Since becoming a mother, I’ve accumulated a host of knowledge on all things baby, but there is one thing that’s become even more evident since my babbling newborn turned into a fully-fledged toddler: as a parent, it can be hard to get anything done around the house.
Perhaps you need to eat some food or take a shower. Maybe the house needs to be cleaned, the dog fed or plants watered. All of these seemingly simple actions become exceptionally more difficult when your little one starts crawling and walking, which is why it’s nice to have one of the best playpens for babies around.
- Best Overall Baby playpen: Joypony Baby Playpen
- Best Playpen with Bassinet: Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Travel Bassinet Playard
- Best Wooden Playpen: Bonrcea Playpen For Kids
- Best Pop-Up Playpen: POP ‘N GO Portable Playpen
- Best Outdoor Baby Playpen: Play22 Foldable Baby Playpen
After all, there was once a time when you could place your baby in a bouncer and call it a day — or at least until they started crying. But now that your little shadow is following you everywhere and getting into mischief, you may need to opt for something with a little more structure.
Playpens come in all shapes and sizes, from octagonal mesh contraptions to Montessori-style wooden rectangles. To help make shopping a bit easier, we’ve asked parents around New York City to share their favorite baby playpens, and they aren’t your typical white picket fence-like contraptions. Instead, they are comfortable, safe, and perfect for you and your baby.
Keep reading to discover the best baby and toddler playpens, and be sure to browse our additional roundups for more expert-based guidance on the best travel cribs, strollers, and clothing brands for kids.
Best Overall Baby Playpen: Joypony Baby Playpen
Pros:
- Equipped with four pull-up rings
- The 100% waterproof surface makes cleaning easy
- The thickened sponge top protects your child’s head from collisions
Cons:
- The gray option does not come with a playpen mat, but the cream shade does
If you know you want something easy to move around, the Joypony is a phenomenal option. This lightweight (and budget-friendly) playpen is easy to assemble with its user-friendly instructions and video. Parents love the sturdy construction and the fact that it’s designed to help babies learn to stand up. For those wondering, the gray option does not come with a mat, but the cream shade does.
My Review: “Living in a small apartment, I knew I wanted to find a playpen that would be easy to pull out and break down in case guests were coming over. This one from Joypony fits the mark — I ordered it in the cream shade to blend into my space. Not only is it super easy to put together, but it comes equipped with an array of super thoughtful details that make it super kid-friendly. The set comes with pull-up rings which encourage babies to pull themselves up and start standing. My daughter had a blast with them! There is also thick padding on the top railing to prevent collision.”
Dimensions: (Open) 50W x 50L x 27H inches | Color options: 2 | Weight: 11 pounds | Age: Toddler, Kid
Best Foldable Playpen: Dripex Portable Playpen
Pros:
- Available in multiple shapes and sizes
- Anti-fall suction cups at base
- Also good for toddlers
Cons:
- May be too large for small or narrow spaces
Here in New York, space is hard to come by, which is why we like a foldable playpen. This one from Dripex comes in a myriad of sizes and shapes, has breathable mesh sides, and offers a large play area for your little one to stand, crawl and explore. The playpen also comes with four handlers and one storage bag for on-the-go adventures. Best of all, parents don’t have to worry about the baby tipping the fence over, as strong suction cups secure it to the ground. If you prefer a little extra cushion on the bottom, as the customer below does, we recommend adding some extra mats.
Customers are saying: “Easy to set up, easy to fold up and move around or put away. The handles are great for baby pulling up. Safe space to play and HUGE! My husband and I can both get in it and play with him. I don’t have a single negative thing to say. The grey even matches our interior well.”
Dimensions: 50L x 50W x 27H, (Open) 71L x 71W x 27H inches | Color options: 6 | Weight: 10 pounds | Age: Toddler
Best Heavy-Duty Playpen: TODALE Baby Playpen for Toddler
Pros:
- Suction cups to prevent slipping
- A carrying bag is provided for easy storage and transport
- The fence is entirely covered in soft cloth, leaving no exposed gaps
Cons:
- Some reviewers suggested the velcro parts did not line up very well during assembly
At 40 pounds this playpen might be a bit heavier than some of the others on the list, but reviewers don’t seem to mind the weight at all — some have even said it feels light. Many have pointed out that the heavy-duty material (which includes Oxford fabric and robust steel pipes) keeps this playpen stable and pinned to the floor to prevent slips and slides, making The TODALE a great choice for bigger or pushier babies who need some extra support to stay contained.
Customers are saying: “I absolutely love this playpen. The playpen is easily large enough for two to three kids, really sturdy, and very lightweight which makes it easy to move around in my place. I also love the fact that it’s netted so my grandson can see me when I am not directly in front of him. I had my husband assemble [it], which he found to be a little confusing at first but finally figured it out.
