When Is Baby Too Old For Playpen?
Many parents and guardians decide to use a baby playpen once their kids can sit up straight on their own. Many people believe that children need a safe place to explore the world around them.
As a result, many people believe that limiting space is safer for the baby and more practical for parents because modern life requires adults to be multifunctional. But do you know when a baby is too old for a playpen? If not, continue reading!
Playpen – What Is It?
A baby playpen is often a tiny, portable cage with bars or netting on the walls and a top opening where a baby or toddler is placed to play and remain occupied, especially while the parent or guardian is busy or not around for monitoring.
The majority of playpens are built of wood furniture so they are portable and simple to move around. Additionally, wood is typically favored because of its weight, greater decorating flexibility, and safety.
Kids may play and enjoy themselves in this imaginative, safe space away from the constructed world.
As opposed to a crib, which may be placed in a certain location in a room, a baby playpen is often composed of lighter materials and is therefore more movable.
Types Of Playpens For Babies
Baby playpens come in a variety of styles. Essentially, they all have the same characteristics, with minor differences. And the maximum age for using these is determined by their unique characteristics. The three main types of playpens are:
- Square Playpens: As the name implies, it is square in shape. They are quite spacious and are highly recommended for introducing two children due to their larger measurements.
- Rectangular Playpens: This type of playpen has a rectangular shape. They are better suited to smaller houses.
- Playpen Cribs: These are playpens that can be used as a travel cot or travel bed for the baby to sleep in when we leave the house and also as a play yard for babies. They have two mattress heights. When we use it as a playground, we must use the lowest height.
Multiple uses for a playpen:
Baby Naps
A playpen is useful when a young child wants to snooze. The benefit is that a youngster may sleep wherever, as he or she is not restricted to his or her bed.
Independent Playtime
A parent or guardian may place toys in a playpen for a kid to use for a period of time when he or she engages in autonomous play.
Travel
A playpen will come in helpful when traveling since it will make carrying the infant easier. It allows the parent to do other tasks while the child plays or the baby sleeps in the playpen.
In limited sleeping quarters, playpens may “act” as a bed, allowing the parents or guardian to use the bed while the infant utilizes the playpen.
It is recommended to not utilize a playpen in potentially hazardous areas of the home, such as areas with exposed electrical wires or outlets and areas where dogs are housed, to keep children safe from damage or contamination caused by the pets (infections).
Before purchasing or acquiring a playpen, there are various aspects to consider, such as the weight of the infant.
- One must choose a playpen that can hold the baby’s weight and will not collapse when the infant is playing or asleep.
- Another factor to consider is the size of the infant. A playpen should provide sufficient room for the infant or toddler to play with few constraints.
- The playpen should be constructed such that it is simple to move When the playpen is not in use, it should be foldable or hangable for storage.
- The size of the allotted enclosure for the playpen is another important consideration. One should not buy a huge playpen if his home has limited space, as this would impede the mobility of other family members.
- Check for other amenities that may be included with the playpen, such as transfer wheels, diaper stacks, and a storage room for the baby’s belongings. In the event that you want to lull a baby to sleep, a rocking attachment may be really handy.
- Since a playpen is not intended for long-term use, it is important to consider one’s budget while intending to purchase one.
Age Ranges That Are Acceptable For Playpens
Four To Eight Months
A baby should be exposed to a playpen no later than four months old so that they may grow up understanding that it is safe for them to play in. If introduced earlier, the infant might feel uneasy being left alone in a small area.
Nine to Twelve Months
After nine months of age, the baby starts to learn some milestones, and a playpen is the perfect setting for them to be learned since it is safe and will instill a sense of security. One has to add fresh toys when they are in it so that when they extend to acquire them, they can learn to stand or sit independently.
The kid can crawl or stand up at this age, which is between ten and twelve months. It may appear to curtail their sense of adventure to confine them. It is ideal to give children room to roam, thus the playpen might not be the greatest choice.
From What Age Should You Stop Using The Playpen?
As a general rule, it is best to stop putting the baby in his playpen when he begins to walk on his own, without help, that is to say between approximately 18 and 24 months. Indeed, very quickly, you will be able to realize for yourself that your little one no longer really appreciates this kind of “cabin” in which he liked to play with his toys! As soon as Baby takes his first steps, he is ready for discoveries! To promote his autonomy and gross motor skills, it is better to let him play freely (under your supervision). In addition, the majority of playpens are approved for children up to 24 months with specific weight and height limits.
Why Shouldn’t You Put Your Baby in PlayPen After Two Years?
Although it seems to be the most coherent option, the use playpen is not advised after the baby turns two years old. This is the age when babies start to explore the world around and at this time, they enter a very important phase of their motor and cognitive development.
Therefore, they should not be discouraged. In these cases, instead of “surrounding” the children, parents should make small adjustments in the house in search of the safety of the little ones, leaving the playpen for specific and extremely necessary moments.
Exploring The Environment Is Important For Child Development
Exploring and discovering the world is important for children even when that world is still restricted to the bedroom, for example. In addition to giving autonomy and a sense of independence. Leaving your child free makes him learn what he can and cannot do and what hurts and what doesn’t. Of course, all of this needs to be done safely, using safety measures.
Some Safety Measures For Babies To Explore The Environment
To make the environment safe for your babies, here are a series of tips. Take a look!
- Secure the doors with locks to prevent wind-driven banging.
- Add lids to sockets to stop children from sticking their fingers in and receiving a shock.
- Cover furniture corners with silicone bumpers, or replace them with models with rounded corners.
- put up some baby fences around the stairwells, balconies, and bathroom doors.
- Remove any furniture that is close to the window.
- Place protective nets on windows and balconies.
- Check that table tops (mainly glass) are securely fastened. As children tend to lean on furniture to support their bodies in an upright position.
- The baby activity mat usually keeps them entertained while the parents are busy. But remember to position it in a safe place and with the toys that the child likes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, once your child can crawl or is a toddler, you should discontinue utilizing the playpen for babies. You can use it for as long as you like, but if your child is old enough to climb out of their play yard, you should quit using it and move on.
Faqs:
Is a playpen better than a crib?
The cost of pack n plays is lower, and they are more adaptable. A pack n’ play may serve as a playpen or a bed. On the other hand, while they are more costly. Cribs are the best long-term option for a newborn baby nursery or infant room.
References
https://www.hellomotherhood.com/13590131/when-to-stop-swaddling-baby/