8 Best Playpens for Babies and Toddlers
Updated 14 November 2020
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Author
Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.
From the day a baby learns how to move around independently, keeping them out of trouble becomes a growing concern. So whether you're a parent yourself, or a friend looking to buy a gift, a playpen is an essential item.
A baby playpen has two main functions; it has to keep the baby safe, and keep them in one place. But beyond that, each one has unique functions that make it more suited to a particular situation. To help you pick the right one, we have sifted through the options and picked the 8 best. We have picked the ones with the most glowing reviews, and removed any with obviously phony ones.
1Regalo My Play Deluxe Extra Large Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor, Bonus Kit, Includes Carry Case, Washable, Teal, 8-Panel 62x26 Inch (Pack of 1)
This playpen is large and has a nylon bottom that helps protect kids from rough surfaces. It is made with sturdy canvas material, and it is also water-resistant, which helps to protect it from spills.
What we love
- Made with an all-steel frame for durability
- Can easily be cleaned
What We Don't Like That Much
- The nylon mesh has to be hand washed
2Portable Playard Play Pen for Infants and Babies - Lightweight Mesh Baby Playpen with Carrying Case - Easily Opens with 1 Hand (Turquoise)
This is one of the best playpens for babies and toddler because it is easy to set up, and it has an easy-to-open door for babies and toddlers to crawl in and out of. Though it is spacious, this playpen is specifically meant to be taken just about anywhere.
What we love
- The material used for this playpen can be removed and machine washed
- It comes with a 30-day warranty
What We Don't Like That Much
- It could use some padding on the bars and intersections
3Portable Baby Ball Pit Tent Playpen Playard Fence with Basketball Hoop Breathable Mesh for Indoors Outdoors Infant Toddler Kids Large
This is one of the best playpens for babies and toddler because it is capable of being washed, and it is designed to be easy to assemble on-the-go, which makes it excellent for traveling. Plus, it uses high-quality stainless steel tubes for the base and sturdy nylon cloth. The ball pit ability alone makes this playpen worth a look.
What we love
- Works as a ball pit or a regular play yard
- Cloth it is made from washable material
What We Don't Like That Much
- This playpen can act as a ball pit, but it does not include the colored balls
4Baby Play Portable Playard Play Pen with Mattress Safety Baby Playard with Door Activity Center for Toddler Boys Girls Fun Time Indoor and Outdoor 39inch x 39inch （Colorful）
This playpen has a traditional playpen design and it uses various colors and animated characters for cuteness. It has rounded corners for safety and it includes small rings on the sides to help kids learn how to stand and balance.
What we love
- Made from water-resistant materials and portable
- Has a zipper door for kids to be able to get in and out of the playpen
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some parts of the playpen are not washable
5Costzon Baby Playpen, 14 Panel Portable Thicken Baby Play Yards, Indoor Outdoor Colorful Rocket Infants Baby Play Fence with Game Panel, Safety Lock, Non-Slip Bases, Adjustable Shape (14-Panel)
This playpen is designed to be used indoors or outdoors, and it can be assembled in different shapes to fit various types of rooms and situations. As a bonus, the different panels come with various activities for kids to play with and enjoy.
What we love
- Designed from safety material and has a non-slip design
- Easy to install and store when not being used
What We Don't Like That Much
- It could include some sort of floor mat
6Gaorui Large Kids Baby Ball Pit - Portable Indoor Outdoor Baby Playpen Toddlers Children Safety Play Yard Fun Activities Popular Toys (Not Includes Balls) (Red)
This playpen is designed to be easy to assemble and provide you with portability for traveling. It is made from high-quality materials and has a few fun features like a ball pit, a basketball, and even a soccer.
What we love
- Works as various activity hubs for babies and toddlers
- Easy to assemble
What We Don't Like That Much
- It is a large playpen, which means it needs a fairly large space to put it down
7Pop 'N Go Portable Playpen - Lightweight, Folding, Easily Collapsible Play Yard Crib with Sun Shade Cover for Indoor & Outdoor Play - Perfect Canopy Play Pen for Baby Toddler or Small Child (Orange)
This playpen is designed to be used indoors and outdoors, and it comes with a UV shade cover to help protect babies and toddlers while playing outside. It is lightweight and has a simplistic pop-up design that makes it easy to use on the go.
What we love
- Easy to install with tent stakes to provide extra stability
- Provides UV protection that makes it excellent for outside
What We Don't Like That Much
- It has room for a padded flooring, but it is sold separately
