best playpen for toddler | Baby Journey

8 Best Playpen for Toddler Reviews You Need to Read in 2024

Once your child graduates from infancy, you will need something bigger and more spacious than a play yard for your little ones. Toddlerhood is the time when your child will learn how to crawl then walk. This is one of the best times for mothers, but it can be the most stressful as well.

After all, keeping an eye on an active toddler is never easy. One minute, they are beside you. The next, they are already at the edge of the stairs! That’s why you need to provide them with a secure space where they can move around freely.

That’s what a toddler playpen is all about. Which is the best playpen for toddler though? My top pick is the Regalo Portable Playard, but read on to find out more in this review!

Why Your Kid Needs a Playpen

Playpens as a Safe Space for Babies | Best Playpen for Toddler | Baby Journey
The best baby playpens or play yards provide a safe play space for your children without taking space or ruining the look of your home. Source: Wise-select.com

The primary purpose of a traditional playpen, also known as a play yard, is to provide a secure and safe play space for your child to freely roam about even without your supervision.

Playpens serve as a napping area for your kid in the afternoon too. This way, you will have more time to carry out essential tasks like cleaning your home, cooking dishes, and many more.

Additionally, if you have multiple kids, the availability of the play yards or baby playpens for toddler allows you to devote your attention to one kid at a time without having to worry about the other kids’ safety.

Related: Playpen for Safe & Awesome Baby Play Time

8 Best Playpen For Toddler Reviews You Need to Read

Below are 8 amazing options that you can find in the market. We have included all the important features along with the pros and cons of each play yard so you will have everything you need to know to make an informed decision:

Best Overall
Regalo My Play Portable Playard
Evenflo Versatile Play Space
Summer Infant Pop N' Play Portable Playard
Regalo My Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor, Washable, Aqua, 6-Panel, 48 Inch
Evenflo Versatile Play Space Adjustable Play Area, 6-Panel (Cool Gray)
Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard, Green - Lightweight Play Pen for Indoor and Outdoor Use - Portable Playard with Fast, Easy and Compact Fold
Item Dimensions
48 x 1 x 26 inches
29 x 8 x 28 inches
1 x 48 x 26 inches
Item Weight
16 Grams
16.88 Pounds
5.77 Grams
Material
Steel
Plastic
Metal - Frame
Age Range
6-24 months
6-24 months
6-24 months
Portability
Best Overall
Regalo My Play Portable Playard
Regalo My Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor, Washable, Aqua, 6-Panel, 48 Inch
Item Dimensions
48 x 1 x 26 inches
Item Weight
16 Grams
Material
Steel
Age Range
6-24 months
Portability
Check Latest Price
Evenflo Versatile Play Space
Evenflo Versatile Play Space Adjustable Play Area, 6-Panel (Cool Gray)
Item Dimensions
29 x 8 x 28 inches
Item Weight
16.88 Pounds
Material
Plastic
Age Range
6-24 months
Portability
Check Latest Price
Summer Infant Pop N' Play Portable Playard
Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard, Green - Lightweight Play Pen for Indoor and Outdoor Use - Portable Playard with Fast, Easy and Compact Fold
Item Dimensions
1 x 48 x 26 inches
Item Weight
5.77 Grams
Material
Metal - Frame
Age Range
6-24 months
Portability
Check Latest Price

1. Baby Care Play Mat Funzone Play Pen

Baby Care Play Mat Funzone Play Pen - Extra Large Baby Play Yard - Play Pen for Baby - Safe with Double Locking (Grey, Full Set)

Living up to its name, the Baby Care Fun Zone Play Pen is one of the most playful looking baby playpens in the market today. The pen comes in four eye-catching colors—grey, pink, sky blue, and vivid (red, blue, and yellow).

In addition to its appearance, one of the main highlights of this playpen is easy assembly. You can assemble it in just 5 minutes without using any tools!

Even though it is easy to build, it is one of the most secured product that you can find. That’s because it comes with non-slip and robust place holders and pads. And since it is comprised of 10 panels, the playpen is quite spacious and provides 36.1 square feet of play room to two kids.

This playpen is also designed for safety. Its built has passed ASTM F963-11, EN 71-1, and EN 71-3 safety standards. This means that the playpen is entirely free of harmful chemicals like phthalates, BPA, lead, latex, and many others.

