What is Playpen?
[[Image:Laufgitter.png|right|250px|thumb|A traditional wooden playpen]] A '''playpen''' is where a baby plays in an enclosed structure. It is designed to keep the baby safe when the parent is not there. The earliest use of the word playpen in the [[Oxford English Dictionary]] was in 1902. ==History== Playpens were once made of [[wood]]. They were square shaped, with vertical wooden bars on four sides, so that the child can see out. The floor of the playpen is usually a soft mat. The walls of the playpen are usually higher than the height of the child, so the child can not climb out. Modern playpens can be moved easily. They are usually made of a basic metal and plastic support system with mesh, soft plastic or [[nylon]] sides. Sometimes a [https://bestkidguide.com bassinet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804091554/https://bestkidguide.com/ |date=2023-08-04 }} can be put on the top for the baby to sleep in, or be changed in, until four months of age. Some have [[Mobile (sculpture)|mobiles]], side pockets for supplies and toys, night lights, music boxes, or a CD player for the child to listen to music while sleeping or playing. Portable playpens come in different sizes, but most can be rolled or folded up for easy storage and transport. It is important that the playpen being used is safe for the child. Unsafe playpens may collapse which could injure the baby.<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-08-20|title=Best Bassinet And Baby Cribs 2023|url=https://bestkidguide.com/|publisher=Best Kid Guide|accessdate=2008-06-16|archive-date=2023-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724051627/https://bestkidguide.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==References== {{Commonscat|Playpens}} {{reflist}} ==Other websites== * [http://www.seattlechildrens.org/kids-health/page.aspx?id=34359741240 Playpen safety information] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618041253/http://www.seattlechildrens.org/kids-health/page.aspx?id=34359741240 |date=2014-06-18 }} from Seattle Children's Hospital. [[Category