Kids’ safety and parents’ sanity often go hand in hand. The best playpens are key to that equation.
Not to mention — they’re major time-savers. Since becoming a mother, I’ve accumulated a host of knowledge on all things baby, but there is one thing that’s become even more evident since my babbling newborn turned into a fully-fledged toddler — as a parent, it can be hard to get anything done around the house without a playpen.
Perhaps you need to eat some food or take a shower. Maybe the house needs to be cleaned, the dog fed or plants watered. All of these seemingly simple actions become exceptionally more difficult when your little one starts crawling and walking, which is why it’s nice to have one of the best playpens for babies around.
After all, there was once a time when you could place your baby in a bouncer and call it a day — or at least until they started crying. But now that your little shadow is following you everywhere and getting into mischief, you may need to opt for something with a little more structure.
Playpens come in all shapes and sizes, from octagonal mesh contraptions to Montessori-style wooden rectangles. To help make shopping a bit easier, we’ve asked parents around New York City to share their favorite baby playpens, and they aren’t your typical white picket fence-like contraptions. Instead, they are comfortable, safe, and perfect for you and your baby.
Keep reading to discover the best baby and toddler playpens, and be sure to browse our additional roundups for more expert-based guidance on the best travel cribs, strollers, and clothing brands for kids.
June update: All items were updated to the current prices. Evenflo Play Space was given the title of Best playpen on Amazon.
Best Baby Playpen Overall: Joypony Baby Playpen
WalmartPros:
- Equipped with four pull-up rings
- The 100% waterproof surface makes cleaning easy
- The thickened sponge top protects your child’s head from collisions
Cons:
- The gray option does not come with a playpen mat, but the cream shade does
If you know you want something easy to move around, the Joypony is a phenomenal option. This lightweight (and budget-friendly) playpen is easy to assemble with its user-friendly instructions and video. Parents love the sturdy construction and the fact that it’s designed to help babies learn to stand up. For those wondering, the gray option does not come with a mat, but the cream shade does.
New York Post Review: “Living in a small apartment, I knew I wanted to find a playpen that would be easy to pull out and break down in case guests were coming over. This one from Joypony fits the mark — I ordered it in the cream shade to blend into my space,” shared Commerce Reporter, Miska Salemann. “Not only is it super easy to put together, but it comes equipped with an array of super thoughtful details that make it super kid-friendly. The set comes with pull-up rings which encourage babies to pull themselves up and start standing. My daughter had a blast with them! There is also thick padding on the top railing to prevent collision.”
Dimensions: (Open) 50W x 50L x 27H inches | Color options: 2 | Weight: 11 pounds | Age: Toddler, Kid
Best Wooden Playpen: Sinda Furniture Safety Gate Playpen
AmazonPros:
- Can be built as a square or a rectangle
- Great for carpeted areas
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Quality customer service
Made with pine wood and featuring a swing door with a safety lock, this playpen does the trick while looking good. Best of all, you can craft it into a square or rectangle — whatever works for your space. Ideal for those who have high pile carpet floors, this is great for babies, as well as toddlers, and offers plenty of room for toys, books, and more than a few sippy cups.
Customers are saying: “We ordered the 71 by 79-inch playpen. It’s cute, sturdy, and looks nice in our neutral home. My husband and I put it together in an hour. We didn’t even need directions, it’s very self-explanatory. The gate allows easy access in and out. I will use this for years to come! The customer service team is great, too. They stand by their warranty and are happy to help with anything you need.”
Dimensions: 63L x 47.3W x 24H — (Open) 78.8L x 70.9W x 24H inches | Color options: 1 | Weight: 19.5 pounds | Age: Kid
Best Outdoor Baby Playpen: Albott Foldable Baby Playpen Kid Activity
AmazonPros:
- Configures into multiple shapes
- The material is safe to take outside
- Works for up to two children
- No assembly required
Cons:
- No mat or cover on the bottom
Looking to take your playpen outside to soak up some sunshine? The Pay222 lets you do just that and much more. Most of us don’t have rooms that are of the same square footage. While that may limit where you place some playpens, this one from Play22 can be put together in a variety of ways, which means you have lots of options where you and your baby can play. It comes pre-assembled, so all you have to do is unfold. I also like that there are multiple built-in games ready to keep a child entertained.
