10 Best Playpens in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
As your baby gets past the newborn stage, they can outgrow their crib. Now's the time to start transitioning to a playpen! A playpen allows your child to play freely in a safe space. It also gives them room to learn how to sit up, stand up, and eventually, walk on their own. Since parents have their own preferences, there are many options for playpens out there.
Plus, there are lots of factors to consider, such as the size, material, and safety features. Knowing all of this may be overwhelming, so we made a buying guide and a list of the 10 best playpens that would suit you and your baby's needs. To help you select the right playpen for your child, we also asked board-certified pediatrician Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao to provide some of her comments and tips!
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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How to Choose a Playpen - Buying Guide
Planning to create a safe space for your little one and searching for a playpen to add to your little one's nursery? We got you! Read the buying guide below for tips on buying playpens for your baby.
Make Sure You Have Enough Space in Your Room for the Playpen
Since most playpens are bigger than cribs, check if you have enough space in your room for the playpen. To give you an idea, full-size rectangular playpens usually reach 70 inches in length and 30 inches in width while other smaller playpens are about the size of a small crib, around 40 inches long and 30 inches wide.
Aside from its dimensions, also consider the shape of the playpen and how it will fit in the room. Four-sided playpens can be put in the corner of the room while circular ones can be placed in the middle of the room. Traditional playpens are square or rectangular but with new, playful designs, they can now come in all shapes, including circles and octagons.
- Station the playpen away from heaters, stoves, and power outlets
- The playpen should not be placed near windows. Cords for curtains, drapes, and blinds can strangle the baby
- The playpen should always be placed where you can supervise your child. Always have your baby within your sight while using a playpen. Never leave your baby unsupervised, and never leave your child in the playpen for long stretches of time
Pick Playpens That Can Accommodate Your Growing Child
As babies grow a lot, it is important to pick a playpen that can accommodate them even if they grow bigger or taller. After all, playpens are used by children around 4 months old, up to the time they can walk. By purchasing a playpen that can last for a long time, you can save both money and effort from buying a completely new one every couple of years.
Also, since some toddlers grow faster than others, consider your child's size. Try to gauge if they have enough room inside the playpen or if the space is too restricted and uncomfortable. After all, your little one's comfort is important in picking out a playpen.
As a standard for safety, the sides of a playpen should be at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) high, measured from the floor of the playpen. It would also be good to look for a playpen that has a 1-inch firm mattress or pad at the bottom. Avoid playpens with soft padding/bedding.
While playpens can be handy and it can be tempting to extend their use, you should stop using playpens when your child can easily climb out—when they reach a height of 34 inches (86 centimeters) or weigh 30 pounds (14 kilograms).
Check the Materials Used
Playpens vary in their materials but wood and plastic are the ones you would usually find. They each have their own pros and cons that will be tackled below, so read and weigh those carefully before deciding on what material to go with.
Wood Is Expensive but Durable—Great for All Kinds of Babies
Wooden playpens are known to be extremely durable, as they can withstand daily use. They can support your child’s increasing height and weight and are unlikely to break or snap that easily. In fact, with proper care, wooden playpens can last even after years of use.
The only downside of wood is that it is vulnerable to water damage, fire, decay, and termites that could ruin its sturdiness. However, if you can place your wooden playpen in places without those risks, then there is really nothing to worry about.
For wooden playpens, check that the bars are spaced between 50 and 95 mm apart (similar to a cot). Larger gaps can trap a child’s head. There should also be no exposed hinges, screws, or rivets that can injure the baby or pose a choking/swallowing hazard.
All folding parts should have latches that lock securely, and those latches should always be locked well before you place your baby inside the playpen. Check that your baby cannot undo the locks and latches. Stop using the playpen as soon as your baby can undo the latches and locks.
Plastic and Mesh Are Lightweight and Breathable—Great for Moving Around the House
The advantage of plastic and mesh playpens is that they are more lightweight and breathable compared to wooden playpens. Because of their light material, plastic playpens are easier to carry or move around the house. However, this also means that they are less durable and more likely to snap or break, making them an impractical choice for long-term use.
