How To Lock A Playpen? Comprehensive Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
18 min read

When you need some child-free time to prepare supper, get ready for work, or take a quick restroom break, a playpen is a great option. Floor-to-ceiling partitions are typically rectangular in design and constructed of mesh material. In addition, they have been built to be easily transportable. However, putting together a Baby Trend playpen may seem like an impossible task. For some parents, it may appear to be a complicated process. Find out how to assemble and lock the Baby Trend playpen by reading this page.

What are Playpens?

Before we get into the specifics of how to assemble and lock a Baby Trend Playpen, let us give you some background information on what playpens are all about in general.

How To Lock A Playpen - Krostrade

There are a variety of names for small spaces or enclosures where newborns and small children can rest and play safely, such as playpens, play yards, or pack n play. Plastic or wood, or a metal frame with mesh walls, can be used to make this portable baby fence/wall.

A fenced-in area provides a safe haven for babies to play alone, even if their parents are nearby. This frees up the parents’ time so they may work, take care of household duties, or simply relax. However, keep in mind that youngsters should not be left alone for long periods of time.

It is possible to utilize a play yard as a portable child bed instead of a “free-standing” baby crib that is placed on the floor by parents. Your youngster will be unable to escape from either scenario due to the height of the barriers on each side.

The lightweight, portable, and simple-to-assemble playpens include a mattress as well.

How to Assemble and How to Lock Baby Trend Playpen?

Here are a few things to keep in mind before we get started on locking the Baby Trend Playpen.

In order to make the Baby Trend Playpen nearly impossible to dismantle, the fabric of the playpen is designed to exert pressure on the four top rails. When you press down on the playpen floor to secure the bottom rails, this safety function is activated.

It’s impossible to secure the top rails/bars of the playpen if you let the bottom bars lock before fastening the top bars.

To secure the baby trend playpen, follow these simple instructions:

Remove the frame by unzipping the bag. Set the mattress aside after removing the three hook and loop straps. Push each leg extension to the bottom of the leg until both sides of the extension snap in place while the play yard is upside down.

Using your foot, push down on the center of the playpen floor until it is flat and locks into place. Auto-locking of the central locking mechanism will occur.

  • Place the cushioned side of the mattress up in the playpen. Set the mattress in the playpen.

 

Six hook and loop straps (located below the mattress) should be threaded through holes in the bottom of the playpen and three on each end of the mattress pad. Hook and loop straps help keep the mattress in place in a playpen by attaching them to the base.

How to Clean a Pack ‘N Play

Pack ‘n play, travel crib, or play yard are likely to be in your home, regardless of whether you are a first-time or multiple-child parent. They are a convenient and comfortable place for your baby to nap or play, but they can get a little dirty if they are often used or have been used by numerous children.

Aside from the fact that most of them cannot be machine washed, they are also difficult to clean. If you’re seeking to keep your baby’s play yard, pack ‘n play, or travel crib free of germs and odors, we’ve put up a step-by-step advice on how to thoroughly clean your item.

Why Cleaning Is Important

Cleaning your pack ‘n play helps you get rid of the dirt, filth, and bacteria that accumulate over time. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises families to maintain their homes clean on a regular basis to prevent illness. 1

The frequency with which you clean your baby’s items is up to you, but it’s best to stay on top of it before it becomes a bigger mess, regardless of how strict the rule may be. Aside from that, if your infant is messy or spills items frequently, the moisture that results from these activities could turn into mold and mildew.

Stains, on the other hand, might last for years if they aren’t cleaned soon away. So, the best course of action is to perform regular spot cleaning on your pack ‘n play.

Check Your Owner’s Manual

Check your owner’s manual for cleaning recommendations and specific instructions before cleaning your travel crib, play yard, or pack ‘n play. The Graco website, for example, advises customers to use mild dish soap and warm water instead of bleach. 2

Graco recommends air drying the pack ‘n play, but says the carrying bag can be washed in the washing machine. Hang the bag to dry after washing it with lukewarm water and no detergent. 3

When cleaning out your pack ‘n play after a day at the beach, use extreme caution. The top rail can easily be scratched and locked by sand. 3 As an additional option, if you have lost or forgotten the instruction booklet for your specific pack ‘n play, you can access cleaning instructions on the company’s website or look for an online download copy.

Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the majority of pack ‘n plays, travel cribs, and play yards have non-waterproof mattresses, so you should avoid soaking them in water. Mattresses may be cleaned with a damp cloth or you can purchase waterproof mattress coverings for your specific model.

