So you need to eat some food and, if time allows, maybe take a shower. But now that your little one is crawling on all fours, and maybe even walking, it’s a bit trickier.
After all, there was once a time where you could place your baby in a bouncer and call it a day — or a few minutes before they started crying. But now, you may need to opt for something with a little more structure, such as a baby playpen.
To help make parenting a tad bit easier, we rounded up our favorite baby playpens currently on Amazon, and they aren’t your typical white picket fence-like contraptions. Instead, they are comfortable, safe and perfect for you and your baby.
More than a few of them are on sale, too. One is the UANLAUO Playpen. it’s currently priced for $140, and offers lots of room for baby to play in. It’s made with BPA-free and PVC-free materials, and comes with cute teething rings.
Another child-friendly playpen on sale is the Bonrcea Playpen ($159). Made from New Zealand Pine, it features a non-toxic wear resistant finish and a baby gate to keep your little one safe.
Keep reading to discover the 21 best baby and toddler playpens on Amazon in 2024.
Cumbor 29.7-46″ Baby Gate
Boundaries are a good thing, especially when your little one’s safety is concerned. This award winning baby gate from Cumbor is our pick. Its double-lock safety release keeps baby from going where you don’t want them to, while its adjustable hinge makes it suitable for most halls, doorways and staircases. Another bonus is it can be installed without hardware and all under 20 minutes — we know you busy parents like that! The hinge also auto-closes, so you never have to wonder, Did I close that gate? Thousands — more than 12,000, to be exact — of happy customers on Amazon love it enough to give it a five star rating.
Best Playpens for Babies
Best Overall: Dripex Portable Playpen
Pros:
- Available in multiple shapes and sizes
- Anti-fall suction cups at base
- Also good for toddlers
Cons:
- May be too large for small or narrow spaces
We were going to call this the best large playpen for babies, but it checks so many other boxes on our list we gave it the top spot instead. It comes in a myriad of sizes (and shapes), has breathable mesh sides and offers a large play area for your little one to stand, crawl and explore. The playpen also comes with four handlers and one storage bag for on-the-go adventures. Best of all, parents don’t have to worry about the baby tipping the fence over, as strong suction cups secure it to the ground. If you prefer a little extra cushion on the bottom, as the customer below does, we recommend adding some extra mats.
Customer review: “This play yard takes a bit of time to put together but it’s worth it. It takes up about the space of a queen size bed. We love it because we have a large dog and our grandson is very active rolling over and learning to crawl. It’s not a substitute for watching your children, but if you need to run to the bathroom or kitchen and need to know the baby won’t get to the dog, … it’s perfect for your sanity. We also love to get inside of it and play with him. I ordered the square interlocking type exercise mats for the bottom, as reviews I read mentioned the bottom is just tent fabric. I love it because it keeps his head safe as he’s learning to roll over. I highly recommend this play yard. Yes, it takes up space, but for our peace of mind, we were more than willing to move things around so it has the space needed in our home.”
Product details: 50L x 50W x 27H — 71L x 71W x 27H | Color options: Nine
Best with Bassinet: Graco Pack ‘n Play Close2Baby Bassinet Playard
Pros:
- Breathable side mesh
- Bassinet works for a newborn and full-grown infant
- Changing table
Cons:
- Playpen works best for infants, not toddlers
If you’ve been searching for a pack and play style playpen, this pick is for you. Armed with a helpful portable bassinet, it has everything you need to care for baby on the go and at home. The 5-in-1 design from Graco features a changing table that can easily be wiped down, as well as side storage. We love that the bassinet can be elevated and the transport wheels at the playpen’s base.
Customer review: “When I was expecting my baby, I was originally looking at getting a bassinet for the newborn stage, so he could be in the room with us for late night feedings. I was told by other friends that a pack n play could also be used instead, and I started researching play yards. Ultimately I decided the baby would probably quickly outgrow the bassinet, so after browsing tons of play yards, I settled on the Graco Close2Baby pack n play. I love the portable bassinet and changing pad features, and they both get used often! The bassinet stays downstairs for daytime naps and the changing attachment is used every time we change him… I love that the play yard will grow with him, can be used for [years] and as his travel crib. It’s kind of big right next to the bed, but I think it’s worth it.”
Product details: 27L x 29W x 33H — 40L x 28.5W x 29H | Color options: Three
Best Wooden: Bonrcea Playpen For Kids
Pros:
- Can be built as a square or rectangle
- Great for carpeted areas
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Quality customer service
Cons:
- Bottomless
Made with pine wood and featuring a swing door with a safety lock, this playpen does the trick while looking good. Best of all, you can craft it into a square or rectangle — whatever works for your space. Ideal for those who have high pile carpets floors, this is great for babies, as well as toddlers, and offers plenty of room for toys, books and more than a few sippy cups.
