Babies are curious by nature. If you take your eyes off of your little one, you’ll be surprised by how quickly they can get out of eyesight. While it’s cute when you’re watching, if you’re in another room, it becomes dangerous. The last thing you want is your child walking down the stairs or wandering outside.
The good news is that baby fences and playpens exist. Baby fences allow you to block off sections of your home, and playpens keep your child contained. If you want to keep your child safe, getting your hands on a baby fence is essential. So, read on to learn about the best baby fences.
- What to Consider When Shopping for Baby Fences
- Top 10 Best Baby Fences 2023
- 1. Best Overall Baby Fence: Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard
- 2. Best Premium Baby Fence: Toddleroo Superyard
- 3. Best Budget Playpen: Evenflo Versatile Play Space
- 4. Best Upgradable Playpen: Toddleroo Superyard Colorplay
- 5. Best Metal Baby Fence: Bonnlo Metal Adjustable Gate
- 6. Best Outdoor Playpen: Summer Pop'n Play Portable Playard
- 7. Gupamiga Baby Playpen
- 8. Fortella Cloud Castle
- 9. Costzon Baby Playpen
- 10. FDW Baby Playpen
- Everything You Need to Know About Baby Fences
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
What to Consider When Shopping for Baby Fences
Baby fences seem simple, but there are a few different variations. This means you need to choose the baby fence that fits your needs. We’re going to take you through a handful of features to keep your eyes on when shopping for baby fences.
Type
First and foremost, you want to shop for the type of baby fence you need. There are two different types, which are playpens and baby fences. While both types are efficient, they serve different purposes.
Baby Fences
Baby fences are traditional barriers that mount to your wall. These are beneficial because you can use them to block off sections of your home. Furthermore, most baby fences come with a gate that makes rooms accessible for parents. Some baby fences also include panels that connect and form playpens. The drawback to baby fences is that they don’t stand on their own, as they need to be set up against a door frame or wall.
Playpens
While baby fences are meant to form barriers, playpens create enclosures. The panels connect and stand on their own. Most playpens use suction or rubber grips to remain grounded on the floor without scratching surfaces. The drawback to playpens is the lack of wall mounts and gates.
Panels
When shopping for baby fences, you want to make sure you get enough panels. The amount of panels determines how long the baby fence is. Plus, panels come in different shapes and sizes. If you need to cover a large area or create a big play area, you’ll want to find a baby fence with many panels. If you only need to block off a small room, you don’t need more than a few panels.
Material
You also need to consider what a baby fence is made with. The two most common materials are steel and plastic, which both work well. Steel baby fences are more durable than plastic products, but they’re meant for older children. This is because younger toddlers will get hurt if they bite or run into the fence. Plastic baby fences aren’t as durable, but they’re safer than steel products. Still, make sure you shop for plastic products that don’t have BPA or PVC, as those can be harmful to infants.
Price
Most baby fences have a similar price, but there is some variation. Larger products will cost more, mostly if they’re made with steel instead of plastic. Playpens also tend to cost more than traditional baby fences because they include features like a game wall. To make things simple, we’ve grouped each product into one of three categories:
$: Around $60
$$: Around $100
$$$: Around $125
Top 10 Best Baby Fences 2023
1. Best Overall Baby Fence: Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Type: Baby fence
- Panels: 8
- Material: Steel
The Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard is a well-rounded baby fence that has many uses. The 4-in-1 design is great for covering fireplaces, creating an enclosure, blocking off areas, and gating off doorways. This makes it one of the more versatile baby fences you can find because it functions as a baby fence and playpen. Furthermore, the baby fence is made with durable PVC-free steel.
The Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard also comes with eight different panels and a gate. The white finish also helps it blend in with most interior color schemes, and it features a foldable design for compact storage.
What Sets It Apart
The Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard is unique because of its massive size. While it only has eight panels, each one is 24 inches long. This gives you the ability to lay the fence across a space of 192 inches, or 16 feet. In many homes, this is larger than you’ll ever need, but it’s nice to have the length if the need presents itself.
Things to Consider
The Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard is a well-rounded baby fence, but it doesn’t work for every situation. While the metal design is durable, you can’t use this product outdoors. The elements will cause it to rust, which becomes a safety hazard for your child.
If you need an outdoor alternative, we recommend the Summer Pop’n Play Portable Playard instead. While it’s smaller and functions as a playpen, it’s great for keeping your child safe and contained outdoors.
