Playpen bed - product features and aspects of the right choice

With one hand you stir the soup, with the other you try to remove objects that are dangerous for the baby from the table, and with your free shoulder you press the telephone receiver to your ear, telling your grandmother how agile “our little Nastya” has become. And at that moment that same Nastya had already approached the cabinet with seasonings and, knocking over a bag of hot pepper, began to taste the black peas scattered on the floor. That's it, it's time to buy your child a playpen!

When I was just expecting a baby, the playpen seemed to me an absolutely unnecessary thing. “I’m not going to put my baby behind bars,” I told friends who offered to give me their playpen. Parents with experience did not argue with me, but only nodded their heads understandingly, saying, we’ll wait and see. And indeed, when my son was six months old, I began to think about a playpen. Now the playpen seemed to me not like a cage for a baby, but like a salvation for a mother who is forced to combine caring for the child with writing a diploma and household chores.

Construction and materials of children's playpens

A playpen is a fenced space, inside which there are no items prohibited for the child. It is advisable to install transparent walls: the baby will not feel locked in, and parents will be able to monitor his behavior.

Frame material

There are three types of materials from which the frame of the arena is made:

• metal – durable, expensive, but heavy;
• plastic – lightweight, inexpensive, can emit harmful substances;
• wood is strong and heavy, but requires special care.

To produce playpens, hypoallergenic materials are used that are safe for children of all ages. In the case of wooden models, it is necessary to apply a protective coating.

Tree

Ecological material, resistant to damage. It weighs more than plastic, so the structure cannot be turned over by a child. The wooden playpen consists of sections with twigs, allowing the baby to get acquainted with the world around him.

The distance between the bars should not be larger than the child's head so that he does not get stuck. It is preferable to choose a hard base so that the baby learns to stand up and walk, leaning on the railing.

Plastic

Lighter than wood and metal, it can be moved around the house even by weak women, and turned over by active large children. It comes in the form of a “constructor” that allows you to divide the space into several zones: play, learning, relaxation, etc.

Metal

The most expensive material. Durable, heavy, it is not recommended to buy without additional design. It is better if the kit includes soft pads on the sides and protection for the joints. The walls of some models are made of mesh.

Criterias of choice

Before purchasing, you must check the product for suitability for use.

This is easier to do if you rely on important criteria:

• safety and sustainability;
• side height;
• material of manufacture;
• possibility of folding for transportation;
• wheels and other accessories.

Security and sustainability

The most important indicator, so you need to evaluate it first. To do this, it is recommended to completely assemble the structure before purchasing. The playpen must be firmly held on its base, and its parts must be firmly fastened to each other.

Pay special attention to the absence of sharp objects and unpleasant odors. A quality product is always accompanied by regulatory documents.

Side height

It depends on the parents’ intentions and up to what age they plan to use the equipment. The maximum height of the sides is 110 cm. This playpen is suitable for 3-year-old boys and girls invited to a house party. Such adult children are unlikely to play behind the fence alone.

Babies 6-9 months old will be comfortable in an enclosure with walls up to 60 cm high. The average size of 80 cm is ideal for one-year-old children.

Material of manufacture

Affects the weight and durability of the product.

The frame of playpens is made from:

• wood;
• plastic;
• metal

Wooden fences have a long shelf life and are highly environmentally friendly. The main thing is that the slats and railings are not varnished.

Plastic structures are very light and mobile. It is important that the raw materials meet the standards for the production of children's furniture. Otherwise, poisoning from toxic fumes threatens the whole family. The main component of inflatable playpens is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is also a synthetic material and, when used, requires compliance with GOST.

The metal frame is stronger than wood, but it is covered with a membrane mesh that can be torn, for example, by sharp children's teeth. It is better to choose two-layer material.

Foldable for transport

A folding playpen is convenient for trips out of town or to visit relatives. The mechanism should operate easily, but at the same time be protected from accidental impact. The ideal option is when a mother can assemble and disassemble equipment with one hand if the other is occupied by the baby.

Products are divided into 2 types of folding: umbrella and book. The first of them is the most compact and can easily fit in the back seat of a car. The second one is convenient to carry in the trunk. These models usually come with a bag for transportation and storage.

Wheels and availability of other accessories

It will be more convenient for parents to use the fence if there are additional accessories.

