The Dos and Don'ts of Using a Baby Playpen

Baby playpens have been a parenting favorite for as long as anyone can remember, and it’s not hard to see why. No matter how thoroughly you baby proof your home, almost anything can become a hazard to a mobile baby. A playpen provides a secure and controlled environment for little ones to roll, crawl, and play without wandering into unsafe areas. Useful as it is, like everything else, a playpen should be used correctly to be safe and beneficial for your baby. Here are some dos and don’ts to follow when using your playpen.

DO use the playpen for independent play

One of the best things about a playpen is that it’s great for facilitating independent play. Select a few toys and leave them in the playpen for your little one to explore on their own time. Start with short periods of independent play and gradually increase the duration of the sessions as your baby gets more comfortable in the playpen and figures out how to interact with their surroundings on their own.

DON’T leave your baby unsupervised in the playpen

Independent play does not equate to unsupervised play. When using the playpen, a parent should still be nearby for safety and supervision. The Toki Kids playpen is easy to set up in any room, which means you can place it wherever you need to be so you can always have an eye on your little one.

Do set time limits for playpen use

To keep a positive association with the playpen and independent play, keep the session duration relatively short. Very young babies may be content to stay in the playpen alone for 5-10 minutes, while older babies may happily play independently for up to 30 minutes. Follow your baby’s lead, so they

DON’T use the playpen for sleep

A playpen should only be used during awake time and is not meant to be used for sleep. Following the safe sleep guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), your baby should always be placed to sleep on their back in a flat, firm sleep surface without any bedding, soft toys, or other items. The playpen should be used for playtime when your little one is awake and alert.

DO use a play mat with the playpen

A soft play mat makes a comfortable and cozy addition to your baby’s playpen. A Toki mat in the mega size is a perfect fit with the Toki playpen, creating an ultra soft space for your little one to play and practice gross motor skills. A play mat can also help your baby tolerate tummy time and independent play for longer, since it keeps them comfortable on the floor.

DON’T hang loose blankets or tie toys to the side of the playpen

A playpen is designed to keep your baby safe from household hazards, but when used incorrectly, can become just one of those hazards. Even when you’re supervising your baby in the playpen, avoid hanging blankets over the side or tying toys with long strings—both of which can raise the risk of suffocation and strangulation.

DO incorporate your playpen into daily routine

Starting as early as possible, incorporate the playpen into your baby’s daily routine. This helps them become familiar and comfortable with the space, as well as establish a sense of routine and structure. Using it for independent play before nap and bedtime can also become part of their bedtime routine and act as a sleepy cue for them to wind down.

DON’T use the playpen once your child can climb out

As your little one becomes older and much more mobile, they may begin to try and climb out of the playpen. Some children are content to stay where they are, while others are masters of escape. If your child keeps attempting to climb over, it’s time to retire the playpen, as it may no longer be safe for them to use. Luckily, it’s easy to take apart and store, so you can save it or pass it on to another little one in need!