Children's playpen (98 photos): overview of all types and types, options for placement in the interior!

Keeping track of a child who has already learned to sit and crawl can be difficult. Without helpers, it’s difficult for a mother, because she can’t leave her baby’s side even for a minute. In this case, a playpen for children - a comfortable fenced playground - is very helpful. When choosing, you should pay attention to the main characteristics that indicate the quality of the product.

Types of playpens

Modern playpens from manufacturers can be divided into types according to:

• materials;
• functionality;
• folding capabilities;
• form;
• height;
• dimensions (weight and size);
• colors

Based on materials

There are several most popular options for the design of children's playpens:

• Initially, enclosing structures for children were made of wood. With the fashion for environmental friendliness, wooden models have also returned;
• folding plastic ones with fabric and mesh walls are lightweight models that serve as a temporary fence for the baby and are easily transported;
• standard playrooms with metal arches, mesh, plywood bottom with oilcloth and durable plastic handrails;
• popular transformers made of durable plastics and composites with fabric walls, mesh windows, a removable durable bottom, additional accessories for babies (mobile, changing table);
• lightweight fences without a bottom made of plastic, mesh frames or aluminum (fences).

By functionality

Manufacturers produce playpens of such a variety of designs that they perform the required tasks:

• just a play area, fenced with a portable and folding structure in the form of a fence;
• a stationary play area protected by a dense bottom and fabric/mesh;
• place for changing and sleeping;
• a guest or camp bed that is easy to transport.

The first playpens appeared by analogy with pens for young livestock, when the enclosure allowed them to be safe next to their mother. These were wooden stationary fences.

Foldable if possible

In any case, the playpen must be collapsible or foldable, because otherwise they would not be able to be sold in stores. But some models are distinguished by a more permanent nature of use for safe child play, and they are installed permanently for the entire period of operation. And other playpens are needed as temporary help for mom at home, at a party or in nature/in the country. Then the possibility of their quick folding and mobility comes first. In addition, the type of folding is also different: “book” (retains length, so the design is still bulky), “umbrella” (compact folding).

By shape

Manufacturers have provided a variety of shapes for playpen areas to suit all tastes and needs:

• round;
• oval;
• standard rectangular;
• square;
• corner triangular and trapezoidal.

Most often, standard-shaped models are found on sale, but on the Internet you can find and order all of the above forms.

By height

Nowadays there is a large selection of playpen structures; manufacturers are trying to cover all consumer niches and produce models with the following heights:

• 70 cm - low - for those who are capricious without their mother;
• 75 cm - medium;
• 80 cm - standard;
• 110 cm - high - good from a safety point of view.

The larger the child or older age, the safer it is for him to have a higher playpen, which is more stable due to the height of the walls. The more anxious the baby is, the more attached he is to his mother, the lower or more transparent the walls of the fence should be so as not to let the parents out of sight.

By dimensions (weight and size)

Stationary sleeping playpen beds and permanent play areas should be heavier for stability. Portable and frequently transported - easier, because otherwise it will be difficult to transport them. The sizes of modern models are very diverse:

• 96x96 cm;
• 118x110 cm;
• 102x70 cm and others.

The larger the playpen area, the better for the child’s development. Therefore, the more spacious the room in which the structure is located, the larger the playpen can be. A light and soft playpen, as a rule, is inferior in safety to a heavier and bulkier one.

By color

Child psychologists recommend bright, cheerful or neutral natural shades of children's furniture. But ophthalmologists believe that the playpen is a place to which the baby pays increased visual attention, because being inside, through it he carefully monitors what is happening outside. Therefore, in order not to overstrain your eyesight, we recommend gentle, light pastel shades that do not interfere with your vision or tire your eyes.

Advantages and disadvantages of using playpens

A playpen is a convenient lifesaver for parents, but for a baby it is more like a removable play area or a temporary restriction of his movements. The design was invented so that the mother could leave the child in a safe place for some time until she could look after him herself. This is where the advantages of playpens come from:

• a safe place while the baby is unattended;
• cozy play area (protection of walls, warm bottom, placement of toys);
• sleeping and changing room option;
• transportable fencing or guest/camping bed for trips to visit/outdoors/to the country.