Pros:

  • Extra-large, plenty of space for playing
  • Playpen easy storage and assembly
  • Four colors available
  • Free of unwanted chemicals
  • Secure and non-slip
  • Curved edges and double-lock door for little one’s safety

Cons:

  • The door doesn’t shut completely
  • A bit expensive
Baby Care Play Mat Funzone Play Pen - Extra Large Baby Play Yard - Play Pen for Baby - Safe with Double Locking (Grey, Full Set)
  • Genuine play pen for Baby Care Play Mats
  • No tools needed to assemble or disassemble
  • Phthalate Free, BPA Free, Lead Free, Latex Free, Formaldehyde Free, EVA Free

2. Evenflo Versatile Play Space

Evenflo Versatile Play Space Adjustable Play Area, 6-Panel (Cool Gray)

This adjustable baby playpen is created by Evenflo, a company specializing in designing and building children’s products and has been in the industry for over 100 years. With their century of experience, they have all the bases covered.

The company is known for making versatile and multi-functional kid’s stuff, and this Evenflo Versatile Play Space is no exception! The playpen is not just spacious (18.5 square feet of play room!). It is also suitable to be used both indoors and outdoors.

If you use it outside, you can just flip the reversible legs to the side that has outdoor stakes. This promotes lawn stability. On the other hand, you can use the anti-scratch and movement floor pads indoors.

They also did not forget about portability. This product is foldable and features molded handles that will allow you to bring it with you wherever you go.

Get to know more about this product by watching this video:

Pros:

  • Three colors available (gray, cream, and multi-color)
  • UV and weather-resistant panels
  • Unique design and smooth pivot for no-tool assembly
  • Extra panels (2-panel extension) can be bought separately
  • Foldable for portability

Cons:

  • The fence has sharp edges
  • A bit easy to climb for younger babies and toddlers
Evenflo Versatile Play Space Adjustable Play Area, 6-Panel (Cool Gray)
  • Indoor/Outdoor Versatility: Exclusive reversible legs have outdoor stakes for lawn stability and anti-movement/non-scratch floor pads for any interior floor surfaces
  • Spacious: Over 18.5 square feet and 28” tall provides a safe space for the child to play
  • Easy and Quick Assembly: No tools required

3. Toddleroo by North States Superyard

Toddleroo by North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Free Standing Play Yard, Indoor or Outdoor Baby Playpen, Baby Gate. Made in USA. 6.5 feet corner to corner play pen (26' Tall, Multicolor)

Here’s another play yard that is manufactured by one of the most prominent pet and baby items companies in the market—North States. Their superyard provides up to 34.4 square feet of play space for both indoors and outdoors. Non-slip pads keep the playpen secured and stable.

Aside from the massive space that it provides, Toddleroo by North States Superyard is known for its multi-color and heavy-duty plastic finish. The Colorplay option features 6colors, including sky blue, yellow, orange, green, red, and violet.

In addition to the multicolor option, you also have single-color options, including aqua, fieldstone, gray, and sand.

This is another play yard that is designed for portability. You can collapse the panels and fold them all together. Using the carrying straps that come with it, it is easy to move around.

Pros:

  • Playpen comes with 6 or 8 panels
  • Made in the USA
  • Includes a carrying strap
  • Heavy-duty plastic construction
  • Easy to set up and fold
  • Water-resistant materials

Cons:

  • Outdoor playpen with playmat sold separately
  • The panel has holes big enough to fit the fingers or hand of little ones
SALE
Toddleroo by North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Free Standing Play Yard, Indoor or Outdoor Baby Playpen, Baby Gate. Made in USA. 6.5 feet corner to corner play pen (26" Tall, Multicolor)
  • [Free Standing Baby Gate]: Our 8-Panel Superyards serve as excellent play pens for babies and toddlers. 26” height & 6.5’ width corner to corner, that's 34.4 sq ft of protected space. Simply remove 2 panels for baby play area of 5.5 ft. corner to corner.
  • [Amazing Value, Safe & Portable]: This foldable baby playpen comes complete with carrying strap and non-slip pads; Plus, this durable plastic baby gate is kid-tough and difficult for either pets or children to climb.
  • [Extra-Wide Barrier]: Using a maximum of 6 panels, the play yard can now act as an extra wide baby gate with the "Superyard Wall Mount Kit" (sold separately, ASIN B07BBYXD15). Fits openings from 38.5 inches to over 16 feet wide

4. Regalo My Play Portable Playard

Regalo My Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor, Washable, Aqua, 6-Panel, 48 Inch

Measuring 48 inches wide and 26 inches tall (that’s 14 sq ft of play area!), this 6-panel Regalo My Play Portable Playard playpen will provide plenty of sleep space for your baby to play around. This play yard is known for its sturdy built as it is made with an all-steel frame and reinforced stitching. It also has double locking as an extra safety measure.