Who It’s For
The Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard is an excellent choice for parents that need a one-size-fits-all product. The foldable design makes it portable and gives you enough length to cover most spaces. Furthermore, it comes with all of the wall mounts you need and features a detachable gate.
Pros
- Eight 24-inch panels
- Made with PVC-free metal
- Foldable for compact storage
- White paint matches most indoor color schemes
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Type: Baby fence
- Panels: 6
- Material: Plastic
The Toddleroo Superyard is a 3-in-1 product that functions as a baby fence, playpen, and fireplace barrier. The panels can stand on their own, or you can use the mounting pieces to fasten the panels onto your wall. The product can cover spans from 38.5 inches to about 16 feet. The panels are also made with durable plastic that’s resistant to the weather, and it doesn’t include PVC or BPA additives.
What Sets It Apart
The Toddleroo Superyard is unique because it’s one of the only 3-in-1 indoor/outdoor products. You can use it as a playpen or baby fence regardless of the environment you’re in. It comes with scratch-proof rubber pieces for indoor use and stakes that keep it grounded outdoors. This product is also portable and features a carrying handle to make transportation a breeze.
Things to Consider
While the Toddleroo Superyard comes with a lot of features, it doesn’t include a gate. One of the reasons parents choose baby fences over playpens is because of a gate. It makes it easy for parents to walk through without having to step over anything. While the lack of a gate doesn’t make this product useless, it makes it a 3-in-1 product instead of a 4-in-1 product.
If you’re looking for a 4-in-1 product, the Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard is a great alternative. It comes with everything you need right out of the box and includes gates.
Who It’s For
The Toddleroo Superyard is an excellent choice for parents that need a reliable baby fence and playpen combination. The outdoor use is what gives it the edge over most baby fences and playpens.
Pros
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Can be used as a baby fence, playpen, and fireplace barrier
- Easy to assemble and takedown
- Comes with a carrying handle
- Made without BPA and PVC
Cons
- Doesn't come with a gate
3. Best Budget Playpen: Evenflo Versatile Play Space
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Type: Playpen
- Panels: 6
- Material: Plastic
The Evenflo Versatile Play Space is an innovative baby fence that comes with premium features. It comes with six UV-resistant and weather-resistant panels. This means you can set the baby fence up indoors or outdoors. Still, what makes this product versatile is the 18.5 square foot space that it creates when connected. This turns the product into a playpen that fits most living areas and keeps your child contained in a safe, fun space without needing to block off entire rooms.
What Sets It Apart
Evenflo has been in business for over a century, and the company has won multiple awards for its juvenile products. The Evenflo Versatile Play Space is no exception. It’s well-made, and the hinge design and interlocking panels are unique compared to other baby fences. While the hinge design is enough to set this product apart, it also features stakes to keep it from moving outdoors and non-scratch pads to protect your floors during indoor use.
Things to Consider
The Evenflo Versatile Play Space is a great playpen, but it doesn’t perform well as a traditional baby fence. This is because the panels only connect to themselves, and the product doesn’t come with any wall-mount hardware. Furthermore, it doesn’t come with a gate. If you want to take your child out, you’ll have to reach over and pick them up or take the playpen completely down.
If you need a more traditional baby fence to block off sections of your home, the Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard is a better choice. It can be used as a playpen but features a gate and wall-mounts to block off rooms.
Who It’s For
The Evenflo Versatile Play Space is for parents that need a well-rounded playpen. While it doesn’t mount to walls, it can be used indoors and outdoors. It also creates a generous 18.5 square foot play space that can be extended with additional panels.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Comes with stakes for outdoor use
- Features non-scratch floor pads for indoor use
- Unique hinge design makes it easy to set up and takedown
- Foldable design for compact storage
Cons
- Doesn't include wall mounts
4. Best Upgradable Playpen: Toddleroo Superyard Colorplay
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Type: Playpen
- Panels: 8 panels
- Material: Plastic
The Toddleroo Superyard Colorplay is an excellent playpen and baby fence. The product can function as both, but you’ll need the additional wall mounting kit to use it as a baby fence. Still, it gives you the option to create a play area or block off rooms. The panels are also made with a durable plastic material that doesn’t use harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, or PVC.
It’s also a fun product. There are many different color options to choose from, and you can mix and match the panels to create unique designs. This product can also be folded down and comes with a carrying strap that makes it easy to take with you on the go.
What Sets It Apart
The Toddleroo Superyard Colorplay is unique because of its portability. While most baby fences can be folded up and stored with ease, this product features a carrying handle. The handle makes it easy to carry the product without needing two hands. We also love how this product was manufactured in the United States and adheres to federal guidelines for safety. It also creates a 34.5 square foot play area, which is larger than most similar playpens.
