Playpens

What Are Playpens?

A playpen is a walled space designed for kids to spend time safely. While there are all different kinds, most of these units are constructed for mobile young children. Infants and toddlers can use the playpen from the time they start crawling through the time they stand and walk up to two years old.

Advantages and Application

Improve Organisation

Unlike other furniture, playpens are not just for rest and relaxation. They give children a designated space to let out some energy and play with their favourite toys while limiting messy clutter. The walls keep small toys centralised to one space.

Toys aren't scattered around the floor waiting to be tripped over. Instead, within the confines of a playpen, and post-play cleanup becomes much easier. Simply remove the toys after a play session and place them back on nearby kids bookcases & bookshelves or kids wardrobes. Even using kids drawers in a nearby dresser to store toys will improve organisation in the play area.

Provide Peace of Mind

Playpens afford parents and caregivers the peace of mind that their child is safe even when not in their arms. Even the most child-safe homes are full of dangers for children and toddlers, whether it's dangerous chemicals inside kitchen cabinets or sharp corners on kids bedside tables. High-end playpens give children more freedom and mobility than a bassinet to play and explore in a safe, parent-controlled space.

Tie a Playroom Together

Playpens also pair well with other kids furniture to create the ultimate playroom. Bring in kids tables and chairs, so children have a spot to snack when on a break. 

Types of Playpens

Different types and materials used in playpens offer distinct advantages. The extensive inventory at ArchiPro offers every customer the opportunity to find the perfect choice for their child or children. Find out what kinds of benefits come with each type of baby playpen by considering the following types of playpens.

Wooden Playpen

The wooden playpen options available from ArchiPro provide a durable space for children to play safely. These stable and secure models don't break or crack easily. They are designed to delight and built to stand the test of time with minimal wear and tear.

Plastic Playpen

Plastic playpens from ArchiPro provide the lightweight and portable solution many parents have been looking for. These child-safe units are ideal for cleaning quick spills, sanitizing germs, and wiping away stains.

Multi-Function Playpens

The 3-in-1 playpen and other multi-function products include furniture like kids beds and other features like removable child safety playpen barrier walls and toy outfitting. These are particularly useful for kids constantly on the go and include handy storage solutions.

Features

A playpen for kids can include features to make it safer, easier to transport, and more versatile. Below are some of the best features to look for in a baby playpen.

Automatic Locks

When a pen is constructed, it is essential to ensure that the baby playpen gate and sides are fully locked. If not, they could fall and let the child out, or worse, injure them. Automatic locks ensure that the unit is safe and child-proof even if a parent forgets that final step.

Wheels for Transport

Wheels simplify transport for portable playpens and kids' beds. Parents can bring a portable playpen for toddlers to the office, around the house, and even on vacation. Wheels make it easy to quickly relocate the pen inside the house without having to carry it or take it apart fully.

Padding or Bedding

Built-in padding and bedding make it possible to use the pen safely on hard floors. Crawling babies and falling toddlers stay extra protected with this feature. While baskets & bassinets are a great option for kids in the crawling phase, playpens with bedding bridge that gap to walking and give them room to grow. This material is just as safe and comfortable as the padding found in other ArchiPro kids bedding products.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Portable vs. Permanent

Some playpens are durable, well-constructed furnishings made to stay. They may be made of heavier materials, have built-in cots, and more. Others are lightweight and compact, like a pop up playpen, perfect for playdates and easy packing. For taking the unit on the go, make sure it has these features that will make it easier to lift, transport, and set up, like:

• Wheels, handles, or a carrying case

• Foldable and compact

• Lightweight

• Separate/removable extensions (modular design)

Size and Space

Parents often have a specific spot in the home picked out for the playpen. This means that measurements are essential. First, look at the size of the pen at full size once constructed. Next, measure the dimensions of the space in the home.

Safety Features for Age and Development

A 5-month old infant who just learned to crawl has very different safety needs than a 2-year-old toddler with endless energy. Padding and mesh are major concerns for suffocation in crawling-age children, but tall, secure walls and gates are a larger safety concern for walking toddlers. Crawling kids need kids rugs to avoid bruising on the hard ground. Parents should look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association safety seal on products for an extra vote of safety.

Playpen vs. Play Yard

Many families get stuck deciding between a portable play yard and a playpen. What are the key differences? Are there benefits to one over the other?

These two products are remarkably similar. Both are walled enclosures designed for young children to play freely and safely. The major difference is that portable play yards tend to include more features. It's common to see sectioned play yards that include changing tables as part of the unit.

Care & Maintenance

Some playpens are easier to clean than others. A great feature for simplifying cleaning is the use of removable vinyl or canvas covers for kids furniture & bedding. A full wash takes only a few hours in the machine rather than having to spot-clean. Plastic structures with removable parts make scrubbing and sanitising fast and efficient.

Contact ArchiPro to learn more about the benefits of playpens and to shop the entire collection of kids products.