Customer review: “This playpen is very well-made and easy to assemble. There is plenty of room for my toddler to move freely and play while still being safe. One of the pieces was damaged when it arrived — one of the screws wouldn’t tighten because the pre-drilled hole was striped. I contacted the company and they immediately sent a replacement piece. They were so helpful and easy to work with. I would definitely recommend!”
Product details: 63L x 47.3W x 24H — 78.8L x 70.9W x 24H
Best Large: UANLAUO Playpen With Mat
Pros:
- Includes mat
- Foldable design
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Have more than one tike swimming round your living room? You’ll need a bigger boat playpen. We suggest this one from UANLAUO. It comes with a mat for extra cushiony protection, as well as pull-toys on the side, which are great for teethers and children working on their gripping skills. The oxford cloth fabric is non-toxic, BPA-free and PVC-free, and the design is collapsable for when you need to watch baby on the move.
Customer review: “I got this for my 8-month-old. He actually uses the little pull up handles. Easy to put together. I was worried about the zipper being split open at first, but once I unzipped and zipped it up again it has been fine. It’s light and so easy to move around the living room. Seems pretty sturdy.. My 6-year-old and 8-year-old are constantly hoping over the edge to get in and out. I’ve had it for a couple months now and it’s definitely worth every penny!”
Product details: 59.06L x 59.06W x 25.59H — 59L x 71W x 27H
Best Durable: ANGELBLISS Toddler Playpen
Pros:
- Works for newborns, as well as toddlers
- No tools required assembly
- Cloth bottom
- Includes plush toys and ocean balls
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Ready to get some vitamin D with baby in tow? Well, slather on some sunscreen, grab your little one and this easy to transport playpen. It includes side storage, is extra large, comes with toys and a thick cloth bottom to keep bugs, grass and dirt away from baby as they play in the sun. On rainy days, use indoors. More than 1,000 happy customers give it a five star rating on Amazon.
Customer review: “This playpen is amazing. Nice and large. Gives plenty of play space for baby, siblings and mom. Sturdy and durable. Easy to assemble and easy to move to other rooms.”
Product details: 71L x 59W x 27H — 79L x 71W x 27H
Best with Changing Table: 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard
Pros:
- Detachable flip changer
- Includes bassinet
- One-handed setup
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Only available in one color
Any mother will tell you that it isn’t easy getting things done while holding a child. Fortunately, this playpen can be opened with one hand, which means you can cradle baby while preparing to get them changed. Its changer is detachable too, and there’s even a bassinet. While it’s not exactly inexpensive, the durability is impressive. It also comes with a sleek carrying case for when you need to travel.
Customer review: “We love this pack n play with the changing station and bassinet! This has been wonderful for us as we are letting our newborn sleep in the bassinet in our room. The changing station is fabulous for those late night diaper changes. It is very lightweight and easy to take down, as well as quickly set back up. We are so excited to use this on our upcoming vacation too.”
Product details: 43L x 30W x 29H
Best for infants: Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome Portable Bassinet and Play Space
Pros:
- Includes UPF 20 canopy
- Folds flat for storage
- Good for inside and outdoors
Cons:
- Best for infants 20 pounds or less
Even if you’re baby is only a few months old, you’ll probably want to take them outdoors at some point. That’s where the Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome comes in. Along with coming with two cute removable toys, it has a canopy to protect your child from the sun, as well as flying bugs. Its handle makes it great for travel, and it can also be enjoyed indoors.
Customer review: “Perfect for play and sleep on the go. We use it at the beach and on holidays.”
Product details: 31.38L x 5.38W x 22H
Best for Toddlers: Tohifer Baby Playpen with Mat
Pros:
- Comes with double sided, foldable mat
- Great for children learning how to crawl and stand
- Can also be used outdoors
Cons:
- Not ideal for smaller spaces
What we like about this playpen is that it comes with a illustrated mat, 50 balls and pull toys to keep baby entertained. Best of all, it’s large enough for toddlers, so you need to replace for a few years. It has a steel pipe structure for durability, suction cups at the base to prevent it from toppling over, as well as a double sided mat that can be enjoyed with or without the playpen. Set it up in your office or living room, so you can keep an eye on the kiddo while you clean or work. When you need a break, climb inside with them. Believe us, there’s plenty of room for both of you!