But for some children, any restriction is a minus. Therefore, playpen structures also have disadvantages:

• the playpen creates the illusion of safety, and a small child without adult supervision can harm himself even with a toy;
• walls create a situation of stress or aggression if the baby is kept inside by force;
• Manege games are suitable only for calm and contemplative children; active ones are enough for a maximum of 5 minutes;
• any model takes up a lot of space and is used for a short time.

As for the advantages and disadvantages of different types of playpens, absolutely all designs have them:

• wooden (eco-friendly, stylish, ideal from the point of view of ophthalmology, but they can be hit hard, do not fold, not for transportation, bulky);
• standard rectangular or triangular with mesh (safe, easy to clean, cheap, folds to the size of a flat bottom, the bottom is not removable, takes up a lot of space, only for stationary use);
• playpen beds (ideal as a multifunctional transformer in a small area, but it’s bad that the place for sleeping and playing is the same, difficult to wash, lightweight, folding, mobile, suitable as a guest and camping option);
• “fences” (suitable for small children up to 6-7 months, a large and adult baby can easily move or knock over a barrier, convenient as a mobile and quick fence for a short time or under close supervision, transportable).

You need to determine for yourself the main task of the fence and base your choice on it.

Criterias of choice

Numerous ratings of playpens, reviews from mothers with detailed photos and reviews from stores in the form of videos with testing and interviews with sellers will never answer the main question - whether the child will sit in the playpen at all. After all, you can buy a beautiful and functional model, and you can place your baby there for just a couple of minutes without screaming or hysterics. And the other child will sleep there, and play, and eat. How to guess? Test: rent it from your family or friends, buy it (you have the right to return it while maintaining its presentation) and experiment, check how your baby will react to the playpen, perhaps even to different types.

You can accustom your child to the playpen by placing special toys there, for example, musical toys or a busy board, which will attract him there. The main thing is to take it out when required.

If he agrees to stay there for more than 5 minutes, then feel free to buy the model that is optimal for your conditions:

• only a fence, only games or also sleep, a full-fledged children's corner with a changing table, drawers, etc.;
• stationary or guest/travelling option (then pay attention to the type of folding);
• suitable height for psychological comfort, weight and age of its owner;
• the shape needed for the room (rectangular, square, round, oval);
• convenient for transportation (if the main task is mobility);
• the ability of the playpen to grow with the child and transform;
• easy to clean (if mom is a fan of hygiene and cleanliness).

Inflatable models

Mainly used in hot weather. In such a children's house, a toddler can actively develop, breathing fresh air, and even swim in certain models.

Also, it is convenient to jump in such a playpen.

Pros:

• inexpensive cost;
• not difficult to care for;
• ease of use;
• safety.

Minuses:

• punctures are not excluded;
• minimum operating period.

The best playpens for children

Happy Baby Alex Home

Every child's gaming dream! A playpen from a brand whose quality of products is usually not satisfactory. All owners are attracted by the versatility of the model: a guest and camping bed, a safe playpen and a playhouse in which the child will play even before school. Nice neutral beige color with a choice of bright roof: green or red. The house has a window, a door and a light bulb, which creates a unique feeling of comfort.

Advantages:

• sustainable and safe;
• durable and high quality;
• simple assembly;
• universal and multifunctional;
• will serve as a play area for a long time;
• nice neutral colors;
• thoughtful little things (pockets, hangers, window, door, roof, light bulb);
• comfortable mattress;
• pretty high;
• mobile for transportation.

Caretero Quadra

The best square model in terms of price-quality ratio. Takes up little space, folds up very quickly, safe because... it is impossible to turn over, there is a zippered gate, so an older child can use the playpen as a play area. One of the most popular options as a mobile guest/camping solution. The fabric and mesh can be easily wiped off with just a damp cloth.

Advantages:

• compact;
• easy to fold;
• there is a choice of colors;
• the presence of a manhole;
• high-quality assembly;
• multifunctional;
• will serve for a long time;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• There are too bright colors.

Chicco Open Box

The Italian brand is famous for its decent product quality and thoughtfulness of details. Open Box playpens are widely sold everywhere, so they are very popular on the Russian market. This square model is more suitable for a guest/camping option, because... It has a convenient umbrella fold and a carrying case. In the play area, the manufacturer has provided a removable washing mat, a window with a zipper and several toys that are attractive to the baby. But everything is ruined by 2 details: the zipper is too fragile and the lack of handles for standing up and support, although their presence is indicated in the instructions and is in the photo of the product.

