When our baby was only a few days old, we set up a playpen in our living area as a designated space for his daily tummy time and other activities during the day. Here’s how we arrange the playpen and some ideas on what to put inside as well as safety precautions you should pay attention to if you plan to get one.
Before I begin, please note that the term “playpen” I’m using here refers to the folding fence type that can be put up to surround some floor area to build a play yard, big enough for kids as well as adults to be inside. It is not the freestanding type to contain the baby with a base that doesn’t touch the floor, which usually has a very limited space for the baby to move around.
In our small apartment with limited rooms, the playpen functions as a dedicated baby playroom instead of just a space to contain the baby.
Why setting up a playpen as a playroom for baby?
I like the idea of giving my baby a big space where he can freely roams and explores while still exercising safety. However, because we have a very nosy dog at home, a playpen is very useful as it provides a safe space for both the baby and the dog.
As I also look after the baby mostly by myself during the day, a playpen in the centre of the living area is very convenient as I can easily observe my baby while I quickly catch up with housework.
What is the best way to set up a playpen?
I personally feel that if you can have your whole house baby-proofed, there is no need to set up one. But if you think it’s safer for your baby if you get a playpen, then I’d recommend to go as big as your house possibly allows.
Letting your child explore their surroundings is beneficial to promote spatial awareness. For this reason, I don’t recommend leaving baby for hours contained in a crib or small playpen. Even after you set up a big playpen, it’s still a good idea to bring your baby to explore other part of your house occasionally (and even outdoor) while you watch.
What to put and what not to put inside the baby playpen?
The way I set up and arrange things inside the playpen is always changing as baby grows. But generally, for newborns and young babies who haven’t learned to move about independently, you can put some baby-friendly items inside that can be used for their daily activities.
Ideas on things to put inside the baby playpen:
Floor mat or playmat
Laying a floor mat or playmat underneath the playpen is recommended to add comfort and prevent injuries in case of falling. At around 3 months of age when babies start to roll over, they will begin to enjoy the benefit of this soft mat as a base for them to play safely.
There are many different types of playmat out there such as foldable mat, puzzle mat, or a fixed-size foam mat. A good playmat should be thick and shock-absorbent to cushion baby from hard floor. It is always a good idea to invest on a good playmat with high quality paddings and made of non-toxic materials. Avoid getting cheap playmats that easily break and fall apart because when baby starts putting everything to mouth, the little pieces could be a choking hazard.
Another thing to note, I’d also recommend to get a mat with simple pattern and neutral colour instead of colourful ones with busy pattern. Besides easily complementing the interior design of your home, a neutral mat can also help prevent overstimulation for your baby by allowing them to focus easily on the toys or other items you provide on the floor.
Baby activity gym
If you can only pick one kind of entertainment gear for your newborn baby, a baby activity gym is the answer. An activity gym stimulates babies’ senses from early stages while also provides a fun spot to stretch out and enjoy their daily tummy time.
A good baby activity gym should be engaging and offers various types of stimulation such as crinkly toys, bright and high-contrast colours, and textures to help promote motor and sensory development.
Tummy time pillow
Doing tummy time helps babies strengthen their muscles and experience different body positions and movements. As baby spends time being on their tummies, they get to learn how to support their head by themselves and how their arms and legs move. Adding a tummy time pillow into the playpen is also a good idea because it gives baby extra comfort during this important activity of the day.
Nursing pillow or baby lounger
If you’re breastfeeding, you can also prepare a nursing pillow to bring into the playpen for feedings during the day. Some nursing pillow can also be converted into an anti-reflux baby lounger for baby to get into a relaxing position.
Baby-friendly books and bookshelf
Reading is one of the most important and easiest activities you can do for your baby from birth. It encourages them to learn about sounds, vocabulary, and languages. Get into a good habit of reading to your baby everyday by getting a few baby-friendly books that you can read to your baby.
Board books, cloth books, and indestructible baby-proofed kind of books are good options to offer as they can withstand chew and tear. You should also try to provide a wide variety of themes on your baby books collection.
If you want to, you can also start building baby’s first library by adding a small, baby-friendly bookshelf to store and organise the books. It’s important to make sure the bookshelf is made of safe materials without any sharp edges or corners that could potentially hurt little ones.
Age-appropriate toys
Depending on your baby’s age, it’s a good idea to offer them toys that are suitable for their developmental milestones. For instance, a newborn may benefit from toys that have high-contrast colors and textures, while an older baby may enjoy toys that encourage them to crawl or stand.
It’s important not to dump all the toys at once and overwhelm your baby. Instead, introduce the toys slowly and rotate them so that your baby always has something new and interesting to play with. This can also help prevent overstimulation and allow your baby to fully explore and engage with each toy.
By providing age-appropriate toys and rotating them in a thoughtful manner, you can help support your baby’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development while also providing them with a fun and stimulating play environment.
Small mattress for nap time
If you have the space, adding a small mattress inside the playpen can be a great option for your baby to nap during the day. This can provide a comfortable and safe sleeping environment for your little one, while also allowing you to keep a close eye on them.
When choosing a mattress, it’s important to select one that is soft, lightweight, and fits snugly inside the playpen. In our playpen, I’m using bassinet mattress which can be easily moved between the playpen and a standalone bassinet.
While it’s important to create a cozy sleeping environment for your baby, it’s also crucial to follow safe sleep practices. This includes placing your baby on their back to sleep, ensuring that the mattress is firm and flat, and avoiding loose items in the sleep area.
By providing a comfortable and safe sleeping environment, you can help your baby get the rest they need during the day, while also creating a convenient and versatile play space for them to explore and play in.
What NOT to put inside the baby playpen:
As your baby becomes more mobile and begins to crawl and walk, it’s important to create a safe and spacious play environment for them. This means removing any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or small items that could be swallowed, and providing plenty of open floor space for them to explore.
While it can be tempting to fill the space with lots of toys, it’s best to limit the number of items and focus on providing age-appropriate options that are safe and engaging for your baby. You can periodically rotate the toys based on your baby’s current interests and abilities, which can help keep them stimulated and motivated to play.
When baby should stop using playpen?
We stopped using the playpen when my baby is around 11 months as he began to walk independently. As your baby continues to grow and develop, their play needs and preferences will change. By paying attention to their cues and adjusting the play environment accordingly, you can create a fun and enriching play space that supports their development.
Ideally, it’s best to baby proof your home as much as possible so that your little one can safely explore their surroundings without the need for a playpen. This means taking steps to identify and eliminate potential hazards, such as locking cabinets, covering electrical outlets, and securing furniture to the wall.
While playpens can provide a safe and contained space for your baby to play in, it’s important to remember that restraining them for long periods of time can be detrimental to their development. Babies need opportunities to move and explore in order to develop their gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.
By creating a safe and baby-proofed environment, you can give your little one the freedom to explore and learn in a way that supports their natural development. This also allows you to supervise them closely while giving them the independence they need to grow and thrive. While playpens can be a useful tool for short periods of time, it’s best to aim for a fully baby-proofed home as your baby grows and becomes more mobile.