Aside from that, playpens made out of plastic can also contain harmful substances. Common chemical substances found in plastic products such as Lead, Bisphenol A (BPA), and Phthalates can be harmful when exposed to your child. If you plan to purchase a playpen made out of plastic, check if it is BPA-free to make sure that it is safe for your baby.
When opting for lightweight materials, check their strength and stability. The playpen should not be easily tipped over or dragged around from inside. When getting a playpen with mesh sides, the holes in the mesh should be no larger than ¼ inch (0.6 centimeters) to prevent small fingers and small buttons on clothes from getting caught.
The mesh should be securely attached and checked regularly for breaks and tears. Go for playpens with top rails that automatically lock (and are not easily dislodged) when lifted into the normal position. Never leave the side of a mesh playpen lowered. An infant who rolls into the pocket created by the slack mesh can become trapped and suffocate.
Look for Playpens With Safety Features
Aside from comfort, another thing to consider is the safety features of the playpen. These can include safety locks and padded rails that keep your little one safe, as well as attachable mosquito nets and rocking bars that protect your child against insect bites and help your baby get a good night's sleep.
Opt for Child-Friendly Locks to Keep Your Little One Secure
Playpen gates are convenient for getting babies in and out of the playpen. Instead of bending over and reaching for your child, you can simply open the door or gate so they can get inside or outside the playpen by themself.
However, it is not unusual for kids to figure out how to open safety gates on their own. To prevent this from happening, pick child-friendly safety gate locks to keep your little one secure. This means that the locks should be easy enough for you to open but difficult enough for your child to reach and eventually unlock.
Locks that allow you to lower a side of the playpen should always be out of your baby’s reach. The lock mechanism should also be secure enough that your child cannot undo it easily. However, once your child can figure out how to unlock their playpen, it's best to stop using it for their safety.
Padded Rails Help Avoid Bumps and Other Injuries
Since playpens are spacious, it is common for babies and toddlers to get extra frisky while in them. This may lead to them falling and getting bumps or other injuries unless there is sufficient padding. When purchasing a playpen, pick one that includes a firm mattress and padded rails so that your child can comfortably sleep and safely play inside the playpen.
Ideally, the foam or mattress should be firm, not hard, and be around 1 inch thick—soft enough to provide comfort while being firm enough to prevent your child from sinking in. On the other hand, the padded top rails should be soft and durable because teething babies tend to sink their teeth into playpen rails.
It's good practice to check all padded parts regularly for tears and always cover or repair if any is found. Children who are teething often bite off chunks of the vinyl or plastic that cover the top rails, so you should check them periodically for tears and holes. If the tears are small, repair them with heavy-duty cloth tape. If they are more extensive, you may need to replace the rails.
Foldable or Wheeled Playpens Make for Easy Storage and Mobility
As a busy parent, you might be looking for some convenient features. Thankfully, there are foldable and wheeled playpens that make assembly and storage much easier.
Foldable Playpens Are Perfect for Traveling and Outdoor Use
If you travel often with your family, foldable playpens are an option that you should consider. You can make them compact enough to fit inside your car without taking up too much space.
Aside from that, portable playpens are also perfect for outdoor use as they can be easily folded and carried without much effort. Although they might be pricier, the convenience they offer can make a huge difference, especially for parents who travel a lot with their families.
Foldable playpens help keep your child in an enclosed space where you can better manage their safety and exposures, especially in a place that may not be baby-proof. However, before choosing a foldable/travel playpen, do check how stable and sturdy it is.
Make sure that you are confident in setting the playpen up and that the attachments are secure and not easily undone. It should also be sturdy enough to stay put and stay up when your child leans against it.
Wheels Are Great for Transporting the Playpen From Place to Place
Meanwhile, wheeled playpen cribs are perfect for busy parents who want to keep an eye on their child while being in different parts of the house. With this, you can easily transport the playpen in any room without having to carry it around.
This saves a lot of time and effort, especially if you own a particularly heavy playpen. Additionally, ensure that your wheeled playpen has brakes that keep it steady and stable even if your child is moving around.