New York Post Review: “Once my daughter turned one, my wife and I knew it was time to find a playpen just for her,” said Live Events Reporter, Matt Levy. “When we stumbled upon the spacious play center, it was pretty obvious our search was over. Its safe, high walls and a door with a latch were exactly what we were looking for. The only problem is now it’s almost impossible to get our daughter out of the playpen since she’s having so much fun in there.”
Dimensions: (Open) 25L x 59W x 59H inches | Color options: 4 | Weight: 30 pounds | Age: Toddler
Best Pop-Up Playpen: POP ‘N GO Portable Playpen
AmazonPros:
- Under 10 pounds
- Covered bottom
- UV cover that provides sun protection for your baby or toddler
Cons:
- Not ideal for more than one child
Headed to the beach? On your way to grandma’s? Simply need a pop-up pen in your home office? Then this is the portable baby playpen for you and yours. The pop and release technology makes setting up and tearing down this playpen a breeze, plus it comes with a UV top cover to protect the baby from the sun.
Customers are saying: “This is fantastic for using in our yard! I love that it comes with a shade to put on top. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble. We felt safe using it with our infant and it helped keep out the bugs! We will be using this on trips and at the park!”
Dimensions: (Open) 59L x 36W x 48H inches | Color options: 5 | Weight: 7.2 pounds | Age: Toddler, Kid
Best Foldable Playpen for Babies: Dripex Portable Playpen
AmazonPros:
- Available in multiple shapes and sizes
- Anti-fall suction cups at base
- Also good for toddlers
Cons:
- May be too large for small or narrow spaces
Here in New York, space is hard to come by, which is why we like a foldable playpen. This one from Dripex comes in a myriad of sizes and shapes, has breathable mesh sides, and offers a large play area for your little one to stand, crawl, and explore. The playpen also comes with four handlers and one storage bag for on-the-go adventures. Best of all, parents don’t have to worry about the baby tipping the fence over, as strong suction cups secure it to the ground. If you prefer a little extra cushion on the bottom, as the customer below does, we recommend adding some extra mats.
Customers are saying: “Easy to set up, easy to fold up and move around or put away. The handles are great for baby pulling up. Safe space to play and HUGE! My husband and I can both get in it and play with him. I don’t have a single negative thing to say. The grey even matches our interior well.”
Dimensions: 50L x 50W x 27H, (Open) 71L x 71W x 27H inches | Color options: 6 | Weight: 10 pounds | Age: Toddler
Best Playpen with Bassinet: Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Travel Bassinet Playard
WalmartPros:
- Breathable side mesh
- Bassinet works for a newborn and full-grown infant
- Playpen has a builtin changing table
Cons:
- Playpen works best for infants, not toddlers
- A bit on the bulky side for travel
If you’ve been searching for a pack-and-play style playpen, this pick is for you. Armed with a helpful portable bassinet, it has everything you need to care for your baby on the go and at home. The 5-in-1 design from Graco features a changing table that can easily be wiped down, as well as side storage. I love that the bassinet can be elevated, so you can bring the baby up to your bedside or where you’re sitting on the couch. The transport wheels at the playpen’s base also make the entire thing very easy to move from room to room.
New York Post Review: “I like that it has so many conveniences in that it’s a playpen with a bassinet, a changing table, and a cup holder attachment,” shared Elise Cloutier, a new mom-of-one based in New York. “The bassinet is also detachable and can be standalone, so in my case, I have the pack-n-play part at my house and the bassinet part at my mother-in-law’s for when we go there. It’s super easy to assemble and break down even for someone like me who struggles to put together IKEA furniture. It packs down fairly small compared to its overall size and travels pretty easily. The case has a strap. Some may consider it bulky if you’re traveling with a lot of other stuff. Some may also consider the extras a drawback, as you may not necessarily need the extra attachments. For us, however, they are helpful as we did a lot of traveling with the baby in the first 6 months.”
