How To Get Baby Playpen In Chicago? Comprehensive Guide

In Chicago, where can you get a baby playpen? The best baby playpen in Chicago should be sought out.

Playpens come in a wide variety of styles, making it challenging to pick the best one for your child.

Using the following advice will help you get the best results possible:

Before you buy anything, decide whether or not portability is more important to you. An IKEA detolf shelf would be a good option.

Allows for easy assembly and dismantling while yet providing adequate storage space for toys, clothing, etc.

For those who don’t mind not being able to move the crib around, buying a used crib may be a better option because they tend to be a little stronger.

Make sure there are no faults in railings and slats, especially if you have pets or youngsters in the house.

Multiple users may prefer something with a changing table so they can keep their things apart from yours while changing diapers, etc.

Think about how much you can afford to spend on a baby car seat before you make a final decision. The cheapest ones don’t last long, but they’re great for newborns up to about 18 months old.

On the other hand, some of them cost upwards of $200, which may be a bit lot for something your child won’t use until they can walk.

At what age does a baby need a playpen?

Before the age of three months, most experts recommend that you remove your child from their crib and place them in an enclosed area such as an activity center or a playpen.

It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that you use a play yard for your infant until he or she is able to exit the play yard on their own. For many infants, this happens around the six-month mark.

You may want to move them sooner rather than later if you observe any symptoms of preparedness earlier than this time window, such as them supporting themselves up with their hands when lying down.

In addition, how much area do you have available to work with? In the event that you do not have an abundance of space, you may want to consider using a play yard or pack and play as your child grows up.

Can a 2-year-old sleep in a Pack n Play?

Many parents are concerned about the safety of a pack n play for their child. How you utilize it and the type you have will determine the answer to that query.

Suffocation risks can arise in older infants who turn over while sleeping or pull blankets up around their faces, hence pack n plays are not suggested before the age of one.

Because most toddlers outgrow Pack N Plays by the time they’re 18 months old and start climbing out of everything, I do not advocate using one until your child is at least 12 months old if they will be sharing a room with another adult who checks on them at night.

It may work for some families if they have no other choice but to use co-sleeping, but I would consult with your child’s pediatrician first.

At what age do you stop using a playpen?

When your child is ready, it’s better to offer them more space. The need for a playpen diminishes as the child ages and becomes more mobile. At six months of age, this normally begins, but this can vary from kid to child.

Some children may require a playpen until they are one year old, while others may no longer need one after nine or ten months of age, depending on their age.

The length of time your kid spends in a crib vs a bassinet before moving into a bed, as well as other milestones like crawling and walking, may also play a role in this decision.

How old can a baby be in a playpen?

A playpen can be used for a baby between the ages of 0 and 24 months. Most babies are ready for solids at the six-to-nine-month mark, but others are even younger. It’s vital to keep in mind that the word “play” is the focus here.

When babies are playing with toys, they may use their imaginations or even crawl over another toy they’ve built out of stacking blocks! You’ll soon discover what your child needs from a playpen based on how much time she spends in it – if not already!

What is the weight limit for a pack and play?

It’s all up to the manufacturer and model you’re using. For children under the age of two, weight restrictions range from 30 pounds in some places to 50 pounds in others. Make sure to read the product’s instructions before using it on your child.

Can I get in the playpen with my baby?

No, the purpose of the playpen is to protect your child. Ideally, you should only use it if you are just going to be gone for a few minutes at a time. You may be breaking the law if you leave your youngster alone for even a few minutes.

If a baby’s face is forced against the mesh walls of their playpen, or if their limbs become entangled between bars and other objects like soft toys, it is not recommended that they sleep in their playpens.

When I was a kid, we used to use playpens a lot more, but nowadays, parents prefer to use cribs since they give a more secure resting environment with no holes through which a newborn could become entangled and strangle (or worse) on something.