Wheeled playpens can be convenient, but like with any furniture for kids with wheels, it's important to check that the brakes work well and are not easily disengaged. Like foldable playpens, these playpens should be sturdy enough to stay put and stay up when your child is leaning against them.
Make Playtime Fun With Toys and Mini Slides
Other playpens include linkable toys that children can play with while they're in the playpen. These can be rotating musical toys that are attached to the canopy or teethers that cater to teething toddlers. Toys can add more fun to your little one's playtime, but make sure that they are BPA-free and aren't choking hazards.
Aside from toys, playpens can also come with mini slides. With these, you can have a mini playground at home for your kid. The advantage of mini slides is that children can use them whenever they want—just make sure that you keep a careful eye on them while they're on it.
Once your child can sit or get up on all fours or when they reach five months, whichever comes first, remove any toys that have been tied across the top of the playpen, so they cannot become entangled in them. When your baby can pull themselves to a standing position, remove all boxes and large toys that they can use to help them climb out of the playpen.
10 Best Playpens to Buy Online
| Products | Image | Click to purchase | Popularity | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Material | Suitable Age | Dimensions | Additional Features | |||||
1 | Baby Playpen COCOBB |  | No.1 | Sponge Foam, Plastic, Mesh | 0 Months | 120 x 120 x 70 cm | Foldable Design, Easy Storage, Breathable Mesh Panels, Tool-Free Assembly | |
2 | Playpen For Baby HeroKiddy |  | No.2 | Polyester, Mesh | 6 Months | 120 x 120 x 69 cm | Thickened Steel Pipe, Strong Suction Cup Base | |
3 | CoSleeper Playpen｜PP710 Apruva |  | No.3 | Polyester, Mesh | 18 Months | 110 x 70 x 75 cm | Adjustable Mattress, Removable Net, Airy Mesh on All Sides, Easy Fold and Storage, Auto Locking Wheels, Mosquito Net | |
4 | Playpen Nivico Bebe |  | No.4 | Foam, Mesh | 6 Months | 180 x 200 x 60 cm | Extra-Large Play Area, Foam Padded Base, Breathable Mesh Panels, Indoor Safety Design | |
5 | Foldable Playpen For Baby PlayPark |  | No.5 | Plastic | 6 Months | 148 x 115 x 62 cm | Cute Bear Pattern Design, Foldable & Space-Saving, Stable & Anti-Tipping, Easy One-Person Assembly | |
6 | Queen/King Size Playpen For Baby PlayPark |  | No.6 | Plastic | 6 Months | 150 x 200 x 60 cm | Strong Suction Cup Base, Rounded Smooth Edges | |
7 | Baby Crawl Pad Playpen |  | No.7 | Polyester, Mesh | 0 Months | 65 x 65 cm | Hexagonal Shape, Bottom Thickening | |
8 | Large Baby Playpen Timoo |  | No.8 | Polyester, Mesh, Oxford Cloth | 6 Months | 120 x 120 x 68 cm | Foam Protection, BPA-Free | |
9 | Baby Crawl Pad Playpen Mamobabe |  | No.9 | Plastic, Oxford Cloth | 36 Months | 128 x 66 x 63 cm | Hexagonal Shape, 360 Degree Security, Highly Effective Suction Cup | |
10 | Waterproof Foldable Portable Baby Playpen |  | No.10 | Sponge Foam, Plastic, Mesh | 36 Months | 120 x 120 x 30 cm | Multi Use, Space Saving, Foldable, Anti-Scratch | |
| Material | Sponge Foam, Plastic, Mesh |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 0 Months |
| Dimensions | 120 x 120 x 70 cm |
| Additional Features | Foldable Design, Easy Storage, Breathable Mesh Panels, Tool-Free Assembly |
| Material | Polyester, Mesh |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 6 Months |
| Dimensions | 120 x 120 x 69 cm |
| Additional Features | Thickened Steel Pipe, Strong Suction Cup Base |
| Material | Polyester, Mesh |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 18 Months |
| Dimensions | 110 x 70 x 75 cm |
| Additional Features | Adjustable Mattress, Removable Net, Airy Mesh on All Sides, Easy Fold and Storage, Auto Locking Wheels, Mosquito Net |
| Material | Foam, Mesh |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 6 Months |
| Dimensions | 180 x 200 x 60 cm |
| Additional Features | Extra-Large Play Area, Foam Padded Base, Breathable Mesh Panels, Indoor Safety Design |
| Material | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 6 Months |
| Dimensions | 148 x 115 x 62 cm |
