As babies get older, their curiosity increases day by day. They are no longer satisfied with "acting like a baby" in the arms of their parents, lying, lying on their stomachs, or crawling on the bed. Instead, they want to touch various things. However, They cannot distinguish what is dangerous (behavior or object) for the time being, so parents must be prepared to open up a large enough and safe entertainment space for the baby. The use of fences and crawling mats can greatly reduce the baby's accidental bumps, falls, burns, etc. There are risks, so fences and climbing mats are absolutely necessary.
1. What is a fence?
A baby fence is an artificial barrier, usually used with a crawling mat to create a relatively safe environment for your baby.
2. When can a fence be used?
You choose according to the situation of each family. Some people prepare to use it when the baby is born, and some wait until the baby starts crawling before starting to use it.
It is recommended that when the baby can turn over and crawl, use a fence to place the baby in a controllable and safe area. Parents do not need to watch at all times and dare not take a step.
3. Why is a fence needed?
(1) Free your hands
When parents need to do housework, they can put the baby in the playpen to play by themselves for a short time. Many parents may think that after being away for a while, they will put their baby on the sofa or bed. After the baby turns over independently, this is actually a very dangerous thing. It can easily fall and cause injury.
(2) Protect baby’s safety
The baby will not climb out of the fence at will, bump into the corners of the table, bump into other objects, or swallow small objects by mistake.
(3) Cultivate your baby’s independent ability
The playpen is an independent space for the baby. Currently, many playpens come with simple game functions, which can cultivate the baby's concentration. The baby can practice standing and walking through the playpen.
4. What materials are used for fences?
(1) Mesh + steel pipe
Advantages: Easy to install, easy to store and carry, the mesh grid makes it easy for babies to observe the outside;
Disadvantages: The size is not adjustable and easy to bend.
(2) Logs
Advantages: Relatively safe and environmentally friendly, the baby has a wide field of vision, and parents can see the baby’s movements at any time
Disadvantages: The colors are not bright enough to attract the interest of small-month-old babies, and the wood is prone to mold in humid weather.
(3)PU+PE
Advantages: It is a soft fence that prevents babies from bumping into each other, especially suitable for babies under 1 month old;
Disadvantages: relatively expensive;
(4)HDPE
Advantages: rich colors, flexible assembly, moderate price;
About crawling mats
1. What is a crawling mat?
Also known as baby climbing mat, baby play mat, baby activity mat, etc., it is a kind of soft and hard floor mat with protective and buffering functions.
2. When can I use a crawling mat?
Relatively soft beds are not recommended for babies because they are not conducive to the development of the spine and are not conducive to the baby's turning over and other large movements. If conditions permit, you can prepare a crawling mat after the baby is born. The baby can usually lie on it and crawl on it. Playing on the climbing mat, I can turn over and crawl independently without worrying about falling. It is recommended not later than 6 months old.
3. Why do you need a crawling mat?
For infants and young children, it is very necessary to use a protective crawling mat.
3-6 months: The baby can practice large movements such as lying down, raising his head, turning over, and crawling on the crawling mat;
6-15 months: The baby can sit, stand, crawl, stand with support, and walk independently;
15-24 months: The baby can sit on the crawling mat, play with toys, read picture books, and enter and exit the fence freely;
24 months: When the baby jumps on the crawling mat, it will not make a lot of noise and will not affect the neighbors.
4. What are the categories of crawling mats?
When buying a crawling mat, be sure to choose one with safe materials. Babies in the oral stage will inevitably eat their hands after crawling on the mat. If the material is not safe, the baby may eat harmful substances into the body. At the same time, babies are very curious, especially spliced crawling mats. Babies like to pick them, and the powder or fibers they pick may stay in their nails and be eaten into their mouths.
1. According to material
The main materials of crawling mats include: EVA, EPE, XPE, PVC, and PU.
(1) EVA material
Advantages: cheap price;
Disadvantages: Plastic has a strong smell and the material is hard, so it is generally not recommended;
(2) EPE material
Advantages: high safety performance, soft and comfortable;
Disadvantages: Not durable, the material has poor elasticity, is easy to deform, has poor flame retardancy, and is prone to creases and wear;
(3)XPE material
Advantages: XPE material is denser, more environmentally friendly, not easily deformed, has good resilience, and has a service life of about 2 years;
Disadvantages: Bubbles are prone to appear after scratching;
(4) PVC material
Advantages: good rebound, good flame retardant performance, easy to clean, long service life, up to 10 years;
Disadvantages: PVC floor mats are too heavy, cannot be recycled, are not environmentally friendly, and are a bit expensive;
(5) PU material
Advantages: long service life. The PU layer is wear-resistant, durable and easy to clean; the inner tank is made of XPE, which has good resilience and is shock-resistant and pressure-relieving;
Disadvantages: more expensive, heavier, slightly less slip-resistant and breathable;
However, it is difficult to judge the safety of crawling mats based on the material alone. It is recommended to choose well-known brands. Secondly, it also needs to pass relevant testing and certification.
2. According to thickness
There is no fixed choice for the thickness of the crawling mat. It needs to be considered comprehensively based on the home environment and the needs of the parents. Theoretically, the greater the thickness, the better the protection for the baby, but the price will be relatively expensive. It is recommended that it be about 2cm for daily crawling use.
3. Press function
There are three common crawling mats: spliced, integral, and folding. The biggest difference between these three styles is the requirements for room topography and area.
(1) Spliced type
Advantages: Easy to store, can be flexibly combined according to needs;
Disadvantages: gaps easily harbor dirt and are difficult to clean;
(2) Integral type
Advantages: beautiful, easy to clean;
Disadvantages: It occupies a large area and is difficult to store;
(3) Folding type
Advantages: Convenient storage and wide range of uses;
Disadvantages: There will be creases at the folds, which are difficult to clean and affect the appearance;
Parents can choose according to the room area and usage habits. When choosing a crawling mat, they can choose the cartoon pattern that their baby likes.
My choice - fence + climbing mat combination
It is recommended that you buy the fence + crawling mat together, so there will be no size difference. Our family bought this model from Thebabyplaypen.
1. Material safety: The fence is made of HDPE, which is safe and has no odor, and is not afraid of babies biting it. The climbing mat is made of XPE material, which is not easy to deform, has good resilience, and is insulated from heat and cold. It will not cool your baby's hands and feet in winter.
2. Safe and stable: The baby cannot be pushed over when playing. The gaps in the fence are carefully calculated to ensure that the baby's little hands are not stuck. The height of the fence is scientific and does not block the line of sight. The external safety lock door lock prevents the baby from opening and falling.
3. No installation required and easy to store: the fence opens with one pull and folds with one push. No tedious assembly process is required. It can be square or round, and can be installed at will.
4. Rich colors: Soft color combinations can make babies feel happy.
The room also has a separate area for the baby to facilitate the baby's play.
Baby safety is no small matter, and parents need to pay attention to every aspect. Parents should constantly improve their safety awareness and try to avoid accidents.