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| | | Playpens and play yards are convenient tools for many parents, particularly for those who travel or have limited space. They are soft-sided or portable cribs with a soft floor, and fabric and mesh sides. Basic playpens simply offer a comfortable and safe area for the baby to nap or play. Combination playpens typically feature a removable bassinet and/or changing station. Some also have storage organizes attached to the outside. Deluxe playpens may offer music, lights or a mobile, a canopy or even a vibrating mattress to lull the baby to sleep. Most playpens and play yards are designed for infants up to 30 pounds. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Basic playpens are, obviously, the most inexpensive, ranging from about $40 to $80. Models that offer bassinets or changing stations run from $80 to $120, while deluxe models with all the bells and whistles usually cost from $120 to upwards of $200.
What should be included: | - According to The New Parents Guide, all playpens should have a relatively firm (but not rigid) mattress that is no more than 1-inch thick, which should be securely fastened to the bottom of the playpen or play yard. It should also have adequate padding on the top and corner rails. Holes in mesh walls should be no larger than 1/4 inch.
- Consumer Reports says there should also be a certification sticker from the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA), which indicates that it meets the current voluntary standard for play pens.
Additional costs: | - Additional fitted sheets for playpens or play yards cost between $7 and $10.
- In models that offer music or mobiles, many don't actually come with the AA batteries (usually between 2 and 7) needed to operate that feature.
Shopping for a playpen: | - Playpens can be dangerous, if parents aren't careful. Since 1998, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 200 babies suffocated or asphyxiated in playpens because of improper bedding or other items. The CPMC says soft bedding, such as pillows, quilts, comforters or even loose sheets should never be placed in the playpen. Read the CPMC Sleep Safe/Play Safe brochure.
- Make sure the playpen or play yard has not been recalled by going to the CPSC website.
- When shopping for a playpen, always try to do a "test drive" in the store. Make sure you can break it down and put it back up easily, and that all rails have locking mechanisms to keep them from collapsing.
- Avoid using hand-me-down or second-hand playpens or play yards. Consumer Reports also says that if your child uses a playpen at a day-care facility, relative's home or a hotel, make sure it has a model that was manufactured in 2000 or later.
- Check Consumer Reports's recommendations for play yards that are safe and easy to use.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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Article updated January 2009 |
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