| Additional Features | Cute Bear Pattern Design, Foldable & Space-Saving, Stable & Anti-Tipping, Easy One-Person Assembly |
PlayParkQueen/King Size Playpen For Baby
| Material | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 6 Months |
| Dimensions | 150 x 200 x 60 cm |
| Additional Features | Strong Suction Cup Base, Rounded Smooth Edges |
| Material | Polyester, Mesh |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 0 Months |
| Dimensions | 65 x 65 cm |
| Additional Features | Hexagonal Shape, Bottom Thickening |
| Material | Polyester, Mesh, Oxford Cloth |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 6 Months |
| Dimensions | 120 x 120 x 68 cm |
| Additional Features | Foam Protection, BPA-Free |
| Material | Plastic, Oxford Cloth |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 36 Months |
| Dimensions | 128 x 66 x 63 cm |
| Additional Features | Hexagonal Shape, 360 Degree Security, Highly Effective Suction Cup |
Waterproof Foldable Portable Baby Playpen
| Material | Sponge Foam, Plastic, Mesh |
|---|---|
| Suitable Age | 36 Months |
| Dimensions | 120 x 120 x 30 cm |
| Additional Features | Multi Use, Space Saving, Foldable, Anti-Scratch |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao
If you still have questions on your mind, allow Doc Joey to enlighten you with her answers to some of the web's most asked questions about playpens.
At What Age Is It Best to Get a Playpen?
A playpen can be helpful when your child has begun to crawl at about 6-7 months. However, if you plan to get a playpen for your child, it's a good idea to purchase one before your baby starts moving around so they can get used to it. You can keep your little one's favorite toys or books in the playpen so they can associate it with their best-loved things.
However, be careful not to put anything in the playpen that your child could use to help themselves out (boxes, bigger toys). Babies can be amazing escape artists! It's also best not to dangle toys with ribbons from the side of the playpen, especially once your little one starts learning how to grab things. Your baby could use them to tip over the playpen or they could get tangled up in the string.
Can You Put a Mattress in the Playpen and Use It as a Crib?
If you would like to put a mattress inside your baby's playpen, it's best to get a playpen that has its own firm, 1-inch thick mat. Keep other beddings, blankets, mats, and pillows out of the playpen.
It's also best not to replace the mattress or padding in the playpen (except with the same one that the playpen originally came with), as it might not fit the playpen well and leave spots in the playpen area where your baby can get into accidents. Be sure to check all padded parts regularly for tears. You can use thick or heavy-duty fabric tape to cover or repair any minor tears.
How Do You Know if Your Child Has Outgrown Their Playpen?
In general, however, it would be wise to stop using playpens once any of the following are observed in your child:
- Your child can unlock their playpen
- Your child has figured out how to climb out of their playpen
- Your child's height has reached 34 inches (86 centimeters)
- Your child has reached a weight of 30 pounds (14 kilograms)
More Tips From Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao
Some experts believe that playpens can restrict children, and in the past, playpens have been overused as "babysitters" for children. However, the design of your house or your circumstances at home may mean you occasionally need somewhere safe to place your baby for a short period of time.
In these situations, a playpen can be really useful. However, remember that playpens are definitely not a substitute for adult supervision—never leave a child unattended in a playpen, no matter how secure it is.
Keep Your Little One Safe With Other Baby Gear
After reading everything, you might realize that picking out baby gear is much harder than it sounds. As new parents, it is understandable that you want to choose only safe and high-quality products for your child. Aside from playpens, here are other baby essentials that you might need.
Author: Katrina Balingit
Re-editor: R. Embuido
Reviewed by: Pediatrician Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
