The best baby parks in the UK 2023

As your baby starts to crawl, keeping an eye on him becomes more difficult. To keep him safe and go about your business, a playpen can be useful. Both rest room, gym and play area for our little angels, this removable furniture exists in various forms. Discover our comparison of the best baby playpens.

Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen 1
9/10

Best value for money

Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen

Best playpen of the year

Our favorite of the year is this Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen with its cute designs and sturdy frame to handle all of Toddler's excitement.

120 £ on Amazon

With the Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen, your child will have 1.5 m2 of space to play, jump and do whatever they want. This playground is completely safe thanks to its lightweight plastic panel system. The materials meet safety standards for children's use. No complex tools are required: it is easily assembled by interlocking with each other.

Moreover, the Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen is as easy to store as it is to set up thanks to its compact structure. The included play mat is specially padded to give your child maximum comfort, since he will spend a good part of his day there. In this case, he will sleep quietly when he gets tired of his activities. Finally, with your Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen, you'll also get play balls for some great playtime. Your child won't be bored for sure!

Lionelo Sofie 2
7/10

Best value for money

Lionelo Sofie

Best entry-level playpen

Versatile, compact and with a reassuring safety system, the Lionelo Sofie playpen is a good compromise at a low price. Moreover, it accompanies baby everywhere thanks to its included carrying bag.

55,99 £ on CDiscount

The Lionelo Sofie playpen is a practical 3-in-1 kit that includes the playpen itself, a travel mattress and a play mat. The side entrance makes it easier than ever for baby to enter his little world: its zipper is located on the outside. Once inside, he will not be able to reach the zipper and will not risk to manipulate it. The breathable and resistant mesh walls are an excellent beacon to keep the child safe.

The mattress of the Lionelo Sofie playpen is made of high quality foam to ensure baby's comfort. It is then covered with a resistant fabric, well adapted to possible clumsiness, and with pleasant colors. The whole thing is protected by the LockGuard system, which includes a reinforced construction, a protection device against accidental folding, wheels with brakes and no sharp edges.

Sämann 3
8/10

Best value for money

Sämann

Best high-end playpen

If you prefer wooden structures, you'll be served with this simple but effective Sämann HL-LN 100M playpen. It can be easily adjusted in height to fit your child's size.

172 £ on Amazon

A bit traditional, this Sämann HL-LN 100M playpen is nevertheless efficient enough to cover your needs. It's purely handcrafted and can accommodate your child while you're busy. One of the advantages of this wooden playpen is the visibility: just as your child will be able to see his surroundings, you will also be able to keep an eye on him from where you are.

The Sämann HL-LN 100M playpen is adjustable in height for flexibility. This allows you to adjust the playpen to the size of your child. It contains a high quality mattress with ventilation channels. Despite its light and airy appearance, the Sämann HL-LN 100M playpen is very stable thanks to its sturdy beechwood floor bars.

Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ 4
8/10

A great choice

Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ

Best basic wooden playpen

To close the ranking, this Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ playpen is also an excellent choice, especially through its very practical transportable nature.

31,99 £ on CDiscount

This Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ all-in-one playpen is the ideal device you must have especially if you are addicted to walks, outings and camping. With this multi-functional equipment, your baby will not be out of place and will find his usual comfort wherever he is. He will be able to entertain and relax as he pleases between 90 x 90 cm.

Moreover, its smaller dimensions allow it to be easily installed in almost every corner of the house. It also has an impact on the stability of the playpen, so your child won't have to worry about tipping over even when he's getting restless. Fully versatile, the Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ offers baby safety, comfort and closeness through its translucent side windows.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best playpen

Any specific needs?

Best playpen of the year

Best entry-level playpen

Best high-end playpen

Best basic wooden playpen

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best baby parks

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen 5
9/10
Lionelo Sofie 6
7/10
Sämann 7
8/10
Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen
Lionelo Sofie
Sämann
Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ
Our favorite of the year is this Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen with its cute designs and sturdy frame to handle all of Toddler's excitement.
Versatile, compact and with a reassuring safety system, the Lionelo Sofie playpen is a good compromise at a low price. Moreover, it accompanies baby everywhere thanks to its included carrying bag.
If you prefer wooden structures, you'll be served with this simple but effective Sämann HL-LN 100M playpen. It can be easily adjusted in height to fit your child's size.
To close the ranking, this Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ playpen is also an excellent choice, especially through its very practical transportable nature.
Dimensions
155 x 155 x 65 cm
100 x 100 x 76 cm
101 x 101 x 74 cm
90 x 90 cm
Composition
High-density polyethylene interlocking panels, EVA matting to match
Sturdy 100% polyester walls, side entry with zipper
Sturdy beechwood playpen with high-quality mattress
Park and cot with carrying cover and folding floor
Options
Play balls included
LockGuard safety system
Adjustable in height
All-in-one function : playground and relaxation
Maximum supported weight
15 kg
15 kg
Not mentioned
15 kg
Features
Won Mother & Baby Awards 2021 Gold and Made for Mums Awards 2020 Silver
3-in-1 kit (a playpen, a mattress and a mat) with carrying bag included
Sturdy and well-stable structure
Easily transportable thanks to its compact size

