Do you have an adventurous little one? A playpen may be something you’re looking for! Playpens essentially allows your kid to explore and crawl around, while making sure they’re safe within the playpen (and in your line of vision!).
Here are 9 of the best playpen options available:
Table of Contents
Why It’s Our Top Pick
The Chicco Lullaby Zip is a multi-use product: a playard (playpen), changer, and bassinet all in one! This makes it adaptable to your little one’s as well as your needs. The playpen area is also spacious enough for your adventurous baby to explore. There is also a toy bar with detachable soft toys for your little one to play with.
Overview
Chicco’s Lullaby Zip is an extra-large playpen, bassinet, and changer all in one! It is suitable for babies from newborn onwards, with the Playpen supporting up to 14 kg, the Bassinet up till 6.8kg, and the Changer up till 11.4kg. The changer has a cover that is machine washable, making sure that your baby is clean and comfy.
A soft mesh covering the Lullaby Zip also ensures that your baby is getting the ventilation they need. The Lullaby Zip has an electronic toy bar that has detachable soft toys, which also has melodies and nature sound built into them to accompany your little one.
Moreover, there are wheels attached to the bottom of the Lullaby Zip, making it easy to move around from room to room. And when you’re done, the Lullaby Zip is easily packed up with its push-button fold mechanism and into a provided carry bag to make it easier to travel around with. Finally, there is a detachable parent organiser to store anything you may need for your little one.
Testimonies
Reviews mentioned that the Chicco Lullaby Zip playpen is sturdy, with the mattress and the mesh being soft and of good quality. However, some reviews pointed out that they struggle with repacking the playpen back into the travel bag provided. Overall, it is still a good buy!
If you’re looking for a playpen with a comfy mattress, Joie’s Kubble Sleep Playpen is an option for you!
Overview
Joie’s Kubble Sleep Playpen is a compact and simple play yard that’s suitable for babies from birth up to 15 kg in weight. With that, there’s no need to worry about space either as the playpen can fit into any space, including the parents’ bedside who prefer to have their babies close by.
For your convenience, a travel bag is included for the playpen when you need to store and travel with it.
With the playpen comes a bassinet that is easily attachable and removable. This also applies to the detachable mattress which can be used for your baby’s short naps or playtime.
In terms of comfort, a mesh is lined on all four sides of the playpen to ensure proper ventilation for your little one. For safety, there’s a strap and clip attachment to securely lock the cot tight.
Testimonies
Reviewers have praised the Joie Kubbie Sleep Playpen for its robust quality. Most also trust Joie as a reputable and trusted brand for its baby products.
When you want to allow your toddler whom probably has grabby hands, to roam around with more space, consider the reasonably sized Graco Pack n Play Playard.
Overview
Graco’s Pack n Play Playard is a napper and changer which probably gives you all of your playpen essentials! The playpen is designed to fit your newborn up till their young toddler years. To ease your mind, the playpen is quick and easy to switch between its functions which is a napper, changer, and a portable playpen.
Designed with a removable bassinet; it is a comfortable nook for your little one to take a rest. To make it more cozy, in the package comes a wipe-clean fabric that’s used for cleaning the playpen.
In terms of storage, the playpen has a push-button fold mechanism to make it hassle-free in packing it up. And when done, you can store the playpen’s pieces into a provided carry bag, for convenience as you travel on the go!
Testimonies
One thing most reviewers assured is that the Graco Pack N Play Playard is durable. However, some users mentioned that it was difficult to set up the changer part of the playpen.
If you’re looking for a playpen that comes with a gate, Anakku’s Side Slide Door Playpen may be an option to consider! With its reputable brand and ease of setting up, this affordably priced playpen may be suitable for your little one.
Overview
Anakku’s Side Slide Door Playpen is suitable for babies from newborn up till 15 kg in weight. To access the playpen, the side door is easily opened through a zip. If you want to keep a close eye on your child, you can position the playpen easily next to your bedside as well. For ease of setup, there are wheels on the playpen which are built with stoppers, so that you can park the playpen securely wherever you are.
The playpen portable and compact, and can be easily packed up into a travel bag that comes with the playpen. For your child’s comfort, the playpen is designed with an air-through mesh to ensure proper ventilation.
Not only does the playpen serves as an entertainment hub, but it also comes with a removable mattress and a diaper changing tray. For safety purposes, the playpen also has straps to attach to the cot securely so that your baby is comfortable and safe.
Testimonies
With its simple design, the Anakku Side Slide Door Playpen is sure to be a comfortable entertainment and rest centre for your little one.
Always on the go and you’re worried your little one might not get the rest they need? Joie’s Commuter Change and Snooze Playpen might be the solution!
Overview
Joie’s Commuter Change and Snooze Playpen, like its name, is useful when you’re travelling thanks to its compact form when folded up, and can be kept in the provided carry bag. It is also simple to set up and pack the playpen, all with just a push of a button!
There’s also a changer as well as snoozing seat which you can effortlessly switch in between to use. The said changer is covered by a fabric that is easy to clean, whereas the snoozing seat is soft and comfortable, built in a cocoon-shaped to provide support for your little one. Being lined with mesh fabric, the playpen ensures there is proper ventilation.
