Is a playpen worth buying?
Worth. Although the playpen is not used for a long time, once the baby can take a few steps steadily, he will basically not want to be "trapped" by the playpen. But during the time when the baby is just starting to explore the world, the combination of a playpen + crawling mat can not only ensure the safety of the baby, but also allow adults to relax.
When your baby is learning to crawl and walk, the "golden combination" of a crawling mat and a playpen can create a relatively independent and safe space. It isolates the baby from potential "dangerous objects" in the home, which plays a protective role. It also creates a small playground for the baby, and scattered toys are easy to tidy up.
In the early days, you can let the baby crawl more in the playpen without worrying about the baby crawling into dangerous areas at home. Some small toys can be placed in the playpen, and parents can sit on the edge and play games with the baby by taking the toys and putting them back.
When the baby is a little older and has the desire to stand, he can stand up holding the fence. Even if you lose your footing and fall, there is a floor mat to protect you. After standing firm, the baby can hold on to the fence and slowly learn to walk.
The fence can actually be used for a long time. It does not mean that the baby cannot use it after he has learned to open the door and cannot close it. Let the baby have an idea that this area is where he plays with toys.
Misconceptions about choosing a playpen
Raw materials: Our common playpens are made of plastic materials. Not only do they smell pungent and unpleasant, but some babies will also chew on the playpens while playing. Plastic products contain a lot of harmful substances, which are harmful to the baby. Eating it will definitely be harmful to your health.
Whether there are screws and holes: There are often various gaps or holes in the fence. Curious babies like to play with their fingers or their heads back and forth. It is easy to get pinched or stuck. Yes, in addition, the fence is surrounded by screws. If the screws are not careful, they will scratch the baby's skin, and they will loosen after being used for a long time. These are potential safety hazards.
Height of fence side panels: National mandatory regulations require that the height of play fences used by children should be at least 60 centimeters to prevent babies from climbing over the fence and causing unnecessary safety issues.
Stable and anti-slip: The gear-type plug-type playpen can be spliced in any shape and is better fixed; the zipper-type fixed fence has a higher safety factor; the suction cup at the bottom of the fence seems to have a strong grip, but the anti-slip performance is poor when placed on a crawling mat. You can choose one with silicone pads at the bottom or a crawling mat and fence integrated into one.
Another thing we should pay attention to is the cleaning of the play fence. Some spliced and embedded fences have more grooves and holes, which are densely arranged and easy to hide dirt, making daily cleaning more difficult.
Currently, there are four common types of playpens on the market: wood, plastic, fabric, and PU leather. The stability of fabric and wood is weak. When the baby can stand on the fence, it may fall over. The PU leather is not very permeable, making it difficult to observe the baby in the pen. In comparison, plastic materials with hollow shapes are better.
In addition, there are several important points when choosing a fence
1. Look at the material. BPA-free and odorless. And the softness and hardness are moderate, so it is not easy to hurt the baby.
2. Look at the workmanship. The surface is smooth and burr-free. If screws are used, take protective measures in exposed areas.
3. Look at the height of the fence. The height of the fence should be at least 60 cm to prevent the baby from easily climbing over the fence.
4. Look at the anti-slip method. The suction cup playpen has a strong grip, but has higher requirements on the ground material. Silicone mats are more suitable for placement on floor mats.
5. Look at the holes. Plastic playpens are usually designed with many holes. Pay attention to the size of the openings to prevent fingers, limbs, or heads from being pinched.
6. Look at the lock. Try to choose a double-buckle design so that it is not easy for the baby to learn to open the door or to open it by mistake.