View source for Playpen

{{Short description|Portable enclosure in which young children may safely play}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{refimprove|date=April 2017}}
{{No footnotes|date=March 2023}}
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[[File:Laufgitter.png|thumb|250px|A traditional wooden playpen]]
A '''playpen''' is a piece of [[furniture]] used to contain an [[infant]] or young [[toddler]] in specific area to prevent the child from getting into harm when her/his [[parent]] or guardian is occupied or away while keeping the child occupied with the toys which can be placed inside. The earliest use of the word "playpen" was cited in the ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'' is 1902.
==History==
Playpens were traditionally made of [[wood]], and consisted of a flat rectangular platform, usually square in shape, with vertical 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 as to avoid climbing injuries; playpens may also have a detachable lid. There are many more modern and portable designs.
Modern playpens are portable and typically consist of a basic metal and plastic support system and mesh, soft plastic or nylon sides.  An optional removable [[bassinet]] can be attached at the top for the child to sleep in or be changed in until four months of age.  Some models have attachments such as [[Mobile (sculpture)|mobiles]], side pockets for supplies and toys, change table attachment, night lights, music boxes, and clip-on adapter for CD player for the child to listen to music while sleeping or playing.  Portable playpens come in different sizes, but most are expected to be collapsed into a small roll for easy storage and transport.
==See also==
*[[Baby gate]]
==External links==
{{Commons category|Playpens}}
*[https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Playpen-Safety.aspx Playpen safety information] from the American Academy of Pediatrics
{{Infants and their care}}
{{Child safety devices}}
[[Category:Child safety]]
[[Category:Furniture]]
[[Category:Play (activity)|Pen]]