Baby play fences also go by the name playards and playpens. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It doesn’t matter which one you choose. Just make sure to find the best baby play fence for the money.
In the rest of this article, we explain how to choose your next baby play fence. We also provide a list of the top ten products. These reviews should help make your decision that much easier.
How to choose a baby play fence?
Before getting into the reviews, it is important to know how to choose a baby play fence. Because they vary so much, you need to pay close attention to the details. Specifically, research the following features.
Type
There are many different types of baby play fences. They can be an actual fence, play yard, playpen, or versatile playpen. Actual baby fences function as a fence that you put at the top of the stairs in a doorway. The fence is really a gate that closes your baby off from a room or unsafe situation. Baby gates can be wall-mounted, or pressure mounted.
Play yards are metal structures that can either be used as a playpen or a baby gate. This means that you can put them in from of the stairs or choose to completely encircle them. Their metal structure allows them to be used indoors and outdoors.
Both types of playpens are typically made of plastic and are brightly colored. These baby play fences typically have toys or other interactive features. The only difference between the normal playpen and the versatile playpen is that the latter can also be used outdoors.
Knowing what type of baby play fence you need will help you narrow down your product choices.
Gate
Many baby play fences come with a gate. The gate allows you access into and out of the enclosed area. This is very helpful for children of any age. With young, non-walking, babies especially, the gate makes it easy to put them into and out of the play area.
One thing to keep in mind is that toddlers and older children may figure out how to unlatch the gate. This can create an unsafe situation. Always be in the room when your child is using the baby play fence.
Safety
That brings us to our next important feature: safety. You need the baby play fence to be safe. As with all baby products, the playpen should not have any parts that can catch or pinch a finger. You definitely want to ensure that the slates are wide enough apart so that your baby cannot fit their head in between.
Any baby play fence you choose should be certified baby safe by a U.S. regulatory agency. It should meet all standard safety regulations.
Size
Baby play fences come in a variety of sizes. You need to consider how you will use the fence as well as the size of your home to find the product that will work best for you.
You will likely want to purchase a baby fence that is at least 22-inches tall. This protects even toddlers from climbing or jumping over the rails. The diameter should be large enough to fit your child and a few of their toys. It does not have to be huge, especially for a young baby.
The length will depend on your use and home size. If you plan on using the baby play fence to block an entranceway or stairs, then it should be at least long enough to cover the opening. Otherwise, the length is up to you.
Best Baby Play Fence on the Market Review
1 Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard
The first product on our list is a baby gate style play fence. It is the Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play yard. What’s unique about this product is that it opens to 192-inches wide. It is also 28-inches tall, which is six more inches than the recommended standard.
The Regalo play fence is foldable for easy storage. It can also be converted from gat to play yard. No tools are required for this reconfiguration. It really doesn’t get more versatile than this product by Regalo. As an added bonus, you can use this play fence for your pets as well.
Regalo includes four wall mounts for protection and safety. It has a durable, steel frame and a locking feature. The lock is baby proof and there is a latchable door for adults. Finally, the Regalo play yard is easy to move and folds up. You can take it anywhere to provide a safe and fun travel experience for your child.
2 Evenflo Versatile Play Space
Evenflo’s Versatile Play Space is a versatile playpen. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. The legs even have outdoor stakes, which are ideal for keeping the play fence stable outdoors. Plus, it comes in three color options: cool gray, cream, and multi-color. Choose the color option that best works in your home. Or choose the multi-color option for your child’s enjoyment.
Evenflo has been manufacturing children’s products for almost one hundred years. Their long-standing reputation shows with the Versatile Play Space. It provides 18.5 square feet of space. It is also 28-inches tall. It is more than tall enough to keep your baby safe.
Evenflo recommends their product for babies six to twenty-four months. Essentially, once your baby becomes mobile, you should consider using this product. The assembly is easy and quick. Plus, it folds up for better storage. There is no gate with this play fence, but otherwise, it is a near-perfect product.
3 Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard
Regalo is back on our list with the My Play Portable Play Yard. This product is a versatile playpen. It is foldable and can be used indoors and outdoors. As an added bonus, it comes with a carrying case and is machine washable.
The My Play Portable Play Yard is the first play fence on our list to elevate your child. There is a nylon bottom that protects your child from rough surfaces. The entire playpen measures 48-inches wide. It is also 26-inches tall. It will not work as well for larger babies or toddlers. But, when your baby is just starting to get mobile is where this product shines.
There are a lot of safety features on this Regalo product. It has an all-steel frame. Plus, the stitching is reinforced. Your baby will never have able to pull out or play with the stitches. There is a safety lock as well. It also meets all U.S. safety standards.
4 Toddleroo by North States Superyard Colorplay
Toddleroo by North States has more than just a cool name. They make wonderful baby products as well. Their Superyard Colorplay illustrates why they are such a popular brand. It comes in either a 6-panel or 8-panel variety. We’d recommend the 8-panel, as it provides all the space you could ever need.
The set up of the panels is quite easy. This play fence even folds up for easy storage and portability. While there is no carrying case with this product, there is a carrying strap. When you purchase the “Superyard Wall Mount Kit,” you can even begin using this product as a gate barrier.
The entire product is made from baby-safe and durable plastic. The plastic construction also means that you can safely use the Superyard outside as well. There may not be a door to the playpen or a floor, but its versatility more than makes up for that lack. You will love the convenience and fun the Toddleroo by North States Superyard provides.
