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Buying Guide > What You Should Know > Playpens
A playpen, exerciser and swing are some of the most frequently purchased nursery items during a baby's first year. They make
caring for your new baby easier and help create a playful, stimulating environment. In the last ten years, baby equipment has
gone through a series of changes which have made them more functional and safe than previous models. Be cautious about accepting
used or hand-me-down items.
The hinges on a playpen should be easy for an adult to use, but impossible for a child. Those with a sliding
plastic cover that must be moved to operate the hinge are excellent. Also, spring-loaded mechanisms work easily for adults, but
are difficult for a small child to manage.
The mesh siding of the playpen should be fine enough to prevent even the tiniest finger from poking through, no
larger than 1/4" in diameter.
Many models have built-in activity boards and toys. Be sure to check toys for safety.
A removable, vinyl floor pad has a number of advantages. It is easy to clean, can be reversed for longer wear and
is easier to repair. At the first sign of any rip or puncture, repair or replace the pad immediately. A small child can pick out
pieces of the foam cushion and choke.
The padding and upholstery on most playpens is made of vinyl. The top rail should be soft enough to prevent a
bumped head and the vinyl should be reinforced because teething babies will chew on it.
WARNING: Make sure the drop-side is in the "up" position on a mesh and vinyl playpen. An infant or very young
child can inadvertently slip down into the pocket that is created between the side and the floor, and may suffocate. Never leave
the side down.
Stationary exercisers provide plenty of playtime activity and eliminate the dangers posed by older walkers on wheels.
Choose an exerciser that will allow your baby to sit upright, pushing his or her legs against the floor. As
always, heed the warnings which are listed on most models and always provide close supervision.
Many of the new exercisers offer actions that allow babies to swivel, bounce, rock, stand, sit and play.
Choose a model with a seat adjustment which will allow you to change the height of the seat as your baby grows.
All babies love the rhythmic motion of a swing. Even a fussy baby is often calmed by the swaying back and forth motion and the
freedom to look at the world around him or her. Remember to stay with your baby when using a swing.
Today's models come with sufficient battery power to sustain the swings motion for babies up to 16-25 pounds.
A typical swing is on an A-frame construction. If space is limited, look for a swing with a flat plastic base or a
U-shaped base which occupies less room.
Check for sharp edges and any pieces small enough to choke a baby. Small openings can trap baby's fingers, and
peeling chrome and labels can be hazardous.
Follow assembly and operating instructions carefully. Discontinue use when your baby is over the weight limit or
active enough to tip the swing.
WARNING: Baby Walkers are extremely dangerous and we do not recommend them for use.
For more information on nursery equipment, contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.
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