Dimensions: (Open) 50L x 50W x 27H inches | Color options: 4 | Weight: 40 pounds | Age: Toddler
Best Playpen with Bassinet: Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Travel Bassinet Playard
Pros:
- Breathable side mesh
- Bassinet works for a newborn and full-grown infant
- Playpen has a builtin changing table
Cons:
- Playpen works best for infants, not toddlers
- A bit on the bulky side for travel
If you’ve been searching for a pack-and-play style playpen, this pick is for you. Armed with a helpful portable bassinet, it has everything you need to care for your baby on the go and at home. The 5-in-1 design from Graco features a changing table that can easily be wiped down, as well as side storage. I love that the bassinet can be elevated, so you can bring baby up to your bedside or where you’re sitting on the couch. The transport wheels at the playpen’s base also make the entire thing very easy to move from room to room.
What our testers are saying: “I like that it has so many conveniences in that it’s a playpen with a bassinet, a changing table, and a cup holder attachment,” shared Elise Cloutier, a new mom-of-one based in New York. “The bassinet is also detachable and can be standalone, so in my case, I have the pack-n-play part at my house and the bassinet part at my mother-in-law’s for when we go there. It’s super easy to assemble and break down even for someone like me who struggles to put together IKEA furniture. It packs down fairly small compared to its overall size and travels pretty easily, plus the case has a strap. Some may consider it bulky if you’re traveling with a lot of other stuff. Some may also consider the extras a drawback, as you may not necessarily need the extra attachments. For us, however, they are helpful as we did a lot of traveling with the baby in the first 6 months.”
Dimensions: 27L x 29W x 33H — (Open) 40L x 28.5W x 29H inches | Color options: 1 | Weight: 39 pounds | Age: Infant
Best Sensory-Friendly Playpen: nutty toys Premium Baby & Toddler Playpen
Pros:
- Unique sensory-friendly design (most playpens are solid colors)
- Suction cups to keep it angered against the floor
- Comes with an attractive carry tote
Cons:
- The zipper and door are super fragile
Playpens are primarily designed to keep your baby safe and secure, but less thought goes into the sensory element. Babies love engaging colors and images, which is why many parents opt for the nutty toys playpen, which is covered in fabric with adorable graphics. The fabric, which on the thinner side, is super soft and skin-friendly, ensuring little ones don’t get any rashes, and the mat’s padding is extra thick to protect fragile joints and noggins.
Customers are saying: “I love this playpen! It is the perfect size (a little bit bigger than a normal playpen). I had no issue putting it together and it’s surprisingly very sturdy!”
Dimensions: (Open) 50W x 50H x 28L inches inches| Color options: 1 | Weight: 8.53 ounces | Age: Infant, baby
Best Playpen with Mattress: Cosco Kids Funsport Portable Compact Baby Play Yard with Carry Bag
Pros:
- Features four mesh sides with a padded floor (mattress) to let baby see the action
- Folds compactly, so it can be placed inside the included carry bag for travel
- Wheels on one end make it easy to transport around the room
Cons:
- Can be difficult to get the mattress to fit in the base, per some reviews
This playpen on wheels is a major game-changer for those who want to bring their kiddie corrals around the house. Most parents know how difficult it is to get things done while keeping baby in sight. This mobile playpen lets you do both with ease. The wheels are only on one side, which prevents children from moving it on their own. Plus, it comes with a mattress so your little one can catch some ZZZ wherever you bring them.
Customers are saying: “The play yard is just the basics, but it certainly has everything you need for an infant or toddler. The design is very bold and vivid with colors that get the child’s attention. There is plenty of room for the child’s toys inside with lots of room for the child, too. It’s super easy to assemble. It took less than 10 minutes to put together. It has a thick pad for the bottom that you can velcro in and it does not slip or slide when you put baby into it.”
Dimensions: N/A| Color options: 5 | Weight: 19 pounds | Age: Infant
Best Wooden Playpen: Bonrcea Playpen For Kids
Pros:
- Can be built as a square or rectangle
- Great for carpeted areas
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Quality customer service
Cons:
- Bottomless
Made with pine wood and featuring a swing door with a safety lock, this playpen does the trick while looking good. Best of all, you can craft it into a square or rectangle — whatever works for your space. Ideal for those who have high pile carpet floors, this is great for babies, as well as toddlers, and offers plenty of room for toys, books, and more than a few sippy cups.
Customers are saying: “We ordered the 71 by 79 inch playpen. It’s cute, sturdy, and looks nice in our neutral home. My husband and I put it together in an hour. We didn’t even need directions, it’s very self-explanatory. The gate allows easy access in and out. I will use this for years to come! The customer service team is great, too. They stand by their warranty and are happy to help with anything you need.”