Things to Consider
The Toddleroo Superyard Colorplay is a tremendous 2-in-1 baby fence, but to get the most value out of it, you’ll need to shop for additional pieces. For example, if you want to use it as a baby fence, you’ll need to find your own wall mounts. Additional pieces are affordable, but it’s a hassle to find all of the right pieces, especially if they’re out of stock. It also doesn’t come with a gate.
If you like the idea of a 2-in-1 baby fence and playpen, the Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard is a great alternative. It comes with everything you need to use as a baby fence or playpen right out of the box.
Who It’s For
The Toddleroo Superyard Colorplay is an excellent product for parents that want to take things slow. You get a great playpen with plenty of play area, but you’ll need wall mounts to use it as a baby fence. The good news is that you’ll have plenty of time to get your hands on wall mounts because babies take time to grow. So, for starting, you get a well-rounded playpen and the option of upgrading it in the future.
Pros
- Can be used as a baby fence or playpen
- Creates a vast play area
- Made with durable plastic that's PVC and BPA-free
- Colorful design and multiple color choices
Cons
- Doesn't come with wall mounts
- Doesn't come with a gate
5. Best Metal Baby Fence: Bonnlo Metal Adjustable Gate
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Type: Baby fence
- Panels: 5
- Material: Steel
The Bonnlo Metal Adjustable Gate is one of the only 5-in-1 products you can find. While it works as a baby fence and playpen, it can also be used to protect items in your home or keep pets out of specific rooms. This versatility adds to the value of the product because it’s useful, even when your child begins to outgrow it.
The Bonnlo Metal Adjustable Gate also comes with a lot of features. It comes with wall mounts that are easy to assemble, and the gate has a locking mechanism that’s easy to open. Still, the lock is good enough to keep your children or pets from getting through the gate. This product also comes with a sleek black finish that matches most interior decorations.
What Sets It Apart
The Bonnlo Metal Adjustable Gate is unique due to its versatile design. While it works as a baby fence, it can be used for more applications than you can think of. This makes the product more valuable because you’ll get more longevity out of it. We also love the black finish because it gives the product a modern look that blends into homes.
Things to Consider
The Bonnlo Metal Adjustable Gate is a great product, but it’s meant for older children. With just black bars, it doesn’t have the colorful, stimulating themes of playpens made for younger kids.
If you need a product for younger children, the Toddleroo Superyard Colorplay is a great alternative. It’s made by the same manufacturer but has a more child-friendly appearance.
Who It’s For
The Bonnlo Metal Adjustable Gate is an excellent product for shoppers that need a well-rounded fence. While it works for babies and toddlers, it serves as a more general fence. For example, you can use it to keep pets out of a particular room.
Pros
- 5-in-1 design
- Black finish makes it blend into homes
- The sturdy metal frame is strong enough for pets
- Comes with wall mounts
- Includes a high-quality gate
Cons
- Lack of fun colors makes it less appealing to younger children
- The wall mounts are challenging to work with because the instructions are unclear
6. Best Outdoor Playpen: Summer Pop'n Play Portable Playard
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Type: Playpen
- Panels: 6
- Material: Metal and nylon
The Summer Pop’n Play Portable Playard is one of the best outdoor-focused playpens on the market. It’s made with a durable metal frame, and the frame is covered with a soft nylon material. This design is beneficial because it can be set up and taken down in less than a minute. Furthermore, it folds into a compact design that’s easy to store.
The Summer Pop’n Play Portable Playard is also made without harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, and phthalates. This makes it safe for younger children to play in, even if they’re in the teething phase. While this playpen is designed for outdoor use, it’s also a viable indoor option.
What Sets It Apart
The Summer Pop’n Play Portable Playard is unique because of the nylon that covers its metal frame. While the structure is durable, children can bump into the nylon without being hurt from the impact. This playpen also features a waterproof ground piece that keeps your children off of the grass. For parents, it’s a blessing to see a playpen that keeps kids out of the dirt, grass, and mud, making cleanup easier.
Things to Consider
The only drawback to this product is that it’s outdoor-focused. While this is useful for parents that need an outdoor playpen, it’s a crutch for parents that need an indoor product. It’s also one of the smallest playpens, with only 14 square feet of play area. Compared to most indoor playpens, this size is lackluster.