Types of auxiliary parts:

• wheels with lock;
• pockets;
• shelves;
• baby changing table;
• built-in musical toys.

These features are optional and increase the cost of the product. Often it is their presence that pushes the purchasing decision.

Types and characteristics of children's playpens

Classification by purpose

• Net playpen. A common option is oilcloth or a floor fenced with a mesh. A light, fragile woman carries the playpen to another room without difficulty. The cost starts from one and a half thousand rubles.

There is a subgroup of this type: corner playpens, which save space and fit into small apartments.

• Playpen-cot. The corners are clearly fixed, resulting in a fenced space in the form of a rectangle or square. Space saving is achieved by using the playpen as a crib.
• Screen playpen. Modular option, assembled from several walls, adjusted to the room. There is no fixed form; part of the room is enclosed.
• Inflatable playpen. Used in open areas, it takes up a lot of space in the apartment. The functionality includes the use of an inflatable arena with appropriate walls, like a trampoline or a swimming pool.

Form

• Rectangular is considered classic, but in small rooms it is inconvenient.
• The polygonal version can be adjusted to the size of the free space in the room, protecting areas that are dangerous for the baby and providing maximum space for movement.
• Round and oval playpens are impractical, but they look beautiful and are suitable for outdoor use.
• The corner shape of the arena is a sector installed in the corner of the room. Fits into small apartments, covering maximum free space.

Dimensions

The size of the cells in the mesh should be large so that the baby can thread his fingers through and take them out without getting tangled. The distance between the rods (in wooden screen playpens) is no more than the head of the child you place inside.

The size is selected depending on the room in which the playpen will be installed and the planned budget.

If you have to choose between size and quality, the bet is on the latter, because in a cramped playpen the child will simply have less room to maneuver, and in a low-quality playpen there is every chance of injury.

Additional accessories

• Bottom height adjustment. Most often found in playpen-beds: during the day the structure is located at floor level, and in the evening it rises.

It is more convenient for parents to look after the child at night; they do not have to bend over too much to reach the baby.

• Baby changing table. A nice addition to cot playpens, it stands nearby, can be folded, and makes changing easier.
• To rock a baby to sleep in playpen cribs, runners are used . The removable element does not rock the crib to a dangerous amplitude. A child in such a playpen will not roll over, even if he spins around a lot.
• Side entrance for older children . It is zipped on the outside to prevent children from getting out of the playpen without assistance.
• The toy pocket is located on the side, making toys accessible to the child by parents.

If you hang the pocket close to the edge, adult children will be able to reach items themselves.

• A mosquito net is purchased for outdoor playpens. If the windows in the house are open in the summer and there is no mosquito net on them, it is worth buying this element to protect your baby from mosquito bites.
• Carrying bag. In extended configurations it is included in the set, otherwise it is purchased separately (standard options).
• For children who are accustomed to falling asleep while their parents rock them in their arms, vibration blocks are presented. They do not rock the crib and create vibration sufficient to lull the baby to sleep. Requires electrical power from the mains or periodic battery charging.

• Handles help children stand up with support and stay upright. An older child learns to walk along the support, clinging to these handles.
• An arcade with toys will be fun for a child who cannot sit. It is selected for a specific option; an example of content is two or three bright toys without small parts.
• The hood protects the baby from bright sunlight while relaxing outdoors. Used to protect the arena from artificial lighting.

Disadvantages of the playpen

• The main disadvantage of the playpen is that it limits the baby’s freedom. In one of the advertising brochures dedicated to products for children, I came across the phrase: “The playpen instills perseverance in the child.” This is a fundamentally wrong approach! It is not perseverance that needs to be instilled in the baby, but his interest in research should be supported. Especially when he began to move independently in one way or another. As soon as this happens, the child has a powerful impulse for mental development. He experiments with different styles and settles on the most perfect one. The baby learns to solve problems and understand cause-and-effect relationships. “I push off with my foot like this, and I move faster than when I push off the other way.” At the same time, he learns self-encouragement. After all, the more he moves and reaches interesting toys in this way, the more reason he has to improve this opportunity. Unfortunately, in the playpen the child is deprived of this opportunity. The only way for him to move is up, i.e. from horizontal to vertical position. And parents support this desire in every possible way; they want the baby to get on his feet as soon as possible, to walk as soon as possible. Meanwhile, crawling - an extremely important stage in the physiological and psychological development of a child - is simply skipped in this way.
• In the playpen, the child often feels helpless. There are so many interesting things around, but he has no opportunity to get closer to what attracts him. For the first time, the baby has a feeling of inadequacy: he cannot do anything to achieve his goal, and the obstacle turns out to be insurmountable. The first experience of failure can take hold for a long time, if not in consciousness, then on a subconscious level.

