Summer Infant Pop N Play Baby Playpen review: the foldable playpen that parents rate
The Summer Infant Pop N Play is a lightweight and foldable playpen that pops open for instant use. But is it worth the price tag? We put it to the test with mum-of-one, Rebecca.
By Laura Westerman | Last updated Dec 4, 2023
Overall star rating: 4.5/5
Price on writing: £67 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 22 x 66 x 130cm | Age: Six months to 24 months (or 35 inches tall) | Material: Mesh sides and metal frame | Foldable: Yes | Assembly required: No
What we like
Spacious yet compact
Very lightweight
Pops open for instant use
Comes fully assembled
Folds easily for travel
Travel bag included
Can be used both indoors and outdoors
What we don’t like
Not very attractive
Can’t be used from birth
Separate play mat not included
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Our verdict on the Summer Infant Pop N Play Baby Playpen
Set up: 5/5
Safety: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Design: 4/5
Ease of cleaning: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
The Summer Infant Pop N Play is a safe and convenient play space for babies. While not the prettiest playpen to look at, our parent tester, Rebecca, found it to be an invaluable addition to her home, especially when she wanted to keep her baby and dog separated during the early months.
One of the most useful things about this playpen is that it pops open in seconds straight out of the box, which means it can be used immediately wherever you are, whether that’s at home or on the go.
It folds down just as easily as it pops open and comes with a travel bag for easy transportation. The fact that it’s so lightweight and holds loads of baby toys only makes it more practical for families.
Read next: The best playpens for babies and toddlers
How we tested the Summer Infant Pop N Play
Three months of daily use
Used with a baby from four months of age
Used at least once a day
Our parent tester, Rebecca, mum to a now two-year-old, put this playpen through its paces at home when her daughter was just four months old.
While the manufacturer recommends use from six months to 24 months (or when your child is 35 inches tall), Rebecca found it to be a safe space for her baby to rest and play earlier than the six-month mark.
She bought this playpen secondhand and used it every day for around three months, citing the generous amount of space as one of the elements she liked the most. We think it’s large enough to be used with two babies, so it will be a useful purchase if you have twins.
What’s in the box?
Summer Infant Pop N Play Baby Playpen
Travel bag with shoulder strap
Instruction manual
How easy is the Summer Infant Pop N Play to assemble?
Extremely easy! The Summer Infant Pop N Play comes fully assembled, so it can be used straight out of the box. All you need to do is open the playpen out (you’ll need two hands) and pull the side straps down to the bottom to create tension so that they sit securely under the feet.
With no fiddly parts to put together, this is one of the easiest playpens to assemble - even easier than the popular BabyDan Deluxe Playpen, for example - popping open for use in a matter of seconds.
While some reviewers say the unfolding takes some getting used to as the straps are initially very tight, which makes securing them a challenge, the intuitive design means it’s simple to use right from the get-go. Parent tester, Rebecca, says, “There were no instructions with my playpen as I bought it secondhand, but I found it really easy to pop it open without them.”
Read next: The best baby toys from newborn to 12 months
How does the Summer Infant Pop N Play look?
The Summer Infant Pop N Play isn’t the most attractive playpen we’ve seen, but it’s not the worst either. Parent tester, Rebecca, says, “The colours aren’t great [specifically the green base], but it can be folded away, which I’m glad about!’
While we have also seen this playpen in aqua, complete with a UV sun canopy and separate play mat, online, it’s not generally readily available to buy in this colourway for a decent price.
The hexagonal design of the Summer Infant Pop N Play is minimalist, which some parents will appreciate, and it stores away neatly in a cupboard its accompanying travel bag so that it’s not a permanent eyesore in your home when not in use.
How safe and sturdy is the Summer Infant Pop N Play?
The Summer Infant Pop N Play has mesh sides, which means the playpen is both breathable and airy. This fabric also allows you to see your baby at all times while they are playing inside.
At 66cm, the sides are high and the netting is strong enough to contain even the most adventurous of climbers. Just make sure the straps are tightened fully when the playpen is popped open so that it holds the metal crossbars in place and is as sturdy as it should be. The straps are secured by a clip on the outside of the playpen so can’t be opened or loosened by small fingers.
While this particular Summer Infant playpen doesn’t come with a separate play mat, which means it isn't very padded, the base is water-resistant so it can be used both indoors and out. Plus, there’s no weight limit, so it can be safely used with more than one baby if necessary.
This playpen is intended for use with adult supervision, but it’s both sturdy and well made. Rebecca says, “I felt confident about leaving my daughter in it.”
One downside in comparison to playpens like the Venture All Stars Duo is that it doesn’t have a door, so you’ll need to bend down to put your baby in and take them out of the playpen, which could put a strain on your back over time.
What’s the Summer Infant Pop N Play like to use?
As portable playpens go, the Summer Infant Pop N Play is great for day-to-day use. At just 5.4kg, it’s super lightweight, which means it can be moved between rooms when needed - ideal if your home is small or you need to take it with you when travelling, going on a family holiday or visiting the grandparents. The travel bag with integrated carry strap means it’s easy to pack up and sling over your shoulder, although you won’t want to carry it too far.
This playpen is a no-frills option, so doesn’t come with an activity panel or any added extras, but it’s unique in that it’s spacious enough for babies to play, roll and crawl in without taking up much space in your home when assembled. Rebecca says, “There’s enough space for my daughter to move around in the playpen and you can fit loads of toys.”
Read next: The best baby bouncers and rockers
How comfortable is the Summer Infant Pop N Play for babies?
Because it doesn’t have an extra play mat, the Pop N Play isn’t as comfortable for babies as playpens like the BabyDan Deluxe, but the generous amount of space it offers and the water-resistant base for outdoor play make up for this.
Rebecca’s daughter enjoyed relaxing and playing in it whenever it was used in their home. It can also be used for naps if needed.
Is the Summer Infant Pop N Play easy to clean and store?
Storing this playpen couldn’t be easier as the Summer Infant Pop N Play folds compactly to about the size of a vacuum cleaner. This means it can be stored in a cupboard or thrown in the boot for days out, trips to the beach or overnight stays.
The thin metal crossbars and mesh material don’t attract much dust and the base can be wiped clean if needed, however the base unfortunately can't be removed for machine washing.
The green colourway isn’t as practical as a dark colour, like black, would be for cleaning purposes, which means day-to-day stains and spillages will show more easily.
Read next: The best baby walkers to encourage those first steps
Price and competition: is the Summer Infant Pop N Play good value for money?
Our parent tester, Rebecca, thinks the Summer Infant Pop N Play is excellent value for money, especially as she was able to pick this playpen up secondhand and used it for a decent length of time with her baby.
At £67, it’s one of the cheaper playpens on the market. The fact that it’s portable and folds down for storage and travel only makes its price tag more appealing.
You might find that it doesn’t last quite till age two depending on your toddler’s height, and you can’t use it from birth either, but the Summer Infant Pop N Play is nevertheless a great budget-friendly option for families in need of flexibility at playtime.
About the author
Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet. Mum to a one-year-old, she’s always keen to make playtime safe and fun for her daughter, so is fully invested in finding the best and most affordable baby products on the market.
With over seven years' experience as a full-time editor, five of which have been spent writing, commissioning and editing product reviews and round-ups, Laura has a keen eye for what parents love and likes nothing more than putting together honest reviews to make parents' lives that little bit easier.
In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has also appeared in a number of baby product review videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel.
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