Dimensions: 63L x 47.3W x 24H — (Open) 78.8L x 70.9W x 24H inches | Color options: 1 | Weight: 19.5 pounds | Age: Kid
Best Durable Playpen: ZEEBABABY Baby Playpen
Pros:
- Works for newborns, as well as toddlers
- No tools are required for assembly
- Cloth bottom
- Includes plush toys and ocean balls
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Ready to get some vitamin D with baby in tow? Well, slather on some sunscreen, grab your little one, and this easy-to-transport playpen. It includes side storage, is extra large, and comes with toys and a thick cloth bottom to keep bugs, grass, and dirt away from your child as they play in the sun. On rainy days, use indoors. More than 1,000 happy customers give it a five-star rating on Amazon, which earns my vote of confidence, and the mesh sides are nice for children who don’t like to have mama out of their sight.
What our testers are saying: “Would definitely recommend the mat if putting it on a hardwood floor,” said new father and Commerce Partnerships Manager, Ryan Murphy. “The material is not very forgiving, but the height is perfect, not too high, just high enough to clip on handles or for the baby to reach up and pull themselves up. All of the poles and piping have cushions around them to prevent any injuries or pinches on fingers. Set up takes less than ten minutes and comes with a carrying bag! Love that the playpen has suction cups on the bottom so it won’t move when your baby does, and the zipper door flap is great when they want to explore more.”
Dimensions: 59L x 59W x 27H — (Open) 79L x 79W x 27H inches | Color options: 4 | Weight: 9.4 pounds | Age: Baby, infant, toddler
Best Pop-Up Playpen: POP ‘N GO Portable Playpen
Pros:
- Under 10 pounds
- Covered bottom
- UV cover that provides sun protection for your baby or toddler
Cons:
- Not ideal for more than one child
Headed to the beach? On your way to grandma’s? Simply need a pop-up pen in your home office? Then this is the portable baby playpen for you and yours. The pop and release technology makes setting up and tearing down this playpen a breeze, plus it comes with a UV top cover to protect the baby from the sun.
Customers are saying: “This is fantastic for using in our yard! I love that it comes with a shade to put on top. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble. We felt safe using it with our infant and it helped keep out the bugs! We will be using this on trips and at the park!”
Dimensions: (Open) 59L x 36W x 48H inches | Color options: 6 | Weight: 7.2 pounds | Age: Toddler, Kid
Best Playpen with Changing Table: 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard
Pros:
- Detachable flip changer
- Includes bassinet
- One-handed setup
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Only available in one color
Any mother will tell you that it isn’t easy getting things done while holding a child. Fortunately, this playpen can be opened with one hand, which means you can cradle the baby while preparing to get them changed. Its changer is detachable too, and there’s even a bassinet for them to sleep in. While it’s not exactly inexpensive, the durability is impressive. It also comes with a sleek carrying case for travel.
Customers are saying: “We love this pack and play with the changing station and bassinet! This has been wonderful for us as we are letting our newborn sleep in the bassinet in our room. The changing station is fabulous for those late-night diaper changes. It is very lightweight and easy to take down, as well as quickly set back up. We are so excited to use this on our upcoming vacation too.”
Dimensions: (Open) 43L x 30W x 29H inches | Color options: 1 | Weight: 23 pounds | Age: Baby, infant, toddler
Best Outdoor Baby Playpen: Play22 Foldable Baby Playpen
Pros:
- Configures into multiple shapes
- Material is safe to take outside
- Works for up to two children
- No assembly required
Cons:
- No mat or cover on the bottom
Looking to take your playpen outside to soak up some sunshine? The Pay222 lets you do just that and much more. Most of us don’t have rooms that are of the same square footage. While that may limit where you place some playpens, this one from Play22 can be put together in a variety of ways, which means you have lots of options where you and your baby can play. It comes pre-assembled, so all you have to do is unfold. I also like that there are multiple built-in games ready to keep a child entertained.
What our testers are saying: “Once my daughter turned one, my wife and I knew it was time to find a playpen just for her,” said Live Events Reporter, Matt Levy. “When we stumbled upon the spacious play center, it was pretty obvious our search was over. Its safe, high walls, and a door with a latch were exactly what we were looking for. The only problem is now it’s almost impossible to get our daughter out of the playpen since she’s having so much fun in there.”
Dimensions: 30L x 24W x 11H (open) inches | Color options: 1 | Weight: 30 pounds | Age: Toddler
Best Large Playpen: Toddleroo By North States Superyard Play Yard
Pros:
- Colorful gate patterns are sensory-friendly
- Carrying strap
- Also works as a baby gate
Cons:
- No bottom cover or padding
We love how colorful this foldable playpen is and your child probably will too. Have a smaller space? No worries, simply remove two panels and instantly enjoy a more compact play area. Each panel clicks together, making set-up fairly straightforward, and its plastic material makes it a nice option for outdoors.
