For a long time, the playpen was decried as a “baby prison”. And even today, young parents often don't dare to put their baby in the playpen. A playpen can be incredibly practical!
In the past, there were actually experts who rejected the playpen. Their argument: A playpen hinders the natural urge to move and only serves to “park” children. Today, developmental psychologists view the playpen quite calmly. Not only because parents also need a quarter of an hour of freedom of movement - to cook, make a phone call in peace or go to the toilet.
A playpen is not just a practical purchase for parents. A playpen is also ideal for your baby's first attempts at pulling up and running: your baby can easily pull himself up and hold on to the wooden bars and here he can try his first steps - always keeping a firm grip on the bars!
Many children love their cage: in the playpen they are safe from older siblings and have their own personal, manageable place to retreat.
However, a crawling child needs a lot of freedom of movement. It should therefore not stay in the playpen for more than an hour a day.
Role reversal
Sometimes there is a role reversal between two siblings: the older child uses the playpen to build his Lego buildings in peace and quiet and without access from the little sibling - while the smaller child uses the space to crawl in peace and quiet to practic crawling or running. That is of course completely fine.
How popular is the playpen with your child?
Baby playpens have always been one of the most commonly used devices to protect infants and young children. Many parents use playpens to restrict their babies' freedom of movement and prevent them from approaching dangerous areas such as stairs or dangerous objects in the house.
Development: Are my child’s skills age-appropriate?
What you should consider when buying a playpen
The playpen should be well made and have no sharp edges or corners.
The playpen should be stable and not wobble or tip over.
Also get soft padding for the playpen, preferably one that is washable.
When purchasing, look for the GS or CE mark.
If you have a folding playpen, make sure that the lock always clicks into place.