Best baby playpens for every style and budget

Aug 18, 2023

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Our top picks will help to keep your little one safe as they explore

The best baby playpens provide your mini me with a safe, contained space to explore and play while you fulfil your multi-tasking parenting duties. Need to check on the oven? Take a phone call? Pop your little one into their playpen, and rest assured they won't be able to get up to too much mischief...

Not only does a baby playpen give you a place to park your baby momentarily when your hands are full, but they also have endless benefits for your child's development. 'Used correctly, playpens make lovely spaces for babies to safely practise their new skills during play,' explains parenting expert and author of 100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play, Georgina Durrant.

'This might be learning to pick up toys, roll, crawl, pull themselves up to standing or even toddle around. The playpen gives them the freedom to try out these new skills, without the risk of them going into rooms that aren’t baby-proof, or knocking into furniture.'

'Traditionally, baby playpens have been made with wooden bars,' Durrant explains. 'These are still available but plastic and mesh versions now seem to be more popular.''I personally prefer the playpens with plastic or mesh sides, especially for children who are practising walking or pulling themselves up as they are less likely to hurt themselves if they fall into the sides,' Durrant adds. 'If you’re fortunate enough to have a large space at home for a playpen, there are plastic playpens made up of panels that connect together and are great for making large play areas.'

While some iterations of playpens for babies are suitable for newborns to sleep in, Durrant tells us that children aged six to nine months will find them most beneficial. 'It’s at this stage when they may be more mobile, starting to roll, crawl or even pull themselves up that a playpen is most useful,' Durrant explains.

'Generally speaking, as toddlers get older playpens become less useful as they may be able to open them or try to climb over the sides. They may also feel frustrated that they aren’t allowed to explore further.'

Durrant adds that no matter what age your child is, they should never be left unsupervised in a playpen.

We know as with all baby-related items, like baby blankets and baby changing bags, there's tons to choose from and it can be hard to know where to start.

Our edit of the best baby playpens has something for every home interior scheme and budget, whether you want a lightweight and collapsable pen to take with you on the road, or a stylish wooden design that won't look out of place in your living space.

The CoZee playpen for babies is an award winner, and for good reason. Tutti Bambini's 3-in-1 design offers a newborn bassinet, floor level cot and playpen. It's lightweight, compact and easy-to-assemble, making it the ideal travel companion for family trips.

Thanks to the mesh sides, you can keep a close eye on your baby whether they're sleeping or playing, and easily let air flow through. However, it also comes with a nightshade that can be used to create a dark space for nap time, or a tent for play time.

It's a real multitasker, and will grow with your baby, making it ideal if you’re a first-time parent.

Size: 133 x 98 x 65cm

A traditional playpen design, except Jolan's wooden pen is portable so you can move it between rooms as necessary. Non-slip suction cups will keep it firmly in place, while the double-lock door will stop any escape artists getting up to mischief.

It can be transformed into a variety of shapes to fit your space, and will suit most interior schemes. All that's left to do is add a padded foam mat and a few toys to make it the perfect playpen for baby!

Size: 200 x 200cm

If you're in need of a playpen that doubles up as a cot, let us introduce you to British brand Joie's cheery design. A removable mattress means you can transform this pen from a sleep sanctuary to a play area in minutes.

Four mesh sides allow for easy-breezy ventilation to keep your baby cool, while the two plush toys attached to the nature design offer visual stimulation for sensory development.

This simple pen is compact, and can be folded down for travel or storage. What's not to love?

Size: 96cm x 96cm

BabyDan's playpen doubles up as a play area and room divider should you need to section your little one off from an area that's not baby-friendly (e.g. a fireplace or open plan kitchen-living space).

It's easy to assemble and features an extra-wide door so you can comfortably reach in and grab your little one. It comes with a machine-washable play mat, but you could also invest in padded hexagonal foam tiles if you want to add more colour.

This style will fit seamlessly with most interior schemes, and comes with wall fittings if you want to make it a permanent fixture in your space.

