10 Best Playpens Reviews
10 Best Playpens Reviews
We all know how squirmy and all over the place children can be. Their reserves of energy never seem to run out. They’re always pulling and tugging at things.
Needless to say, it is difficult to get any house chores done in the midst of the constant worry that they have touched something they shouldn’t have.
This is why playpens were invented. These baby enclosures make sure that your kid plays in a safe space while you get your work done. Although you should never leave your child unattended in them, at least they manage to contain your little one.
As much as we love playpens, knowing which one to go for can be a hassle. They are so many of them in the market today, each promising to keep your little one safe. But we can’t just take the manufacturer’s word, can we?
We decided to do some research of our own to ensure that your child got the best available. In this review we have featured the best baby playpens we could find. They were selected due to their hundreds of positive customer reviews and compliance with the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Not one of these baby playpens have ever been recalled by the Commission. In fact, some have even gone a step farther and become JPMA certified. So, if you are looking to buy a toddler playpen, you have definitely come to the right place.
What To Look For In A Playpen
If you are in the market for a playpen, there are several things you will have to consider before making a choice. Let’s give you the rundown.
- Safety
As with all baby products, safety is paramount when choosing a playpen. A suitable baby playpen should be made of material that is not toxic for your baby. This is especially important due to the fact that babies have a knack for eating anything they find in their way.
This is why you should choose products that don’t contain phthalates, BPA or lead. Another way to ensure the safety of your child is by buy playpens with a safety lock and non-skid base only.
- Size
Another thing you should take into consideration when selecting a baby playpen is its size. This is especially important if you have more than one kid you need to contain. The bigger the playpen the better. A big playpen is sure to provide a large enough space for your babies to play in.
- Portability
In order to be able to comfortably transfer a toddler playpen from one section of the house to another, you will need one that is easy to carry. You will have to find one that isn’t too heavy. Also, you can look into those that are foldable and have a carrying strap of handle.
- Shape flexibility
Most parents usually prefer playpens that offer more than one shape configuration. This allows them to adjust their shapes and sizes as they please. This means you can fit such a playpen into any available space you have without a worry.
- Ease of assembly
Since a baby playpen is something that you intend to use anywhere in your home, you need one that is easy to assemble. This ensures that you don’t encounter any difficulties when you want to set it up somewhere new. It is due to this need that most playpen brands offer tool-free assembly.
- Suitability for the outdoors
Most baby playpens usually come equipped with features that allow them to be used both indoors and outdoors. This comes in handy when you want to get some sunlight and watch your kid at the same time.
- Extra accessories
When choosing a suitable baby fence play area, you should also consider what extra accessories it has to offer. For instance, many baby enclosures come with an activity board with toys such as a play phone, picture house and spinning balls. These toys are sure to keep your kid busy.
Best Playpens At A Glance
Before we delve into a detailed discussion of the best playpens, below is a brief overview of the ones we think you might want to take a quick look at.
Baby Care Play Mat Playpen
The Good
This baby playpen is very easy to assemble and disassemble. This is because it requires no tools to do so. For greater stability, its thick rounded panels come with holders on the top and bottom.
Another attractive quality of this large baby playpen is the fact that it’s both waterproof and hygienic. It is also tested to the European Toy Standards EN71 and is available in two color schemes.
- Offers a big play space
- Sturdy
- Easy to assemble
- Available in 2 colors
- BPA-free and lead-free
- Waterproof
The Bad
Unfortunately, there have been several complaints that the door of this toddler playpen is difficult to close. Several parents have also complained that the suction cups at the bottom of each panel don’t stick to the floor as expected. Finally, this large playpen offers no shape flexibility.
- Provides only one shape configuration
- Door is difficult to close
- Suction cups don’t work
Final Thoughts
All things considered, the Baby Care Play Mat Playpen is quite impressive, especially when used with its corresponding play mat.
Kidzone Baby Playpen
The Good
If you are looking for a playpen with a flexible shape, this is the one for you. It consists of 8 interchangeable panels that allow you to create a square, rectangle, hexagonal or octagonal shape.
This coupled with the fact that you can use as many or as few panels as you wish ensure that this playpen can be made to fit in any space whether outdoors or indoors. This toddler playpen also comes with a safety lock.
