Looking for the best playpen for crawling? In this article I’m going to share with you my favorite ones that will provide your curious baby with safe space for exploration and play time.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. It may contain affiliate links.
When my twins started crawling and roaming around our house I was so excited but also concerned about their safety. I tried to keep an eye on them to protect them from bumping into any cupboards, while still running around after my oldest kiddo (4 y.o. at that time) and doing my daily chores…
I really needed some help and decided to invest in a playpen for my crawling babies.
It was a game changer!
They could have fun and learn all those important skills for their healthy growth while being securely contained, and I could have my hands free to do the dishes, vacuum or do my workout!
I ordered a few playpens to test them and see which one has the best features and offers the best value for money.
| It turned out that for my kids the best playpen was the Hiccapop PlayPod – we’ve got this version with a dome to be able to use it indoors and outdoors (we live in hot climate so the sun shade was a must-have!). We often travel or go away for weekends so we needed a portable, easy to fold and compact playpen, and the Hiccapop checks all the boxes. |
It is a bit on the higher end, that’s why I also looked for cheaper alternative and found this Summer Pop ‘n Play baby play yard. It’s super spacious, even for two kids, yet it doesn’t take up a lot of floor space.
Plus, it features ultra-compact fold and lightweight design which makes it perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s way cheaper than Hiccapop – I think it’s the best baby playpen for parents on tight budget.
I also like this inexpensive Evenflo Adjustable Play Space, because it can be set up in various shapes and sizes. It is one of the largest playpens for crawling! Your baby will have ample space for learning how to crawl, cruise and walk.
Evenflo play yard has exclusive reversible legs which make it suitable for indoor and outdoor use and ensure it is sturdy on various surfaces (tiles, hardwood floors, grass…).
Keep on reading to see all my favorite playpens for crawling baby – the ones we used with our kids, as well as those recommended by other moms on Facebook groups and parenting forums.
Recommended by 97% of verified buyers!Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9 Best Playpens For Crawling Babies – Ranking
These awesome baby playpens will give your little one plenty opportunity to master skills like crawling, and building muscle strength for standing up and walking, as well as developing imagination and other cognitive skills.
1. Hiccapop 53” PlayPod Baby Playpen
This is a fantastic indoor and outdoor playpen for infants and toddlers. It’s a spacious, enclosed area where babies can play independently, when you’re taking care of your household duties.
I love its multi-functional design: you can use it at home, in the backyard, when you’re camping or staying in a hotel during a travel (yes, it is super portable thanks to compact fold and it comes with a travel bag!).
It has a hexagon shape and its dimensions are 53″ x 48″, it’s 30″ tall. As you can see it provides ample space for crawling as well as for seated play.
| PRO TIP: If you’re searching for really large playpen for your toddler, I recommend you this bigger version of Hiccapop PlayPod. Its dimensions are: 69″ x 63″. It’s one of the best play yards for outdoor use. And you can also get it with or without the sunshades. |
Hiccapop is super easy to pop up and and it doesn’t have any dangerous metal crossbars or sharp edges like many cheap playpens.
It has zippered doors on two sides and mesh walls so you could always keep an eye on your little explorer. Plus you won’t have to worry about overheating or sweating.
What you are also going to love about Hiccapop baby playpen is that it has wheels which makes it so easy to move around the house or garden.
Oh, and did I mention this playpen comes with a dome with 3 sunshades?! It’s so useful when you’re staying at the beach or spending summer day in your backyard, because it will protect your crawling baby from harmful sun rays and wind. The dome easily attaches with a few snaps.
And when you want to set it up in your kid’s room, you can keep the dome folded and store it in its own carry bag.
By the way, you can purchase the playpen with or without the dome. If you need the playpen just for indoor use, save your money and choose this version without the dome. If you want more versatile playpen and be able to use it indoors and outdoors, get this version with the dome (it’s cheaper to get the full set than buy it separately).
When we got this playpen I was a bit worried it will be hard to fold and transport because it’s large. But it turned out that I didn’t have any problems with folding it on my own.
Plus, when it’s folded, it doesn’t take up a lot of space, fits in the medium size car trunk easily so you could take it to the park or when you’re staying for the weekend at grandma’s.
| PRO TIP: Lots of parents recommends adding this hexagon playmat to make the playpen more comfy for the little crawler. On one side it’s cushy and soft and the bottom side has anti-slip material so it stays in place even when the baby moves around. It also fits Summer Pop ‘n Play and Dream On Me Onyx playpens (reviewed below). |
2. Summer Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard
Hiccapop Playpod is awesome, but it’s also quite expensive. That’s why if you’re on tight budget, you may prefer this Summer Pop ‘n Play baby’s playpen.
