Tips for choosing a playpen

The baby grows and becomes more active: he rolls over, tries to crawl, begins to sit up, and then walk. Now you can’t leave him unattended for even a minute. To help the mother and make the baby’s leisure time interesting and safe, an indispensable device was invented - a playpen. How to choose, what to consider when purchasing it and how not to get confused in the variety of models?

First, it is important to decide for what purpose the playpen will be used. Depending on the purpose and design , playpens are:

• classic gaming;
• playpen beds;
• screen playpens;
• inflatable playpens.

The most popular brands on the market: Geoby, Omfal, Intex (China); Bertoni, Baby Design, Milly Mally (Poland), Cam, Chicco, Neonato (Italy); Hauck, Geuther (Germany); Graco (USA); Jane (Spain); Silver Cross (UK).

Playpen

They are used for the baby to stay in for a short time. This device allows you to develop motor skills and master the basics of independence.

The shape of playpens can be very different - from the usual rectangular to round, polygonal and even corner, saving space. So even in the smallest apartment there is room for your baby to play safely.

Depending on the materials used, playpens can be made of mesh, wood or plastic .

The most popular option was and remains a mesh arena . It consists of mesh walls stretched over a metal frame. The bottom of such a playpen is covered with soft upholstery - oilcloth, natural fabric or practical raincoat fabric. The same upholstery is used for the sides so that the baby is not injured when falling. The playpen is folded like a book, that is, in half, or horizontally - by lowering the upper part. The first option is more compact, but inconvenient because the baby can stick his fingers into the fold and get injured.

Advantages:

• compactness. When folded, such a playpen easily fits into the trunk of a car; it can be placed under the bed or hidden behind a closet;
• mobility;
• safety. Even if the baby falls, he will not get a bump - the walls of the playpen are soft and elastic.

Flaws:

• eye strain. Contemplating the world around him through the net, the baby strains his eyes too much. Therefore, you should not leave him in such a playpen for more than 30 minutes at a time and more than 1.5 hours a day. In addition, the mesh should not be too bright in color. It is better if it is pastel in color, without drawings;
• difficulty in care. Mesh cannot always be washed easily, especially if it is made of natural threads. Soft parts made from natural fabrics are also difficult to clean. The oilcloth bottom is easy to clean, just like the raincoat upholstery. But it also has its own nuance - a baby, tasting the whole world, can bite off small pieces of oilcloth, which is unsafe;
• danger of finger injuries. The diameter of the mesh windows should be such that a child cannot put a finger inside.

The wooden playpen consists of slatted sides and a flat bottom. Usually it is adjustable in height and covered with a soft mattress.

Advantages:

• environmental friendliness. As a rule, such playpens are made from high-quality raw materials, and mattresses are made from natural materials;
• correct visual load, good visibility;
• strength. A growing baby can play in such a playpen for up to 3 years;
• sustainability.

Flaws:

• heavy weight and bulkiness;
• lack of mobility. Wooden models cannot be folded. They can only be disassembled, but even in this form they take up a lot of space. Such a playpen can only be moved within one room;
• injury hazard. If the baby falls, he may hit the hard slats;
• labor-intensive care. Mom will have to wipe each rack and use special products;
• high price. Wooden playpens that meet all safety and environmental requirements are quite expensive. Cheaper models may be coated with varnish that is unacceptable in the production of children's furniture, poorly sanded, or have other flaws.

A plastic playpen is not as popular as a mesh or wooden playpen. It consists of separate blocks in the form of a construction set, from which parents can build a playpen of the required size and shape for their baby.

Advantages:

• little weight;
• easy to care for (it can be washed in warm water, like regular plastic toys);
• can be used outdoors.

Flaws:

• unstable. A baby can easily tip it over, and an older child can easily knock it over and destroy the light structure;
• short service life.

Types and characteristics of children's playpens

Classification by purpose

• Net playpen. A common option is oilcloth or a floor fenced with a mesh. A light, fragile woman carries the playpen to another room without difficulty. The cost starts from one and a half thousand rubles.

There is a subgroup of this type: corner playpens, which save space and fit into small apartments.

