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Best Baby Playpens to Keep Little Explorers Safe

No matter where you are, these playpens will come to the rescue when baby needs a safe space to crawl, play and explore.
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By Lynsey Eidell, Contributing Writer
Updated October 16, 2022
Best Baby Playpens to Keep Little Explorers Safe Hero
Image: Walmart, buybuy BABY (2) | The Bump
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Baby playpens are a parental sanity-saver. These enclosed areas provide a safe space for little ones to crawl, play and explore while keeping them away from the potential hazards of the home or outdoors. Whether you’re visiting a non-childproofed place (like a hotel or relative’s house), hitting the park or beach or simply need a safe, designated play spot in your own home, baby playpens come in handy in a variety of situations—and allow parents and caregivers to keep a watchful eye from the sidelines, as opposed to playing constant defense.

But like all baby gear, there are lots of different models and features to consider when shopping for the best baby playpen for your family. Playpens range from super lightweight and portable to more sturdy and stationary, each with their own benefits (depending on your family’s needs). There are also plenty of accessories—like sun covers, padded play mats and carry bags—that can be particularly useful to parents. To help narrow down the choices and know what add-ons to look for, it’s important to first determine where, when and how you’ll use a baby playpen and what you’ll need from it: Will it be used outdoors or indoors (or both)? Does it need to be portable? Will it need to contain more than one child? How is it cleaned and cared for? How easily does it set up and fold down? Asking yourself these questions before selecting a playpen for babies will help you make a solid decision.

Besides accessories and features, safety is always an important factor to take into consideration. Be mindful of what kind of enclosure any baby playpen has and how easily it might be opened by tiny hands. Be sure to also check if the playpen has any height or weight limitations. Take note of how secure the playpen is once set up, and if it poses any risk of being pushed over (or climbed out of) by little escape artists. Any baby playpen you purchase should also meet the ASTM playard safety standards and be certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.

With these factors in mind, read on for our top picks for the best baby playpens.

Overall Best Baby Playpen

The California Beach Co. Pop N’ Go Playpen
The California Beach Co. Pop N’ Go Playpen
Image: Amazon
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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.

What We Love
  • Super simple set up and break down
  • Easily portable thanks to an included travel bag and a weight of just 7.2 pounds
  • Material is easy to wipe clean
Things To Consider
  • Self-inflating mattress pad not included

Best Outdoor Baby Playpen

Hiccapop PlayPod Portable Playpen
Hiccapop PlayPod Portable Playpen
Image: Amazon
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • Available in two sizes: 53 inches and 69 inches
  • Padded floor, sun shade and carry bag are all included
  • Top rails, corners and floor are all padded to prevent any accidental bumps
Things To Consider
  • No way to anchor it to the ground

Best Large Baby Playpen

Babyjoy Baby Playpen Extra Large Kids Activity Center
Babyjoy Baby Playpen Extra Large Kids Activity Center
Image: Walmart
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • Space is 75 inches long and 59 inches across
  • Neutral colors make this large playpen seamlessly blend into any decor
  • Four non-slip suction cups keep the playpen securely in place
Things To Consider
  • Set up can be difficult, according to some users
  • Floor is not padded

Best Small Baby Playpen

Century Play On 2-in-1 Playard and Activity Center
Century Play On 2-in-1 Playard and Activity Center
Image: buybuy BABY
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • Playscape wall offers built-in entertainment
  • Produced with soft fabrics from recycled materials, making it good for the planet and your baby
  • Included mattress is machine washable
Things To Consider
  • Weight limit of 30 pounds restricts use for larger babies and toddlers
  • Difficult to open, according to some users

Best Baby Playpen With Mat

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Image: Target
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • No upper weight limit since the base sits on the floor
  • Lightweight and easily moveable at just 13 pounds
Things To Consider
  • Protective sheet for the mattress is not included
  • No zippered exit, meaning you’ll have to reach over the edges and lift your child out

Best Baby Playpen Fence

Baby Care Fun Zone Playpen
Baby Care Fun Zone Playpen
Image: Bed Bath & Beyond
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • No tools needed to assemble; the pieces simply lock together
  • Creates an expansive area for play
  • Easy to wipe clean due to lack of fabric parts
Things To Consider
  • Doesn’t come with a mat
  • Sides can shift on carpet

Best Pop-Up Baby Playpen

Graco Pack N’ Play LiteTraveler LX Playard
Graco Pack N’ Play LiteTraveler LX Playard
Image: Target
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • Sun canopy provides UV 50 protection and can be removed for indoor use
  • Ideal for travel thanks to an included travel bag, compact fold and 11 pound design
Things To Consider
  • Sun canopy doesn’t provide complete coverage

Best Portable Baby Playpen

Guava Lotus Travel Crib
Guava Lotus Travel Crib
Image: Amazon
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • GreenGuard Gold certified and contains no harsh materials
  • Mesh cover and sides zip off and are machine washable
  • Metal reinforced hinges will stand up to baby and toddler play
Things To Consider
  • Smaller area for play

Best Foldable Baby Playpen

Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen
Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen
Image: Walmart
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • Strong hinge connectors (that can be tightened) and anti-slip pads keep this playpen in place
  • Built-in toys and entertainment
  • Expandable with the purchase of additional panels
Things To Consider
  • Play mat not included

Best Beach Baby Playpen

Veer Basecamp
Veer Basecamp
Image: buybuy BABY
Buying Options

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.

What We Love
  • Pockets inside the tent allow for storage of toys, snacks or bottles
  • Sun cover reflects sunlight and remains cool to the touch in even the most intense heat
  • Weighs only 7 pounds
Things To Consider
  • Floor is not padded and a mat is not included
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