Only the best will do when it comes to our children. This goes for everything, from bathtime essentials to their duvet, we want to ensure we’re giving our babies the best start to life. Once they start growing and increasingly become more independent, having their own safe space is important.
From play to nap time, having a safe retreat your toddler knows is their own and feels safe in will really benefit both yourself and their development. As soon as your baby starts moving independently, it’s nearly impossible to keep them in one place.
This is where a baby playpen comes in. The right playpen will be comfortable for your baby and provide you with the peace of mind they are playing safely and that you can see them at all times.
What is a baby playpen and do you need one?
A baby playpen is an enclosed play area that provides your baby with a safe place to play and rest, under your watchful eye. Most playpens are usually made from wood, plastic or metal and are lightweight, so they can be easily transported and stored away.
As much as you think you’re going to be by your baby's side 24/7, sometimes it’s quite literally impossible when you’re a busy parent that still has to work, eat and go to the loo! A baby playpen gives you peace of mind your little one is safe and baby playpens also encourage them to develop a sense of independence at an early age. To use, simply set up your chosen playpen on a flat floor surface, fill it with toys, and watch them play while you do something else on your hefty to-do list (or maybe just have a coffee).
There’s a multitude of baby playpens on the market perfect for every home, depending on budget and style. Keep scrolling for our round-up of the best baby playpens available and watch your little one play independently.
SHOP: The Best Baby Playpens
The best baby playpens to treat your little one
1 of 7Dreambaby Brooklyn Converta Fabric Playpen
The Dreambaby Brooklyn Converta Fabric Playpen is perfect for use during playtime and can be used as an extra-wide barrier gate too. With mesh panels for full visibility, you can watch over your little one at all times, same goes for your baby as they'll want to see you nearby too. Featuring six detachable panels, the layout and arrangement are up to you, so you can go small or big depending on your free space and baby's development.
2 of 7Koo-Di Happy Home Foldaway Playpen
Create a safe and happy play space wherever you need to with the Happy Home Playpen by Koo-di. A super easy unfold-and-click design means it's up and down in seconds. Kids can make a grand entrance through the zip-up door, or use it to bring their favourite toys in (it saves you from having to lift them in and out too). When playtime is done, the Happy Home Playpen quickly folds away into its own handy bag for easy carrying and compact storage.
3 of 7moKee Foldaway Play Pen
This is where the cool kids hang... in the achingly cool moKee playpen, with a gorgeous Scandi vibe. In a wide range of soft moKee colours and made entirely from sustainably sourced beech wood, this is the perfect practical and stylish playpen. Most importantly when the baby wants to go out to town, then this can be easily folded away and stored for the next time. Both cool and practical... a winner.
4 of 7Quax Romain Playpen
This beauty of a playpen is just what every glam parent dreams of. Simple, elegant and perfect for a gorgeous decorated nursery, playroom or living room. The playpen itself features three adjustable heights and is fairly straightforward to assemble.
5 of 7Hoppekids Ida-Marie White Playpen
Beautifully made from solid pine wood, this playpen will fit in with any home décor, as well as provide a safe space for your little one. This Hoppekids playpen has three adjustable height options for the various baby/toddler stages.
6 of 7Combelle Gaby Folding Playpen
Made in France to the highest standard, this folding playpen is the epitome of minimalism and would sit pretty in any room in your home. Adjustable to three separate heights with eight swivel castors equipped with brakes, this playpen is ideal for moving from room to room. Plus, its compact and foldable design makes it a dream if you're short on space.
7 of 7MJmark Large Wooden Playpen
Made from solid hardwood, this playpen is robust and a great quality item to keep your little one safe. With a playmat included, you'll have everything you need in one delivery to get your tot ready for independent play. Plenty of space to crawl around and play, your baby will be protected with little to no chance of an escape.
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