It is known for its patented one-time adjustment system, but what makes it one of the best playpens for toddler in the market is its fold and go design. You can take it down within just a few seconds. Designed for portability, the playpen comes with a carry case with straps.

Moreover, the mesh walls and nylon bottom of the playpen are easy to wipe clean. You just need to hand wash it or wipe it down using soap and damp cloth, and you are good to go!

Discover the many uses of this play yard by watching this video:

Pros:

  • Can be a budget option as it is affordable
  • Mesh walls for easy monitoring
  • Nylon bottom for protection
  • More than enough room for both outdoor and indoor use
  • Meets safety standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials

Cons:

  • Mesh sides are prone to tearing
  • The bottom of the pack n play is not removable
  • A bit tricky to take apart
SALE
Regalo My Portable Play Yard Indoor and Outdoor, Washable, Aqua, 6-Panel, 48 Inch
  • PERFECT FIT: The nylon bottom provides protection from rough surfaces. The My Play 6-panel measures 48 inches wide and 27 inches tall. Patented easy fit, one-time adjustment system.
  • PORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Designed with a simple fold and go deign. Easy to set up and take down within seconds.
  • INDOOR AND OUTDOOR: Water resistant for indoor and outdoor use.

5. Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Playard

Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard, Green - Lightweight Play Pen for Indoor and Outdoor Use - Portable Playard with Fast, Easy and Compact Fold

This play yard is as playful and fun as its name! Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Playard comes with an eye-catching green color that is truly reminiscent of the summer season.

Its name is also appropriate given the fact that you can also use this as an outdoor events playpen, allowing you and your child to both have fun under the sun!

Its sides are made of breathable nylon mesh, which doesn’t only allow you to monitor your kid easily but also to promote proper airflow. The bottom portion is made of waterproof fabric material to prevent mess. It also features a heavy double duty metal frame that is durable yet lightweight enough to be folded and transported.

For the ultimate outdoor playing experience, you have the option to buy its accessories that are sold separately—full and half travel crib canopy.

Find out more about the amazing features of this travel crib by watching this video:

Pros:

  • Includes a travel bag
  • Lightweight, compact, and foldable design
  • Eye-catching color
  • Spacious pack n play
  • Mesh side panels for proper and fresh airf low

Cons:

  • A travel crib not suitable for small spaces
  • Bottom part lacks padding
Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard, Green - Lightweight Play Pen for Indoor and Outdoor Use - Portable Playard with Fast, Easy and Compact Fold
  • INDOOR/OUTDOOR USE – Whether playtime is indoors or out, keeping your little one in one place is essential. The Summer Pop ‘n Play Portable Play Yard provides 14 square feet of contained playing area, and the folding metal frame weighs only 12 pounds
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE – The ultra-lightweight and compact play yard for baby and toddler is perfect for use at home inside or out, a day at the park or even a vacation at the beach.
  • COMPACT FOLD – With a lightweight, innovative pop and fold design that sets up and comes down in seconds, plus an easy and compact fold, you can have a travel toddler and space saver baby playpen to bring with you on all your adventures.

6. Babyseater Portable Playard Play Pen

Portable Playard Play Pen for Infants and Babies - Lightweight Mesh Baby Playpen with Carrying Case - Easily Opens with 1 Hand (Turquoise)

The Babyseater Portable Playard Play Pen is probably one of the most portable baby playpens in the market. It comes fully assembled so parents, and most importantly your toddler can enjoy using it right out of the box.

Delivering every functionality of a play yard, along with enhanced safety and portability, this item prides itself in its portability. Parents have an ease of mind enjoying the portability of this product despite its relatively large size.