It a 14 square feet hexagon play area with see-through mesh sides. This playard is 26″ high so it’s a bit shorter than Hiccapop. It’s recommended for babies and toddlers from 6 to 24 months (or up to 35″ in height).
The good news is that its metal frame is really lightweight (only 12 pounds) and it folds down pretty compact.
If you’re looking for a playpen not only for your house but also for various outings – this is an awesome choice. It doesn’t take up a lot of space in a car trunk and you can quickly set it up in the park or beach. It’s also very useful when you’re visiting your friends who haven’t baby-proofed their house.
This space-saving playpen provides a safe place for your crawling baby, and thanks to its portable design you can bring it with you to all your adventures. It comes with a travel bag with straps – it doubles as a storage bag that keeps the playpen from dust.
Lots of parents of twins recommends this playpen because it doesn’t take up too much floor space, yet it provides enough room for two babies to play inside.
It also has a built-in floor water resistant floor – so even if you put it on a damp grass your baby will stay dry. Some parents complain about the floor mat being a bit too thin.
Summer Pop ‘n Play doesn’t have any door that your curious toddler could unzip and escape through.
| PRO TIP: This version of Pop ‘n Play that I’m reviewing doesn’t have a canopy. If you’d prefer a playpen with a sun shade make to choose this Deluxe version. You will need a bigger budget for this one, but it’s still cheaper than Hiccapop! |
3. Evenflo Versatile Play Space
This is a completely different option because it only includes plastic side panels, which look like a gate, which you can setup in any room or in the backyard to keep your little one contained while you’re dealing with your daily chores.
It also provides really large playing area: it’s over 18.5 square feet! It’s bigger than other playpens and works great for twins or kids at similar age. Because it’s so spacious, it’s a perfect playpen for crawling child, and it also works great for seated play for older kiddos.
This playpen is 28″ tall and can be used for babies up to 24 months or 35 inches in height and unable to climb over (or open the gates).
It’s also a good choice if you’re on smaller budget. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have a floor – but most parents get a separate playmat for the playpen anyway!
Evenflo Versatile Play Space includes 6 side panels (you can also get 2 extra panels separately), and each of them gives you quick access to your baby because you can open it like a fence to get in and out. Some parents noted that you need both hands to open it.
On a positive note, Evenflo playpen is extremely easy to set up, and doesn’t require any tools.
Folding is also very simple and the gates have really lightweight design.
What you are also going to like about Evenflo play space is that it’s suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It can reversible legs: one side has outdoor stakes which ensure the playpen is stable on the lawn, and the other side has special pads to prevent your floor surface for scratches, and keep the playpen securely in place.
There’s one more advantage: the side panels are see-through so you could easily spy on your little one.
| PRO TIP: Set it up in hexagonal shape (or octagonal shape if you have eight panels), instead of a rectangle. This way it will be more sturdy and prevent the frame from collapsing when your little one pulls on it to stand up. |
4. Dream On Me Onyx Playpen
This is another fantastic playpen for crawling babies, especially for indoor use. It’s really spacious: 53.5″ L x 53.5″ W and about 30″ tall which makes it a great choice for all toddlers who are escape artists.
It has hexagonal shape and all walls are made from breathable mesh to ensure proper airflow inside the playpen. Plus, all anxious moms can easily keep an eye on their babies.
The Dream On Me playpen has zippered door so your little one can crawl in and out.
The zipper opens with one hand which is a huge advantage because moms usually don’t have two free hands!
It includes a padded floor mat – I wish it was a but thicker, but I guess it’s similar to all other playpens (after all, it’s not a mattress, it’s just a cloth mat).
What you are also going to love about this playpen is how lightweight it is – it weight only 13.5 pounds. Yet, it feels very stable and sturdy.
What distinguishes the Dream On Me from other inexpensive playpens for crawling babies is how nice it looks! The frame is really high-quality (not crooked) and the mesh fabric is not wrinkled or loose (which is also very important for your child’s safety).
According to many parents who own this playpen, it’s easy to set up and fold down. It also includes a nice travel bag so you can be sure it doesn’t get any tears during transportation or storage.