Size: 72 x 360 x 3cm

You might be wondering ‘what is the best playpen for babies?’. Well, let us introduce you to the award-winning nursery brand Venture, because it has thought of everything here.

Designed in the UK, this playpen is made up of lightweight plastic panels that slot together for easy assembly and storage. Within the large playpen, your mini me can develop their motor skills thanks to the activity panel featuring ABC blocks, spinning stars and more.

It also comes with a large foam mat for extra comfort and a lockable door for peace of mind.

Size: 114 x 114 x 63cm

This clever playpen is customisable, so you can configure it into any shape you like: square, rectangle, triangle or circle. The plastic sides are foldable and compact, slotting together easily. When play time is over, fold them up and store away to keep your space tidy.

With padded, anti-skid floor pads that join together to create a square mat, your baby can play comfortably no matter the surface your playpen is on. But, the best part is the activity panel to keep your mini me entertained with a basketball hoop, orbiting ball and spinning stars.

Size: 150 x 150 x 63cm

Toddlers will love this playpen that doubles as a ball pen with a basketball net. The square design is easy to assemble and portable too, so you can pack it up for a playdate or take it to a friend's party.

There's a side entrance, with a zipper that's only accessible from the outside. Plus, the mesh design means you can always keep a close eye on your rascals.

The plastic balls are not included, and you'll need about 300 of them to fill this playpen. Hours of endless fun, right this way...

Size: 125 x 125 x 66cm

A summer must-have, this playpen also transforms into a paddling pool and ball pit giving you endless ways to entertain your baby. As an indoor/outdoor playpen, it's suitable from birth, or as a paddling pool for babies 6+ months (with supervision at all times, of course.)

We love the playful nautical design, and pulling toys that can be removed. Other standout features include the 50+ UV-protected removable sun canopy and removable mosquito net. Although it's important to still use extra-sun protection when your baby is outside. Think baby suncreams, hats, and UV clothing.

Size: 90 x 60 x 60cm

While it doesn't look particularly stylish, Costway's playpen ticks all the performance boxes. The hexagonal design has plenty of room for one child and one adult so you can get in on the fun, too.

It's suitable for indoor and outdoor use, but we think it really excels in the garden, offering extra shade thanks to the removal canopy. The one-click, folding design makes it easy for parents to assemble and store in minutes.

Plus, it's lightweight enough at 7kg that it can be popped in the car boot for road trips and holidays.

Size: 136 x 134 x 84cm

Tutti Bambini's contemporary design will fit seamlessly with most interior schemes, especially if you're embracing the neutral homeware trend — but, where this compact design really excels is as a playpen for globe-trotting families.

The hexagonal design makes the most of the space and it collapses down to 75cm fitting into a handy storage bag for travel. Suitable from birth, it also doubles up as a ball pit to keep your toddler entertained in the years to come.

Size: 135 x 135 x 75cm

Got multiple munchkins on your hands? The top-rated Uanlauo playpen could be just what you need to keep everyone happy, entertained, and in one place!

This extra-large playpen is suitable for infants aged 3 months to 3 years, with a total height of 68cm so there's no risk of them pulling an escape act. And, with four visible mesh sides, you can check in on them easily, whether they're sleeping or playing.

The pen also has a reversible playmat inside to keep your babies comfortable and entertained thanks to the large colourful designs. Other highlights include four pulling rings, ideal when they're learning to stand up, and a zipper gate that can only be opened from the outside should you decide to let your little ones roam free...

Size: 150 x 150 x 68cm

Made by parents for parents, Crafty Pods' playpen pops up and folds down for easy assembly and storage. At under £40, it's great if you're on a budget and looking for a playpen that can be used inside and outside for years to come.

Made from an easy-to-clean, water-resistant fabric, it also comes with one of the brand's messy mats, so your little one can get creative with arts and crafts or enjoy sensory play with a DIY sandpit, without making a total mess for you to clean up.

Size: 120cm

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