There should not be any large items inside that your baby can step on and use to try and climb out. As a parent of two toddlers who were born just 15 months apart, I know all too well the struggle of balancing your time and attention between two kids. In all honesty, our playpen has been a Godsend on most days, and has allowed me to safely put my youngest down as a baby, out of reach of his older brother. These days, its purpose in our home is to separate them both when things get heated. Because, you know, “boys will be boys”. Probably the most versatile, playpens with metal frames are usually adjustable to the shape and size of your room, with some even offering the ability to use as a fire guard or room divider. They tend to be more expensive, but often come with fold-down benefits which make them ideal for travel or for bringing out as and when required. Pop-up playpens

I had the Summer Infant Pop N Play, which folded really easily when we weren't using it” - recommended by Mumsnet user Swearwolf Our verdict If you’re keen to embrace the modern and natural Scandi vibe in your child’s nursery or living space, or are simply looking for a more eco-friendly playpen, the Mokee Foldaway Playpen is likely to be a popular choice. It doesn’t come cheap and is fixed in size, but for overall aesthetic, safety and comfort, we feel it’s a worthy investment. With the addition of balls, you can use this playpen as a comfortable ball pit for your toddler, whilst the two integrated loops allow tactile toys to be securely attached for playing inside. The only downside is that this playpen is only available in two colour shades – both of which are blue!A baby playpen gives your baby a safe place to play, while always under your watchful eye. The self-contained units are usually made from wood, plastic, or metal. Most baby playpens are lightweight, so they can be easily carried around the house and stored. As working parents who juggle work, childcare, and other responsibilities on a daily basis, we are huge fans of a product that is designed to make our lives easier. The BabyDan Deluxe Playpen has certainly done that over the last couple of years. I bought a really big playpen from Costway. Definitely worth it” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user seaborgium These are better for smaller spaces and are very easy to keep clean. These tend to be durable, which is great if you're planning to have more than one child. Do I need a baby playpen? Most parents and carers will be familiar with the following scene – your home delivery arrives at the door in the midst of your toddler’s carefree rearrangement of everything in the lounge. Whilst you have a safety gate to stop them getting near the front door or stairs, how do you leave them in an overturned room long enough to bring the groceries or other shopping in?

When buying a product to help keep your child out of harm’s way, Safetots believe it is worth investing in one that has been tested to a professionally approved level of safety using rigorous testing methods.A baby playpen will not only make your life easier but will also give your baby some sense of independence at an early age. To use, simply set up your chosen playpen on a flat floor surface, fill it with toys, and watch them play while you do something else on your hefty to-do list (or maybe just have a coffee). How much does a baby playpen cost? Parent tester, Laura, says, "For babies, the Venture All Stars Duo is very appealing. My daughter loves the activity panel and can regularly be found spinning the shaker balls while practising standing up." Important: Avoid buying a used playpen if possible, as over the years, several popular baby playpens have been recalled. It's better to buy a new one to keep your baby completely safe or at least research the second-hand model you are buying to make sure that they are still deemed safe for use. For this reason and where applicable, our products are tested to a British Standards Institution (BSI) standard and/or equivalent international standard. Each standard that our products complies with has been drawn up by a group of experts in the field. Not only do they have extensive knowledge about their product and credibility in the child safety product industry, they are also fully aware of the potential hazards posed by poor quality items being used in the home where children are involved.