For safety purposes, there is a 5-point harness with lower buckle covers. With its integrated wheels, you will not have to worry about having difficulties moving the playpen wherever you go. Worried about damaging the playpen? It has an elevated, draught resistant base too!
To entertain your baby, the playpen has a toybar with 2 plush toys attached. It also comes with a full-size removable bassinet which is suitable for younger babies.
Testimonies
Notably, many reviewers praise the quality of the Commuter Change and Snooze Playpen, stating its durability keeps the hearts of parents at ease.
Looking for a playpen that also accommodates to diaper changing? Anakku’s Playpen with Diaper Change Wheel may be what you’re looking for.
Overview
Suitable for babies from newborn up till 2 years old, the Anakku Playpen with Diaper Change Wheel, like its namesake, has a diaper changing tray that makes it easy to swap between changing your little one’s nappy and letting them enjoy playtime.
It is also portable for travelling from place to place. The playpen comes with a carry bag, making easy to store the playpen after it is folded up.
When it comes to storing excess items such as your child’s toys and bib, you can use the large pocket at the side as well. Finally, an air-through mesh is used to line the playpen in order to provide your baby with proper ventilation as well as a protective shield for their privacy.
Testimonies
Most parents would deem the Anakku Playpen with Diaper Change Wheel easy to set up. It is affordable for its price, securing another reason for you to invest in this playpen.
If you’re on a tight budget or aren’t sure whether a playpen is worth it, Mamakiddies has got your back with their Travel Cot with Side Door.
Features:
Mamakiddies’ Travel Cot with Slide Door is a baby playpen that comes with a basic mattress (you have the option to get an additional mattress if needed!). It also functions as a travel cot with a removable bassinet for your baby to rest in, and a diaper bed for changing.
If you’re travelling on the go, your little one can be shielded by the built in canopy shade as well as mosquito net. You can also easily hand soft toys over the cot for your little one to coo over. There is a pouch sewn on the side of the travel cot, which is handy for you to store any essentials your little one may need.
Aside from the recommended age for babies from birth up to 15 kg in weight, the playpen is lined with safety meshes on the sides which are see-through, so you can keep your eye on your child at all times.
In terms of storage and ease of setup, the travel cot has two lockable wheels which makes it convenient to park your travel cot wherever you go. It is also easy to pack up the cot thanks to its easy fold mechanism and accompanying travel bag.
Testimonies
Reviews commented that this travel cot is spacious enough for their baby to explore around in and that the mattress is sturdy. However, some found it difficult to set up so additional instructions would have been useful.
A mat with a playpen offers babies who can stand up, better grip for their fit in order to reduce risk of injuries. With that, try the 4moms Breeze Plus 4.0 Playard; a simple to set up playpen!
Overview
Aside from the mat, 4moms Breeze Plus 4.0 Playard is made of a soft fabric and comes with a comfy mattress for the bassinet. As mentioned before, the highlight of this playpen is its ease of set-up, as just one push down on the playpen’s central hub will immediately open it up! And when you want to pack up the playpen, you’ll be able to do so as quick by pulling on the central hub.
The 4moms Breeze Plus 4.0 Playard has an accompanying travel bag, which helps you to transport your playpen wherever you go. It also has a removable bassinet, which suits babies and young toddlers.
Testimonies
Most reviews praised that this playpen is easy to set up. However, the downside is that the bassinet and changing table, unfortunately, do not fit the travel bag provided.
Worried about your budget? Sweet Cherry’s Panda Playpen is a good budget playpen that you can consider.
Features:
To let you get more out of your Sweet Cherry Panda Playpen, the product is suitable for babies from newborn up till 15 kg in weight. It has several heights adjustments for you to choose from, which will depend on the age of your little one (e.g. bassinette level only suitable for babies less than 10 kg). Not to worry as the this is a quick and fuss-free playpen that is easy to set-up.
The Sweet Cherry Panda Playpen has an accompanying carry bag and will fold compact, making it convenient for storage. There is also a large side pocket, which allows parents to keep any additional things that their little ones need such as toys.
The diaper changing table comes with a removable safety belt which you can use to make sure your little one is secure. There’s also a mosquito net attached to keeping your little one protected from annoying bites. Finally, to ease your efforts, there are built-in wheels to help you manoeuvre around the playpen smoothly.
Testimonies:
While most users praise the product for its affordable price and ease of transportation, several reviews pointed out a minor challenging part in setting up the playpen. Thus, most advised to search up the video tutorial on setting it up online instead of referring only to the printed manual.
At What Age Should a Baby Use a Playpen?
Though this will depend on the individual development of your child, generally parents are advised to wait until their child is at least six months old before putting them in a playpen.
- This is to ensure that their developing muscles and bones have adequate support. You can also consider putting a blanket or pad down initially to provide some cushion against hard floor surfaces.
- Some articles also recommend 6-8 months as the age range to start using a playpen, as this is usually when a child starts to crawl. At this age, the baby is learning about their surroundings.
- Moreover, a playpen provides that environment, while making it safe for your little one to explore within the playpen. So be careful to not crowd the playpen with too many toys, otherwise it might cause injury to the child if they were pulled on or pushed over.