Taking clothes out of the dryer, loading the dishwasher, taking a shower, and peacefully enjoying a cup of coffee while knowing your little one is completely safe—this is what playpens are made for. Unlike most things and furniture designed for the health, comfort, development, or entertainment of your baby, playpens are children’s furniture for parents. Sometimes, parents’ attention can’t be solely focused on their little one; household chores and tasks require at least a few minutes where you can’t hold your baby. But at the same time, you still need to be sure that they are safe. While you’re taking a boiling pot off the stove, your baby is not rolling off the bed, falling out of a stroller, or exploring the lower shelves of the wardrobe…
Therefore, having a playpen in a home with young children under one to one-and-a-half years old is essential.
Advantages of a Playpen
Beyond being a safe space designed for your baby, a playpen is also an excellent option for rest and development. Here are a few important reasons why you should have a playpen:
- A playpen bed for toddlers can be a place where the child can focus on playing with the toys provided or easily fall asleep because it’s a pleasant and familiar space for them.
- A playpen is compact and portable, making it easy to move from one room to another. Moreover, convertible playpens allow you to configure the sides differently: as a typical rectangle, a polygon, or a narrower and longer shape, where the toddler can learn to walk while holding onto the side walls.
- It can serve as a complete replacement for a regular crib. Instead of buying a baby bassinet or crib that your toddler will quickly outgrow, you can manage with just one product. Use it as a play area during active periods and as a crib when your baby takes a nap or sleeps at night.
- It also helps to develop the skill of independent play from an early age. The child becomes familiar with the toys and the space around them, plays independently, and doesn’t always need mom or dad to invent interesting games for them to dive into.
So, among the many things parents prepare for their newborn, this one will not be unnecessary.
Disadvantages
A playpen should be used as needed, but not all the time. It’s crucial for the child to explore not just the boundaries of their crib but also all the interesting things in the room. Therefore, a playpen is an excellent option for short periods, but it doesn’t replace a nanny.
A child needs interaction with parents and siblings, helping in the kitchen by learning about different foods, and grains, experimenting with scooping liquids, or sorting pasta of different shapes. These are essential stages of their development, which don’t happen in a confined space.
So, the main downside of a playpen is that it can’t take care of a baby or toddler all day. It’s just your personal assistant. Therefore, you need to find a balance and use it only when necessary.
What to Consider Before Buying?
Before purchasing a playpen, there are a few important factors to consider. This will help you choose the best product that fully meets your needs.
- How much space is available for setting up the playpen in the nursery, living room, or another room where you want to place it? You can move it to other places as needed, but it’s still worth measuring how much free space there is in the room and thus determining the optimal size of the playpen.
- Choose the type of product. Some are designed specifically as play spaces, while others emphasize sleeping comfort. Find the solution that best suits your case.
- Pay attention to the materials, the manufacturer’s safety measures, and the paint used for the finish. The product must fully comply with safety standards for children’s products because each rule comes from practice, not by chance.
Considering all these rules, you will definitely find the option that perfectly fits your interior and ensures safety for your toddler. Look for the best playpens made of natural wood from the manufacturer Busywood: these products are certified, and the range offers dozens of great options you might like!