If you need a more well-rounded playpen, the Evenflo Versatile Play Space is a great choice. It can be used indoors and outdoors and creates an 18.5 square foot play area. Plus, it can be taken down and folded just as fast.
Who It’s For
If you need an outdoor-only playpen, the Summer Pop’n Play Portable Playard is a great choice. While it doesn’t perform well indoors, if you already have a great indoor playpen, this product is an excellent addition to your collection. Still, we don’t recommend using this as your primary baby fence.
Pros
- Durable metal frame is covered with nylon to prevent injuries
- Features a waterproof mat to keep your child out of the grass, dirt, and mud
- Foldable and compact
Cons
- Only suitable for outdoor use
- Only 14 square feet of play area
7. Gupamiga Baby Playpen
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Type: Playpen
- Panels: 14
- Material: Plastic
The Gupamiga Baby Playpen is an enormous playpen that gives your child plenty of room to maneuver. It comes with 14 large panels that create a play area large enough to keep any child entertained. The panels can also be arranged in any order, allowing you to customize the layout and use it as a baby fence. The style of the panels is also child-friendly. Instead of looking basic, it features colorful shapes that keep children engaged.
This product also comes with rubber straps on the bottom of each panel. This makes it difficult for your child to move it and keeps it from scratching wood or tile floors. Every panel is also made without harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, or phthalates.
What Sets It Apart
The Gupamiga Baby Playpen is unique because it comes with two gates. Most playpens don’t even come with one gate, so it already has the advantage. Still, the addition of a second gate makes it difficult for your children to get stuck. For older children, this makes the playpen feel more like an enclosure and less like a child prison.
Things to Consider
The Gupamiga Baby Playpen is a great product, but it comes with a few flaws. The first issue is that one of the gates is quite easy to open. Unfortunately, this defeats the purpose of the product because even young toddlers with some level of coordination can beat the lock. Additionally, it takes longer to set up than most playpens.
If you’re looking for a more secure playpen for older children, the Toddleroo Superyard Colorplay is a great alternative. It comes with a similar color scheme but doesn’t have any gates.
Who It’s For
The Gupamiga Baby Playpen is a great playpen for parents with young babies. The gates make it possible for them to get out if needed, but they take a while to open. It also comes with great colors and shapes that keep children engaged. You won’t need to worry about your child getting bored with the playpen.
Pros
- Can be assembled in any order
- Features bright colors and interactive shapes
- Comes with two gates
- Made without BPA, PVC, or phthalates
Cons
- It takes about 15 minutes to set up every panel
- The gates are easy to open for older children
8. Fortella Cloud Castle
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Type: Playpen
- Panels: 14
- Material: Plastic
The Fortella Cloud Castle is a great playpen that keeps children engaged. The product comes with 14 panels, and some of them include activity walls. These activity walls come with interactive toys that your child can play with. This reduces their anxiety within the enclosure and promotes learning in younger children.
The Fortella Cloud Castle is also made without harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, lead, and PVC. Every panel is also safe to use on multiple floors and feature non-slip rubber grips that prevent scratching. This product is also foldable, making it portable and hassle-free to store.
What Sets It Apart
The Fortella Cloud Castle is unique because it’s one of the safest playpens you can find. It’s made without harmful chemicals and has certifications from the CPSIA and ASTM. Compared to other playpens, these safety standards are second to none.
Things to Consider
While this product is safe and efficient, it’s not perfect. First and foremost, it can’t be used as a baby fence or barrier. While the panels can stand on their own, there are no wall mounts included. It’s a playpen, after all, not a baby fence. Secondly, the product is more expensive than most playpens and baby fences. While the cost is justified by the safety it offers, it’s not a good fit for every budget.
If you’re looking for a product with similar safety that’s more affordable, the FDW Baby Playpen is a great alternative. While it doesn’t have the same certifications, it’s made without harmful chemicals like BPA and PVC.
Who It’s For
The Fortella Cloud Castle is an excellent choice for parents that need safety. If your child has health conditions or sensitive skin, this playpen is a great choice.
Pros
- CPSI and ATSM certified for safety
- Comes with 14 durable panels
- Features an activity wall to keep children engaged
Cons
- Expensive
- Can't be used as a baby fence or barrier
9. Costzon Baby Playpen
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Type: Playpen
- Panels: 14
- Material: Plastic
The Costzon Baby Playpen comes with plenty of panels to keep your child safe and entertained. The panels are made with durable plastic and feature non-slip rubber to keep them from moving or scratching your floor. This product also features a gate that’s easy for parents to open but difficult for young babies to tinker with. There is also a unique panel with games for children to play.
