Parenting Tips :: Article Directory

Baby Play Pens

Baby Play Pens: Balancing the Need for Convenience with the Need for Safety

Baby play pens offer mothers and fathers alike a wonderful way to keep their children close to them and safe while also allowing them to accomplish all of the chores or work the parent needs to accomplish. Baby play pens come in all shapes and sizes, from Disney play pens to designer play pens, such as Eddie Bauer. Still, parents need to understand that all elements surrounding their infants must be as safe as possible. Needless to say, there are several ways that parents can make baby play pens a safe balance of convenience and enjoyment for the baby.

Parents Magazine offers several recommendations when it comes to keeping your baby safe in a play pen. The magazine offers that parents should ensure that the netting around the play pen has no tears, even small ones in which a baby's finger could get caught. Parents Magazine also insists that the drop side be up and locked. If the side is not locked, babies can roll in between the mesh and the pad and suffocate. Or they can catch their tiny fingers in the hinges. Make sure that the rails and the padding of the pen are in "good condition" and do not have rips, tears, or rust. Also, Parents urges parents to resist stringing toys from the playpen, offering that a child might try to climb out. Finally, avoid using an "accordion-style fence" as a play yard. The magazine insists that infants can get their heads caught in openings or their fingers caught in the hinges. When placing your baby in a play pen, be sure that you have made it as safe and inviting for him or her as possible.

Articles of Interest

Baby Shower
Baby Shower ideas for great fun parties

What is a Kittywalk stroller?
What is a Kittywalk stroller?

Facts on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Facts on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome kills more children each year than cancer.