Advantages:

• convenient for transportation;
• compact square shape;
• stable;
• there are toys and a rug inside;
• there is a hole with a zipper;
• large selection of colors;
• high-quality assembly.

Flaws:

• no handles for standing up or support;
• flimsy zipper;
• some colors are too bright;
• will not be of interest to older children.

Lorelli Play Station

Comfortable and reliable almost square playpen (90x100 cm) from a Bulgarian manufacturer. The main advantage is the strength of the metal frame (suitable for children up to 15 kg) and the quality of all materials. Soft sides and streamlined plastic corner covers make the design completely safe. The height of 75 cm is perfect for older children. The colors are very pleasant, soft, and the size of the mesh cells does not tire the eyes. There is a convenient gate with a durable zipper, 3 handles for standing up and support. Folds like an umbrella and is transported in a case.

Advantages:

• safe and sustainable;
• high;
• easily folds and transports in a protective case;
• discreet neutral colors;
• excellent quality of design, materials and assembly;
• all the details are thought out;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• too heavy for frequent transportation;
• lack of wheels (not always a minus, for many it is additional safety).

"Fairy" Book

Standard design on a metal frame with a “book” folding mechanism, mesh walls, plywood bottom with oilcloth surface. Soft sides made of oilcloth, distance from the metal frame, square shape - all this provides a safe fence. But there are significant disadvantages that can be explained by the more than affordable price. The manufacturer saved on materials for the sake of cost.

Advantages:

• cheap;
• folding;
• spacious;
• high;
• sustainable and safe;
• There are handles for standing up and support.

Flaws:

• poor quality oilcloth, which children easily bite through, and foam rubber underneath;
• something additional needs to be laid on the hard bottom;
• heavy;
• unreliable folding mechanisms;
• no manhole;
• only stationary.

Manufacturing materials

Most often, the furniture frame is made of natural wood. Expensive species include beech, oak, and cherry; for budget models, spruce, birch, and pine are used. The material is environmentally friendly and does not cause allergic reactions in children. The wooden frame is durable, will last a long time, and looks great in any room interior. The disadvantages of the array include heavy weight and high cost.

Unpainted wood must be processed with high quality: there should be no defects in the form of nicks or roughness on the surface. The compositions used to coat the timber should not have a pronounced odor, and also meet all the requirements of current GOSTs.

In addition to wood, plastic can be used to make playpen cribs. The models look stylish, they are light, comfortable and budget-friendly. Cheaper materials are laminated chipboard or MDF. Such products are inexpensive, but short-lived.

The frame of the product can also be made of metal. In this case, the structure is equipped with fabric sides, which must be made from natural materials, since the baby learns about the world around him through taste, and synthetics contain tiny substances harmful to the body. Compositions for coloring must be natural based.

The bottom of the crib is made in two versions: solid or made of slats. Typically, parents prefer cribs with the first type of base because they are stronger and more reliable. However, the lamellas provide an orthopedic effect and allow you to relieve stress from the spine during sleep, which is simply necessary for actively growing fidgets.

Types of beds for newborns, product requirements

Tree

Plastic frame

Metal carcass

laminated chipboard

Solid base

Lamels

The best playpen beds for children

Jetem C3

One of the best brands in terms of price and quality offers a multifunctional model: a safe high playpen, a crib, a playhouse and a dry pool for balls. Many mothers choose it as a guest/camping bed, and some as the main one. Conveniently, the bed fits a regular children's mattress 120x60 cm and standard bedding for infants. I am pleased with the quality of the assembly and materials; the product is then easy to sell in almost perfect condition. Folds like an umbrella and fits into a case. There are wheels on one side, so you can move the playpen with your child inside.

Advantages:

• excellent quality of materials and workmanship;
• durability;
• choice of pleasant colors;
• safe and stable design;
• standard size of a standard crib;
• easy to fold and transport;
• there are wheels for maneuverability;
• presence of a pocket for toys, a convenient zippered access hole;
• Suitable for many tasks.

Flaws:

• There is no bottom height adjustment.