Peculiarities

• Crib. It is divided into two levels: the lower one is used for games and relaxation, the upper (removable) is for sleeping. You can add a third tier - a changing table.
• Net. A strong fabric net is stretched around the perimeter. If the sides are covered with oilcloth or foam rubber for safety, the child cannot get hurt. This option is not suitable for learning to stand up with the help of a support, even if the net is tensioned correctly.
• Screen. Not suitable for apartments with slippery or cold floors with drafts. Not the best choice for children getting on their feet and trying to walk. The exception is screens with fastenings in the doorway and on the floor.
• Inflatable. Needs a spacious room or open space to use. Not suitable for families with active pets. The price depends only on the size of the product and does not exceed the market average for all types of playpens.

Beds of non-standard sizes

They are less common on the market and usually cost more: manufacturers try to immediately sell them with mattresses of suitable sizes. The length and width of a non-standard size children's bed may differ by approximately 5-15 cm. The changes are not critical, but sometimes they help to successfully fit the furniture into the interior.

Cribs of non-standard sizes often have unusual designs

If you need a bed of a non-standard size, it is better to make it to order. This solution helps:

• make the most comfortable sleeping place for the child. For example, he prefers to sleep like a star, with his legs and arms spread out; a square-shaped bed of 140*140 cm will allow him to lie down the way he wants;
• fit furniture into a niche of a certain size, without leaving unnecessary voids.

Advantages

• The child is not supervised at all times and is kept in a safe place during this time.
• Divides the baby's space into two zones: for games and for sleeping (crib).
• Helps the child become independent and play without the constant attention of adults.

The advantages of each individual type of playpen:

• Net. Lots of space for games, safety and installation of additional accessories.
• Crib. Durability, reliability, saving space in the apartment, adding additional accessories.
• Screen. Mobility, ease of care, compactness and safety.
• Inflatable. Compact and mobile, easy to maintain, can be used as an inflatable pool.

Flaws

• The child is limited in movement and cannot independently explore the world around him.
• Children, when they first get into the playpen, are capricious. The adaptation period can last for weeks.
• In some situations, you will still need to monitor your baby while he gets used to the new place.

Disadvantages associated with specific types of playpens:

• Net. Requires free space in the apartment, used only for games and short rest.
• Crib. The child does not develop a conventional division of space into a play and sleeping area, the bottom in the models is located at floor level, the soft bottom does not help learning to walk.
• Screen. There is no bottom, it is bulky in itself, and no additional accessories can be attached to the model.
• Inflatable. It ranks last in terms of strength and can be pierced with a sharp object.

Form and content

The shapes of playpens are:

• round;
• rectangular;
• square;
• triangular or trapezoidal (so-called corner playpens).

As for the content, pay attention to the following indicators:

• Weight (if you need a model for travel, a lighter option is preferable, but for stationary use it is better to choose a heavier playpen - it is more difficult to turn over);
• Height (nowadays playpens with heights of 70, 75, 80 and even 110 cm are produced). Here again you need to focus on the child. For a nimble, strong one, it is better to choose a taller model; it is almost impossible to turn such a playpen over. But for a baby who is strongly attached to his mother and who vitally needs to see her in front of him all the time, it is better to choose a not very tall option.
• Sizes - playpens come in sizes 118x110, 96x96, 102x70, etc. There is only one piece of advice: the bigger the better - as far as finances and space allow.

How to choose a playpen

When purchasing, focus on the following characteristics:

• compactness;
• color;
• materials;
• side height;

Modern playpens fold up for transport (from room to room or to another house). If the chosen option does not even double, you should reconsider your choice and buy another one.

You should not buy playpens in bright colors. The child’s eyes react painfully to the flickering of bright colors, which will reduce the time spent sitting quietly inside.

The standard height of the sides is at least sixty centimeters. This figure limits young children from trying to get out.

How much time can you spend in the playpen?

