Play Pen

Safety Tips

Every Mum

Needs to

Know

Every mum knows that play pens are extremely useful. They allow you to let your baby play in a safe space for a few minutes while you get the dinner in the oven or when you just need a few minutes to yourself.

Play pens are perfect for babies that can sit on their own and young toddlers who are always on the go. But, there are some safety precautions you should keep in mind to make sure your child stays safe and sound while spending time in a play pen.

Monitor Your Child’s Play Play pens are safe, but that doesn’t mean

you can leave your child unattended while

she plays in it. The idea behind a play pen

is to keep your child out of danger and give

her a safe place to play, but things can still

happen even in a safe play pen.

When your child is in a play pen, monitor

her and check on her frequently. Make sure

she has safe toys and that she is still safely

in the play pen.

Do Not Place the Pen Near

Dangerous Objects

If your child is able to stand up and reach out of the play pen, he may be able to grab things that could pose safety risks. When you set up the play pen, make sure it isn’t near things like hanging blinds, appliances or furniture that can easily be pulled over.

The best place for play pens is in an open area near you, where you can keep an eye on your child while he plays.

Frequently Inspect the

Condition of the Play Pen Play pens that are used a lot or that have been passed down

from older children need to be inspected frequently. Make sure that that netting and padding isn’t torn, since a child could easily rip material off and even choke on it. Also check to make sure hinges are working correctly and the sides of the play pen are sturdy.

Obviously unsteady barriers can cause your child to fall should he lean on them, but they can also cause suffocation. If your play pen has a pad on the bottom, a loose barrier could create a space between the side of the play pen and that mat that a child could roll into where he won’t be able to breathe.

It is very important that your play pen is kept in the best shape possible and that you don’t use a play pen that has any kind of damage.

Do Not Hang or String Toys

from the Top of the Play Pen

It is best to place toys inside the play

pen with your child, instead of stringing

or hanging them above the play pen.

When things are hanging above her

head, your child may grab them and try

to climb out of the play pen, which could

cause her to fall and get hurt. Hanging

items, especially strings or cords also

pose a choking hazard.

Do Not Leave Screws, Bolts

or other Parts Exposed

Things like screws, bolts and other

hardware pieces can be dangerous if

they are left exposed. When your play

pen is assembled, these things should

not be protruding either inside or outside

the play pen. Your baby could pinch or

cut himself on these parts and if he tries

to climb out, he could get caught on

them, which could lead to choking.

Discard Recalled Play Pens

If you have a play pen that is recalled, you should stop using it immediately and discard it. Play pens are recalled when a safety hazard has been discovered, so continuing to use it puts your child at risk. Even if you haven’t had a problem with the recalled model, follow manufacturer suggestions and stop using it. Replace it with a new play pen that meets safety requirements.

Always Read and Follow

Instructions

Each play pen comes with a specific set of instructions, which may also include safety precautions. Even if putting your play pen together and using it seems self explanatory, read the directions carefully and make sure to follow them each time you use the play pen.

Play pens are an excellent way for mums to keep their little ones safe and entertained so they can get a few things done and even put their feet up and relax for a few minutes. As you use your play pen, be sure to follow these safety guidelines so your toddler will stay safe.