To ensure that a baby really experiences the playpen as a place where he or she likes to be, you should pay attention to a few things:
All needs met?
No child likes to play alone if their basic needs are not met. This includes a clean diaper, a full stomach and enough sleep. You may have already developed a feeling for when your baby is particularly happy, for example after a nap or after breastfeeding. Use this time to put the baby in its hutch happy and content.
Take your time – stay there
The need for closeness is also an important basic need of babies, although this can vary greatly from child to child. For some it's enough to see or hear mom or dad, others just want to spend the whole day in their arms. If your child doesn't like lying alone, try small play sequences first. Put your child in its stable regularly for a short time - as described above, it is important that it is in a good mood. Stay with him and talk or play with him.
Close to you – the mobile stable
Does your home have several floors? If you take the playpen with you, your child will be closer to you. It can see you better. You can take mobile playpens with you. So you can place your baby very close to you and maintain eye contact with him, even if you want to change floors yourself. This can relax especially small babies and give them the closeness they need to play alone for a moment.
First, comfort your baby in the stable
If your baby cries in the pen, you can first try to comfort him there. Speak to it calmly, put your hand on its stomach or stroke it. This allows some babies to calm down again and enjoy some time in the stable. If that doesn't work, don't let it cry anymore, just take it out again.
Interesting toys
Toys that are interesting for the baby and appropriate to his developmental level invite him to play. In our article >>Playpen - fun and games for babies you will find interesting game ideas for different age groups.
Favorite pieces
If your baby is older, he or she may already have a favorite item, such as: B. a comforter or a cuddly toy. Always put this in his playpen with him. These so-called transitional objects can offer children comfort and security. A pacifier can also provide short-term comfort, but should not be used as a replacement for the need for closeness.
Don't put pressure on yourself
Of course, there are also babies who won't accept a crate at all. Try to stay relaxed here. If you put pressure on it, you won't be able to get it used to its new location. Sometimes it helps to ignore the playpen for a few days. If your baby has taken an important developmental step, he or she may enjoy lying in it (again). If the baby doesn't want to go into the playpen at all, you can try a play area in a room. There are also babies who prefer to lie on the floor. This is especially the case if your child's motor skills are already so advanced that they feel their freedom of movement is restricted by a stable.
Does your baby not want to be put down?
Playing alone is not as easy as we imagine. Some babies have a great need for closeness, only allow themselves to be put down under protest and find it difficult to occupy themselves on their own. This is completely normal to a certain extent. Here you can get support from a counseling center if you feel like you are being neglected by your clingy baby or if you feel burdened. So-called “cry baby consultations” or advice centers for children aged 0 – 3 years will support you step by step.