Customer review: “This play yard was one of the best investments that my husband and I have ever made for our 1-year-old baby boy! He is always crawling around, and we have to chase him to make sure that he is safe while playing. He’s getting too big to be in a pack and play, and I’ve often found him rocking it back and forth with the feet coming off of the floor. This play yard sits directly on the floor, comes with a pad in the bottom that helps protect him if he falls and gives him so much room to play without feeling penned up. This allows me to let him play, while giving me the freedom to clean and do other household duties. It also fits perfectly in our living room! I would recommend 10/10 to anyone with an active toddler!”
Product details: 79L x 59W x 26.5H
Best Small: Albott 14 Panel Kiddie Playpen
Pros:
- Compact design
- Sturdy
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Instructions can be a little confusing
Not everyone has a lot of space in their home, so large playpens don’t work for everyone. Fortunately, small playpens exist and some, like this one from Albott, even fold up for easy storage. It doesn’t have a bottom or mat, so we like it best on carpeted surfaces. It does, however, include anti-slip suction cups, a safety locking gate, and can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove baby’s sticky fingerprints after use.
Customer review: “I have only been using it for a couple of weeks but so far, it’s a life saver! Easy to put up and compact when folded. My 7-month-old has even pulled up on it and it seems pretty sturdy. I have it on a mat for extra cushion but if on the floor, the suction cups on the bottom really keep it in place. I will definitely be bringing on vacation!”
Product details: (14 piece) 57L x 57W x 25H | Also available with 18 panels, as well as 22 panels
Best for kids: Veer Basecamp | Ultimate Portable Pop Up Play Yard
Pros:
- Comes assembled
- Sun protective cover
- Good for multiple ages
Cons:
- Doesn’t include toys or additional baby gear
Regardless if your child is two or 10-years-old, this play yard style playpen offers fun (and safety) for all. It’s made with water-resistant polyester, has a fine mesh cover for visibility and a removable UPF 50 cover. It doesn’t look like a traditional playpen but rest assured, it can still be used indoors. If you don’t believe us, check out the customer pics on Amazon.
Customer review: “This thing is pretty awesome and literally sets up in seconds. It’s a great way to keep your little one in the shade at the park or beach without having to worry about laying blankets out or trying to keep them on the blanket.”
Product details: 35L x 56W x 43H | Available in two styles
Best with Accessories: SASRL Baby Playpen
Pros:
- BPA-free
- 360-wide angle view for baby
- Includes ocean balls, handlers and storage
Cons:
- Best for larger spaces
- Only comes in one color
Let your baby play away while you do the dishes or answer emails. This large kiddie playpen comes with 50 balls to keep them amused. The sides are made of a breathable mesh material, and there’s a safety lock to keep baby put, as well as non-slip suction cups to keep things steady. Best of, it comes with a carry bag, ideal for travel.
Customer review: “I have tile floors in my home, so I put extra matting down under as it’s a mesh material for the bottom. Overall, this has been very useful for accomplishing daily tasks in the home and having peace of mind knowing my child is playing safely.”
Product details: 79L x 63W x 26H
Best Travel: POP ‘N GO Portable Playpen
Pros:
- Under 10 pounds
- Covered bottom
- UV cover
Cons:
- Not great for multiple children
Headed to the beach? On your way to grandma’s? Simply need a pop-up pen in your home office? Then this is the portable baby playpen for you and yours. The pop and release technology makes setting up and tearing down this playpen a breeze, plus it comes with a UV top cover to protect baby from the sun.
Customer review: “This is fantastic for using in our yard! I love that it comes with a shade to put on top. It’s easy to assemble and dissemble. We felt safe using it with our infant and it helped keep out the bugs! We will definitely be using this on trips and at the park!”
Product details: 59L x 36W x 48H | Color options: Six
Best Luxury: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Pros:
- Thick mattress
- Unique design
- Great for children 3-years-old and younger
Cons:
- Pricey
We know this isn’t the most frugal-friendly option but it’s a BabyBjorn! Name brand aside, what we really like about the playpen is that along with doubling as a crib, it has a sturdier mattress. This means it won’t only be cozier for your bundle of joy but gentle on their hands and knees as they learn to crawl. Hooray!
Customer review: “Believe the hype because it’s real. I took this on a trip with my toddler and infant and it was so easy to assemble! I am petite so I try to find lightweight baby gear and this is one of them!”
Product details: 44L x 24W x 32H | Available in two colors
Best Pre-Assembled: Play22 Foldable Baby Playpen
Pros:
- Configures into multiple shapes
- Works for up to two children
- No assembly required
Cons:
- No mat or cover on bottom
Most of us don’t have rooms that are of the same square footage. While that may limit where you place some playpens, this one from Play22 can be put together in a variety of ways, which means you have lots of options where you and baby can play. It comes pre-assembled, so all you have to do is unfold. Another great feature is the multiple built-in games ready to keep your kiddo entertained.