Featuring a modern-sleek, hexagon-shaped design that is not only pleasant to the eyes, the product is also sturdy and guaranteed safe for younger babies and toddlers. The lack of cross bars and intersections with protruding nuts simply mean that your active toddler can play to its heart’s content without having to worry about accidental bumping during baby play time.

The mesh screens allow for practical visibility when you are busy with your on hand tasks. That way, you can rest assured knowing that your little one is safe as you put your mind to focusing on your work.

Its reputable versatility allows for both indoors and outdoors use where assembly and disassembly from and to any locations won’t be a problem thanks to its nature of being resistant to wetness and harsh weathers. Its one-handed operation allows parents to simply unfold it in mere seconds- which is truly a lifesaver!

Pros:

  • Machine-washable materials
  • Easy to put up and down
  • Zipper door for extra secure
  • Modern finish with sturdy design
  • Trouble-free mesh removal
  • 30 days warranty

Cons:

  • Could use some extra padding around intersections and bars
  • Slightly on the pricier side
Portable Playard Play Pen for Infants and Babies - Lightweight Mesh Baby Playpen with Carrying Case - Easily Opens with 1 Hand (Turquoise)
  • ❤️ TIME TO PLAY – For little ones, it’s all about fun! But keeping a constant eye on your kiddos can be hard when you’ve got a thousand other things going on. Thankfully, BabySeater’s portable playyard turns anywhere into a safe space to play!
  • 💙 A FLICK OF THE WRIST – Setting up your baby playpen is so easy, you might just think it’s magic! We crafted our playard for single-handed operation, so you can set it up with 1 hand while you’re holding your kiddo with the other.
  • 💛 NOW YOU SEE ME – Peace of mind for everyone! The BabySeater portable playpen uses secure, see-through mesh that allows you to see baby, and baby to see you! And with the 2 safety locks, both you and your little one will enjoy immense comfort whenever you use your indoor/outdoor play area.

7. Uanlauo Foldable Baby Playpen

UANLAUO Baby Playpen,Large Play Pens for Babies and Toddlers, Sturdy Baby Play Yards with Anti-Slip Base, Non-Toxic, Safe Indoor & Outdoor Kids Activity Center with Breathable Mesh (Grey+Cream)

The Uanlauo Foldable Baby Playpen is a brilliantly designed product with buckles that smartly connect to each other. As a medium-sized playpen, you will be sure to appreciate this product if you’re one who absolutely loathes huge, space-occupying and time-consuming assemblies.

The adjustable suction cups at the bottom of the panels provide playpen stability and security, locking it in place so your toddler won’t easily move it away from its intended locking spot.

Aside from that, it features an anti-trap design in the junction of the panels to prevent the kids from getting stuck in between. The panels of the pen are also of the right height, which can prevent the kids from climbing at the top or toppling the pens over.

It can be configured in any shape you want—square, rectangle, hexagon, and many more! Its plastic material underwent a molding technique, which made it even more durable and stronger for years to come of usage.

Pros:

  • Sturdy when panels are locked into place
  • Handle is fairly easy to open and close
  • Age appropriate product for toddlers
  • Easy assembly and cleaning
  • Neutral color

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other similar play pens
  • Toddlers may be tempted to chew on quality control stickers on panels
SALE
UANLAUO Baby Playpen,Large Play Pens for Babies and Toddlers, Sturdy Baby Play Yards with Anti-Slip Base, Non-Toxic, Safe Indoor & Outdoor Kids Activity Center with Breathable Mesh (Grey+Cream)
  • Large Play Area for Baby - Our baby fences is a great amout of play space for toddler to learm walk, which make up of 14 panels.The baby playarea is 20 square feet. Total dimension is 55x51x23 inches, which enough for baby/toddler to play
  • Anti-slip & Safety Lock - Slipping pad design is very sturdy, suitable for different floors. The safety lock fo toddler playpen with gate is specially designed for mom, being a lifesaver for mom to have a safe space to let baby play and crawl around
  • Functional & Neutral Color - There are smaller bears, stars, a larger bear face and a few rolling games (abacus, rollers) to prepare a toy space for your baby. The color scheme of baby play yards are very muted (grey and cream)

8. Gupamiga Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play Yard

Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play Yard Home Indoor Outdoor New Pen (Multicolour, Classic Set 14 Panel)

Here’s another colorful playpen on the list. The Gupamiga Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play Yard is a multi-color playpen that showcases attractive colors like blue, green, pink, lavender, and yellow. With 14 panels included, this also probably offers the largest play area of all.

