The first steps of a child are a joy for parents. However, after a couple of months, the independently moving baby is able to deliver a lot of trouble. The constant desire to climb somewhere, to take what cannot be taken, forces many parents to limit the space of the young researcher. A playpen will help in such a situation.
Play arenas
The play arena is a limited area of rectangular, round, triangular or square shape. The average area of this structure is 1-1.5 sq.m. However, if you wish, you can choose a larger or smaller arena depending on living conditions. The main task of the playpen is to protect the child from the dangers of the surrounding world: sharp corners, sockets, dangerous objects, etc. It allows the mother to go about her business without worrying about the safety of the baby.
The playpen can be made of different materials. The main advantage of the mesh construction is its soft walls, which protect the child from injury in the event of a fall. An important plus is the low price (from 1500 rubles and above). Also, the mesh playpen folds easily and quickly, so you can take it with you on trips, carry it from home to the garden and store it in a far corner.
The disadvantages of this model include labor-intensive care, as well as the fact that prolonged looking through the mesh forces the child to strain his eyes, which over time can lead to deterioration of vision. When choosing a mesh playpen, make sure that the cells are not too large, otherwise your baby's fingers may get stuck in them.
The plastic playpen looks like a small fence painted in bright colors. It is easy to clean, assemble, disassemble and carry from place to place. At the same time, the plastic structure is very unreliable: with a strong desire, the child can overturn it and get injured.
The arena, made of wood, has the most reliable construction. Its advantage lies in the strength and naturalness of the materials, if the wood is not covered with toxic varnish or paint. It also provides the child with a good view without harming his eyes. Disadvantages of this model: high cost, injury risk, long folding and heavy weight of the structure.
Playpen beds
The playpen bed combines two functions: it serves to protect the child from the outside world and can be used as a sleeping place. A hard bottom and special mounts allow parents to adjust the height of the bed.
Beds in the form of a playpen are convenient because, due to their lightweight design, they save space in the room and look less bulky. In addition, they are easy to disassemble and take up little space when folded, you can easily take them with you to the country or on a trip. If you're planning on buying a playpen anyway and need a crib, a playpen bed can save you money.
In addition to these arenas, there are many accessories. Optionally, you can purchase a removable changing table, wheels for moving around the apartment, shelves for baby things, a hinged canopy and a rocking mechanism.
The main disadvantage of such models is the combination of the play and sleeping area. Having developed the habit of playing in bed, over time, the child may have trouble sleeping.
