Measuring a substantial 190cm x 150cm, it comes with not one, but two zip-down doors so your baby can crawl in and out without any lifting required. Small children and babies on the move are focussed on exploring everything in sight and, as they are speedy learners, they are permanently on the lookout for new things to play with. It goes without saying then that being placed in a playpen with restricted boundaries may prove challenging for some and not for others. The tests carried out are designed to mimic the actions of a small child looking for ways to break free from their safe playpen space as well as for those who are more than happy to bounce themselves off the sides and treat it like a gym. As everything goes in the mouth to aid learning in this age group, expect your child to mouth, chomp and teeth on the frame and materials no matter how interesting the toys sharing the playpen with them may be. Playpens are a good idea as they provide your child with a safe place to play independently, especially if they are crawling or cruising. While you’re busy, your child can be occupied with soft toys and books, and a playpen is a great way for them to explore and learn new skills without getting hurt. The types of baby playpens Wooden playpens I used ours for all three of my sons and all loved it. The large BabyDan one is great. It comes with a lovely, padded floor cover (my son used to always conk out for his morning nap!) and opens out to become a room divider, so is really, really useful” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user wildbhoysmama Our verdict

They tend to be eye-catching and durable, but can be on the large side for modern homes. Usually fairly easy to assemble, some plastic playpens can adjust to the size of your room by removing panels. Metal-framed playpens Dimensions: 121.9 x 2.5 x 66 cm | Age suitability: 6 months to 24 months | Material: Alloy Steel | Foldable: Yes | Assembly required: No What we like If you consider yourself less than experienced at DIY, you’ll be delighted to discover that you don't need any tools to assemble this baby playpen. It has push-fit panels, which means that it can be configured to suit the shape of your room and taken apart for easy storage. It can even be used as a room divider – convenient if you have pets too. It’s big enough for multiple children (and you) to gather inside, with plenty of space to crawl around, interact, play and explore. The BabyDan hexagonal playpens are great because you can use them as a traditional playpen or use it to section off an area of the room” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user and childminder NannyR

Which are the best baby playpens to buy?

We don’t live in a big house, so it’s great that you can take the panels out to make it smaller if need be" - recommended by Mumsnet user Pixiefringe If you're planning to use this playpen to entertain your toddler whilst you tend to your newborn, it’s also worth noting that it doesn’t have a door. For that reason, you’ll need to be able to physically lift your child – something to bear in mind if you’ve had a c-section. Pop-up models tend to be less durable and hardwearing, but for temporary short-term use on holiday or when visiting friends and family, they are a relatively stress-free way to create a safe space for your baby, whatever the environment. What age do you stop using playpens? This is where a playpen really comes into its own as a very convenient safe space to place your crawling baby or younger busy toddler when life throws some multi-tasking challenge your way. Equally, some days there are just times when you need to sit down and have a moment for yourself. Playpens provide that opportunity to continue being part of your child’s playtime without having to chase them round the home, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries and them a chance to experience independent learning. For travelling, BabyDan has designed a range of stylish and practical items such as the BabyDan Head Rest Mounted Tablet Holder, and your little one can relax or play in the cosy BabyDan Cuddle Nest Baby Pod, suitable from 0 to 6 months!

This square-shaped baby playpen from award-winning brand Venture is not only spacious and designed to British Safety Standards, but comes with cushioned jigsaw play mat and a bag of brightly coloured balls too. The BabyDan Park-a-Kid Play Pen provides baby with a safe place to play and rest whilst you are busy around the home. This play pen also stops little ones from reaching areas in the home that are off limits. The playpen is made up of five sturdy metal panels with one panel an extra-wide door section, which is so easy to assemble. Flexible, high-quality and multi-functional, this BabyDan baby play pen measures 360cm in total and has the option to extend further with additional panels making this a highly sought-after playpen. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10. Why you should trust us

10. Best large baby playpen: Costway Baby Playpen

With the addition of balls, you can use this playpen as a comfortable ball pit for your toddler, whilst the two integrated loops allow tactile toys to be securely attached for playing inside. The only downside is that this playpen is only available in two colour shades – both of which are blue! A baby playpen gives your baby a safe place to play, while always under your watchful eye. The self-contained units are usually made from wood, plastic, or metal. Most baby playpens are lightweight, so they can be easily carried around the house and stored. Avoid tying toys to the frame as these pose a strangulation hazard. Once your toddler can climb out it is time to stop using the playpen. A baby playpen will not only make your life easier but will also give your baby some sense of independence at an early age. To use, simply set up your chosen playpen on a flat floor surface, fill it with toys, and watch them play while you do something else on your hefty to-do list (or maybe just have a coffee). How much does a baby playpen cost?

Whilst it’s relatively small in size, the Mokee playpen is both stylish and sustainable, with no metal or unsightly plastic. Made from sustainably sourced beech wood, it not only looks sleek, but is easy to fold away flat and store when not in use.

Safety

The mesh sides of the Costway Baby Playpen ensure complete visibility, allowing you to see your baby at all times even if you haven’t opted to climb inside yourself. The green-coloured base might not appeal to some parents, particularly if you plan on keeping this playpen up permanently. Parent tester, Rebecca, who used this playpen for around three months says, “The colours aren’t great, but it can be folded away, which I’m glad about!” As working parents who juggle work, childcare, and other responsibilities on a daily basis, we are huge fans of a product that is designed to make our lives easier. The BabyDan Deluxe Playpen has certainly done that over the last couple of years. Unlike other playpens I’ve seen - like the Venture All Stars Duo Baby Playpen - the BabyDan Deluxe Playpen is sleek and modern. When choosing a playpen, safety features are of the utmost importance, but of course, it’s understandable to want a playpen that also fits into your home decor.