This crawling baby playpen doesn’t include a canopy, therefore I recommend it mainly for indoor use – lots of moms shared that it’s perfect for keeping babies contained when they do the cleaning! 🙂
If you want to bring the Dream On Me for outdoor play, make sure to get the canopy to prevent your baby from getting sun burns. It’s also a great accessory for keeping tall toddlers from escaping the playpen.
| PRO TIP: Last time I checked, it was 44% OFF – it’s a perfect opportunity to get this awesome playpen at much more affordable price! Make sure to check if the discount is still available here >> |
5. Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen
Fortella is the biggest playpen for crawling babies! It includes 14 plastic panels which you can setup into desired configuration and shape. It provides over 25 square feet play area which is really impressive.
Of course you don’t have to use all panels and you can create various shapes – just tighten the hinges to stabilize the playpen.
The connectors seem to be high quality and there are also anti-slip pads so you could use this playpen on any floor surface. And you can rest assure it won’t collapse when your baby pulls up on it to stand.
I really like the fact that the company states that this playpen is made from non-toxic and food-grade plastic. It’s free from nasty and harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, latex and formaldehyde. It’s really nice to know my baby is safe, especially when they are teething and mount everything!
Just like Evenflo playpen, Fortella doesn’t have a floor either. The difference between these two playpens is that Fortella side panels are not see-through.
However, each panel has multiple windows (including cute cloud-shape windows) which encourage babies to take a peak.
What distinguishes this playpen is that it has an activity wall with 5 educational toys which promote individual play.
Moreover, there’s a whiteboard for drawing on the back of the door panel, to stimulate baby’s creativity.
| PRO TIP: If you’re searching for indoor playpen with sensory toys, you may also want to check out this Kidzone Interactive Baby Playpen. It has flexible shape and perfect height for crawling babies. |
I would recommend this playpen for indoor use as it doesn’t have any canopy, as it’s a bit harder to setup on grass.
According to the brand, it’s suitable for children up to 3 years old, but keep in mind that the panels are only 24.4″ tall. When your baby starts to try to climb out of it, it’s the sign to stop using the playpen.
| PRO TIP: If you’re on tight budget and don’t really need the activity board for kids, this Costzon Baby Playpen is a great cheaper alternative. Just like Fortella it has 14 panel which you can connect into many different shapes. It doesn’t have any sensory toys, but it’s way cheaper than Fortella and Kidzone Interactive Playpen. |
6. ANGELBLISS Baby Playpen
If you’re looking for large playpen for your crawling baby at affordable price, I recommend you this Angelbliss Baby Playpen. It’s one of the highly-rated and best-selling play yards.
It measures 63 x 47 inches and has rectangular shape in contrast to other playpens in this ranking.
Lots of parents say this is the best playpen for crawling because it provides plenty of room for activities and learning to crawl and cruise around.
It’s so spacious that parents or older siblings can join in for playtime and there will still be lots of space for little crawler!
It’s 27 inches tall and has see-through mesh side walls which means it doesn’t block the view for curious babies whether they are still crawling or already able to stand up. At the same time this height keeps them safely contained and prevents them from climbing out.
Angelbliss mesh playpens ensure there’s proper air circulation inside, as well as allow parents to check what is their little crawler up to at any time.
There is one zippered door so your baby can easily crawl in and out, and 3 hanging toys that encourage crawling babies to reach and grasp. It’s a really good exercise for their fine and gross motor skills.
What makes it one of the best baby playpens is its multi-functionality and sturdiness. I’ve heard some parents sharing that their 6-7 y.o. kiddos can hold onto the side and jump over it, because it’s so stable and durable!
This play yard has a floor but it’s not a thick padded mat – that’s why many parents have purchased separate once to make it more comfy and supportive for crawling baby.
There’s one thing that you should keep in mind before you decide to get it – it’s not really a portable play yard because it doesn’t fold up.
Although it fairly easy and quick to assemble (about 30 minutes), taking it apart to be able to put it away is too much work! If you had to disassemble it frequently, it would be really annoying.
Therefore I recommend this for indoor use – and once you put it together it’s best to keep it in one place. You won’t be able to carry it with you to the beach or transport it every weekend to grandparents.
Nevertheless it’s one of the best playpens for crawling because it’s so spacious and you’ll be able to use it for many years for various activities and games as your child grows.
