Where can it be used? - Is the playpen suitable for use outdoors as well as inside? Some metal or alloy-framed playpens can be used outdoors and double up as a fun play area in the summer months. Is the base waterproof to prevent your child getting a wet bum on damp grass? 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? Probably the most versatile, playpens with metal frames are usually adjustable to the shape and size of your room, with some even offering the ability to use as a fire guard or room divider. They tend to be more expensive, but often come with fold-down benefits which make them ideal for travel or for bringing out as and when required. Pop-up playpens Most parents and carers will be familiar with the following scene – your home delivery arrives at the door in the midst of your toddler’s carefree rearrangement of everything in the lounge. Whilst you have a safety gate to stop them getting near the front door or stairs, how do you leave them in an overturned room long enough to bring the groceries or other shopping in?

With so many different playpens to choose from, here are some things to consider when making your decision:

4. Best playpen for small spaces: Safetots Deluxe Fabric Playpen

Dimensions: 139 x 118 x 75cm | Age: Birth to 3 years | Material: Polyester | Foldable: Yes | Assembly required: No What we like

These days, there is the odd occasion where I’ll need to separate the boys from playing rough, so our youngest will get thrown in there (figuratively, not literally) to allow them to cool off, away from each other. For our eldest, it’s also become our go-to “time-out” spot. BabyDan Deluxe Playpen: how easy is it to clean? BabyDan has many different kinds of playpens, and you should choose the one that best matches the needs of you and your child. If you would like a playpen for your newborn, a playpen with a height-adjustable floor will be a good solution. These are great for newborns, as the adjustable floor allows you to interact with them easier. Height-adjustable floors are also useful if any four-legged members of your family are too eager or curious about the child. The more the child grows, the more you can decrease the height of the floor, allowing space for play. Ease of assembly: How easy is the playpen to assemble? Does it require tools to put together? If you’re not keen on sacrificing a whole section of your living room, you should consider how easy it is to fold down and store when not in use.When buying a product to help keep your child out of harm’s way, Safetots believe it is worth investing in one that has been tested to a professionally approved level of safety using rigorous testing methods.

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. Having birthed two DC just 15 months apart, she knows all too well how helpful a safe, sturdy and easy-to-clean playpen can be in day-to-day life. So, she's fully invested in finding the best playpens for new and growing families. 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.If you’re keen to embrace the modern and natural Scandi vibe in your child’s nursery or living space, or are simply looking for a more eco-friendly playpen, the Mokee Foldaway Playpen is likely to be a popular choice. This playpen consists of six connecting elements and durable fabric that’s soft to the touch. It’s wipe clean and machine-washable, and has a zip door for easy access. As a parent of two toddlers who were born just 15 months apart, I know all too well the struggle of balancing your time and attention between two kids. In all honesty, our playpen has been a Godsend on most days, and has allowed me to safely put my youngest down as a baby, out of reach of his older brother. These days, its purpose in our home is to separate them both when things get heated. Because, you know, “boys will be boys”.

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.Easy to assemble and disassemble, you’ll be relieved to know that the BabyDan doesn't need any tools to put it together. You can simply reposition and realign the pieces to suit your environment, even changing the location of the door. 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!” 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 Dimensions: H63 cm x W72 cm x L103 cm | Age: Birth to 15kg (approx 3 years) | Material: Sustainably sourced beech wood | Foldable: Yes | Assembly required: Yes (tools required) What we like