What Sets It Apart
This playpen is unique because of the rubber suction cups that the panels come with. While these panels keep the playpen from moving, they also keep your floor from getting scratches if your child tries to brute-force their way out. The rubber suction cups are even stronger than non-slip rubber grips, which most playpens use.
Things to Consider
While the Costzon Baby Playpen is useful, it’s not cheap. Compared to similar playpens, the price is on the high side. While some features justify the high cost, like the game wall and suction cups, it’s not a budget-friendly option.
If you like the number of panels and the game wall that this product comes with, but need a more budget-friendly option, the FDW Baby Playpen is a great alternative. It comes with similar features, but it’s more affordable.
Who It’s For
The Costzon Baby Playpen is an excellent choice for parents that need a reliable playpen that won’t damage floors. The suction cups are better than the rubber grips that most products come with, so you don’t have to worry about the product moving around. Still, this product is really for shoppers with a little more room in their budget.
Pros
- Rubber suction cups keep the playpen firmly in place
- Comes with a game wall to keep children engaged
- Durable and safe plastic
- Comes with a gate
Cons
- Expensive
- Can only be used as a playpen
10. FDW Baby Playpen
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Type: Playpen
- Panels: 18
- Material: Plastic
The FDW Baby Playpen is a great playpen that keeps children happy and engaged. It comes with 18 panels that you can assemble in any order and features fun colors and toys within each panel. The panels are made with a durable PE material that doesn’t have BPA, PVC, or other harmful chemicals, so even if your child is in the teething phase, chewing on the panels won’t cause any harm.
Every panel also comes with a safety lock and a scratch-proof rubber grip. This keeps the panels in place and makes it difficult for children to knock them over or drag them across the floor. It also comes with a gate that’s difficult for children to open but hassle-free for parents.
What Sets It Apart
The FDW Baby Playpen is unique because of the panels it comes with. There are 18 panels, which creates a large playing area. Even more interesting, the panels are unique because they include toys to entertain your child. For example, one panel has a toy telephone built into the wall that children can interact with. Not only does this keep them entertained, but it helps children develop manual dexterity.
Things to Consider
The FDW Baby Playpen is well-rounded, but it’s only useful as a playpen. It doesn’t include wall mounts, so you won’t be able to use it as a barrier or baby fence. The design is also a little childish for older children. If you need a baby fence or wall, we recommend the Bonnlo Adjustable Metal Gate instead.
Who It’s For
The FDW Baby Playpen is an excellent choice for parents that have young children. The designs and toys will keep children engaged without making them feel trapped. Plus, it comes with 18 panels that give your child plenty of room to play.
Pros
- Comes with 18 panels
- The panels have fun colors and toys
- Features a safe gate that's easy for parents to open
- Foldable design
Cons
- Can't be used as a baby fence or barrier
- It takes longer than most products to set up because of the 18 panels
Everything You Need to Know About Baby Fences
Having the best baby fences in front of you makes the process easier but don’t jump the gun. Before you make a decision, take some time to determine what you need from a baby fence. We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about baby fences to help you narrow down your options.
Starting With the Right Type
The first thing you need to do is determine which type of baby fence you need. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between a ton of product categories. There are only playpens and baby fences, although both products work well for different needs.
Baby Fences
If you have an older child, we recommend using a baby fence. These products are durable, can hold up to bigger kids, and are designed to keep children from leaving or entering rooms. You can also use baby fences to keep children away from staircases because most of them come with gates. If your child is learning to walk, a baby fence is a great way to keep them safe.
If you need a baby fence, we recommend the Toddleroo Superyard. This baby fence can be used as a playpen or baby fence and comes with a gate, wall mount and doesn’t require additional tools to set up.
Playpens
Playpens are great for younger children. While baby fences create a barrier between rooms, these products function as an enclosure. These products usually feature a handful of panels that stand on their own and close your child in. Playpens typically have fun color schemes and can even feature activity walls.
A great playpen to start with is the Evenflo Versatile Play Space. While it doesn’t feature flashy colors or an activity wall, it’s budget-friendly and great for parents who are just getting started.
While the two standard options are playpens and baby fences, some products offer multiple functions. For example, the Regalo-4-in-1-Metal-Play-Yard allows you to use it as a gate, baby fence, playpen, and fireplace barrier in one.
Steel vs. Plastic Baby Fences
Baby fences are made with different materials. Plastic and steel both have benefits, but they also have drawbacks. For this reason, you need to carefully consider which material is the right fit for you and your child. Let’s take a look.
