Comparison playpens

— Foldable. These playpens can be folded into a compact structure, making them very convenient for storage or transportation. For the latter, they can be equipped with special bags (refer to "Transportation bag"). On the other hand, they are less durable and reliable than the unfoldable ones, which is why they can be recommended primarily when compactness is crucial.

— Unfoldable. The design of such playpens does not provide for folding. Due to their simplicity, unfoldable playpens are more durable and cheaper than foldable playpens, but they are more bulky and not so convenient to move from place to place.

— For games. A playpen of classic design; unlike a playpen crib, it is intended to be used exclusively as a play area. These playpens usually have fewer additional features, but are generally less expensive than crib models.

— Playpen-crib. This playpen can be used in two roles: as a playpen and as a sleeping place for the baby. Many such models have a height adjustable mattress (see below), which allows them to be used as a crib from the first days of the baby's life. Also playpens-cribs can be equipped with specialized functions — music box, vibration block, skids (see glossary below). However, when buying such a model should take into account that psychologists do not recommend using the same place for games and sleep. Therefore, as a crib such a playpen can be used for newborns, and when the baby grows up, it will still be better to get a separate crib.

— Pkay tent. Playpens that have a canopy to cover the play area and often a side entrance (refer to "More features") can be similar in purpose to both classic models and playpen cribs (see above). Canopy provides additional protection for the baby inside, up to the fact that many such models are originally designed to be placed outside — for example, in the yard. Note that the design of the canopy and the degree of protection can be different: for example, in some playpens it is a simple mosquito net, in others - a dense fabric...that can protect from rain.

— Playpen fence. This type of playpen does not have its own bottom — in fact, it is a fence with which you can protect one or another play area for the baby. Note that such fences are usually modular in design, so that you can change the size and shape of the fenced area by adding or removing elements.

— Dry pool. A playpen in the form of a pool with plastic balls instead of water. In such balls the child can "swim" and "dive", and the parent does not need to worry about a change of clothes and safety on the water. However, it is undesirable to jump into such a pool. Balls are made of relatively soft plastic and have a fairly large size of 10 — 15 cm, so there is no fear that the kid will bruise, inhale or swallow the ball. Of course, a dry pool is not a substitute for a real pool, but it can be a great entertainment for both babies and older children.

– Inflatable dry pool. A dry pool, filled with balls and featuring an inflatable structure instead of a rigid frame, is highlighted in the corresponding section. The inflatable frame offers the advantage of compact storage and easy transportation. Assembling and disassembling this type of pool is notably simpler compared to traditional framed ones, Some inflatable models even double as traditional pools by allowing water filling. However, a major drawback is their susceptibility to damage – even a small hole can lead to air leakage and eventual deflation. Therefore, caution is advised to prevent the inflatable shell from coming into contact with sharp, cutting, or hot objects during use.

— Metal. Due to its durability and reliability, metal is the most common material for the frames of modern playpens. At the same time, metal frames are practically never found — the metal is sheathed with materials that are more pleasant in appearance and to the touch, usually cloth or plastic.

— Plastic. The main advantage of plastic is its relatively low weight; in addition, it is easy to give it almost any colour, which allows you to create bright colours that are pleasing to the eyes of the baby for a small price. However, plastic is less durable than metal, and therefore is quite rare.

— Wood. Wood has average weight and durability characteristics. It is pleasant to the touch and looks good, so it is not covered with other materials. On the one hand, wood products have a prestigious look, but on the other hand, they are very restrained and even ascetic compared to other materials. Therefore, quite a few wooden models are produced.

— Foam rubber. Frames made of dense foam are almost never used in traditional playpens, but they are very popular in dry pools (refer to "Purpose"). Thanks to its softness, this material is as safe as possible: even if the child steps off in the balls and falls on the edge of the pool — the soft foam springs up, and instead of a bruise, the child will only get a slig...ht shock. And to prevent the frame parts from absorbing dust and dirt, they are usually covered with a dense polymer sheath like vinyl leather (refer to "Wall Material"); it also allows the sides to hold their vertical position and keep the balls securely in place.

— Inflatable. This option is used mainly in dry pools of the appropriate type (refer to "Purpose"), but there are also classic playpens of inflatable design — usually these are small-sized models. In any case, the main advantages of the inflatable frame can be called safety for the baby, and when not in use, it can be deflated and compactly rolled up. The main disadvantage of such a design is sensitivity to punctures and cuts.

Regardless of the material, when buying a playpen, it is worth clarifying its compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards.

— Fabric. Dense fabric protects the baby inside the playpen from accidental drafts; in addition, it is safe when falling — the kid will not hurt himself/herself by falling on a soft wall. On the other hand, the fabric is opaque, and you can see the kid only by looking into the playpen from above. This is not very convenient, because completely fabric playpens are practically never found.

— Mesh. These playpens feature walls crafted from a fine mesh. The transparency eliminates the need to peer from above, allowing easy observation of the baby. The softness of the mesh ensures safety if the baby happens to fall against the walls. However, it is essential to note that the mesh might be less effective in shielding against accidental drafts, requiring careful consideration when choosing the playpen's placement.

— Fabric/mesh. Such models combine two materials: the end walls are most often made of fabric, and the sidewalls can be either entirely mesh or fabric with windows made in them. In such a playpen, the kid is better protected from drafts than in a mesh; at the same time, the walls allow you to see the child without looking from above, and it's ok to fall on them.