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Buying guide - playpen

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How to choose your playpen

#1 - Security

Safety is an essential criterion when it comes to babies. A playpen must indeed comply with European standards both in terms of height (it must exceed 55 cm) and spacing of the bars (less than or equal to 7 cm) or corner hinges.

#2 - Employment

It is

important that you know how you plan to use your playpen. The primary function of a playpen is to create a safe area for your infant to explore and play freely. However, some parents or adults also use these playpens as travel beds. Some models include other features such as a changing table, which is great for vacationing. Some playpens are even weatherproof, so you can deploy them outside.

#3 - Stability

The

stability of the playpen, especially on a stand, should not be overlooked. Many experts recommend wooden playpens, as they have better anchoring and possess foolproof strength. Net playpens are inexpensive, as well as the plastic playpen, but they are also affected by this check. Cherubs tend to climb over the edges. If these do not resist his movements, he risks an accident.

#4 - The surface

Pens vary considerably in size. Some models are the size of a mini-crib, or measure about 40″ long and 30″ wide. There are also several distinct shapes. Sometimes they are hexagonal or octagonal and constructed with separate panels. Some can even be expandable by adding extra panels to make them wider. Other models can be modular with a door or a safety gate. If you primarily use the playpen for play, you may want to invest in a larger model.

#5 - Additional features

The

classic playpen still exists, but most models these days include many useful extra features like built-in sounds or even attached wheels to make it easier to move. So the often nice options are a criterion for deciding between products in a personalized way.

How to use a playpen properly?


To ensure your baby's comfort and safety, there are a few basic safety rules to follow when using a playpen. You'll want to make sure your baby is in a safe environment. First of all, you should do everything you can to make sure that your baby enjoys spending time in the playpen.

So, please do not leave him alone and place the playpen in the room where you are. This allows you to check on him from time to time. You should talk to him when he is playing to assure him that there is nothing to worry about. Also, put things like toys, stuffed animals, books, etc. in his playpen. On that note, avoid overloading the playpen as this will prevent your baby from moving freely and he may even try to climb out of the playpen by climbing the objects.

To avoid any risk of accidents or falls, check that the sides of the playpen are well mounted. Also, if you are using a playpen that includes a door, you need to make sure that the sides are securely locked because it could open.

The most important thing to consider is where to install the playpen so that no accidents occur. Most playpens are light and easily transportable, so the playpen could tip over and this will cause an accident. It is therefore preferable to install it on a safe, flat and adherent surface. In addition, it is best to place it in the center of a room or near clear walls.

Playpen with bars or net?

Playpen with bars

Usually made of wood, the main purpose of a playpen is to ensure the safety of the child while playing. With the help of this piece of furniture, he can stand up easily. Very resistant, it also serves as protection for baby in your absence. Indeed, it is more practical to leave it in a playpen than on the bed or in the crib. Thus, its main advantage is to put your little one in safety and make him play so that you can do something else.

On the other hand, the playpen with bars offers more space for baby to move around. It provides him with more comfort, unlike a crib or a stroller. However, the disadvantage is that it is only useful for a short time. In addition, some pediatricians and psychologists do not agree with the use of the playpen. This is because the isolation could affect his emotional and mental development.

Net baby playpen

Featuring a zipper on the sides, a mesh playpen offers immense flexibility. Portable and with a strong frame, you can take it anywhere without much effort. It does not tear easily thanks to its resistance. Some models even come with a mosquito net holder that serves as an extra protection for your baby.

As far as the net is concerned, it is usually made of mesh as a lap. This allows your baby to simply see what is going on around it. On the other hand, this type of playpen has a few drawbacks to consider. Your little one can't run or stand up properly because its base is often made from fabric. This means that it is not suitable for a hyperactive child. The softness of the net prevents the playpen from deterring the child from getting out if he wants to.

Verdict

Your choice between these 2 playpens should be based on your preferences, your needs and your expectations. Choose the net baby playpen if you plan to use it in a variety of ways. However, for greater safety and resistance, it is advisable to opt for the model with bars.

