What is a playard (baby play pen)?
Usually referred to as play yards, play pens, travel yards or portable play yards, these cozy "bed-like" items are being used by numerous proud parents for their beloved youngsters. Even though the yards all have their own "spin of the wheel", they are very much built around the same basic idea. They are in short portable and safe "cribs" for your child – his or hers very own space.
These portable playards for the youngest children are mostly rectangular in shape. They are constructed with a center floor, and they have sides of mesh fabric with top and bottom rails. These rails can be locked and unlocked, something which easily allows the unit to be taken apart and folded up. When folded, it makes for a quite small and convenient storage friendly unit – perfect for transportation; hence the term ‘portable’ and ‘travel’.
When your play yard is completely and properly folded it resembles a long rectangular shape which then can be put into a transport carrying case.
Ask any new (or experienced…) parents and they will all likely sing to the same tune: How these kids playards are close to the ideal piece of baby equipment. Just take a look at parents traveling with their young baby – you will probably be hard pressed to see a couple, or a single parent, without one these days.
The play yards come in a wide variety of makes, styles, models and colors. Add to that all the extra possible accessories and you’ll begin to see how anyone will be able to find one that fits their wallet, needs and wishes. In the end, the biggest challenge will probably be to decide which one to go for.
Features
In addition to the folding feature described earlier, here are some of the things you might want to have included:
A bassinet? For newborns you will need a bassinet which fits into or sits on the floor of the unit. Normally, the bassinet will be in use until the baby reaches approximately 10 to 15 pounds.
The combined crib and play pen feature? Used as a pen it gives you the needed brake while you travel, or do work around the house. At night it doubles as a practical, portable crib.
A changing station? Some of these travel yards have a very handy feature. By attaching a changing stations, usually on top of the unit, it is much less of a hassle to change diapers on your little one.
A canopy? This is an important extra if you intend to use the unit outdoors – something a lot of parents do obviously. The canopy will provide shade and protect the child from direct sunlight.
Set of wheels? These will make sure you can maneuver the play pen throughout your home.
Safety issues
Choosing a playpen for your baby, your primary concern should indeed be safety. Please do make sure that the unit has been tested and approved by the proper national authorities. In the US, you would look for logos from Consumer Products Safety Commission, American Society for Testing and Materials and Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association.
You are advised to make sure that the playpen mesh openings are smaller than 1/4 inch. Also, make sure to look for loose threads, tears or holes in the mesh and any top cover at regular intervals as well as when you assemble the unit for the first time.
Is the unit sturdy? Yes, it is made in such a way as to be assembled and taken down without any tools. However
it should also be rock solid and stable. Hey, we’re talking about your precious baby, right.
Easy to clean and maintain? This vital issue is why many care givers and parents prefer models which have removable sheets and mesh sides.
Wooden play yards usually have side slats. these slats should be 2 3/8" apart at the most. Fixtures (like staples and screws) must all be in place and installed firmly.
Always take time to make sure that the play pen sides are firmly locked in place. If not, then the crib may collapse with your child inside.
It is never a good idea to put too many toys and other items inside the yard.
Other considerations
How is the ease of use? Even though the safety issue comes first and foremost, it is also wise to check how easy (or hard) it is to set up and take down the equipment. As portability is one of the major things here, you need to be sure that you don’t need too much time with complicated procedures in order to get going.
A baby should only be put in a playpens for very brief periods of time. Obviously, they also need to be held, tended to and played with, and they should also spend time on the floor to explore the surroundings under the watchful eye of mom or dad.
There’s more information on the following pages: Baby Playpens – Pak-n-Play Travel Beds – Baby Play Pen – Cribs & Play Yards – Portable Baby Crib Bedding – Large & Portable Baby Play Yard – Todays Kids Play Yard – Baby Bed & Bedding - Infant Play Yard – Eddie Bauer Play Yard.
Playards
Your baby needs a safe and comfy space to play – and crash into a deep, refreshing nap whenever it needs one. A good playard provides exactly that.
Travel Light, Sleep Well …
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Simplicity’s Rainforest Portable Playards
Remember in my blog post I praised Kellogg for pulling crackers off the shelves as a precaution? Here’s an example of the opposite case: Fisher-Price Recalls Simplicity’s Rainforest Portable Play Yards Due to Fall and Entrapment Hazards.
Play yards
Of course, a play yard gives your baby a place to play. Some play yards have extras to amuse your baby, including a mobile, a detachable toy bar, or an entertainment center that features music, nature sounds, and/or dancing lights.
Play yard travel tips
Because the bassinet feature in play yards can only be used for sleeping for babies up to 15 pounds, you’ll need to go to plan B after that. One option: Put your baby to sleep on the floor of your play yard. It’s close to the ground and (…)
Play yards, features
Canopy. Many play yards with bassinets have a canopy to shade your baby from harsh light. Some canopies have attached toys that act as a mobile. Remove the canopy when you are no longer using the bassinet.