Finding the Best Baby Play Pen

With so many baby play pen options available, where do you start? Safety, type, and size should be your primary concerns when selecting the right baby play pen, as well as your future family planning.

Safety
Be sure to conduct thorough research on any baby play pen that catches your eye. Recalls are quite frequent, and sometimes the recalled items aren't removed from the sales floor. This is especially true in resale shops or discount warehouses, where serial numbers may not be checked. In used play pens, be on the lookout for chipped plastic that could cut your baby, or ripped mesh that could present a strangulation hazard.

Type
There are two main style of baby play pen to consider: play yard types and contained pen types. Contained types include a padded floor, usually mesh walls, and are normally collapsible. Play yard varieties resemble a series of interlocking baby gates that can be set up outdoors or indoors. They have no floor and care must be taken that the baby cannot pull the fencing over onto themselves if it is not properly secured.

Size
Make sure that the play pen can easily fit into the area you designate for it. Models that fold up can look deceivingly small in the box. Bring along a tape measure if you're shopping second-hand. Be sure that the item is not so large that it creates a blockage to any of the fire exits in your home. If you are expecting multiples, think about if you plan to purchase one large baby play pen or one for each expected child.

Family Planning
If you are considering more children after this one, you may want to purchase a sturdy unit that is built for long-term use. While this may be a more expensive option in terms of initial outlay, it may be a budget-conscious decision in the long run. Following these tips will help you select the best baby play pen for your needs and budget. Happy hunting!