Dimensions: 27L x 29W x 33H — (Open) 40L x 28.5W x 29H inches | Color options: 1 | Weight: 39 pounds | Age: Infant
Best Portable Playpen: Nuna SENA aire Play Yard & Travel Crib + SENA Series Changer
Bloomingdale'sPros:
- Incredibly durable
- Made with enhanced airflow for extra ventilation
- Packable for travel
If you’re seeking the ultimate push present, look no further! The Nuna SENA aire Play Yard has everything you need to keep baby safe and secure. Armed with mesh side panels, the mattress and floor are designed to keep airflow coming from every angle, providing your little one with comfort while they snooze and play. The panels are zippable and can be removed when washing is needed, and we love how easy it is to move and lock in the bassinet. Is it a splurge? Yes, but it’s also state-of-the-art and worth every penny.
What customers are saying: “Functional, lightweight, easy to use, sturdy, and easy to clean.”
Dimensions: (Open) 41.3″L x 30″W x 29″H | Color options: 2 | Weight: 20.8 pounds | Age: Baby
Best Large Playpen for Babies: ZEEBABABY Baby Playpen
AmazonPros:
- Works for newborns, as well as toddlers
- No tools are required for assembly
- Cloth bottom
- Includes plush toys and ocean balls
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Ready to get some vitamin D with baby in tow? Well, slather on some sunscreen, grab your little one, and this easy-to-transport playpen. It includes side storage, is extra large, and comes with toys and a thick cloth bottom to keep bugs, grass, and dirt away from your child as they play in the sun. On rainy days, use indoors. More than 1,000 happy customers give it a five-star rating on Amazon, which earns my vote of confidence, and the mesh sides are nice for children who don’t like to have mama out of their sight.
New York Post Review: “Would definitely recommend the mat if putting it on a hardwood floor,” said new father and Commerce Partnerships Manager, Ryan Murphy. “The material is not very forgiving, but the height is perfect, not too high, just high enough to clip on handles or for the baby to reach up and pull themselves up. All of the poles and piping have cushions around them to prevent any injuries or pinches on fingers. Set up takes less than ten minutes and comes with a carrying bag! Love that the playpen has suction cups on the bottom so it won’t move when your baby does, and the zipper door flap is great when they want to explore more.”
Dimensions: 59L x 59W x 27H — (Open) 79L x 79W x 27H inches | Color options: 4 | Weight: 9.4 pounds | Age: Baby, infant, toddler
Best Playpen on Amazon: Evenflo Versatile Play Space
AmazonPros:
- Adjustable sides
- Unique hinge design for protection
- Easy to keep clean, and can be used outside
- More than 20,000 reviews on Amazon
Cons:
- Leaves much to be desired, design-wise
If you’re looking for an easy-to-set-up and safe playpen, the Envoflo Versatile Play Space is the way to go. Assembly is seamless, and it’s portable, so you can take it with you on the go. Best of all, it can be adjusted to fit the size of your space. No matter if you need to move to your tiny kitchen, yard or bedroom, baby can come with you and remain out of trouble.
Customers are saying: “My 10-month-old Granddaughter has learned to crawl and pull herself up. Before we bought this, she was into absolutely everything. I would pick her up and move her from one thing, and she would just move onto something else. I felt her pack and play was too confining for her, so I read up and order this.I absolutely love it. I bought the 8 panels. Which is more than enough for her to crawl around all day.”