7. Graco Pack ‘n Play LiteTraveler LX Playard
Graco LiteTraveler LX is a bit more pricey than other playpens for crawling in this ranking, but it’s awesome for indoor and outdoor use, it has tons of useful features and really compact fold.
This playard’s dimensions are: 52″ x 52″, and it’s about 27″ tall. It can be used for babies under 35″ in height.
It’s really big and spacious and provides ample space even for two older kids.
It has airy mesh sides and one zippered door so your little crawler can easily get in and out.
There’s also a floor mat – don’t expect it to be very thick, it’s only slightly padded. Lots of parents have purchased additional hexagon-shaped playmat for extra padding for babies who are still learning to crawl.
What’s noteworthy is that Graco playpen is a bit heavier than its competitors, but it’s still pretty easy to carry.
The good news is that it includes a travel bag and its fold size is more compact than other playpens’ therefore it takes less space in the car trunk.
This makes it really easy to transport when you’re heading for a picnic in a park or weekend at grandparents’ house.
Plus, it’s really easy to put together and fold down.
Lots of moms recommend this baby playpen for the beach – not only because it’s so portable, but also because it includes a canopy.
It’s actually a half-canopy (it looks similar to a stroller canopy) and covers the playpen partially – this way it protects your little one from harmful sun rays and still ensures good air circulation inside it so you don’t have to worry about your little one getting overheated.
By the way, some parents have added a mesh net for the top to keep the bugs at bay.
There’s one more thing that distinguishes this playpen for crawling – which you are going to love. The fabric is removable and machine-washable. So in case it gets dirty from wet sand or baby’s snack, you won’t have any problems with cleaning.
| PRO TIP: If you like this Graco playpen for crawling but you would only use it inside your house, save your money by getting this cheaper version without the canopy. |
Final Decision: What Is The Best Play Pen For Babies?
You can’t go wrong with any of these playpens for babies. All of them are easy and convenient to use and help to keep little explorers safe and entertained.
If you’re still hesitating, here’s a list of my absolute favorites – to help you choose the best playpen for crawling for your little one. I picked them because they have some features that set them apart from other playpens.
- Best overall playpen: Hiccapop PlayPod
- Best portable playpen at reasonable price: Summer Pop ‘n Play
- Best large & multi-functional playpen for crawling babies & older kids: Angelbliss Baby Playpen
- Easiest to setup play space for your baby for indoor and outdoor use: Evenflo Versatile Play Space
What Features To Look Out For In The Best Portable Playpen
Here are the most important features you should have on your list when searching for the best playpen for crawling.
Safety
The playpen should be a SAFE space for your little explorer. Curious babies and toddlers will definitely try to push up on it or shake it. That’s why it’s so important to choose a high-quality and sturdy playpen that doesn’t wobble and won’t tip over or collapse when the baby pushes it or bumps into it.
Outdoor playpens should have lawn stakes to keep them securely in place. If you want to use the playpen only inside your house, make sure it has anti-slip rubber feet (non-scratch floor pads are a good idea too).
Another important safety feature is the ventilation inside the playpen. It’s best to have the walls made from breathable mesh to avoid overheating.
The frame should not have any shape edges and ideally it should have a padded cover – just in case your baby hits their head on it.
Make sure that the overall design of the play yard won’t case incidents like: baby’s arm or leg stuck between metal bars, fingers getting pinched or choking on loose parts or toys.
Your baby’s playpen should be made from BPA-free material.
These playpen features are crucial for baby’s safety.
Size
Check the dimensions are make sure the playpen provides ample space for your baby to crawl, play and explore, and learn all those important child’s motor skills. If you have more kids, it may be a good idea to invest in a large play yard so that the older siblings could join in!
At the same time it’s worth to choose a playpen that has compact size doesn’t take up a lot of space on the floor – hexagonal playpens are better than octagonal ones.
Folding & Easy Storage
The best playpen features easy and compact fold. Even if you don’t plan on traveling with it or using in parks or friends’ house, your playpen should fold down seamlessly. You should have to disassemble it every time it’s not in use!
And in case you need to storage it or pack in the car trunk – it should feature compact fold that doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Carry bag included in the price is a big advantage too.
Easy To Clean
Babies are messy creatures therefore it’s really handy if the play yard is easy to clean.
Plastic crawling playpen will be easy to wipe down with a damp cloth. If you want to choose a baby playpen with metal frame and mesh panels, check if the fabric is removable and machine-washable.