Why buy a good playpen

Keeping your baby busy

A playpen gives you a safe space to keep your baby while you answer the phone, clean the house or get ready for work. Some experts believe that playpens can restrict children and have been overused in the past. However, the design of your home, or its location, may sometimes prompt you to seek or build a safe place to place your baby for a short period of time. In this case, a playpen can be very useful.

Another fun way to teach your baby

There are many ways to teach your child. But one of the gentlest and most successful is to have fun while learning. With the various options that baby parks offer today, these devices can broaden your cherub's horizon. They stimulate their curiosity and encourage them to discover and understand what is going on around them. Indeed, in a constrained space, the toddler acts and thinks.

To keep it clean

When a toddler plays in an open space, he goes all over the place and gets dirty quickly. With a playpen, you control his movements and actions, keeping him from getting dirty. The space is clean and enclosed. The baby is not at risk of soiling himself, because you have put in place the necessary equipment to prevent this.

To help him stand up

The playpen increases baby's skills and strength. It helps to stand up and learn the tricks of walking. When the kid grabs the edges to stand up, he learns to balance himself. The repetition of this action helps the child understand his motor skills.

Safety

The playpen offers safety for your angel when he is playing. Sure, he's limited in his movements, but he's not at risk of being hurt in this device. Putting a baby in a playpen sends a clear message that he or she is protected and has nothing to fear from the outside world.

Tips

Follow the 1m rule.

A cord hanging from your curtains or electronics could strangle your child if it gets tangled. Keep the playpen at least 3 feet away from all cords and strangulation hazards. It's best to place it in the center of the room, away from furniture like a closet or shelf, for example.

Do not leave pillows or blankets in the park.

Don't leave a blanket or fluffy pillow in the playpen with your child. Even for older babies, these items pose a choking hazard.

Make sure it is solid and well closed.

Never leave your baby in a playpen without the sides secure. He or she could get caught between the mesh and the floor.

Be careful with the baby's weight.

The weight of your baby is also an important factor. Some playpen models sit directly on the floor, and this type of playpen doesn't really have a weight limit. However, many playpens have a playpen bottom, often padded. This type of playpen is usually designed to only hold a certain amount of weight.

If your baby moves around a lot.

Some plastic playpens move easily across hardwood floors, making it difficult to keep your child in one place, he might even try to walk around the house (and up and down the stairs) with his playpen. Look for a plastic model with suction cups that hold the playpen in place.

FAQ

What are the ideal dimensions for a playpen?

There are many models of playpens on the market, and the size and shape differ depending on the brand and model. Above all, this accessory must be adapted to your child's morphology and to each phase of his growth. For this reason, you should always take into account the purchasing criteria. However, there is a standard to be respected regarding the size in order to provide the child with safety and comfort. In order to keep your toddler safe, the playpen should be at least 60 cm high and have a play area of at least 0.5 m².

What safety measures should be taken for a playpen?

Even when playing in the playpen, your baby is never safe from danger. That's why you should always keep an eye on him and make sure you respect theuse of the playpen. First of all, you must give him time to adapt to it by starting to leave him in it for a few minutes and increasing it as time goes by. This place should never be used to punish him when he does something wrong. Furthermore, you should never leave too many toys lying around in the park.

What are the regulations for a playpen?

The regulations are limited to the safety instructions that parents must follow to keep baby safe. However, being a place of entertainment and a toy in its own right, it is subject to the EN71 standard of the European Committee for Standardization or CEN as well as the CE certificate depending on the type of playpen.

When to put baby in the playpen?

The required age for baby to be placed in a playpen is between 8 and 9 months. It is at this stage that he learns to discover his environment, to touch everything he finds and especially to play on his own. However, it is important that his various limbs are well established before he enters his play area.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , consumerreports.org
  3. , bestreviews.com
  4. , lovetoknow.com
  5. , slant.co
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  8. , chambredebebe.fr
  9. , parents.fr
  10. , baby-parc.fr
  11. , aubert.com
  12. , maisonsdumonde.com
  13. , amazon.co.uk
  14. , vertbaudet.fr
  15. , auchan.fr
  16. , bebe9.com
  17. , conforama.fr
  18. , laredoute.fr
  19. , parc-bebe.eu
  20. , maisonetloisirs.leclerc
  21. , autourdebebe.com
  22. , baby-walz.ch
  23. , enfant.com
  24. , amazon.co.uk
  25. , journaldesfemmes.fr
  26. , ecomparatif.fr
  27. , dreambaby.be
  28. , autourdebebe.com
  29. , parc-enfant.fr
  30. , larmoiredebebe.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen 9
Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen
Lionelo Sofie 10
Lionelo Sofie
Sämann 11
Sämann
Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ 12
Hauck Easy Traveler Play N Relax SQ

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