Noony Cubby

Multifunctional children's corner for reasonable money: a bed on the upper level for up to 5-6 months (hereinafter referred to as a hammock), a bed below, but you need to buy a standard mattress 120x60 cm, a playpen, a maneuverable fence (2 wheels for moving), a folding “umbrella” mechanism and a case for easy transportation, a changing bag, an organizer for baby hygiene and small items, a pocket for toys, a zippered access hole, a mechanical mobile with 3 toys and a lamp with a sound function (melodies of the forest and water) and vibration. Reviews from mothers are only the most positive, because this is a full-fledged stationary bed with a rich set of equipment and a convenient option for traveling.

Advantages:

• safe, stable and durable;
• very rich equipment;
• thought out to the smallest detail;
• good build quality and materials;
• durable (often inherited from older children and used ones look like new);
• nice design and colors;
• suitable for transportation;
• fully replaces a sleeping place.

Flaws:

• bad sound;
• you need to buy an additional mattress.

Happy Baby Martin

Excellent model: factory production in China, everything is thought out, nothing superfluous, laconic, pleasant design, beautiful colors. Folds like an umbrella, fits into a case with handles, and fits in any trunk. There are wheels on one side for easy movement of the playpen, mesh inserts, a toy pocket and a zippered access hole. The main advantage of this particular design is that it can withstand weight up to 25 kg, i.e. will go almost to school as a guest bed. The material is still not the most practical (difficult to wash, breaks). You cannot completely wash the upholstery. A very ill-conceived and uncomfortable hammock for sleeping (the child lies too high and may fall out after 5-6 months).

Advantages:

• durable and stable;
• safe;
• for a standard size bed 120x60 cm;
• functionality is thought out;
• easy to transport;
• folding umbrella mechanism;
• designed for weight up to 25 kg;
• will serve as a sleeping place for a long time;
• can be bought cheaply on Aliexpress.

Flaws:

• bad fabric;
• crooked lines;
• inconvenient to fold/unfold;
• bed function on the upper tier is only up to 5-6 months;
• need a mattress.

Geuther Lucilee 2263

Expensive wooden playpen from a European brand. Its design resembles a standard wooden crib, but with different dimensions. High wooden bars (102 cm) ensure that the baby will not get out and drop the furniture. Durable wooden base with soft, washable padding, adjustable to 3 height levels. In order for the furniture to serve as a sleeping place, it is better to lay an additional mattress inside and buy/sew warm sides. Rides on 4 wheels.

Advantages:

• environmentally friendly;
• premium quality;
• durable;
• reliable safe design;
• folds;
• high maneuverability due to 4 wheels;
• easy to clean;
• retains its presentation for a long time;
• does not tire the eyes;
• good review.

Flaws:

• very expensive;
• the child may hit wooden bars and handrails;
• non-standard size for the bed (mattress and linen only to order).

Parusok KK-612

The playpen of the Russian brand is similar to previous models. Good quality design, assembly and materials. The affordability of the price did not affect the safety of the model. Everything is reliable, simple and thought out. Many people use the upper level as a bed only until 5-6 months, and then rock the child there like in a hammock. Downstairs you need an additional standard mattress with a standard size of 120x60 cm. It can be folded and transported in a carrier.

Advantages:

• inexpensive;
• safe and sustainable;
• there is a hole with a zipper;
• folds like an umbrella;
• there is a cover;
• there is an upper level for sleeping space;
• neutral pleasant colors;
• standard size.

Flaws:

• baby weight up to 15 kg;
• the upper level is used very briefly;
• mattress required;
• inconvenient to fold and unfold.

Adviсe

• You can wash the non-removable mesh or fabric on the site in the summer by soaping it with a sponge with soapy foam, and then rinse it thoroughly with a hose.
• You can protect your baby's head and teeth from hard wooden parts using protective foam pads.
• For frequent transportation of the playpen-bed or fence in the trunk of a car, it is better to sew a protective cover on it if it is not included in the kit.

Screens

Such models consist of elements placed depending on the wishes of the parents and the toddler.

Essentially, these are fences for organizing a closed space for active children's games.

Since such a model does not have a bottom, it is therefore easy to transform. Often this folding playpen has a floor mattress. Barriers are made of plastic, solid wood or aluminum.