It may seem like only yesterday that you were packing away your maternity wardrobe, but before you know it, your baby is already crawling. And once they’re on the move, they’re bound to start getting around faster than you may anticipate. You might set them down one place and in a matter of seconds, their curious minds will have them crawling off somewhere else. Adding a playpen to your home can be a perfect solution to keeping them safe while also giving them the ability to move around and explore.
A playpen will ease your mind from having to worry about your child crawling or running to a different area of the house. Or, if they like to reach for breakables and other items that can pose danger, a playpen can keep them out of reach. That’s why they are a great addition to your home. Below, I’ll be sharing some tips on how you can create a playpen that will be both entertaining for your baby or toddler and beneficial for their development.
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Designate A Space.
The first step to getting a playpen is deciding on the appropriate spot to place it. Unless you purchase a collapsible playpen, they usually aren’t the most mobile, so it would be best to carefully choose a space that will work long-term. The area should be large enough to allow plenty of space for your baby to move around and explore. Ideally, there will be enough room for a few different toys to fit in there as well, giving them autonomy in deciding what they want to play with. Also, the play area should be far away from fragile things on shelves, so that as your child grows, they won’t be able to reach anything they shouldn’t. Lastly, consider the flooring of the area and whether it would be best to have tile or carpet. If you are worried about staining, it’ll be safer to choose a room with tile or to cover the carpet with a protective layer.
Research The Various Playpen Options.
From small, mobile playpens to larger ones that take up an entire room, there are many different options to choose from. Things to take into consideration include the size of the room, your budget, and whether you plan on traveling frequently. These factors will help you determine which playpen offers the best features you are looking for, whether it’s mobility, functionality, or sturdiness. Fortunately, depending on your needs, you can find all sorts of playpens to buy that will best suit the needs of your family. Or, if you want to try your hand at a DIY project, you can design and build a playpen specifically tailored to your needs. This has the added benefits of being able to design a structure that is perfect for your space and can be budget-friendly. Just grab the supplies that you need and get to work.
Be Prepared For Emergencies.
Here’s a time-saving tip that will make your play times much easier. Have a diaper changing station near the playpen for any emergency situation that arises. This way, you don’t have to leave the play area to take your baby or toddler to the bedroom to change their diaper. Instead, you can change the diaper quickly without even having to leave the area. As a busy parent, sometimes restocking diapers and other baby supplies might slip your mind. If that’s the case, don’t worry about having to drop everything to make an emergency trip to the store. Instead, use a baby supplies delivery service to have diapers, wipes, and other essentials brought straight to your door in minutes. Diaper emergencies happen but can be easily resolved without disrupting your entire schedule for the day.
Provide Plenty Of Entertainment.
Kids of all ages need stimulation. Stocking your playpen with a few different types of toys is a sure way to keep your kids occupied for much of the day. Also, because many toys are designed with an educational purpose, they are essential for your child’s development. From teaching them how to count, to recognizing the difference between colors and shapes, educational toys can challenge your child to work on different skills that will help them grow and learn. And for those moments you need a little more R&R, turning on the TV can be a great way to keep your child entertained and busy without too much exertion on your part.
Playpens are an incredible solution for any household with a child. They’re constructed to create a safe and secure environment so that you can worry less about your kid finding trouble. Plus, they help maintain an organized household as they designate a play area for your kid.
