A Safe Playpen
Many new parents often leave their babies in playpens so they can do an extra chore at home on the side. Although most playpens are constructed with children’s safety in mind, still one can never be too careful. Here are some tips on how to make your baby’s playpen extra safe before you leave your child in it:
Is your baby’s playpen old (like the one that you yourself used when you were a kid)? If so, check if the mesh has tears and have them repaired or replaced. Make sure that the openings are less than 3/4 of an inch across so that your child won’t get trapped in it.
If your child is using a wooden playpen, make sure that the space between slats are not more than 2 and 3/8 inches so your baby’s head won’t get caught in between them.
A playpen is meant for babies to play in. Never let your child sleep in his playpen. He might be at risk of suffocation if he rolls into the mesh siding while he’s asleep.
Before you leave your child in the playpen, make sure that the mesh at the sides are taut and secure.
Once your child is teething, start checking the mesh and the covers of the top rails for holes and tears. Small tears on the rails can be fixed with heavy-duty cloth tape. Larger holes mean complete replacement of the rails.
Once your child is able to sit up, remove all the mobiles placed on top of the playpen; and also the hanging bar that is attached across the top of the playpen because he might pull it down on himself.
Once your child is able to stand up, you may also remove all the toys that he can use to help him climb over the pen.
Once your child is able to climb without aid, it is finally the time to retire the playpen.
Related posts: