Playmat vs Playpen: Which Is Better For Baby?

Keeping your baby safe and comfortable is indeed the #1 priority from the day they were born. Starting from the trip home from the hospital, parents would equip the right safety gear, a car seat to keep their baby safe in the car. And as the baby grows and becomes more active, it is important to ensure their space for playtime is safe. Which can be challenging for parents to decide on which gear to get for baby with such a wide array of options available on the market. For playtime, there are mainly two types of gear you can choose — a playmat and a playpen. Let us help you decide which one to get!

What is a playmat and a playpen?

A baby playmat is normally a foam or a padded cloth to cover the floor and they come in many sizes. It gives your little one room to crawl and when they take a tumble, they are somewhat protected. A playpen, on the other hand, is a small enclosure where babies can play safely. It could look like a free-standing baby gate or portable baby cot.

Differences between a playmat and a playpen

Playmat

• It encourages laying on stomach which helps strengthen neck, back, and arms and supports development of rolling, crawling, and walking and other skills.
  
  
• Babies on playmats need to be supervised. While visual and cognitive development is better in an open space, monitoring your baby constantly is a must.
  
  
• Easy to clean and maintain.
  
  
• Not an outdoor item unlike most playpens.

Some playmats available on our site.

 

Lollibly Playmat

 

Lucky Baby Foldable Playmat

 

Infantino Giant Sensory Discovery Playmat

 

Playpen

• Many playpens feature built-in toys that help baby develop skills.
  
  
• It allows you to leave your baby for short periods of time while you attend to other chores. Can double as a safe sleep spot.
  
  
• It is usually foldable and made to travel from one location to another without difficulty.
  
  
• Many playpens also come with mesh canopies that will protect baby from insects and sunlight.

Some playpens available on our site.

 

Crolla Ally Playpen

 

Hauck Dream N Play Go Cot

 

Joie Commuter™ Change & Snooze Playpen