• Playpen-cot. The corners are clearly fixed, resulting in a fenced space in the form of a rectangle or square. Space saving is achieved by using the playpen as a crib.
• Screen playpen. Modular option, assembled from several walls, adjusted to the room. There is no fixed form; part of the room is enclosed.
• Inflatable playpen. Used in open areas, it takes up a lot of space in the apartment. The functionality includes the use of an inflatable arena with appropriate walls, like a trampoline or a swimming pool.

Form

• Rectangular is considered classic, but in small rooms it is inconvenient.
• The polygonal version can be adjusted to the size of the free space in the room, protecting areas that are dangerous for the baby and providing maximum space for movement.
• Round and oval playpens are impractical, but they look beautiful and are suitable for outdoor use.
• The corner shape of the arena is a sector installed in the corner of the room. Fits into small apartments, covering maximum free space.

Dimensions

The size of the cells in the mesh should be large so that the baby can thread his fingers through and take them out without getting tangled. The distance between the rods (in wooden screen playpens) is no more than the head of the child you place inside.

The size is selected depending on the room in which the playpen will be installed and the planned budget.

If you have to choose between size and quality, the bet is on the latter, because in a cramped playpen the child will simply have less room to maneuver, and in a low-quality playpen there is every chance of injury.

Additional accessories

• Bottom height adjustment. Most often found in playpen-beds: during the day the structure is located at floor level, and in the evening it rises.

It is more convenient for parents to look after the child at night; they do not have to bend over too much to reach the baby.

• Baby changing table. A nice addition to cot playpens, it stands nearby, can be folded, and makes changing easier.
• To rock a baby to sleep in playpen cribs, runners are used . The removable element does not rock the crib to a dangerous amplitude. A child in such a playpen will not roll over, even if he spins around a lot.
• Side entrance for older children . It is zipped on the outside to prevent children from getting out of the playpen without assistance.
• The toy pocket is located on the side, making toys accessible to the child by parents.

If you hang the pocket close to the edge, adult children will be able to reach items themselves.

• A mosquito net is purchased for outdoor playpens. If the windows in the house are open in the summer and there is no mosquito net on them, it is worth buying this element to protect your baby from mosquito bites.
• Carrying bag. In extended configurations it is included in the set, otherwise it is purchased separately (standard options).
• For children who are accustomed to falling asleep while their parents rock them in their arms, vibration blocks are presented. They do not rock the crib and create vibration sufficient to lull the baby to sleep. Requires electrical power from the mains or periodic battery charging.

• Handles help children stand up with support and stay upright. An older child learns to walk along the support, clinging to these handles.
• An arcade with toys will be fun for a child who cannot sit. It is selected for a specific option; an example of content is two or three bright toys without small parts.
• The hood protects the baby from bright sunlight while relaxing outdoors. Used to protect the arena from artificial lighting.

Playpen beds

They are most often chosen when the housing area does not allow installing both a crib and a separate playpen. In addition, such a purchase can significantly save the family budget. After all, the service life of such playpens is longer than playpens and is 3-4 years. Essentially, this is the same crib, but with walls made of fabric and mesh. It can be used from the very birth of the baby. Some models are additionally equipped with a removable changing table. The shape of playpens is most often the classic “bed” - rectangular or square.

Advantages:

• lightness and compactness. The playpen can be moved around the apartment, taken to the country or on a visit;
• rigid frame. Compared to mesh playpens, it will be more convenient for the baby to get up in such a crib, since the corners in it are fixed;
• safety. Soft walls smooth out impacts during a fall, and a hard bottom helps the child’s correct posture;
• additional accessories. Both mother and baby will be pleased with the presence of a mobile, a rocking mechanism, musical accompaniment, an arc with toys, a door for the entry and exit of an older child and other pleasant and useful options;
• ease of care. The playpen bed is washable and dries quickly.

Flaws:

• no separation between the playing and sleeping areas. Getting used to playing in the crib, the baby may have difficulty falling asleep in it. In addition, such models are often made in bright, saturated colors, which is good for wakefulness, but bad for sleep;
• low bottom. This is normal for games, but it may not be entirely comfortable for a child to sleep. Although in some models the bottom is height adjustable;
• uneven bottom. This is especially true for models with a “book” mechanism. Sleeping for a long time in such a crib can negatively affect the development of a child’s posture.

Sports section for kids - group MalyshOK

The “MalyshOk” program fully meets the above criteria. It has been working effectively for over 20 years.

The “BabyOk” program is developmental classes in the gym.