Spot Cleaning Your Pack ‘N Play

The mat and rails of your baby’s pack ‘n play will get filthy more quickly than the rest of the pack ‘n play. Using a waterproof mattress cover made expressly for your pack ‘n play is the best method to keep the mattress or mat clean. It’s as simple as taking the cover off and washing it.

You’ll want to use a baby-safe cleanser to clean the rails or the sides of the crib. It’s best not to use household cleaners or disinfectants on your infant because they can be hazardous to them.

When it comes to cleaning your home, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vinegar and water, as well as a little elbow grease. In addition to baby-safe soap, baking soda can be used. 1

How to Scrub Your Pack ‘N Play

Take your pack ‘n play (or similar) outside on a good day so that you can thoroughly clean it. Soapy water won’t get on your floors if you do this.

Place some heavy towels or drop cloths on the floor if you don’t have a place outside to clean your play yard.

Remove the mattress or mat from your pack ‘n play and set it aside while you clean it. Then, get a pail of warm water and a soft-bristled brush, both of which have been diluted with 1/2 cup of baby-safe laundry detergent.

Be careful not to saturate the material or the mesh while cleaning the pack ‘n play. To remove the soap and water, use a warm, moist towel to blot the surface. Once again, take careful not to wet the mesh or the fabric.

When done, let the pack ‘n play air dry completely before using again. Allow it to dry in the sun if you have the opportunity. If you don’t have access to such a location, a sunny window sill can suffice. Air drying will just take a little longer.

How To Lock In The Playpen So It Doesn't Move - Krostrade

Deep Cleaning Your Pack ‘N Play

Whether you’ve owned your pack ‘n play for a long time or if it’s coated in peanut butter and jelly, you may deep clean it. Remember that this kind of cleaning isn’t typically included in the manufacturer’s instructions. So, you’ll have to consider the benefits and drawbacks of this strategy.

After using this cleaning process, make sure to check all the moving parts and locking mechanisms to ensure they are in functioning condition and give them enough time to dry completely.

If you want to thoroughly clean your pack ‘n play, follow these steps:

Fold the play yard and take out the mattress pad. Once you’ve got your tub filled with warm water, add the following:

  • 0.5 ounces of a baby-safe detergent
  • One-fourth teaspoon of vinegar
  • One-fourth cup borax

Allow for an hour of soaking time after placing your pack ‘n play, travel crib, or play yard in the water and thoroughly mixing all components. Make certain that the mat or mattress is not submerged in water. Spot cleaning will always be necessary for this piece. It will be ruined and hazardous for your kid if you submerge it in water.

Remove as much water as possible off your back in play by using a warm, damp rag and then drying it with a towel. Make sure the hinges and locks are as dry as possible. Set up the pack ‘n play in the sun to dry after you’ve washed it.

Another option is to select a spot in your home that is both sunny and dry. Prior to utilizing your pack ‘n play again, make sure all the locks and hinges are operating properly.

A Word From Verywell

In order to maintain the aesthetic appeal and cleanliness of your pack ‘n play while also limiting the spread of germs, it is important to perform regular spot cleaning on it. The deep cleaning procedure can also be used if your play yard becomes more filthy than a weekly spot cleaning can handle.

Check all the locks and hinges to make sure they’re still working properly after you’ve given it time to dry. If you take good care of your pack ‘n play, you’ll get a long life out of it.

Choosing Safe Baby Products: Playpens

They are popular with parents since they know their children won’t be able to get out of the enclosed play spaces. Adult supervision is still required, and playpens are no substitute for it.

Look out for:

  • To ensure that your child’s playpen is safe, look for the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) accreditation on the label (CPSC).
  • The sides of the playpen should be at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) high, measured from the floor of the playpen.
  • Because small buttons and fingernails can get caught in the mesh, the openings in the mesh should be no larger than 14 inch (0.6 centimeter). It’s important to keep an eye out for cracks and tears in the mesh when it’s fastened in place.
  • A maximum slat spacing of 2-3/8 inches (5.08 cm) should be used in a wooden playpen.
  • Protect your infant from bumps by looking for rail padding on the tops of the rails.
  • The bottom of the playpen should have a 1-inch-thick mattress or pad.
  • Ideally, your infant shouldn’t be able to get their hands on the latches that allow you to lower a side.
  • Make sure the playpen’s hinges and supports are well-protected.
  • When raised to their usual position, the top rails of a playpen should automatically lock.
  • Check the floor of a previously used playpen for signs of wear and tear.