Good Ages to Keep a Baby in a Playpen

Parents regularly employ playpens for a variety of purposes. Keeping the baby out of harm’s way is the first step in protecting the child. The second option is to keep the baby occupied in a confined area.

Another common application for playpens is to keep children safe while they sleep. It is common for parents to utilize playpens as portable cribs when on the go.

Four to six months

A playpen is not a safe place for newborns.

A infant in a playpen is far too far away from an adult’s face to receive the stimulation it need from an adult. In addition, babies are unable to play in a playpen since they are unable to move.

Before putting your child in a playpen, wait until he or she is old enough to roll over, hold a toy, and elevate his or her head. As soon as she’s 4 months old, introduce her to the playpen so she’s comfortable with it when you start using it more frequently. Waiting until she’s an adult could cause her to become too frightened of the new location to ever feel comfortable.

Six to eight months

A playpen is suitable for this age group. Most newborns at this age are able to sit up, reach for, and grab toys that are close.

You can leave your baby in the playpen for a short period of time without the baby putting up too much of a fuss, as long as you remain close.

Toys are a big hit with babies this age, so make sure to include a few in his playpen. A choking hazard for babies is created when cables or strings are attached to a playpen’s sides or top.

Eight to ten months

Your kid may be crawling and possibly pulling herself up at this point. As a result, she may be growing restless in there.

If you don’t take her out of the playpen, she may stand up in it and cry if you don’t. The playpen should be stocked with new toys that she hasn’t seen before to keep her happy. To keep your baby from crying, you’ll have to cease using the playpen as soon as she’s able to walk on her own because she’ll likely protest loudly.

15 Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in the Chicago Area

Chicago’s indoor play spaces for kids of all ages offer endless opportunities for running, leaping, pretending and exploring—making naps possible in the not-too-distant future, provided all goes well. While your kids are having fun, many of these establishments offer complimentary WiFi, coffee, or other amenities for parents and caregivers. Chicago’s top indoor playgrounds for kids are listed below.

1. Purple Monkey Playroom

This 1,500-square-foot play space near Bucktown and Logan Square is a favorite among many North Side families because it is just the appropriate size for children to freely roam without parents worrying about losing track of them. Daily drop-in play for children ages six months to five years includes a crawl-through tunnel, play kitchen, dress-up area, train table, and tiki hut. There’s plenty to keep little busy bees entertained. There is a separate section for infants and crawlers, divided by a low wall, where they can play with toys that are specifically designed for them. You can even grab a food from the community table. A SitterCity babysitter will watch your children for two hours on Tuesdays as part of the Drop-Off On Demand Service.

There are three pricing options: $15 for one kid, $25 with a sibling, and $7 for infants and toddlers.

2. Yu Kids island

Kids can burn off some energy before, during, or in the middle of a trip to the mall in this interactive, vibrantly colored play area, which has facilities in Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall and Vernon Hills’ Hawthorn Center. Daily drop-in play is available for children aged eight months to six years, and there are a plethora of special elements to keep your little ones entertained. Attractions like the spinning palms (a tree with balls to grip onto swing about), the revolving tree (a bouncy climbing platform), and the dancing balloons area (like a ball pit, but filled with balloons) soon attract children. In addition, the playroom’s participatory nature makes it a suitable fit for youngsters with special needs.

Cost: $10; $9 for siblings Monday through Thursday; $12, $11 for siblings Friday through Sunday; $5 at the end of each business day.

3. Little Beans Café​

When it comes to indoor play, there are two sites to choose from in Bucktown and Evanston. When it’s warmer, kids in Bucktown can explore playhouses and climb on a play structure with toys on an outdoor play deck or in an old-fashioned ice cream “shop.” The Evanston facility has a treehouse, ninja warriors, animal doctors, and even a camper van for kids to play in. Designed for families with children between the ages of one and 12.

Cost: $14 for adults, $12 for children under the age of 12. Only children under 10 months old are required to pay.