Customer review: “Exactly what we needed to keep out very mobile 10 month old in one place! Love that it can be changed into different shapes to fit in any space. It’s durable and super easy to set up!”
Product details: Made of 14 panels. Covers 25 square feet.
Best Budget: Baby Trend Playpen With Bassinet
Pros:
- Compact size
- Available in multiple styles
- Transport wheels
Cons:
- Doesn’t work for toddlers
- Bassinet could be sturdier, according to one customer review
- Instructions could be clearer
Smaller playpens are ideal for babies that aren’t mobile yet. This one includes a changing table, as well as a bassinet which can be detached and moved to wherever necessary. There are brakes on the front wheels, as well as a one-hand locking mechanism, making transportation from room to room simple.
Customer review: “Great pack and play for the money. I spent triple the cost on another well known brand and they are literally the same. Super easy to setup and travel with. Don’t waste your money on the more expensive brands this one is just as good.”
Product details: 42.5L x 35.4W x 41.3H
Best for multiple children : Toddleroo By North States Superyard Play Yard
Pros:
- Colorful
- Carrying strap
- Also works as a baby gate
Cons:
- No bottom cover or padding
We love how colorful this foldable playpen is and your child probably will too. Have a smaller space? No worries, simply remove two panels and instantly enjoy a more compact play area. Each panel clicks together, making set-up fairly straight forward, and its plastic material makes it a nice option for outdoors.
Customer review: “It’s a good size for a 9-month old. Sturdy enough to withstand him using it to pull himself up to stand, and then hold it and shake it. It took some getting used to folding/unfolding the panels: they’re a little stiff, and it sounds/feels like something is going to break, or crack. But so far, so good.”
Product details: 78L x 78W x 26H
Best Combo: Honey Joy Pack and Play
Pros:
- Includes bassinet
- Awning cover
- Foldable design
Cons:
- Doesn’t work for toddlers
This one product includes a changing table, bassinet, adjustable canopy and a baby playpen. It’s on the smaller side, so it’s best for newborn and infants. It comes with lots of storage on the side, which we like for bottles, baby wipes and other necessities, while the transport wheels make it easier to move the playpen around a room.
Product details: 43.3L x 30.7W x 30H
Best Graco: Graco Pack And Play Portable Play Yard
Pros:
- Affordable
- Available in a variety of styles
- Under 20 pounds
Cons:
- On the smaller side
If you know baby gear, you know the brand Graco. This pack and play design folds, includes transport wheels and a simple side pack for storage. In comparison to other playpens, it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. However, for an infant it gets the job done. It’s durable, is available with a mobile attachment, and comes in a variety of looks.
Customer review: “This pack and play is a great value. It wasn’t overly expensive and is very sturdy! The mat in the bottom isn’t floppy or lumpy and my child sleeps great in it. Easy to assemble and disassemble to store.”
Product details: 39.5L x 28.2W x 29H | Available in nine styles
Best Outdoor: Evenflo Outdoor And Indoor Playpen
Pros:
- Stakes for stability
- Foldable
Cons:
- No storage or play toys
We couldn’t end our roundup without mentioning this classic playpen. It has reversible legs with stakes to secure it to the ground, making it one of the best outdoor playpens for kids around. When moving inside, convert back so that the floor pads are in use. You’ll keep your surfaces scratch-free. It’s only available in grey, but the 22,000 plus happy customers who’ve given a five star rating don’t seem to mind it.
Customer review: “This has been an absolute lifesaver! We block off our living room with it to keep baby in and dogs out. We also have used it at football games and have taken it on vacation! Definitely getting my monies worth!”
Product details: 7.5L x 34.5W x 27.75H
Best Lightweight: Pamo Babe Portable Crib
Pros:
- Under 20 pounds
- Side storage
Cons:
- Can only support a child of 33 pounds and under
- Mattress is on the thin side
We like anything that’s multifunctional, which is why we like this playpen. Along with being a great place to put baby during playtime, it also works as a crib! It takes minutes to set up, has storage for diapers or toys, and is compact enough to travel with. Is the mattress as thick as we would like? Eh, not really. However, this customer below found a solution to this problemo and we’re into it!
Customer review: “I bought this to use in my very small home daycare and it’s perfect. It doesn’t take up as much space as other ones I’ve purchased in the past. I was worried the quality would be bad because of how much cheaper it is compared to other brands but that isn’t the case at all. I did purchase a separate thicker mattress because the ones that come with these cribs are usually like cardboard, and it’s worked out perfect. I’m going to replace my other two cribs with this brand in the near future.”