NOTICES RELATED TO SAFETY:

  • Never lower the side of a mesh playpen while a baby is inside it. The mesh side of the floorboard could imprison the baby. Only one mattress should be used due to the risk of suffocation.
  • No soft bedding or pillows should ever be used in the child’s playpen.
  • Replace the playpen’s mattress or cushioning only if it’s worn out or no longer fits properly.
  • All cushioned sections should be inspected routinely for tears; repair or replace any that are found.
  • Make sure you go through the safety regulations with any babysitters or other caretakers to ensure they are properly setting up the playpen.
  • Put your baby to sleep on his or her back at all times.
  • Place the playpen away from windows. Drapery and blind cords provide a choking hazard to infants.
  • The big diamond-shaped openings in a hand-me-down playpen may trap the baby’s head, so avoid using it.
  • Toys should never be hung from the bars of a playpen.
  • When your child can readily climb out of the playpen — when he or she reaches 34 inches (86 centimeters) in height or weighs 30 pounds — you should stop utilizing the playpen (14 kilograms).

Good Ages to Keep a Baby in a Playpen

The use of playpens is common among parents for a variety of reasons. The first step is to keep the baby out of harm’s way, whether from a dog or an older child. The second option is to keep the baby occupied in a confined area.

The third and last reason parents use playpens is to keep their children safe while they sleep. When traveling, it’s common to utilize a playpen as a makeshift crib.

Four to six months

Keeping a baby in a playpen is not a good idea.

Adults must provide them with a great deal of stimulation, but the distance between a newborn in a playpen and an adult’s face is far too great to do so. 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. By the time she’s four months old, you should have introduced her to the playpen so that she’s familiar with it. 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 can be used at this age. Most newborns at this age are able to sit up, reach for, and grab toys that are close.

This age group is often peaceful, so you can leave them in the playpen for a short period of time without the baby putting up a fuss.

Make sure he has plenty of fresh things to play with while he’s in the 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

You should expect your baby to be crawling and possibly pulling herself up by now. As a result, she may be growing weary of her constant presence in the playpen.

If you don’t take her out of the playpen, she’ll undoubtedly cry because she wants to see more of the room. By bringing her fresh toys inside the playpen, you can keep her happy and content. Once your baby is able to walk, you’ll have to cease using the playpen since she will likely protest if you try to confine her to a tiny place.

FAQs

What is the purpose of playpens?

A playpen provides a safe place for you to leave your child while you answer the door, do some housekeeping, or get ready for work. Children’s playpens are sometimes seen as a constraint by professionals, and they have been overused in the past.

Why is it called a playpen?

The first baby playpen was created in 1922 by Emma Read, an American woman. Despite living in a huge city with multistory apartment complexes, she needed to ensure that her two young children had access to fresh air and sunshine. It was referred to as a “portable baby cage” and hung outside the window with slats.

What should I look for in a playpen?

The bottom of the playpen should have a 1-inch firm mattress or cushion. Ideally, your infant shouldn’t be able to get their hands on the latches that allow you to lower a side. Make sure the playpen’s hinges and supports are well-protected. When raised to their usual position, the top rails of a playpen should automatically lock.

Baby Playpen How To Lock? A Detailed Guide - Krostrade

Are playpens necessary?

That being the case, why not purchase a playpen? If your house is small, you may not need it—and it will only be an additional burden. Smaller homes may necessitate using the baby’s crib as a playpen instead.

Are playpens still used?

There’s little doubt that playpens are still around, as evidenced by a quick trip to Babies R Us. However, these gadgets appear to have undergone a name change, as they are no longer referred to as playpens.

Is a playard a playpen?

Bring out the playard, a.k.a. the play pen. For ventilation and visibility, playards have mesh sides that rest either directly on the floor or somewhat above it. Other features include changing stations, bassinets or organizer pockets that make them easier to move and more convenient for parents.

Do play pens expire?

After the final rule is published in the Federal Register, the new mandatory play yard safety standard takes effect six months later.

Can baby sleep in playpen at night?

Babies under the age of 12 months should sleep in a playpen without any soft covering, such as blankets, cushions, pillow-like toys, or sheepskins, on their backs. SIDS and asphyxia can be reduced by this method.

Are playpens cruel?

You can limit your child’s mobility by using a playpen. 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). Make use of your common sense.

Conclusion

A basic playpen, a play yard, or a baby gate are ideal options if you want to give your child the freedom and peace of mind to play while you do other things around the house. It doesn’t matter what you call it, this is where your kid will feel safe and secure. Your child will benefit, but you will get some “me-time” in the process. It is usually a good idea to get your child a playpen. Despite the daunting task of setting up, the end product will be well worth the effort. Assembling playpens can be a confusing and intimidating process, so we hope this guide on how to lock baby trend playpen will reduce your confusion and improve your confidence. All the best to you in your endeavors! Find out more about baby crates.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.