Good Questions: Stylish Playpen

AT Reader Joe writes...

Dear AT: Do you know where I could find a playpen/play yard/holding pen that isn't ugly plastic? -Joe

Playpens seem to be one of the last frontiers for reimagining children's furniture. Most we've seen are indeed plastic and on the ugly side. Let's take a look at a few options and hope our readers chime in with their ideas.

One option is a simple wood playpen like this one from Simo. It's on wheels for easy transport from room to room. Best of all, it's collapsible and can be folded and stored away when not in use. The Simo can be purchased for $175 here.

Another idea we like is the Baby Dan Baby Den Playtent (say that 10 times fast!) which extends the life of the playpen by making it into a tent/fort/secret hiding spot. We're not 100% sold on the execution of this idea (maybe it's the primary colors) and so far we've only seen this available from sources in the UK, but perhaps you could try making something like this on your own?

Readers - do you use a playpen? Have you found anything attractive?

Comments (7)

the best item i've seen so far is the maclaren/starck travel cot which could be used as a portable crib or as a playpen. but i've yet to see an online store actually selling it - i think it may not be available in the us yet.

posted by molly h on September 12th 2007 at 7:27am
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Baby jails!

posted by MamaChilanga on September 12th 2007 at 7:57am
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http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/UO/UO1132_l.jpg

I like this one instead of those other that are being sold..

posted by o0oschatzio0o on September 12th 2007 at 8:02am
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thanks for publishing my question and for the tips so far – i think what i'm looking for is less of a playpen and more of a "play yard". i learned from my wife that there is an E N O R M O U S difference... namely that a 'pen' has a bottom and a yard is more like a fenced in area.

posted by newdad on September 12th 2007 at 9:53am
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Here is a metal system (the plastic ones look flimsy); you can buy extra panels to make it larger.

http://www.babyuniverse.com/pro.asp?id=17735&rc=bizrate17735&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=10-48446402-2

posted by mschatelaine on September 12th 2007 at 10:35am
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How can you keep a baby IN there? Mine would whine and tug on the rails until he could get out and be free.

posted by exxon23 on September 12th 2007 at 12:30pm
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That link to the simo playpen isn't working for me...

posted by meamom on January 3rd 2008 at 3:05pm
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