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When your baby starts crawling, exploring and learning to walk, a baby playpen can quickly become a safe haven of play for them, and choosing the right baby playpen can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your hands free for short bursts while supervising nearby, and while also encouraging their independence.
It's essential to consider the size of the playpen when selecting one, as well as the amount of space available for your child to play, move, and grow. At the same time, if you have a small home, you don't want a playpen that takes up the entire living room (unless you can fold it away at the end of the day). Another important factor is durability, and if you plan to travel or visit family regularly, portability is also a consideration. You may also want to consider one that is versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, especially over the warmer months.
It's also equally important to think about how a playpen can support your child’s development. We spoke to Dr Amanda Gummer, a renowned neuropsychologist, child development specialist, and founder of The Good Play Guide, about ways a playpen can help with this.
She suggests simple ways to transform a playpen into a space that fosters learning and development by using age-appropriate toys that encourage exploration. “Use soft blocks, sensory balls, and interactive toys that light up or make sounds to keep your baby engaged. Rotating toys will also maintain their interest. Incorporating books with bright pictures and various textures can also stimulate your baby's senses and support early language development.” Dr Amanda also discusses the benefits of playpens in greater depth later in the article.
It's also important to remember that while a playpen is a great space for little ones to play in, extra mattresses or soft bedding should not be added during play time, and should only be used for sleep if they're explicitly approved as a travel cot.
The best playpens 2026
The table below gives an at-a-glance view of some of the key specifications of each product on our list and the overall rating from Mother&Baby testing or user reviews.
Do you need a playpen for your baby?
Not necessarily, but a baby playpen will make your life easier and give your baby a sense of independence at an early age. To use, simply set up your chosen playpen on a flat floor surface, fill it with toys. While your baby plays in their playpen, it's always important to actively supervise them too, so if you're ticking off your to do list, make sure you can still see them in the playpen.
Benefits of a baby playpen
A baby playpen offers benefits for both you and your little one. It provides a safe and secure environment for your child to explore, play, and develop their motor skills, giving you peace of mind. Dr Amanda strongly advocates the use of playpens. She explains, “A baby playpen provides a safe, enclosed space where your baby can explore independently, which is crucial for building confidence and fostering early motor skills. Having a designated space for play promotes a sense of routine, which is beneficial for emotional and cognitive development.” A good playpen:
Encourages independent play: A safe playpen can help foster independence, which is so important for developing motor skills and creativity. It's also helpful for babies to learn to entertain themselves.
Creates a safe space: Babies can explore, crawl and pull themselves up without risk of hurting themselves near objects or furniture they shouldn't be near.
Portable: Playpens are great to take on weekends away and when travelling. Some can be used in the garden, in parks and even on the beach making them a handy, safe and familiar setting for little ones. You can also find travel cots that double as playpens if you're looking for a versatile option.
Great for play dates: If you've got twins or like arranging play dates, a playpen can give parents peace of mind when babies are inside together. Little ones will slowly learn to interact with other babies and develop their social skills.
Creates familiarity: A baby will learn to associate their playpen with learning and fun. They'll know what toys can be found inside and understand that their parent or caregiver is never too far away.
Things to consider before buying a baby playpen
• Safety - Only buy a playpen with the BS EN 12227:1997, 1999, or 2010 safety mark. This crucial certification confirms that the product meets British and European safety standards, providing you with peace of mind that it has undergone thorough testing and is therefore safe for your little one.
• Size and space – If you've not got much room, it may be worth looking for a smaller one or one that folds away. There's no point buying something that won't fit. For families with space, the Venture All Stars Duo Foldaway Playpen is perfect, offering a spacious and sturdy play area that can become a permanent play area for larger rooms.
• Material and durability – These self-contained units are usually made from wood, plastic (easy to clean), or metal (more durable).
• Portability and storage – Most baby playpens are lightweight, so they can be easily carried around the house and stored away when not in use. Compact designs are handy for easy storage like the Ickle Bubba Fiesta.
• Ease of cleaning – Look for plastic ones or those that come with wipeable surfaces, removable mats, and machine-washable fabrics.
• Safety and visibility – Look for playpen models featuring mesh sides or spaced slats for optimal airflow and easy visibility, like the Koo-di playpen or Tutti Bambini Hexa Playpen.
• Comfort – Ideally, you want your little one to explore in a safe and comfortable space with padded and smooth edges.
• Features/accessories - any extra that comes with a playpen is a bonus like activity panels and sunshades.
• Price and brand – As with anything, the more premium models come with more features, so consider what's really important to you and also how long you want your child to use the playpen. If you're planning another child, a sturdy, durable one will last until they grow out of it, too. The Joie Cheer Playpen delivers the best value for money, featuring excellent add-ons at a reasonable price. It is particularly suitable for smaller spaces with its detachable plush toys that toddlers love. For a budget-friendly option, the Venture All Stars Joy Baby Playpen is a good choice for parents.
Important safety considerations for baby playpens
• Never leave a child alone and unsupervised in a playpen (even if they're strapped into a bouncer or rocker).
• Make sure there are no large items inside the playpen that your baby can step on to and use to climb out.
• Never leave a playpen near an open fire or other heat sources.
• Don't tie anything across the top of a playpen, and keep any dangling cords or cables away, as this is a strangulation hazard.
• Shade can trap heat. Keep playpens out of direct sunlight in hot weather and check the ground temperature. Also, ensure mesh panels are well ventilated and not covered.
• Never leave a playpen near doors or windows that can be opened.
• Make sure that the playpen is in good condition with no holes or broken pieces of wood or plastic.
• Always consider the age and weight capacity of the playpen and stop using it when your child exceeds the limits. Also, stop using it when your child can let themselves out of the playpen.
How long can you leave a baby in a playpen?
Dr Amanda cautions about the potential downsides of overusing a playpen: “While playpens are useful, excessive use can limit physical activity and reduce interactions with caregivers, which are crucial for development.” To mitigate these risks, she advises that the playpen should be just one part of your baby’s daily routine. “Ensure that your baby engages in varied activities, including tummy time, floor play, and outdoor exploration. Always supervise your baby in the playpen and check that it is free from hazards like loose parts or small objects that could pose a choking risk.” By using the playpen in moderation and balancing it with other forms of play, you can support your baby’s overall growth and development effectively.
Why you can trust us
At Mother&Baby, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best products available.
Our testers are either pregnant, or real parents with a baby or toddler. This could be members of our editorial team, freelance parenting journalists or external reviewers from the Mother&Baby awards. Our Mother&Baby Awards are renowned in the industry and are among the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products. Every year, we arrange for thousands of independent parent reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
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About the expert
Dr Amanda Gummer is a neuropsychologist with over 20 years of experience in child development and play. She is the founder and CEO of The Good Play Guide, a leading independent review platform for children’s toys, apps, and educational products. Dr. Gummer also established Fundamentally Children, a research consultancy focused on child development and parenting.
About the author
Keya Modessa, is our Senior Digital Writer and brings over a decade of experience from the digital realm to Mother&Baby. As a mother of two, Keya understands the joys and challenges of modern parenthood and uses her own experience, to give practical advice. Keya has worked across national publications including glossy women's mags, Food and Travel, and more recently as digital lead for Muddy Stilettos.
