Are Expensive Name-Brand Playpens Really Worth It?

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If you’re like most parents, you want the best for your child – and that includes safe, quality toys and play equipment.

But when it comes to choosing a playpen for your little one, do you go with a less expensive option or spend more on a brand-name model?

The choice is up to you but in this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of both types of playpens.

Playpen wooden box with drawers — Simple wooden. Photo by Kirsten Loza. Flickr.

Are Designer PlayPens Worth It?

In today’s society, parents are increasingly turning to name-brand playpens as a way to give their children a safe, secure place to play. But are these expensive playpens worth the money?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to buy a name-brand playpen.

Name-brand playpens can cost anywhere from $150 to $500+, depending on the size and features.
The quality. Name-brand playpens are usually made of hard plastic and can be sturdy, but they may not be as durable as some other options.
The safety. Name-brand playpens are designed to keep children safe from accidents while still letting them have fun.

Child in a playpen — Wooden Playpen. Photo by Kingofears. Flickr.

Comparing Features: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing a playpen for your child, you may be wondering if the expensive, name-brand options are worth the investment. We have taken a close look at what you need to know in order to make the best decision for your family.

First, it’s important to understand how the playpen is made. Different manufacturers use different processes, but most of them make the playpen out of hard plastic or metal. Some use both metal frames and plastic panels.

The second thing you’ll want to consider is the quality of the construction.

Is the frame sturdy enough to support the weight of your baby?
Is it free of sharp edges and exposed wires?
Can you easily remove the panels for washing, or do they break apart easily?
How about the fabric?
Is it easy to clean, or does it accumulate a lot of stains?
Does it have a soft and cozy feel, or is it hard and scratchy?
What about storage?
Do you have to store the playpen with the panels attached, or does it fold flat?

Once your child becomes very mobile, you will probably want to use the playpen more often. Many parents find that the playpen is a lifesaver for those days when you need to keep your child contained, safe, and out of trouble.

Remember, your child may be even more unruly than usual if he or she is uncomfortable at this new time.

Security door catches that are childproof are a good idea. Some playpens are designed to fold up easily, but you should check your child’s safety when using them.

In some cases, if your child is too mobile, he or she could get stuck in the playpen and hurt himself or herself.

Fold-up Playpen. Photo by Jencu. Flickr.

Safety Considerations.

When it comes to playpens, there is a wide range in prices. Some parents might be wondering if the cheaper playpens are just as safe as the more expensive ones.

There are a few factors to consider when it comes to safety and playpens. The first is the material that the playpen is made from.

Cheaper playpens might be made from lower-quality materials that are not as durable. This means that they might not be able to withstand roughhousing from kids and could break more easily.

Another safety consideration is the size of the playpen. Smaller playpens might not have high enough sides to prevent a child from climbing out.

They also might not have a bottom that is padded enough to cushion a fall. If you are buying a playpen for your child, make sure it is the right size and that there are no risks to your child.

Some additional considerations are to be careful about the amount of soft bedding in or provided by the playpen.

Every year a small amount of kids die from suffocation, with the CPSC reporting for each year between 2016-2018 and an average of 87 kids die each year associated with cribs, playpens/play yards, and bassinets/cradles.

Most of which were associated with the presence of extra bedding, such as pillows, blankets, and/or comforters.

Wooden cot in a stylish room — Painted wooden playpen. Photo by Curtis Adams. Pexels.

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of an Expensive Playpen?

A playpen is a must-have for any parent with an infant. They provide a safe place for your baby to play while you get some things done around the house. But with so many different brands and types on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to buy. Are the expensive, name-brand playpens worth it?

After doing some research, we found that the answer is yes!

Expensive, name-brand playpens are definitely worth the money. These playpens are made to last, are easy to clean, and have a wide range of uses. They will become a well-loved part of your family’s routine.

The first thing we noticed about our playpen is that it was very easy to put together. We didn’t have to use any tools and most slid together in minutes. The sides were more sturdy and they felt very safe even when a child had small falls or kicked the wall.

They also usually had foam-like padding on the bottom to keep the playpen from getting scratched and help prevent damage from accidental falls.

Benjamin in his playpen — Simple Playpen. Photo by FnJBnN. Flickr.

Comparing Prices of Different Playpens.

As a parent, you want to make sure your child is safe when they are playing. You also want to make sure you are getting the best deal on the products that you purchase.

When you are looking at playpens, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

The first thing that you need to do is decide what type of playpen you want. There are many different types on the market, so it is important to take some time to figure out which one will work best for your family. Once you have decided on the type of playpen, you can then start looking at prices.

It is important to compare prices from different retailers before making a purchase. You may be able to find a better deal online than you would in a store.

However, it is important to make sure that you are buying from a reputable source.

Modern wooden playpen. Photo by Pavel Danilyuk. Pexels.

Playpen Makers to Consider:

The following list of good quality makers:

The playpen and day bed. Photo by Jan Hecking. Flickr.

Examine Parent Playpens Reviews.

When it comes to finding the perfect playpen for your baby, it pays to listen to other parents. After all, they have been there and done that. Here are some tips on what to look for – and what to avoid – when reading playpen reviews.

First, take note of the age range that the playpen is meant for. Some are only suitable for newborns, while others can be used up to age 3 or 4. Make sure the one you are considering will be appropriate for your child’s needs.

Next, think about how you want to use the playpen. Some are designed for indoor use only, while others can be used both indoors and out. If you have active toddlers, look for a sturdier model that can withstand roughhousing.

The best places to find parent reviews online are on Amazon, Walmart, and Target. These retailers typically sell a wide variety of playpens, so you can compare products side-by-side.

Just be sure to read the reviews carefully; some parents post about problems they had with a particular product, while others rave about how much they love it.

It is also worth looking out for fake reviews that seem to be generic and always give a 5-star rating.

When reading playpen reviews, keep an eye out for common complaints. For example, many parents complain that their playpen is too small, while others say theirs is too flimsy.

Some also find that the removable floor mat slides around, making it difficult to keep the playpen clean.

Conclusion

As a new parent, you want what is best for your child. You have likely done your research on various baby products and have come to the conclusion that an expensive playpen is worth the investment. Here are a few reasons why:

An expensive playpen will last longer than a cheaper one. It is made with higher quality materials and better construction. This means it will be able to withstand repeated use and wear and tear.

An expensive playpen will provide a safer environment for your child. The bars are closer together and there are no sharp edges or small parts that could pose a choking hazard.

An expensive playpen is more comfortable for your child. The floor is padded and there is room to add toys or other items to keep your child entertained while they are in the playpen.

Further Reading: Best Playpens For Small Spaces.

Sources: THX News, CPSC, Best Products & Wikipedia.