4. Kid City

A big wooden playhouse with a play kitchen is part of the more than 3,000 square feet of play space at this West Town location. Multiple shopping carts and a dress-up playhouse are included in the market area. Toddlers can have fun in their own play area. Parents can relax in a lounge just outside the children’s play area, which features comfortable couches, free coffee, and a view of the playground.

Each sibling will set you back $15; $26 for two, $34 for three, and $40 for four siblings.

5. Kids’ Island

When it comes to entertaining children and their parents, this is a must-visit. Getting a manicure and pedicure while your children are playing is a great way to unwind and catch up on some work. Toys, puzzles and a WiFi-equipped coffee bar are all part of the play area, which also features a huge indoor sandbox for kids (filled with non-toxic fine sand that is washed regularly). When it comes to the sandbox itself, there are a variety of toys to keep kids entertained. There’s an air hose for blowing sand off little feet and legs once everyone’s done playing, so there’s no mess to take home.

Passes are $12 per child, $10 every sibling under the age of nine months, and free for children under the age of one year old. After two hours, each child is charged $2 an hour.

6. Pickle’s Playroom

Founded by a stay-at-home dad who wanted to provide a location where parents and children could gather when the weather was too cold, wet, or hot to do so in public, Pickle’s was born. The bright and spacious children’s playroom is suitable for children of all ages. Crawlers are available for the tiniest visitors, while the “Drop Zone” offers a six-foot tube slide, a tiny climbing wall, and a shaky bridge for the bigger ones. A well-stocked play kitchen and market area are also available. Kids can pretend to be pilots by heading to the “Control Tower” whenever they’re in a new location. There’s also a cafe and a hair shop with race-car chairs for youngsters and adults right there. Each child receives 30 minutes of free play time in addition to their $20 haircut.

Purchasing price: $12; siblings are an additional $9.

7. Go Bananas

A pint-sized roller coaster, bumper cars, and a jungle gym await your tiny monkeys at this indoor amusement park in Harwood Heights (just west of the city boundaries). Small obstacle courses, brief slides, age-appropriate toys and games, and adult seats are all available in a separate area for children under the age of three at the park. Do you want something else to do? Skeeball, basketball, bowling, air hockey, video games, and other activities in an arcade earn tickets that can be exchanged for gifts. Pizza, sandwiches, salads, and ice cream are among the options available for dine-in or take-out.

Pricing information can be found on their website.

8. Sky High Sports

The 50,000-square-foot Niles location of the indoor trampoline park company houses four primary trampoline sections. It is possible to sprint up the walls, flips and bounce to your heart’s content on the main trampoline court, which is half the length of the space. Additionally, there’s a trampoline area for kids ages six and younger, as well as a foam pit area and dodgeball area for kids ages seven and above. Staff members keep a close eye on all locations.

The first hour is $12, and each extra hour is $8. $12 per hour, Friday through Sunday. Special offers can be found on the website.

9. Sod Room

Children and parents who care about the environment will feel right at home at this South Loop play place that focuses on sustainability. Toys and play structures (a treehouse jungle gym! ), felt furniture, and hand-made grass tufts adorn the area, which features a recycled cork floor, recovered wood walls, and low-VOC paint. There’s also a retail shop on-site, so you can keep the green motif going when you get back home.

There is a $8 sibling discount (free for siblings under six months old) on a daily pass that costs $12.

10. Exploritorium

Skokie’s Exploritorium is a terrific indoor play alternative when the sky is cloudy. Those aged eight and under will find a variety of activities to keep them busy, including a theater with props and costumes, a water table, an obstacle course, and even a large “Lite Brite” wall.

Children under the age of one are admitted free of charge.