— Plastic. Walls made of coloured plastic. They can be both solid and in the form of slats; in the latter case, the child can use them as a support to get to his/her feet.... Some models combine both options. The disadvantage of plastic is hardness — falling on it is fraught with painful bruises, and therefore this material is used quite rarely, mainly in models with a plastic frame (refer to "Frame material").

— Wood. Wooden walls are usually made in the form of slats. On the other hand, they offer little protection against accidental drafts and a fall on such a wall can be quite painful. This variant is used in models with a wooden frame; for the characteristics of wood, see the corresponding subparagraph under "Frame material".

— Metal. Metal walls, like the wooden walls described above, are made in the form of slats and have all the characteristic features of such structures: the child is always visible, but is not protected from drafts. On the one hand, this material is much more durable than wood, but on the other hand, it is less pleasant to the touch: metal slats feel cold. In light of this, this option is not particularly widespread.

— PVC/fabric. A specific synthetic fabric type involves a polyester mesh with a PVC coating. This material is applied to foam frames in some dry pools for protective purposes (refer to "Purpose"). The PVC coating can be either one-sided (external) or two-sided, with no significant difference. Playpens with PVC fabric have a smooth and slippery surface, safeguarding children from abrasions during play. This robust, durable, waterproof material withstands sunlight well and is easily cleaned from most contaminants.

— Vinyl leather. Synthetic material, which belongs to high quality leather substitutes. However, vinyl leather is one of the varieties of PVC-fabric described above and does not differ from it in its main properties and features and is used in the same way - as a cover for foam frames in dry pools.

— Vinyl. A dense polymer film used exclusively in inflatable dry pools (refer to "Purpose"). The properties and advantages of this material are described under "PVC/fabric" above. In fact, the pure vinyl differs from the polymer-fabric surface only in the absence of a fabric base — it is simply not required in this case.

For dry pools in this case, it is usually specified the material of the shell, which covers the walls - this material is what the child comes into contact with (inside such a shell is a foam rubber frame, for more details see "Frame Material").

The ability to adjust the mattress height in the playpen. This enables the selection of the ideal depth for the playpen, preventing the child from getting out independently while ensuring easy retrieval (avoiding discomfort from a too-deep playpen). Additionally, some playpens can function as cribs, but it's advisable only for newborns, as it's not recommended for older children to both play and sleep in the same space.

The number of levels to which the mattress height can be adjusted (refer to "Mattress height adjustment"). The more levels there are, the greater the possibilities for optimum height adjustment to the situation.

A special shelf for changing babies that is included in the playpen design. Buying such a playpen will save you from having to buy a separate changing table. Usually, such shelves are provided with playpens that can be converted into a crib (see "Mattress haight adjustment"). For ease of use, changing tables are often made removable.

— Side entrance. An opening in the side or end wall of the playpen. Through such an entrance it is more convenient to put the baby inside — he or she does not have to be carried over a high wall, which can be quite tiresome with a grown-up child. In addition, if the situation allows, this entrance can be left open at all, giving the baby the opportunity to enter the playpen and get out of it at will.

— Lockable wheels. There is a special lock on the wheels of the playpen. This playpen on wheels is convenient to move within the apartment, and putting in the desired place, you can lock the wheels — so the structure will not move from an accidental push (because of which the child inside could fall).

— Toy pocket. A special pocket on the wall of the playpen that can be used to store toys, so that you always have them on hand to keep your child entertained. The pocket is often removable and in some models it can be combined with a changing table (refer to "Changing table").

— Parent organizer. A special shelf with storage compartments on the side wall of the playpen. On such a shelf it is convenient to store various accessories — diapers, creams, powders, etc.

— Mosquito net. This net can completely cover the playpen, protecting the baby inside from mosqui...toes and other annoying and sometimes even dangerous insects. This feature will be useful especially for those who plan to use the playpen outdoors in the warm season.

— Transport bag. The playpen comes with a special bag. It makes transportation much easier. It is usually included with foldable playpens (see "Type").

— Music box. This is a MP3 player built into the playpen with an external speaker for playing music. This can be either fun tunes to entertain your kid during playtime or lullabies if the playpen is also used as a crib (for more information see "Mattress haight adjustment"). The set of melodies can be preset or downloaded at your request.

— Vibration block. A rocking mechanism for the playpen. This function is not necessary when the structure is used for its intended purpose, but it is useful if the playpen is used as a crib — rocking will help to lull the baby to sleep.

— Night light. A light that can be left on at night if the kid is afraid to fall asleep in total darkness. For example, if you need to get something from the nursery, but the kid is already asleep and it is undesirable to turn on the common light. A night light is not needed when the baby is awake, so this function is only found in playpen cribs (refer to "Purpose").

— Handles for the baby. Special handles inside the playpen to make it easier for the baby to stand up and walk. This function is especially important for playpens with fabric and/or net walls — without them, the only support for the baby will be the upper part of the walls.

— Arc with toys. An arc with toys placed above the playpen. It is intended primarily for babies when the playpen is used as a crib — the toys can distract the baby to stop crying, for example. The arc can also be used for playing at an older age, but it is less suitable for this purpose — the toys are located quite high and it is difficult to reach them.

— Canopy. The playpen has a canopy that partially covers the area around the head of the child lying down, similar to the way it is done in strollers for babies. In fact, the canopy is mainly used in playpen cribs (refer to "Purpose"). It provides additional protection from sunlight and other light that can disturb a sleeping baby, and can also play the role of a arc with toys (see above).

— Balls. The balls are used as a filler for dry pools (refer to "Purpose") and can be included with them. Balls can be bought separately, but it is more convenient to buy a dry pool with balls at once — especially since such a set will have the right amount of them.