There is no universal answer to this question. Focus on your baby's temperament. It is difficult for an active and active young tracker to sit for three minutes in the playpen. A leisurely, balanced contemplator can spend an hour sorting through toys in the playpen or tearing old magazines into small pieces. However, even in this case, try to alternate periods of quiet play with physical activity, create incentives for your baby to move.

It’s good if you manage to make a “test throw” - ask your friends or acquaintances to rent a playpen. In this case, you can see from your own experience how suitable this device is for you.

Exploitation

As a surface in close contact with the child, the playpen is washed periodically (at least three times a week, once with a doctor-approved disinfectant).

The mesh is washed more often and more thoroughly, since the accumulation of dust in the cells is a common cause of the development of childhood stomatitis and allergies.

The connections are secured with child-proof caps. Popular manufacturers do this themselves, but in cheap models the caps are double-checked by the buyer.

During the adaptation period, the playpen is used as a toy box; it should not be folded. The baby gets used to the playpen, even when he is not sitting directly in it. If you leave the side door open, the child will eventually go inside on his own.

Store-bought playpens have clear restrictions on the baby’s weight and height. These parameters are indicated on the price tags: be sure to look for mentions of them or ask the sellers.

Child development:

• If you make a special stand or sketch out suitable objects (like cubes or beans), fine motor skills develop.
• By default, the skill of stable sitting on a hard surface develops.
• The baby learns to stand up and stand on his feet without the help of his parents.
• If you select walls as tall as the baby or put a net instead of a pair of walls, the baby will try to walk along the support.

The adaptation period will be easier if parents follow the rules:

• Accustoming to the playpen occurs gradually. First, the child sits next to him, and his favorite bright toys are brought inside. The baby is interested in the contents of the new place and is transferred inside - this scheme will help avoid hysterics when first placed in the playpen.
• In the first days, the child is not left alone. Parents sit nearby and watch the reaction: if the baby gets scared and behaves restlessly, they take him out of the playpen and try again later.
• The time the child spends in the playpen increases gradually. After two or three days, they begin to leave the room, for a minute, for two, etc. The time of absence increases if the baby does not show concern.
• Even when the baby gets used to being in the playpen, they don’t leave him for long. If he gets bored, his parents pick him up and play.

Recommendations for use and care

The playpen absorbs dirt and unpleasant odors. They, in turn, provoke allergies and other diseases. Regular cleaning of the product will help you avoid troubles.

How to care for playground equipment:

• wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth daily;
• Wash removable covers 1-2 times a month on a delicate cycle;
• It is advisable to immediately wash stains with laundry soap;
• Lubricate the wheels with oil every six months.

The playpen, of course, helps out parents who are busy with household chores, but you should not abuse its use. Constantly confined space negatively affects the psyche of children.

Guarantee

The warranty period is indicated in the documents accompanying the playpen or packaging. If the deadlines are not specified, they are set automatically: two years from the date of transfer of the goods to the buyer.

Before purchasing, the documentation is studied separately: unscrupulous manufacturers indicate shortened deadlines in small print in the documentation.

Features of returning goods:

• Outdoor playpen stores are included in the category of seasonal goods. In this case, the warranty period begins on the day the specified season begins.
• Technically complex goods marked accordingly are returned according to a separate scheme.
• Large items require special shipping.

What do they do when returning under warranty?

If, as a result of purchasing a defective playpen, losses are incurred (for treatment, transportation, etc.), they will be compensated - voluntarily or through the court.

The credit item is accepted as purchased for cash, reimbursing the amount paid to the bank, plus the costs associated with obtaining the loan.

Documentation

To apply for a warranty, bring a warranty card, the buyer's passport and a receipt. If there is no check, they refer to the testimony of witnesses.

Malfunctions

The cause of the breakdown lies in a manufacturing defect or improper operation. Fences and fastenings break, nets fall off.

Solution:

• Repair or return under warranty (proved that the problem is manufacturing).
• Self-repair. Fastenings for nets and child protection are purchased and installed in their original place.
• Repair by a master.

Manufacturers

Baby Care

The South Korean brand specializes in car seats, strollers and playpens. The products from the range are durable and lightweight, do not slip on grass and linoleum, and are stable in all positions.

The catalog presents lightweight options that are convenient for transportation and use while traveling (carrying bag included).