11. Take a Break Play Care

For children aged three months to thirteen years, the playroom in this Lakeview location is jam-packed with activities, including toys, board games, video games, computer games, an indoor play gym, and a tiny sports court. Socks are mandatory for children, so make sure they pack or wear them. Alternatively, you can buy a set of two for $2 if you’ve forgotten. In addition, for an extra fee, Take a Break provides drop-off care for newborns through tweens seven days a week, so that a romantic date can take place around lunchtime on a weekday.

Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for minors; a two-hour minimum commitment is required.

12. Explore & Much More

To help children aged six months to eight years old develop their motor, auditory, sensory, tactile, and visual skills, this two-story play area was created. You won’t want to miss the 10am music, exercise, and craft workshops that are included in your admission all week. Anyone entering the area must wear socks (you may also purchase them for $2 at the location).

There is a $12 fee for the first child, and $9 for each additional sibling.

13. Gather

People of all creative abilities and skill levels will find something to enjoy in this unique combination of an art studio and a kids’ play area. Dress up, a home, a railroad station, a grocery store, and a puppet theater for theatrical play are all available in their playroom. There is also a “Nest” in the living area where you and your loved one can curl up and read a book. Gather gives resources and a place to get messy, two factors that often prevent kids from pursuing artistic interests, thanks to the support of the community. Drop-in activities are available Monday through Saturday, as are workshops teaching art, yoga, dancing, and caregiver resources. Coffee, tea, and Wi-Fi are all included in the price of admission, as well.

It’ll cost you $15, plus $7/$3 for each extra sibling.

14. Peekaboo Playroom

It’s called Peekaboo Playroom, and it’s located at 7007 W. North Ave.

Peekaboo Playroom is a non-structured play space for children ages newborn to six. To let your youngsters build whatever they want, they have basketball hoops, reading nooks, a clubhouse, and a ton of Legos. Class offerings include kindergarten sewing and weaving and family-friendly parties and get-togethers..

Daytime fee: $12; $8 for first sibling; free of charge for third.

15. Chicago Playpen

E. 47th St. at Chicago’s Playpen

A grocery store, auto body shop, housing, salon, restaurant, and clothes boutique (complete with supplies for a fashion show!) await your children at Chicago Playpen, a miniature cityscape. Classes are given for all ages, from babies to preteens, in a variety of subjects, including foreign languages and culinary. Parties and play dates will be a blast at this kid-friendly space!

FAQs

Are playpens a good idea for babies?

A playpen is not a safe place for newborns. A infant in a playpen is far too far away from an adult’s face to receive the stimulation it need from an adult. In addition, babies are unable to play in a playpen since they are unable to move.

What age should a baby use a playpen?

A playpen is suitable for this age group. Most newborns at this age are able to sit up, reach for, and grab toys that are close. You can leave your baby in the playpen for a short period of time without the baby putting up too much of a fuss, as long as you remain close.

What should I look for in a playpen for baby?

The bottom of the playpen should have a 1-inch firm mattress or cushion. Keep your baby out of harm’s way of the locks that allow you to lower a side. Ascertain that the playpen’s hinges and supports are well-protected. Top rails that automatically lock into place when the playpen is in its usual position should be sought.

Do parents use playpens anymore?

As a result, I began to wonder: Are playpens still used by parents? Alternatively, are they a byproduct of a bygone era of more enlightened child-rearing practices? Playpens are still around, as may be seen by visiting a store like Babies ‘R’ Us.

Are playpens cruel?

Using a playpen is a method of restricting your child’s ability to move about. Nothing more, nothing less. In the event that they are in a playpen that is big enough, well-built, and has enough entertainment to keep them occupied, there is no danger in keeping an eye on them (and allowing them to be with you). The best advice is to use your head.

How long do play pens last?

How old must a child be to begin? At around six or seven months old, a playpen comes into its own, and you may use it until your child is roughly two years old.

Are playpens necessary?

So, why not invest in a playpen instead? In a small house when room is at a premium, you may not even need it—and it could become an additional burden. Smaller homes may necessitate using your baby’s crib as a playpen instead.