Children, with the support of their fathers and mothers, master the space of the gym, get vivid impressions, which activates all groups of receptors in the central nervous system of the child’s body and helps its development. A trampoline, a parachute dome, a dry pool, various slides, and tunnels make the activity useful and exciting. Communication between children contributes to the child’s positive social adaptation.

The child needs communication with peers. It helps the baby enter human society. An important means of developing correct social skills is the general purposeful activity of adults and children during classes in the MalyshOk group.

For adults, such gymnastics turns from ordinary activities into a club of interests, where a friendly atmosphere reigns, where you can freely communicate with your “colleagues”.

The MalyshOk group is very popular in Veliky Novgorod. And the kids, whom their parents brought to their first classes, have already become fathers and mothers themselves and take their children to the Manege sports complex.

In their queries in Internet search engines, parents write this: Veliky Novgorod Manege group MalyshOk.

In class: 7 tips for parents

Some tips for those who brought their child to class for the first time.

• It is normal for a child to be wary during the first lesson. If your child refuses to study with other children, sit on a bench and watch the lesson with him. Focus your child's attention on familiar objects.
• Show your child that you are very interested in the lesson.
• Show your child friendliness and enjoyment of interacting with other children and adults.
• If the baby behaves aggressively, switch his attention. Invite him, for example, to throw a ball.
• Do not show aggression if the child is offended by another child. Instead, try to redirect his attention.
• Don't ignore your child's progress in class. Remember what he learned that he is now good at.
• If your child asks to stay after the lesson is over, tell him what attractive things are waiting for him at home.

MalyshOK group - an additional “bonus” for adults

The best rest is a change of environment or activity. Changing the usual household chores for interesting sports activities for kids in the MalyshOk group is a great way to shake things up and relax.

Parents say that the MalyshOk group gives them both cheerfulness and a good mood. This is especially noticeable if adults perform various exercises with their child: lifting, tossing. After such fitness, strength and coordination are restored, and agility improves.

It’s great that the MalyshOk group gives moms and dads the opportunity to communicate with similar parents. The friendly and trusting atmosphere created by experienced trainers turns classes in the gym into a club of common interests, where people come to develop the child and socialize.

To summarize, let us recall that the main advantage that the MalyshOk program has is the vividness of impressions, diversified focus and personal participation of parents.

Screen playpens

They consist of parts that can be positioned depending on the needs of mother and baby. Essentially, these are universal fences. With their help, you can create an enclosed play space or fence off an area that is dangerous for your baby - for example, the exit to the stairs or to the fireplace. Since such playpens do not have a bottom, they are easily transformed. The kit often includes a floor mattress. Barriers come in metal, wood and plastic. The latter are used less often, since the baby can easily knock them over.

Metal models have the following advantages :

• compactness and multifunctionality;
• easy to care for (just wash with warm water and soap and wipe dry);
• sustainability.

Flaws:

• heavy weight;
• injury hazard. A child may hit himself painfully against such a barrier. For protection, you can purchase soft quilted sides.

Types of children's playpens

Manufacturers offer a large variety of playpens to suit every taste and budget. To choose the one that is right for you, you need to have a general understanding of the types of playpens.

Wooden playpen

The most preferred material for a playpen is wood. It is environmentally friendly and resistant to damage. In addition, the weight of a wooden playpen protects the structure from tipping over.

Wooden playpens are designed like cribs with twigs, which allows the child to freely examine the objects around him. Thanks to the rigid base, it is easy to move around and learn to walk in such playpens. The disadvantage of a wooden playpen is its bulkiness and complexity of assembly.

When choosing a wooden playpen, remember that the distance between the rods should not be so wide that a child’s head can fit into it. Wooden playpens are the most expensive, although prices depend on each specific manufacturer.

Mesh playpen

The most popular model of a children's playpen. The mesh playpen is made of an aluminum frame, textiles and oilcloth. In this case, the oilcloth is the base of the arena, and the mesh acts as the sides. Such playpens are the lightest in weight, easy to assemble and maintain, and also inexpensive.

The downside of such playpens is the fine mesh, which irritates the child’s eyes. Therefore, if you have chosen a mesh playpen, pay attention to the fact that the mesh is of the most muted colors.

