risk of injury, since the baby can hit the fence hard. To avoid this, you should buy protective sides. In addition, such a partition is suitable only for children. For older children, such a device is unlikely to become an obstacle.

Characteristics of inflatable playpens

Inflatable playpens are in demand during the warm season and are intended for children under one year of age. This model can be easily taken outside, and some have a place for swimming. Their main features include:

1. Easy to care for.
2. Safety.
3. Compactness.
4. Low cost.

The main disadvantage is that such playpens have a short service life, as they are easily punctured.

Which playpen is better to choose

When choosing a playpen, you should pay attention to many factors:

1. The material from which it is made. Some people prefer plastic, others wood. It all depends on personal preference. But remember that oilcloth, for example, is unsafe for health, especially if a child tries to chew the material. Pediatricians recommend choosing models made of varnished wood because natural wood is a hypoallergenic, safe material.
2. Wall color. You should not choose too bright colors; it is better to give preference to pastel colors, because they promote relaxation and emotional rest.
3. It is important that the floor is hard, especially at a time when the child is just learning to stand on his feet and take his first steps.

What should a safe playpen be like?

When buying a playpen, you must definitely think about its safety, because this is where the baby will spend most of his time. So, a safe playpen is:

1. A stable frame that cannot tip over or fall.
2. The height of the sides corresponds to the age and height of the child. The optimal height is 80 cm.
3. No sharp parts.
4. Locks on wheels.
5. The distance between the slats is 5–6 cm or a fine, non-sagging mesh.
6. Hypoallergenic materials, safe for children's health.
7. Serviceable folding mechanisms, presence of latches.

After purchasing the crib, you must wash it thoroughly to get rid of foreign odors.

As you can see, knowing the main types of playpens and their advantages, making the right choice is quite simple. The main thing is that the child feels comfortable and relaxed in the purchased device.