Dimensions: (Open) 10W x 34 Hx 27L 70W inches | Color options: Available in one color | Weight: 22.5 pounds | Age: Baby
Best Playpen with Mattress: Cosco Kids Funsport Portable Compact Baby Play Yard with Carry Bag
WalmartPros:
- Features four mesh sides with a padded floor (mattress) to let baby see the action
- Folds compactly, so it can be placed inside the included carry bag for travel
- Wheels on one end make it easy to transport around the room
Cons:
- Can be difficult to get the mattress to fit in the base, per some reviews
This playpen on wheels is a major game-changer for those who want to bring their kiddie corrals around the house. Most parents know how difficult it is to get things done while keeping baby in sight. This mobile playpen lets you do both with ease. The wheels are only on one side, which prevents children from moving it on their own. Plus, it comes with a mattress so your little one can catch some ZZZ wherever you bring them.
Customers are saying: “The play yard is just the basics, but it certainly has everything you need for an infant or toddler. The design is very bold and vivid with colors that get the child’s attention. There is plenty of room for the child’s toys inside with lots of room for the child, too. It’s super easy to assemble. It took less than 10 minutes to put together. It has a thick pad for the bottom that you can velcro in and it does not slip or slide when you put baby into it.”
Dimensions: N/A| Color options: 5 | Weight: 19 pounds | Age: Infant
Best Playpen for Babies: Maxi-Cosi Swift Baby Playpen with Mat
AmazonPros:
- Suction cups to prevent slipping
- A carrying bag is provided for easy storage and transport
- The fence is entirely covered in soft cloth, leaving no exposed gaps
Cons:
- Some reviewers suggested the velcro parts did not line up very well during assembly
At under 20 pounds, this playpen is ideal for babies — and for parents looking for something easy to move around the house. One of the best features of the Maxi-Cosi design is the fact that it comes with a foldable mattress that easily converts from a toddler play mat to a smaller baby mattress for the bassinet. All you have to do is zip it together or unzip the mattress to switch between modes. It’s also worth mentioning that the chic, oat-colored design blends in easily with a range of interior styles, making it a popular choice for parents looking to maintain a neat, aesthetic space.
Customers are saying: “I absolutely LOVE this pack and play. When we first got it, it was most important how lightweight and easy to set up and take down it was. Now I am 8.5 months pregnant and that’s even more important. I can lift, set this up, and take it down with ease and not feel as if I am straining myself. The color scheme is also beautiful. It looks very sleek and fits our aesthetic so well.”
Dimensions: L x W x H · 41.7L x 41.7W x 33H inches | Color options: 2 | Weight: 18.8 pounds | Age: Baby, toddler
The best Playpens FAQs
How to choose a playpen
When searching for the best baby playpen, keep things like safety features in mind, as well as the types of materials used. Because many children of this age are teething and prone to place their mouths on different objects and surfaces, some parents opt for playpens made with non-toxic materials.
One playpen we like for this is the Boncrea Playpen. It’s made of pine with a non-toxic finish, and can easily be placed over a carpet. It’s available in a variety of sizes and has a built-in baby gate.
What is a good-sized playpen for babies?
Playpens vary in size and structure, but you must find one that is large enough for your little one to be comfortable in. Some are square or rectangular, while others are hexagonal or octagonal and constructed of separate panels that can be added or subtracted.
When selecting a playpen, keep in mind that babies require far less space than adventurous toddlers. Each playpen can support a different amount of weight — so also bear in mind the size of your child, and whether you plan to add more than one baby to the playpen at any time.
What age is best for a playpen?
Playpens become useful when a child begins to crawl, which can be as early as 6 months old. Unlike clothes, which kids quickly grow out of, a playpen can be enjoyed by most children (and their parents) until they’re about 3 years of age.
Are playpens recommended?
Playpens can provide a safe space for a baby or toddler to play in. Many, like the Dripex Portable Playpen, are large enough for kids to happily crawl around inside. However, it’s important to remember that even when enjoying playtime, a child needs to be supervised.
It’s also important to note that playpens aren’t substitutes for cribs, so bedtime should still be done in an age-appropriate sleep space.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.

1 hour ago
3
English (US)