Customers are saying: “It’s a good size for a 9-month-old. Sturdy enough to withstand him using it to pull himself up to stand, and then hold it and shake it. It took some getting used to folding/unfolding the panels: they’re a little stiff, and it sounds/feels like something is going to break or crack. But so far, so good.”
Dimensions: 78L x 78W x 26H (added panels available) | Color options: 6 | Weight: 25 pounds | Age: Toddler
Best Infant Playpen: Graco Pack And Play Portable Play Yard
Pros:
- Affordable
- Available in a variety of styles
- Under 20 pounds
Cons:
- Not suitable for toddlers
If you know the baby gear, you know the brand Graco. This pack-and-play design folds and includes transport wheels and a simple side pack for storage. In comparison to other playpens, it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. However, for an infant it gets the job done. It’s durable, is available with a mobile attachment, and comes in a variety of looks.
Customers are saying: “This pack and play is a great value. It wasn’t overly expensive and is very sturdy! The mat in the bottom isn’t floppy or lumpy and my child sleeps great in it. Easy to assemble and disassemble to store.”
Dimensions: (Open) 39.5L x 28.2W x 29H inches | Color options: 4 | Weight: 18.5 pounds | Age: Baby
Safest Playpen: dearlomum Baby Playpen
Pros:
- Thicker sponge and soft cloth have been added to prevent children from being hit while playing
- Mesh walls for a 360° wide view design
- The bottom is made of wear-resistant, wear-resistant, non-slip, quick-drying, fabric
Cons:
- Some reviewers say it can be difficult to get the mat to fit in the playpen
If you’re looking for the complete package, the dearlomum Baby Playpen is the way to go. This setup fits seamlessly with a Little Bot foam mat so your baby can crawl (or walk) around comfortably, and the gate features a toy pouch to keep things organized. The see-through mesh lets you keep an eye on your little one from any angle. parents also love the fact that it comes with one-way zippers to prevent escapes.
What our testers are saying: “It’s a great playpen!” said Brittany Drucker, a mother-of-one in New York. “It’s big enough for my baby, all her toys, and myself to fit inside comfortably. It’s easy to assemble and it comes with one-way zippers so my baby can’t open from inside. It works very well with the Little Bot foam mat too, it’s so comfortable and soft.”
Dimensions: (Open) 70W x 57.5H x 26L inches | Color options: 6 | Weight: 25 pounds | Age: Baby
Best Amazon Playpen: Delta Children Play Yard
Pros:
- Characters on the mesh to keep babies entertained and engaged
- Multi-color patterns are sensory-friendly
- Comes with a carrying case
Cons:
- Not suitable for children over 30 pounds
If you haven’t noticed, some playpens look a little…boring! Hence, us adding this pick to our list. I love the adorable safari pattern on the sides and mattress. The playpen can be folded when not in use, comes with a carrying bag, and is an affordable but sturdy option for parents on a budget.
Customers are saying: “Love this play yard! It’s so cute and compact, yet very spacious! It’s easy to open and assemble, as well as to close. It’s perfect for putting my little one in and knowing she is comfortable and safe. I love the safari animals! I know we will use this play yard for many years.”
Dimensions: 39.4L x 27.6W x 25.6H (open) inches | Color options: 3 | Weight: 23 pounds |Age: Baby
How to choose a playpen
When searching for the best baby playpen, keep things like safety features in mind, as well as the types of materials used. Because many children of this age are teething and prone to place their mouths on different objects and surfaces, some parents opt for playpens made with non-toxic materials.
One playpen we like for this is the Boncrea Playpen. It’s made of pine with a non-toxic finish, and can easily be placed over a carpet. It’s available in a variety of sizes and has a built-in baby gate.
What is a good-sized playpen for babies?
Playpens vary in size and structure, but you must find one that is large enough for your little one to be comfortable in. Some are square or rectangular, while others are hexagonal or octagonal and constructed of separate panels that can be added or subtracted.
When selecting a playpen, keep in mind that babies require far less space than adventurous toddlers. Each playpen can support a different amount of weight — so also bear in mind the size of your child, and whether you plan to add more than one baby to the playpen at any time.
What age is best for a playpen?
Playpens become useful when a child begins to crawl, which can be as early as 6 months old. Unlike clothes, which kids quickly grow out of, a playpen can be enjoyed by most children (and their parents) until they’re about 3 years of age.
Are playpens recommended?
Playpens can provide a safe space for a baby or toddler to play in. Many, like the ANGELBLISS Playpen, even include teething toys and are large enough for kids to happily crawl around inside. However, it’s important to remember that even when enjoying playtime, a child needs to be supervised.
It’s also important to note that playpens aren’t substitutes for cribs, so bedtime should still be done in an age-appropriate sleep space.
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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.