Playpen

Playpen

A playpen is a piece of furniture in which an infant or young toddler (typically those less than 35" tall and 30 lbs) is placed to prevent them from causing harm to themselves when their parent or guardian is preoccupied. The earliest use of the word "playpen" cited in the Oxford English Dictionary is 1902. More recently they have also been called "playards".

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 mobiles, side pockets for supplies and toys, 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.

It is important to ensure the playpen being used is safe for the child. This is especially relevant when the playpen has been bought second-hand which may have been subject to a product recall. Unsafe playpens may collapse which could result in (possibly fatal) injury to the child. [cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/08/20/bc-playpen.html|title=B.C. infant dies in playpen under product recall|date=2007-08-20|accessdate=2008-06-16|publisher=CBC News]

References

External links

* [http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=seattlechildrens&article_set=46248&lic=57&cat_id=150 Playpen safety information] from Seattle Children's Hospital.


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • playpen — ► NOUN ▪ a small portable enclosure in which a baby or small child can play safely …   English terms dictionary

  • playpen — [plā′pen΄] n. a small, portable enclosure in which an infant can be left safely to play, crawl, etc …   English World dictionary

  • playpen — UK [ˈpleɪˌpen] / US noun [countable] Word forms playpen : singular playpen plural playpens a structure with four sides designed for a small child to play inside in safety …   English dictionary

  • playpen — [[t]ple͟ɪpen[/t]] playpens N COUNT A playpen is a small structure which is designed for a baby or young child to play safely in. It has bars or a net round the sides and is open at the top …   English dictionary

  • playpen — /ˈpleɪpɛn/ (say playpen) noun a small enclosure in which a young child can play safely without constant supervision …  

  • playpen — noun Date: 1931 a portable usually collapsible enclosure in which a baby or young child may play called also play yard …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • playpen — /play pen /, n. 1. a small enclosure, usually portable, in which a young child can play safely alone without constant supervision. 2. playground (defs. 2, 3). [1930 35; PLAY + PEN2] * * * …   Universalium

  • playpen — noun An enclosed space for children to play in …   Wiktionary

  • playpen — play|pen [ˈpleıpen] n an enclosed area in which a very small child can play safely, that is like an open box with sides made of bars or a net …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • playpen — play|pen [ pleı,pen ] noun count a structure with four sides designed for a small child to play inside in safety …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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