Each product has at least four points of support made of non-slip materials, wheels are only lockable. The materials are suitable for outdoor use and can be cleaned without the use of special products.

There is no official Russian-language website.

Bertoni

Bertoni in Russia is the official distributor of Bulgarian goods; it takes goods for sale in bulk. Direct purchase is not possible: only through intermediaries in stores that collect brands.

The products in the catalog are varied: strollers, car seats, feeding accessories. European designers and doctors participate in the creation of items; quality control begins with the selection of materials for production.

In Russia, products are available at average prices. Companies have been spotted creating replicas with the same logo at prices below market prices.

CAM

According to reviews, the products are practical and convenient for kids. The service life is extended: at least three years with a guarantee of no breakdowns.

Construction: plastic frame with metal inserts for reinforcement.

The mesh around is soft but durable: it can withstand the weight of a baby up to one and a half years old.

The catalog presents only rectangular folding playpens. Prices start at 5,000 rubles for the option without additional accessories.

Handrails have been added for older children, the floor meets the requirements of orthopedists and is safe for the legs of a child starting to walk. In the latest trim levels, developmental mats are added. There is no arc for toys, but objects are tied to the handrails.

The mesh can withstand two to three times overload and will not break if the baby twitches and throws toys at the walls. It is impossible to turn over a fixed playpen without external influence.

There is no official Russian-language website.

Capella

The company started with baby strollers (received awards for quality in the two thousandths). Currently the catalog includes snow scooters, car seats, high chairs, strollers and playpens.

Every year a meeting of European technologists and doctors is held to discuss the concept of a product being prepared for release this year.

When agreeing, European quality standards are taken into account; Russian GOST standards are not taken into account. This does not make playpens dangerous: the quality only improves. Each product unit is tested at manufacturing plants.

Chicco

A company selling a wide range of children's items. The online store in Russia is operating in test mode, and seasonal promotions are held. There are groups on social networks, and in addition to advertising, educational content is available.

The warranty on playpens is limited to six months; detailed information on the provision of warranty service in the services is available on the website.

Feya

Russian manufacturer with prices below the market average. The expanded range includes five hundred items of goods for children. Cons: high percentage of negative reviews related to the flimsiness of the product. There is no official website.

Geuther

A German company operating according to European standards, prices above the market average. A high-quality playpen costs from ten thousand rubles.

The catalog contains standard configurations and extended versions with the possibility of adding sections or accessories. Materials: wood and metal, child protection is installed on metal parts.

There is no official Russian-language website.

Globex

The Russian manufacturer began operations in the 2000s, during which time it produced playpens, changing tables, high chairs, etc.

The products feature discreet shades; designers pay special attention to colors. In addition to GOST standards, European quality and safety standards are taken into account.

The site contains educational articles with the addition of advertising, describing the advantages of the brand over others. The main quality check of each unit of goods takes place on the conveyor, and the defective items are sent for processing.

The emphasis is on the convenience of parents when using items for children.

Graco

The catalog includes playpen beds, classic assemblies and play areas for active children.

Products for traveling and playing outside are highlighted separately: they are equipped with additional accessories that bring comfort to the baby and ease of use for parents.

Happy Baby

The main activity is strollers - canes, classic, transformers and related products for baby care. It produces ordinary playpens, without additional accessories, with at least four support points and locking wheels.

Models are designed for children from three months. More detailed information is provided in the product card.

Hauck

A family business approaching its 100th anniversary. Positioned as a company that devotes time and resources to quality control. They treat defects and breakdowns calmly: returns are processed without scandals, repair centers accept them at the specified time.

Warranty repairs are carried out on a general basis, upon presentation of the warranty card and confirmation of purchase from a chain store (receipt or testimony). Accepted items are clean and free of any signs of repair or modification. The warranty is valid for six months.

Inglesina

The site allows you to send a response directly to the manufacturer, indicating the subject of the request. The resource is not fully translated, documentation and text about the privacy policy are in English and Italian.

Points of sale are indicated in a separate section of the site, and online stores selling products are also described there.

Jetem

Supplier with delivery and ordering by email. It specializes in high-strength strollers and produces practical playpens for all occasions.

Qualified craftsmen with work experience and knowledge of European quality standards are allowed to assemble. Each product item is tested separately for compliance with the requirements.

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