By the way, whichever type of playpen you choose, make sure it’s made of non-toxic material.
Ease Of Use
The play yard should not only provide a safe environment for your baby, but it should also be easy to use.
The best playpens take just a few minutes to assemble and you can easily set them up in various places: indoors or outdoors (without compromising the stability).
Extra Features
Look out for other features that make the playpen even more convenient to use: integrated handles for easy carrying, a few hanging toys to attract baby’s attention, zippered door to allow little ones to crawl in and out.
Whether you choose a plastic or mesh playpen it should give you easy access to your child and allow you to keep an eye on them.
Useful Tips For Using Crawling Playpens
- Get it early so your baby gets a good use of it
It’s useful even in newborn phase for tummy time, then learning to roll over, crawl, cruise and so forth.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals for cleaning it
Wipe it with a damp cloth or use baby detergent for spot cleaning.
- Encourage independent play
Of course you can play with your little ones in the playpen, but the purpose of have it, is to have free hands to do chores or work. Independent play is very important skill and helps baby to practice concentration.
You don’t need tons of toys! It’s worth to invest in open-ended toys that attracts and holds baby’s attention for quite some time (so you could have some peace for your tasks) and encourage them to play independently.
- No eating inside
We don’t want any crumbs in those nooks and crannies of a playpen!
Best Crawling Playpen – FAQ
Here are my answers to questions that many parents ask…
Do I Need A Playpen/ Playard?
Playpen is not a must-have but it’s definitely very useful, especially if you have more than one child to run around after or if you don’t have a whole house baby-proofed for you crawler.
The biggest advantage of a playpen or playard is that it is a safe play area where baby can practice crawling and play independently. You can rest assure your little one is in a safe, enclosed space, and in the meantime you can do some cleaning, work or simply rest a bit.
What Age Is A Playpen Suitable For?
Usually playpens are suitable for age range from 6 to 24 months. However, some parents start using a playpen earlier, even with a newborn baby.
Make sure to check manufacturer age recommendations for your playpen!
When Should Babies Stop Using The Playpen?
Babies should stop using playpen when they are able to climb over it or reach 35″ in height. However, some playpens, like the one from Angelbliss, are really multi-functional and can converts into a ball pit for toddlers and older kids.
Can Baby Crawl In Playpen?
Yes, baby can crawl in playpen – in fact it is a fantastic solution, because it provides a safe space for your baby to learn crawling and practice other important gross motor skills. The best playpen for crawling keeps baby contained, allows them to have fun in a safe enclosed area, giving mom a much-need hands-free time.
Can I Leave My Baby In A Playpen?
You could leave a baby in a playpen, if you can keep an eye on them (I recommend adding a baby monitor – you can even choose a cheap one), if they can’t climb out of it and there are no pets that could climb inside.
What Is The Best Surface For Babies To Learn To Crawl On?
The best surface for babies to learn to crawl on is a firm and flat surface: it can be either hardwood floor, rug or a play mat.
I actually recommend investing in a non-toxic play mat for crawling babies because they provide good support and they are easier on baby’s knees. Plus, it’s easier to keep it clean, in contrast to a rug which may be full of dust or even mold!
Baby Playpen Alternatives
Here are two best baby playpen alternatives – one is more versatile, and one is much more cheaper.
Pack N Play
This is a multi-functional baby item because it has a mattress for baby to take a nap (it can be even used instead of a bassinet!), it provides a secure place for play time and can be used as a portable travel crib.
However, a pack n play doesn’t provide enough space for baby to crawl, but it’s a great place for tummy time, rolling over and all other baby exercises that strengthen their muscles.
Baby gate
If you’re on really tight budget, you can get a baby get instead of a playpen. Just keep in mind to baby-proof the room to prevent any accidents when your curious toddler is cruising around!
Sources of pictures:
Pictures of Hiccapop PlayPod belong to Hiccapop Brand.
Pictures of Summer Pop ‘n Play belong to Summer Infant Brand.
Pictures of Dream On Me Onyx belong to Dream On Me Brand.
Pictures of Evenflo Play Space belong to Evenflo Brand.
Pictures of Graco LiteTraveler LX Playard belong to Graco Brand.
Pictures of Fortella Cloud Castle belong to Fortella Brand.
Pictures of Angelbliss Playpen belong to Angelbliss Brand.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
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Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