- Easy to assemble
- Colorful design
- Flexible shape
- Fun and educational activity board with toys
- BPA and lead-free
- Sturdy
- Comes in blue and pink for boys and girls respectively.
The Bad
First of all, the teddy bear stickers that come with this baby girl playpen tear easily. Your baby may end up tearing and eating them up. Secondly, several parents have complained about their babies’ feet getting stuck in the space between the rails. Finally, this baby boy playpen could be sturdier.
- Could be sturdier
- Space between rails could be bigger
- Teddy bear stickers tear easily
Final Thoughts
Although this baby playpen has a few quirks, it does all that it promises to do.
Gupamiga Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre
The Good
Weighing in at about 32 pounds, this large baby playpen is light. It is also really easy to assemble. Another appealing quality of this portable playpen is the fact that it that it is specially designed with a rubber base that helps it stick to the floor and remain sturdy even when pushed.
It also boasts of a safety lock that ensures that your child doesn’t wander out of the playpen. Moreover, this portable playpen can be used both in the outdoors and indoors.
- Colorful child-friendly design
- Large
- BPA-free
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
The Bad
Unfortunately, this plastic playpen does face some challenges. For instance, the space between the rails is large enough to trap your baby’s hands and feet. This is a safety hazard. Also, the bead bar beside the door easily comes off releasing beads which serve as a choking hazard. Finally, the gate can be easily opened by toddlers.
- Bead bar easily comes off
- Space between rails can trap baby’s feet and hands
- Easy-to-open gate
Final Thoughts
In spite of its flaws, this portable playpen manages to combine amazing aesthetics and function effectively.
Evenflo Versatile Play Space
The Good
Weighing in at a meagre 8.5 pounds, this is the lightest playpen you will probably find. The fact that it is foldable and comes with a molded handle adds to its portability. Needless to say, this portable playpen is perfect for parents who are always on the go.
As its name suggests, this baby playpen offers great versatility. It comes with reversible legs with outdoor stakes that offer stability outdoors and non-scratch floor pads for use indoors. It also helps that it doesn’t require any tools to install.
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Molded handle for portability
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Cheap playpen
- Foldable
The Bad
There have been several complaints that this baby playpen is a little flimsy and some kids can actually push it till it topples. Also, unlike with many of its competitors, you will need two hands to open its gate. This doesn’t allow you to hold your baby a you open it. Finally, the finger holes are a little sharp and can scratch your little one.
- Requires two hands to open gate
- Finger holes are sharp
- Flimsy
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a good playpen that doesn’t break the bank, this is the one for you. It is definitely one of the best cheap playpens for babies.
Costzon Baby Playpen Kids Safety Activity Center
The Good
This kids’ playpen consists of 8 panels that allow for great flexibility. You therefore have a variety of shapes to choose from such as square, rectangular and octagonal shapes. This baby playpen also caters for your child’s safety by employing the use of safe and non-toxic polyethylene material.
A safe locking system is yet another appealing feature of this toddler playpen. It keeps your child from leaving this secure baby enclosure. It also helps that it comes with an activity board which includes a picture house, play phone and spinning balls to keep your kid busy.
- Safe, non-toxic material
- Activity board
- Shape flexibility
- Safe locking system
- Cute design
- Available in 2 colors
- Affordable
The Bad
The bear stickers tear easily. Additionally, the suction cups are easy to remove and therefore children can easily remove and eat them. Finally, it is a little flimsy
- Stickers tear easily
- Flimsy
- Suction cups come off easily
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for something that is safe, cute and affordable, the Costzon baby playpen is just what you need.
ProSource Baby Kids Playpen
The Good
To ensure that your kid has a blast while in the playpen, it is equipped with an activity board that includes a picture house, play phone and spinning balls. It also boasts of a hinged swinging door with a safety lock.
This ensures that your child can’t live the playpen. You will also be happy to know that this child playpen is expandable by the use of extra connectors and walls that are included in the package.
- Cute colorful design
- Activity board
- Safety lock
- Expandable
- Affordable
- Extra connectors and walls included
The Bad
First of all, the stickers are low quality. Secondly, the suction cups don’t work very well, even on hardwood floors. Finally, this toddler playpen isn’t that sturdy.
