How to Keep a Baby Safe in a Playpen

Playpens are rarely just playpens any more. They're multifunctional pieces of baby equipment that also act as portable cribs. When your baby is a newborn, her playpen might even convert to a bassinet with a diaper changing station. Whether you use the playpen as an area to keep your baby while she is awake, asleep or both, you̵7;ll want to protect your precious little one to lower her risk of preventable injuries or death.

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a playpen with the JPMA label. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is an industry group that ensures that labeled products meet the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission̵7;s safety standards. In older playpens, check that wooden slats are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart or a mesh side is made of holes no larger than 1/4 inch in diameter. Sides should be at least 20 inches tall, and the tops should be padded. Mattresses should be 1 inch thick and firm. All hinges and supports should be covered, not exposed. Do not use one with a diamond-shaped opening.

    • 2

      Set up the playpen according to the manufacturer directions before you put the child in it. It should be locked in place so the sides cannot be pushed down without using the locking mechanism. Use the mattress that comes with the playpen, and place it at the bottom. Strap it in, if applicable. Use a fitted sheet that is the right size.

    • 3

      Keep soft items out of the playpen until the baby is 12 months old to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome. These include blankets, stuffed animals and pillows. When the child is older, do not allow toys that he can use as a step in the playpen. He is more likely to climb or fall out.

    • 4

      Push the playpen away from blinds, curtains, wall hangings or anything else the young one can reach and pull. These might fall into the playpen, causing injury, or could cause strangulation. Do not tie or string toys from the sides.

    • 5

      Lay a baby who is under 1 year old on her back to sleep, unless instructed differently by her doctor. Also, ensure that her clothes do not contain any ties or cord. Once she reaches a weight of 30 pounds, or 34 inches tall, stop using the playpen; she is too big.

    • 6

      Check the playpen regularly to ensure it is in working condition and that there are no holes or tears. Do not replace a worn-out mattress unless it is from the manufacturer and for the same model.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Install a Baby Gate on a Banister
      How to Install a Baby Gate on a Banister. Finding and installing a baby gate on a staircase with a banister can be a challenge. Banisters usually do not provide a flat surface to mount a gate, and its difficult to install a gate without putting holes
    • Britax Car Seat Cleaning Instructions
      Britax is a company that manufactures car seats. A baby or toddler is placed in a car seat to keep him safe and secure in the event of a car accident. The company manufactures car seats with and without removable covers. The cleaning process varies b
    • How to Get a Baby Used to the Car Seat
      Although a car seat keeps your little one safe and secure while you travel, your baby may just see it as an unpleasant time that she is forced to be away from you. If your little one seems anxious or scared in the car seat, you can help ease her dist