Product details: 39.4L x 27.6W x 25.6H
Best Non-Toxic: GrowthPic Baby Playpen
Pros:
- Made with high-strength non-toxic PVC
- Great for smaller areas
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Not ideal for toddlers
Have you ever seen a washable playpen? Now you have, as this GrowthPic is easy to wash and clean. Because let’s face it, kids will be kids. This playpen also includes early learning opportunities with printed letters and animals.
Customer review: “I bought this for visits with my 10-month-old grandson to give him a safe place to play at times. The bottom has no padding but when on a rug is fine. Easy to move around but even when he stands and leans on the playpen, it does not tip. The mesh sides are safe. No padding on the support bars but they are plastic and should not be a problem. Very good for a toddler.”
Product details: 49L x 49W x 25.8H
Best Amazon Choice: Delta Children Play Yard
Pros:
- Child-friendly design
- Comes with carrying case
Cons:
- Not suitable for children over 30 pounds
If you haven’t noticed, some playpens look a little…boring! Hence, us adding this pick to our list. We love the adorable safari pattern on the sides and mattress. The playpen can be folded when not in use, comes with a carrying bag and is an affordable but sturdy option for parents on a budget.
Customer review: “Love this play yard! It’s so cute and compact, yet very spacious! It’s easy to open and assemble, as well as to close. It’s perfect for putting my little one in and knowing she is comfortable and safe. I love the safari animals! I know we will use this play yard for many years.”
Product details: 39.4L x 39.4W x 29H
Best with Reviews: Regalo My Portable Play Yard
Pros:
- More than 14,000 five star reviews on Amazon
- Available in a variety of sizes and styles
Cons:
- Not suitable for children older than 24 months
For those that want a no-fuss play yard — go with the Regalo. It’s designed with a simple fold and go set-up that can easily go up or down in seconds. It comes in a variety of styles, including one with a canopy!
Customer review: “We bought this when visiting the grandparents, so our little one had a safe space to play. It’s super easy to set up and take down and was a great size for the kids and an adult who wanted in. Only thing to note is it’s very tall! This is great for the playing, but made it impossible to pack in a suitcase. Also there is no bag, just a strap to keep it closed.”
Product detail: 48L x 27H — 62L x 62W x 26H | Available in six different styles
Best Collapsible: Pamo Babe Portable Bassinet
Pros:
- Includes toys
- Large bassinet
Cons:
- Not for toddlers
This dual Pamo Babe bassinet and play pen is ideal for those who enjoy multipurpose devices (who doesn’t?). The bassinet can easily be taken out after nap time and the pen collapses into a storage bag for easy travel.
Customer review: “I purchased this for my grandson while he visited for the holiday. Perfect size and easy to set up.”
Product details: 39.4L x 27.6W x 27.6H
Best Compact: Summer Pop ‘n Play Portable Play Yard
Pros:
- Water-resistant floor
- Can be purchased with a canopy
Cons:
- No side entrance/exit
With more than 6,000 raving Amazon reviews, you probably can’t go wrong with this option. Made for both indoor and outdoor play, this pick provides 14 square feet of contained playing area, and the folding metal frame weighs only 12 pounds.
Customer review: “This is the perfect size for my infant and easy to set up. I love that it came with a storage bag. Would recommend adding a padded mat to the bottom. Also, would not recommend for a toddler because there is no side door.”
Product details: 6.75L x 16.5W x 6.75H | Available in three different styles
What age is best for a playpen?
Playpens become typically useful when a child begins to crawl, which can be as early as 6-months-old. Unlike clothes, which kids quickly grow out of, a playpen can be enjoyed by most children (and their parents) until they’re about 3-years of age.
When searching for a playpen, keep things like safety features in mind, as well as the types of materials used. Because many children of this age are teething and prone to place their mouths on different objects and surfaces, some parents opt for playpens made with non-toxic materials.
One playpen we like for this is the Boncrea Playpen. It’s made of pine with a non-toxic finish, and can easily be placed over a carpet. It’s available in a variety of sizes and has a built-in baby gate.
Are playpens recommended?
Playpens can provide a safe space for a baby or toddler to play in. Many, like the ANGELBLISS Playpen, even include teething toys and are large enough for kids to happily crawl around inside. However, it’s important to remember that even when enjoying playtime, a child needs to be supervised.
It’s also important to note that playpens aren’t substitutes for cribs, so bedtime should still be done in an age-appropriate sleep space.
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