- Could be sturdier
- Low-quality stickers
- Suction cups don’t work well
Final Thoughts
All things considered, the ProSource Baby Kids Playpen is definitely worth your time.
Baby Playpen Kids PlaySafe Activity Center
The Good
The 8 panels of this child playpen are interchangeable to allow for changing of its size or shape. It also has a hinge swinging door with a safety lock that ensures that your baby can’t leave it. You will also rest easier knowing that this girl playpen is made of safe non-toxic material.
Weighing in at only 30 pounds, this playpen is also pretty portable.
- Suitable for children of up to 4 years
- Safe non-toxic material
- Safety lock
- Easy to assemble
- Colorful
- Affordable
The Bad
The suction cups of this baby playpen don’t work very well. Also, they come off easily and are a choking hazard. Finally, some children have been known to push a panel or two out of place.
- Suction cups easily come off
- Suction cups don’t work that well
- Panels can be pushed out of place by kids.
Final Thoughts
This child playpen is as functional as it is cute.
JAXPETY Baby Playpen Kids 8 Panel Safety Play Center
The Good
This toddler playpen is really sturdy thanks to its rubber feet which prevent it from sliding on surfaces. It is also worth noting that this kids’ playpen can be used both indoors and outdoors. The fact that it’s only 35 pounds is a huge plus too.
This makes it easy to carry from one place to another. Another advantageous quality of this outdoor playpen is the fact that it is made of polyethylene which is known for being extremely stable, safe and non-toxic.
- Sturdy
- Colorful
- Fun activity board
- Safe and non-toxic
- Used both indoors and outdoors
- Light
The Bad
Unfortunately, this baby outdoor playpen does face some challenges. For instance, it is considerably difficult to get the stickers on properly. Secondly, the walls of this baby playpen are easily pushed around by children. Finally, its gate unlatches way too easily.
- Children push it around easily
- Gate unlatches easily
- Getting stickers on properly is difficult
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this baby enclosure provides you with functionality, ease of assembly and affordability without compromising on aesthetics.
Versatile Play Pen
The Good
Due to its large play space, you can easily use a single baby playpen for two of your kids or a set of twins. Alternatively, you can comfortably join your baby in the playpen and play with them.
The bright colors of this large baby playpen also make it appealing, especially to children. Due to its 4 unique curved panels, this twin playpen is very easy to assemble. You will also be thrilled to learn that its panels are adjustable to create the shape and space you desire.
- Large play space
- Bright attractive colors
- Easy to assemble
- Shape and space flexibility
- Sturdy
- Easy to clean
The Bad
Unfortunately, this twin playpen doesn’t have a door. Additionally, it’s way more expensive than its competitors. Finally, its connectors tend to start breaking prematurely.
- Expensive
- Has no door
- Connectors break prematurely
Final Thoughts
If you have a hyperactive baby or a set of twins, this is the best playpen for you.
North States Superyard Colorplay Ultimate
The Good
Weighing in at only 20 pounds, this baby playpen is really light. This makes it easy to carry around. The fact that it comes with a carrying strap and foldable panels also contributes to its increased portability.
It is amazing how easy it is to assemble this portable playpen. All you have to do is to click the panels into place and you’re good to go. You don’t need any tools. You will also be happy to learn that this toddler playpen comes with an access door which offers one-hand operation and a dual lock.
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Expandable to up to 34 square feet
- Access door with dual lock
- Easy to assemble
- Colorful design
- Portable
The Bad
In spite of its one-hand operability, the door of this portable playpen is still considerably difficult to open and close. Additionally, this plastic playpen is rather flimsy. Finally, it’s difficult to fold and unfold.
- Flimsy
- Difficult to fold and unfold
- Access door is difficult to open and close
Final Thoughts
In spite of a few quirks here and there, the North States Superyard Colorplay Ultimate is undoubtedly one of the best playpens in the market right now.
The Bottom Line
This review is the product of thorough research that took a lot of time and energy. All the baby playpens featured here have been proven to be both safe and effective. In fact, they are loved and trusted by many a parent.
However, at the end of the day, only you can choose which is best for you and your child. While the Baby Care Mat Playpen is considered to be the best by many, its weight may lead you to prefer the lighter Gupamiga Baby Playpen. As previously stated, it’s totally up to you.