5 Gupamiga Baby Playpen
The Gupamiga Baby Playpen has a more classic baby fence design. It is made of fourteen panels and covers a large area. It is quite colorful. Each panel also has the design of an animal on it, which energizes and interests your baby immediately.
The Gupamiga Baby Playpen is extremely easy to set up. You will get it completely unfolded and ready to go in just fifteen minutes. And, yes, it does fold for easy storage. The feet are rubber, which will not slide on any floor.
The panels are only 24-inches high. This is more than the recommended amount, but it may cut down on the time you can use the product. Your baby will outgrow it faster. Yet, while they are small, you will love the inclusion of the door. It is latchable and ensures that you can get your child into and out of the playpen safely.
6 Kidzone Interactive Baby Playpen
The Kidzone Interactive Baby Playpen can be configured in many different ways. It is made up of eight panels. How many panels you use and in what configuration is completely up to you. You can make a rectangle, square, hexagon, or octagon with this playpen.
Each panel has suction cups for hard floors. They ensure that the product does not slide around at all. Also, the baby gate has a safety lock. Even your toddler will struggle to figure out how to open this gate. You know the safety features are up to par because of the product’s ASTM-F1004-18 safety certification.
The entire Interactive Baby Playpen is durable. It is built to be strong and sturdy. In fact, it can even hold three-year-olds, which is unusual for products on this list. The colorful panels with built-in toys help keep your child entertained while they play.
7 Uanlauo Foldable Baby Playpen Indoor or Outdoor
If you are looking for a more pastel baby play fence, try the Uanlauo Foldable Baby Playpen. This product comes in either grey or multi-colored options. No matter the color option, the tone is pastel. It will help the playpen fit into almost any nursery.
Uanlauo has designed the Foldable Baby Playpen to be very durable and sturdy. It even has specially designed rubber feet to keep the parts in place. The panels fit together very easily. You just press the buckle and you can take them apart. There is no chance that the playpen will pinch your child’s fingers. The door lock is on the outside of the playpen. It is also a safety lock to keep your child safe in the playpen.
8 Skip Hop Baby Playpen
Skip Hop’s Baby Playpen is the first on our list that has cloth sides. The mesh panels allow for breathability and visibility. You will never wonder what your baby is doing in the playpen. Plus, they will never get too hot. You just may not be able to use this product outdoors.
Skip Hop has also provided over twenty feet of the playing area, which is more than enough for any little one. As an added bonus, they’ve thrown in the clip-on play surface. There are eight activities on the playing surface that grow with your child. For added versatility, you can use this product as a blocking gate as well. The wall mounts are included.
If you want one of the most versatile baby play fences on the market, then you need to choose this product.
9 Fun Little Toys Baby Play Mat with Fence
Fun Little Toys has made a very fun little product with their Baby Play Mat with Fence. This product is a little unlike any of the others on our list. The playmat has a fence to prevent falls. However, it is made for older toddlers or young children. Unless your baby is quite small, the playmat will not keep them secure. Your baby will always need to use this product with supervision.
What’s cool about the Fun Little Toys Baby Play Mat with Fence is the inclusion of interlocking foam tiles. The nine different animals can be removed and put back in the foam tiles, like a puzzle. The tiles themselves are sturdy and toxin-free.
Because Fun Little Toys uses foam tiles, they may be a little stinky out of the box. This is normal. Soon they will air out and you and your baby can enjoy this fun product.
10 Costzon Baby Playpen
The final product we want to highlight is the Costzon Baby Playpen. This play yard uses non-slip rubber mats on the legs. They make it nearly impossible to tip over or move this product once it is set up.
Costzon has also included a toy panel for your child’s amusement. The corners are rounded to keep them safe. Plus, you can choose to set this product up in multiple ways. You can even remove panels if you so choose. All you have to do is unfold it and set it up. You can store it anywhere. It also only takes minutes to properly set up.
There is no baby play fence safer or more durable than the Costzon Baby Playpen.
If you still have questions about baby play fences, here is the section to look at. We’ve answered the most pressing questions about these helpful tools.
What are the benefits of a baby play fence?
The biggest benefit of a baby play fence is convenience and safety. A baby fence keeps your baby from an unsafe situation. With these products, you will never have to worry about your baby or toddler falling down the stairs or entering an unsafe location.
Baby play fences, especially the play yard and playpen varieties also help you get things done. You can put a mobile baby in the product—under supervision of course—and not have to worry about chasing them around as you make dinner or clean the house.
When should I use a baby play fence?
Use a baby play fence whenever you want to be positive that your child stays in a certain location. Don’t just put your baby in the product and leave. However, they can be convenient to keep babies out of certain areas of the house and providing them something to do as you get work done.
Are our baby play fences safe?
Yes, baby play fences are safe. You need to ensure you purchase one that follows all safety standards. It should also not have any toxic materials or parts that can be choked on.
You should also never leave the baby in the play fence unsupervised. Just because they are in a confined location does not mean that you can walk away. But, for giving you some hands-free time, a baby play fence is completely safe when used with supervision.
Conclusion
The best baby play fences are essential for any parent. They will last a long time and be able to keep your child safe as they age from infant to baby to toddler. If you want the best for your child—and a little time off for yourself—you need to purchase a baby play fence. They provide fun and stimulation while also giving moms time to do other activities.
Try any of the ten products on our list. You won’t be sorry.