Baby Playpen
From LoveToKnow Baby
A baby playpen is just what their name implies, a place to keep baby penned up while he still plays. There are several types of playpens for you to choose from. You should also be aware of some very important safety issues regarding playpens.
Playpens/Portable Cribs
Some portable cribs are also referred to as playpens. These soft, mesh-sided playpens serve as more than just a confining play area for your little one. Many of these feature raised bottoms that work perfectly as bassinets for newborn infants. They also offer a changing pad area that even includes pockets on the side of the crib for storing wipes, lotions, creams, etc.
These port-a-cribs typically fold into a compact, long, rectangular shaped bundle. They are usually folded into a cloth, carrying bag for easier transporting.
Playpens/Play Yards
Some playpens are strictly used to allow baby the freedom to play, while keeping her in a small enough area to prevent injury. Curiosity sometimes gets the best of even the most well-behaved toddler, and playpens are great to use for short periods of time.
Some playpens have wooden-slated sides and padded bottoms. Others use the mesh sides that are typically found on porta-cribs. Play yards are usually larger than a soft-sided playpen, and they are more square in shape.
Safety Issues
While playpens are extremely popular, and they provide a certain amount of freedom for both parent and child, they can also be overused and even dangerous. Keep the following points in mind before you begin placing your baby in a playpen.
- Limit the amount of time your child is in a baby playpen. Babies don't need to be confined for very long. Be sure you allow your baby plenty of opportunities for confinement-free exercise.
- Even though your baby is confined in a playpen, don't leave her alone! Be sure the playpen is in the same room or area of the yard that you are. You never know when your baby might find something to put in her mouth, attempt to crawl out, or injure herself in some other way even though she is still in the playpen.
- Be sure you place toys into the baby playpen that are safe for your baby to play with. They shouldn't contain small parts that could be choking hazards.
- If you take your baby outside, make sure that the playpen is in the shade, and you've adequately dressed your baby and/or used sunscreen to protect her tender skin from the sun's harsh rays.
Inspect the Baby Playpen
- If it has mesh sides, the holes should be no larger than 1/4 of an inch.
- Wooden slats should be no farther apart than 2 1/2 inches.
- Be sure the sides are locked into place before putting your baby in the playpen.
- Make sure any screws or other hardware are tight, and there isn't any protruding metal that could cut baby's skin.
Baby Playpen Recalls
Several playpens have been recalled because of safety hazards, including protruding or loosening rivets, which could cause cuts or choking hazards, and sides that don't lock into place, which could cause a suffocation hazard. For information on product recalls, consumers can contact the US Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.
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