Health Tip : Choosing a Playpen

[KnoxvilleDoula]

(HealthDay News) -- A playpen can help parents get things done with the knowledge that baby can't wander off. But it's no substitute for parental oversight.

Here are suggestions to help you find a safe playpen, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

• If you choose a playpen with mesh sides, protect baby's fingers by making sure the holes are small -- 1/4 of an inch or less. The mesh must also be sturdy and properly attached to the device's edges.
• The sides of the playpen must extend at least 20 inches above the floor.
• The rails on each side should be well-padded to protect baby from a head injury.
• Make sure that your infant can't reach any of the playpen's locks.
• All hinges and supports should be enforced and protected.
• If acquiring a used playpen, make sure its floor is in good shape, with no tears or worn spots.

[MSugarKane]

May. 18, 2009 at 1:58 PM

Last year when my two grandchildren lived here with me, (one still does) they were just learning to walk, mostly crawlers.  They are five months apart.  The playpen was SO valuable to me. We called it 'baby jail' when one or two of them were getting into something they shouldn't be.   I love the mesh one , it didn't take up too much space and I could see what they were doing inside of it at all times.