Aside from its playful appearance, it is also made with your child’s safety in mind. Its walls are of the right height. Moreover, its junction has an anti-clip design that will prevent your kid’s foot or hands from becoming stuck. The base of the pen has rubber feet to prevent it from sliding.

The best feature of this playpen is its activity wall, which showcases an abacus, a sound-producing tool, and a rotatable gear.

Pros:

  • Comes with an activity wall
  • Anti-clip design
  • Rubber feet to prevent sliding
  • Attractive colors
  • Largest playpen of all – offering more space

Cons:

  • It takes time to assemble
  • Thin plastic molding
SALE
Baby Playpen Kids Activity Centre Safety Play Yard Home Indoor Outdoor New Pen (Multicolour, Classic Set 14 Panel)
  • 🏆MOM'S LIFESAVER: Keep baby safe in there play activity centre when mom/dad needs to cook, clean up, go to the bathroom, etc.
  • 🏆STURDY HOLDING: Specially designed anti-slip rubber feet underneath of the yard so the parts don't go sliding around.And We added the Anti-stick arm design in the picture to make the baby playpen more stable
  • 🏆COVERS A LARGE AREA: It is a great amount of play space for baby to learn walk and even laying with baby in it for play time. Total dimensions is 59x59x23.6inches.

How to Choose the One For Your Toddler?

Toddler Playing with Toys | Best Playpen for Toddler | Baby Journey
There are a few criteria to consider when deciding on the which is the best for your toddler.

Finding the ultimate playpen is not as easy as it seems. Much like choosing a play gym for your baby, you must take into consideration the following essential factors when buying a toddler playpen for your kid:

Type

There are two types of playpen—standard and portable.

Standard baby playpens are made of either wooden or plastic removable panels that can be arranged in different configurations or sizes.

On the other hand, portable playpens are lightweight and foldable pens that are designed for travel, often including a travel bag. Often, it already comes with its floor so you can use it wherever, whenever.

Safety

First and foremost, you need to make sure that the materials have passed either US or European safety standards. If the manufacturers did not provide any certifications, you could ask them about it.

The construction of the playpen is important too. The walls must be at least 20 inches high from the pen’s bottom. There must also be padding on top of the rails and well-protected hinges.

The slate spaces in the pen’s panel must not be more than 2 3/8 inches. If the panel has mesh sides, its holes must not be larger than ¼ inch.

Some of the things that you should avoid are sharp edges, corners, and junctions, large gaps and openings, unnecessary projections, presence of footholds, and small objects that can be swallowed by your child when choosing between the best options there is in the market.

Stability

If possible, go for a playpen with an anti-slip mat or has suction cups that promote stability.

The best baby playpen should also ideally have a safety door (preferably one with a double safety lock system), so your child can’t quickly get out of the pen.

Size

It must be a large playpen big enough for your child to play in but small enough to fit your home. You should consider looking for baby playpens that are suitable for small spaces. Your favorite baby playpens should always accommodate the size of your home!

Portability

If you want a travel playpen or travel crib, you need one that is lightweight, easy to fold, and comes with a carrying strap.

Other Features

You would want an adjustable playpen that can be configured in various ways and sizes so it can fit in the space you will put it in. Certain baby playpen includes a canopy to protect your child from harsh lighting while others have activity wall, diaper stations, napping area, and many more.

Related: Playard & Pack and Play for Sleeping

Which is the Best Choice Playpen for Your Toddler?

There you have it, guys – This is our list of the some of the top-rated pack n play and playpen products that you can find in the market today! But which of these is the best playpen for crawling? Which of these would suit your child the most?

If you’re looking for the best portable travel playpen, our top pick would be the Regalo Portable Playard as its design meets ASTM safety standards apart from portability. It also has that stylish look both parents and children can’t resist – truly making it stand out among so many different play pens on the market!

Find out and keep in mind of what is the most important factor to you before you make a purchase; and from there, use that piece of information to your advantage as you make a decision. What do you think of our list? Comment away and share your ideas with us!

Best Playpen for Toddler | Baby Journey

Last update on 2024-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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