Best Baby Playpens to Keep Little Explorers Safe

If you’re looking for a playpen that’s superior in all areas, the Pop N’ Go Playpen from The California Beach Co. beats out the rest. This hexagonal-shaped playpen for babies is roomy enough to fit multiple children (and adults) with its near 5 feet of width. A large zipper enclosure makes it easy to get in, but it’s secure enough to prevent little ones from getting out. An included UPF 50 sun cover provides total coverage from the sun, and the mesh sides provide ample ventilation (and an easy view of the children inside). But the real standout feature is the patented pop-and-release technology, which makes this playpen one of the easiest to assemble and disassemble (this writer was able to do it with one hand while 8 months pregnant). Whether you need a safe space for your kiddos indoors or outdoors, at home or on the go, this playpen for babies is a winner all around.

Whether it’s the beach, the park or even your own backyard, creating a safe space for babies and toddlers to play doesn’t have to be a challenge. Enter the Hiccapop PlayPod, a baby playpen ideal for the outdoors. Mesh sides let in the fresh air, while the padded floor will keep little ones comfy no matter what the surface is like underneath. A detachable dome canopy has sun shades that can protect the sun from any direction, and wind-proof safety locks hold it in place. There are two extra-large zippered openings for easy in and out when you want to let your toddlers explore beyond the playpen. When you want to keep them in, the luggage-grade zippers lock securely from the outside, and when it’s time to go home, the removable cover is machine-washable.

Want to keep your little one contained while still giving them room to crawl, walk and play around? Enter the Babyjoy Baby Playpen, which provides more than 6 feet of space for your baby or toddler to explore. There’s so much free space, even the most cunning escape artists won’t notice the mesh walls (which stand at 27.5 inches high) and durable zippered entrances keeping them secure inside.

Those tight on space will appreciate the small footprint of the Century Play On 2-in-1 Playard and Activity Center. But fear not: The 38 inch square space will still keep your little one entertained, thanks to a playscape wall with two removable soft toys and a zippered doorway for when you want to expand their play horizons. And when you want to free up even more room, the cube-shaped playpen for babies folds up and tucks away easily.

Getting your child to be content in a playpen is half the battle, but keeping them comfy helps. The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light comes with a soft mattress that’s cozy enough for hours of play and is sleep-safe too. Plus, it sets up swiftly in just one motion, making it as simple to use as it is comfortable.

If your baby or toddler craves more freedom and space than a traditional playpen can offer, consider a playpen fence. The playpen fence from Baby Care will turn any space in your home into a safe “fun zone,” thanks to a double-lock door, stabilizing holders that reinforce the panels and non-slip suction pads that keep it in place. The large panels connect easily and set-up takes just a few minutes—plus, you can customize the size based on how many panels you use. Wanting an extra-large play space? Simply buy two of these playpen fences and connect them together.

Setting up a safe space for baby takes just seconds with this pop-up baby playpen from Graco. The LiteTraveler LX Playard goes from a super-compact fold to a spacious (and secure!) play area in one swift step, and comes with a carry bag for easy portability. Babies and toddlers will love the airiness of the mesh sides and comfort of the padded floor, while parents will appreciate the machine-washable fabrics and lightweight design.

If you’re looking for a baby playpen you can take with you on the go, look no further than the Guava Lotus Travel Crib. The included travel bag converts to a backpack with padded straps, saving your shoulders and allowing you to carry it comfortably. It also weighs just 13 pounds and has a 3D fold that makes it small enough to travel easily by car, train or plane. When you’ve reached your destination, the Lotus doubles as a play and sleep space, thanks to a zippered side panel and a thick, comfortable mattress.

Unfolded, the Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen has 25 square feet of play space, a white board panel for drawing and a play panel with five different sensory toys. Folded up, this baby playpen can easily be tucked away for storage or travel. We call that a baby gear win-win.

Whether your little one despises sand, needs shade from the sun or a safe place for play away from the ocean, the Veer Basecamp checks all the boxes for the best beach baby playpen. Setup is simple, thanks to a pop-open design, and the six stakes and four sandbags that are included will keep it in place against even the strongest beach winds. A UPF 50 sun cover provides shade and sun protection, while the tight-knit mesh keeps any insects and pests out. While inside, the Basecamp can fit multiple children comfortably for play and rest. The space is so ideal, adults might just be tempted to crawl inside too.