The Best Baby Playpens in 2021
The Best Baby Playpens in 2021 (My Sons Loved Them)
When my sons were younger, making sure they were safe, while also getting to have fun, was one of my top priorities. After all, they don’t stay babies forever. So a playpen was a total lifesaver for us, because it eased some of the stress and anxiety that I felt once they started exploring and becoming more curious. Besides, fueling their imagination and encouraging exercise is so incredibly healthy for our children.
As babies grow, they love to play and explore. Allowing them the opportunity to do those things is a crucial part of their development. If you’re like other parents, you’re concerned about the safety of your children. Letting them roam around in your house can seem a little bit scary at first. Luckily there’s a product out there for that, which can help your mind feel more at ease.
Playpens are a great way to give your child more freedom, without sacrificing their safety. They are an enclosed structure that keeps them contained while giving them space to play at the same time. It’s the perfect way to provide your baby with a good environment for harnessing their imagination and growth.
Carry on reading or jump straight to our number #1 pick here.
Table of Contents [hide]
What Should I Look For in a Playpen?
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Playpens
Our Top Picks for the Best Playpens of 2021
#1: Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen (Best Overall)
#2: Evenflo Versatile Play Space (Best Value)
#3: Baby Care Fun Zone Playpen (Best for Large Areas)
#4: Babyseater Portable Playard Playpen (Best for Travel)
#5: Graco Pack n Play Playard Reversible Seat and Changer LX (Best Playard)
#6: GrowthPic Baby Playpen (Best Low Cost)
What Is the Difference between Playpens and Play Yards?
Verdict: Your Best Playpen
What Should I Look For in a Playpen?
Before you take the leap and purchase a playpen for your little one, there are certain features that it should have. Take a look at this list that we put together to further help you with your decision. You will notice a lot of important things you should have on your list.
Collapsibility
Not everyone has unlimited space, so having a playpen that collapses for easy storage is a great feature to have. If you are planning to keep it in your living room, I would recommend choosing one with this capability. This way you can get your space back when it’s not in use.
Panels
It’s simple really. More panels mean it can cover more space. You can adjust the size of the playing pen by adding or removing panels. So, consider this before your purchase, if you want to have the option to customize.
Material
Playpens come in a variety of different materials including plastic, wood, mesh, and steel. Typically the mesh panel playpen will have a metal frame for durability. Keep in mind what you prefer when looking at these, especially if it’s going to be indoors, outdoors, or both. Plastic will be easier to wipe down overall, but some mesh walled playpens and play yards have removable fabrics that can be washed.
Ease of Use
No one wants to spend a lot of time taking apart a playpen and putting it back together. Make sure to choose something that will be easy for you to assemble and fold up when needed. Saving time is so important as a parent.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Playpens
Kids love running around and being active. Playpens allow for them to do that without them wandering where they shouldn’t be. After extensive research and reading about the experiences of other parents, I figured out which ones were the best of the best. I compared that to my personal experience with my own children and then compiled this list of 6 playpens that are useful for different types of lifestyles.
Our Top Picks for the Best Playpens of 2021
Let’s dive right into our list!
TODALE Baby Playpen (Best Low Cost)
TODALE Baby Playpen
Get the TODALE Baby Playpen at Amazon
Coming in at the lowest price point compared to all of the other top picks, this playpen is the best for a tight budget. It’s fairly small too, at 50 inches long and 50 inches wide. Though it still has plenty of space for your baby to play. You will want to consider this for your little one if you are searching for a play space that is compact and affordable. Let’s go over the most important reasons to choose this product.
Inward Leaning Panels
Something unique that you will notice about the design of the GrowthPic Playpen is that the panels lean inward at a slight angle. This is to prevent any chance of tipping. Babies will push and lean on the walls of the play space and that is normal. It is made this way to make sure your child is safe without sacrificing any space.
It’s Lightweight
The product weight of the GrowthPic is only 9 lbs., making it the lightest on our list. It also comes with a travel bag, so you can use it on the go as well if you choose to. If you need to move it from room to room in your house or even outside, it will be a breeze.
Why else did we put this on our list?
External zipper to keep your child from trying to escape
12-month guarantee
Rounded corners that won’t scratch your floor
Great for indoors or outdoors
Mesh walls
Water-resistant fabric
If you are looking for a playpen that is under $99, compact, and usable both inside and outside, then this one would work best for you. The main difference between this product and our #5 top pick is the price. The TODALE is a little more wallet-friendly. Even though it is less expensive, it is still high quality and provides a safe play space for your child.
What Is the Difference between Playpens and Play Yards?
You’ll notice that some of our picks are referred to as a play yard rather than a playpen. This is because a lot of people use these names interchangeably. The only real difference between them is that some play yards offer the capability of sleeping or changing a diaper. Standard playpens do not. Also, play yards typically have an integrated floor while a playpen doesn’t. This is why you will see no weight limits when you are shopping for a playpen.
Verdict: Your Best Playpen
So this is the takeaway…
For the one that’s best of the best, pick the Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen. It is the easiest to fold and store when it’s not in use and when relocating to other parts of your home or outdoors.
If you are looking for the best value, pick the Evenflo Versatile Play Space. You can add extra panels to enlarge the space, and it’s great for indoor or outdoor use.
For larger areas, pick the Baby Care Fun Zone Playpen. It is the largest in this group and is perfect if you have space and an appropriate budget.
If you want to keep the spend under $95, pick the TODALE Baby Playpen. The design includes waterproof fabric and mesh, and it is the most lightweight.
If you want the one that’s best for travel use and if you’re often on the go, pick the Babyseater Portable Playard Playpen . It is the easiest of the play yards to transport to different places.
If you want the best playard, pick the Graco Pack n Play Playard Reversible Seat and Changer LX. This play yard has so much to offer you and your child with all of its extra capabilities that it feels like a splurge.
Choosing the best playpen for your child can seem like a difficult task. This guide was put together to help you make the best decision possible for you and your family. Whether you are looking for something like the Graco Play yard, which includes a few extra purposes, or the Babyseater Play yard which is ideal for travel, you really can’t go wrong. Plus, there is something listed for every type of budget. Most parents will first look at cost before anything else. Pinpoint what is most important to you and use that information to your advantage. You got this!