Steel
Steel baby fences use high-quality metal for enhanced durability. Steel is also great for older children because it’s difficult for kids to break or damage the panels. Steel parts are also easier to mount on the wall, and the gates work better than plastic counterparts due to their rigidity. We recommend using steel baby fences for older toddlers. Unfortunately, steel isn’t commonly used for playpens due to its heavy weight.
If you’re looking for a steel baby fence, the Regalo 4-in-1 Metal Play Yard is the best choice. The white finish looks great in most homes, and it comes with a gate that’s easy to work with. Plus, it can cover spaces well over 150 inches.
Plastic
While steel is excellent, plastic is also a viable option. You can find plastic baby fences for a great price, and they’re perfect for young toddlers. Most plastic baby fences and playpens feature activity walls and fun colors that keep children engaged. Most plastic baby fences also stand on their own and don’t require wall mounts, they’re also lightweight.
One of our favorite plastic playpens is the Fortella Cloud Castle. It comes with 14 panels that include fun colors and activities to keep children engaged. Furthermore, it’s easy to set up and take apart.
While plastic playpens are popular, there are also a handful of traditional baby fences made with plastic. These are perfect for parents that want to block off rooms from younger toddlers that love to be explorers. A great plastic baby fence is the Toddleroo Superyard. It functions as both a playpen and baby fence, so you’ll be able to use it longer than most plastic products.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Baby Fences
Once you know which type of baby fence you need, it’s time to consider where you’ll be using it. Most people use baby fences indoors, but some situations call for an outdoor baby fence. In the warmer months, your child is going to want some fresh air. Unfortunately, without security, your child can end up stuck in the mud or in the neighbor’s yard.
For this reason, we recommend keeping an outdoor playpen handy. While baby fences can work for indoor and outdoor applications, we’ve noticed that playpens make more sense. A great outdoor playpen is the Summer Pop’n Play Portable Playard. It takes less than one minute to set up, comes with a waterproof plastic piece to keep your child off the grass, and offers plenty of play area. A fence is a better solution if you’re looking to set up a contained play space on your deck, for example.
Other Products to Keep Your Baby Safe
Childproofing is one of the single most important parts in the process of preparing for the birth of your child, with multiple products and approaches to the process. Check out some of our other articles on babyproofing and babyproofing products to keep your child safe:
- Childproofing Products for Windows: Falls are one of the most common ways by which young children are injured. Don’t take any chances, and make sure to stock up on locks for any window that your child could reach.
- Best Childproofing Kits: Although the typical childproofing kit probably won’t include a fence or a playpen, it will include just about everything you need to protect your young child from household hazards.
- Corner Guards: Almost every parent has experienced the terrible moment when your child accidentally runs full speed into a wall or corner of furniture. Make sure your kid stays safe with a set of corner guards for any furniture with sharp edges.
FAQ
At What Age Do You Stop Using Baby Fences?
Baby fences and playpens are great for toddlers, but they don’t last forever. While you can introduce a baby fence as soon as your child is mobile, we recommend you stop using gates once your child turns two. Playpens and baby fences should be phased out once they no longer present an obstacle to your child. Another good way to determine whether or not you need a baby fence is to consider the height of your child. If their chin reaches the top of the panel, it’s time to move on.
Where Should I Put a Baby Fence?
When shopping for a baby fence, you might be wondering where it will be useful. The good news is that you can use baby fences for a lot of different things. Some examples include blocking off stairways, living rooms, bedrooms, laundry rooms, pet rooms, and kitchens.
What Do I Need to Block Off With a Baby Fence?
There are plenty of safety tips for babies, including guidance for the most important parts of your house to block off. Use a baby fence to block out the most hazardous parts of your house, including:
- Stairs and stairwells
- Patios, landings, balconies, and terraces that have gaps between banisters or railings
- Areas with furniture close to windows
- Windows without baby locks
Can You Use Pet Fences for Babies?
In some cases, yes, you can use pet fences for your child. Still, we only recommend doing this if your child is closer to one year old. Otherwise, the metal design of most pet fences can be dangerous.
Final Thoughts
Baby fences are a crucial product to have if you have an adventurous toddler. It’s a safe way to keep them out of dangerous spaces or off the stairs. While we love to see children exploring, sometimes it does more harm than good. Playpens are also great for keeping toddlers busy if you need to take care of tasks around the house. While baby fences are more expensive than other baby products, having one can be the difference between safety and danger.