Playpen bed

The most versatile of all playpens is the playpen bed. It is a crib with an additional section at the bottom, which easily transforms into a playpen when the child is awake, and into a crib when it’s time to sleep. Children's playpens-beds are made from textiles, frame construction based on aluminum and mesh. This versatile crib is easy to fold and lightweight. You can easily take it with you on trips.

The playpen bed can be supplemented with accessories, such as a changing table, various toys for development, pockets for necessary small items. Some manufacturers equip their playpen beds with a vibration function for rocking the baby and a night light.

The playpen bed is quite compact. Its size is slightly larger than a standard crib, it folds easily, all textile elements are removed from the frame, so cleaning this playpen will not be difficult for you.

This playpen model is universal, which means you don’t have to spend money on both a bed and a playpen for your baby. The cost of such playpens varies depending on the manufacturer and the number of additional functions and accessories. The most budget option can be purchased for 4 thousand rubles.

Of course, despite all the advantages, playpen beds also have certain disadvantages. According to psychologists, the child must clearly distinguish between the place reserved for sleep and the place for play. A playpen bed can disrupt this perception, affecting the quality of sleep and the child's ability to fall asleep.

In addition, the small size of such an arena will not allow you to use it for a long time as a place for games.

Inflatable playpen

Recently, inflatable playpens have become increasingly popular. Inflatable playpens resemble children's trampolines in design. They have a rubber inflatable base and inflatable sides.

The main advantage of such a playpen is its mobility: you can take it with you anywhere, the main thing is not to forget the pump. However, learning to crawl and stand on an inflatable soft surface is difficult.

An inflatable playpen is a rather bulky structure, so if you want to save space, such a playpen is not suitable for you.

Trampoline playpens are particularly vulnerable - you need to constantly monitor them so that there are no sharp objects nearby, and that pets do not try to sharpen their claws on the inflatable bottom or sides.

Prices for such playpens are quite varied; as a rule, they depend on the size of the product. A high-quality small inflatable playpen in the range from 2 to 4 thousand rubles is perfect for a baby.

Inflatable playpens

Most often used in the summer. In such a “house”, the baby can frolic in the fresh air, and in some models, even swim. In addition, you can jump in it, like on a trampoline.

Advantages:

• reasonable price;
• ease of care;
• compactness (when deflated, you can put it in a regular bag);
• safety.

Flaws:

• the playpen may get punctured;
• short service life.

Safety Tips

To make your baby’s leisure time in the playpen interesting and safe, parents should pay attention to the following points:

1. The frame of the arena must be resistant to tipping.
2. The height of the sides should correspond to the age of the baby so that he cannot fall out of the playpen. The optimal height for ease of viewing and for safety reasons is 80 cm.
3. The playpen should not have protruding traumatic parts or sharp edges.
4. There should be soft padding on the bottom and sides.
5. The mesh should not sag, and the cells should be of such a size that the baby’s buttons or fingers cannot get stuck in them.
6. In a slatted arena, the distance between the slats should be 5-6 cm.
7. The wheels must have locks.
8. The materials from which the playpen is made must be hypoallergenic and approved for use by children. Ask the seller for a certificate for this model.
9. If the playpen has a folding mechanism, check the presence and serviceability of the latches. This is important so that the playpen cannot close when the baby is inside.

Choosing a safe playpen

The primary importance when choosing a playpen is its safety. You are going to leave your child unattended in it, which means you need to be confident in the product. In the store, pay attention to the stability of the selected models. When the baby stands up and leans on the side, the structure should stand and not tip over.

Additional requirements:

• The sides are high enough so that it is not possible to get out;
• absence of sharp corners, parts and locks so that the baby does not get injured;
• soft bottom and upholstery to make falls safe;
• environmentally friendly materials – fabric and base;
• reliable locking mechanism when unfolded.

Children are very curious and try everything. Make sure that no part can be broken off by children's hands. All screws must be hidden under protective caps or fabric covering.

Keep in mind that the child will probably lick the fabric more than once. It would be better if it was water-repellent. Such fabrics are soft and non-allergenic.

The bottom should be not only soft, but also durable. Take into account the weight of the child - the bottom must withstand the load. Keep in mind that the baby will grow, which means the weight will increase.

The safety issue is also related to the mesh on the walls. Refuse to purchase if it is quite large - a finger may fit into the cell or a button from children's clothing may get stuck.

Video: Dr. Komarovsky tells how to choose a playpen