How To Take Down A Playpen? Everything You Need to Know

What is the procedure for dismantling a playpen? The dismantling of some playpens might be a bit of a challenge. You can learn how to do so by reading this blog, which provides step-by-step instructions.

For storage or transportation needs, below are a few tips on how to dismantle a playpen:

Disconnect the pen’s highest hook from the pen’s lowest bars, if you can. Instead, ensure that these bars aren’t too close together and slide a non-damaging extension (such a piece of wood) between them.

As you hold up one side with one hand, use pliers* to unhook the other side from its lowest bar (*if this is difficult due to size limits, see the following step*)

Push upward and slightly pull apart the bottom rails on both sides using your hands. *If you don’t have enough room for your hands, use a screwdriver or tiny wrench instead*

Slide the slats out one at a time after they’ve been sufficiently separated so that you can grip them with both hands.

How soon can you put a baby in a playpen?

Putting a baby in a playpen has no specific age limit.

The size of your child, their temperament, and whether or not they are able to roll over will all play a role in this.

Because different varieties have varied qualities for safety and comfort, you should also think about where you plan to place it in your home or outside.

Here are some things to keep in mind: Size – Before you buy one, make sure you know how much space it will take up. Also, don’t assume that bigger is always better! You may end up with too much area for your baby’s feet if you buy a too huge play yard!

There should be enough length for everyone, but not so much that they’re able to move around a lot. The fence must be high enough so that your child cannot get out by climbing over the top.

Why won’t my pack n play close?

Pack-n-plays are a convenient way to keep your baby safe and secure while on the go. It’s compact and portable, so taking it with you on the road is a breeze!

Though it is common knowledge that after utilizing a play yard it does not want to remain closed, this is what occurs when you pack it up after use. There’s no good justification for this; instead, they should close automatically to save time! Let’s find out what’s going on:

– The playground has not been folded properly.

– There is a problem with the locking mechanism.

As time has passed, the design of your pack n’play has evolved as well.

A few of the possible problems with your pack n’ play include the following. In the event that you can’t figure it out on your own, take a look at the video below to discover how this mother manages it.

How do you secure a playpen?

Many parents are interested in learning how to secure a playpen. ‘ Here are a few ways you can keep your youngster safe:

Do not place the play area near anything that could fall on the children if it were to be knocked over. Make sure there are no ceiling fans or light fixtures hanging over their heads, and keep all fragile items out of their reach.

So that children don’t consume paint chips or broken glass that may have been missed by a parent when cleaning up after playing with those toys previously, keep toys clean.

Ensure that all electrical outlets are covered and that all cabinets storing cleaners, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, insecticides, etc. are locked. It’s important to continue baby proofing even after a child reaches the age of a toddler. Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed at all times, as well.

How to lock a playpen

You can keep your youngster safe and contained in a playpen when you need both hands free. Because toddlers can easily climb out of or crawl over the playpen, many parents worry about their baby’s safety.

There are several techniques to keep an unruly child from escaping from his or her playpen while you conduct household chores, cook dinner, etc. Some parents use bedsheets to secure the pen’s ends, but this isn’t particularly effective because most children can easily remove the sheets.

You can instead tie the top rails of the playpen by tying them to the bottom, preventing any effort at climbing. Using a playpen with a safe locking system is also a good idea.

In some cases, latches that are easy for adults to unlock, but difficult for the child inside of the car seat, can be configured so that they don’t lock unless you want them to.

How do you get stains out of a playpen mat?

It is possible to erase stains using dish soap and water if they are small enough. With rubbing alcohol, you should be able to remove stubborn or huge stains.

Soak up as much of the excess liquid as possible first, then rub in several drops of alcohol on each side (make sure you don’t soak through multiple layers) and let dry thoroughly before using again.

How Do I Set Up a Graco Pack ‘n Play?

1. Let dry completely before using again after soaking up as much liquid as possible, then rub in a few drops of alcohol on each side (be careful not to soak through numerous layers).
2. Each bar can be secured by grabbing its center and then pulling up until all the sections lock into place. If you try to move any of the pieces on the lengthy bars, you won’t be able to.
3. Make sure that you grip and pull up until all sections of each bar click and lock into place. Afterwards, you’re done! Pieces on the short bars should not be able to be moved.
4. Pull the red pull tab to lower the item connected to it. Stopping and adjusting the pack and play so that the piece connected to the pull tab can be pushed down further may be necessary. A red pull tab-connected piece should be pushed to its lowest point, which should be at or close to the bottom of the pack-and-play.
5. Play with the lowest pad in the pack. Ensure that the Velcro tabs on the pad’s corners are in the same corners as the slots on the pack and play’s base before putting it together.
6. Fasten the Velcro tabs to the Pack ‘n Play’s fasteners by sliding them through the slots and then attaching them to the bottom.

How Do I Take Down a Graco Pack ‘n Play?

1. Velcro tabs on the underside of two corners of the Pack ‘n Play can be unfastened. The second Velcro tab can be found in the diagonal corner after you locate the first. Then go back and do it again for the second tab.
2. Make sure you’re perched on top of the Pack ‘n Play. There are four vertical pieces on the bottom pad of the pack and play Using the Velcro tab on one of the outside pads, pull it through the slot on top of the pack and begin to play. Make sure you do this with the other pad.
3. Graco Pack ‘n Play’s bottom pad may be lifted and removed. In the middle of the pack and play is a red pull tab.
4. While attempting to raise the red pull tab as high as possible, it is recommended that you do it in such a way that the bars on top of the pack and play frame will begin to tumble downwards as you continue to raise the red pull tab. The buttons can be found on the outer edges of the outermost bars.
5. Push the center of each side as far as you can after pressing the two buttons on the outside of the two long sides. Three separate bars will form the centerpiece of the bar, with two more parts on either side.
6. Make sure you can reach the two buttons on the short bars of the Graco Pack n Play. Make sure that the bars on the long sides don’t snap back into place when you remove them. The pack must be removed, and the game must be restarted without the pad if any of those bars click back into place.
7. As far as you can, push down as far as you can on each side’s center button and then release. Three separate bars will form the centerpiece of the bar, with two more parts on either side.
8. Pull all of the sides together and stow the pack in an upright position. You should be able to put the Graco Pack ‘n Play snuggly inside the case that comes with it.

Is It Safe for a Baby to Sleep in a Pack ‘N Play?

Where can you put your kid to sleep if he or she doesn’t like to sleep in their crib?

In terms of a safe sleeping space for your baby, not many options exist outside of a crib or bassinet. However, you can now add a pack ‘n’ play to the list of options. Play yards/playards and pack ‘n plays, when used properly, can be a safe alternative for babies of all ages, weights, and sizes who are currently sleeping. 1

If you’re looking for an alternative to a crib, here are some things to keep in mind when utilizing a pack ‘n play to put your baby to sleep.

Using a Pack ‘N Play for Sleep

Since everyone does, you may have included a pack ‘n play in your baby registry. When you need your hands free, having a safe place to put your infant is a godsend (or just need a break). In addition to teaching your child how to entertain themselves when you aren’t right there with them, a pack ‘n play keeps them contained in one area. No more worrying about your baby crawling out of sight or getting into danger before you have baby proofed the house.

For some parents, the pack-and-play is a place where their children can sleep through the night, whether it’s for an afternoon nap or a full night’s sleep.

Everything You Need to Know About How to Make Baby Formula

Pack ‘n plays take up a fraction of the space of a full-size crib, making them an excellent choice for those who live in small quarters, have numerous children sharing a room, or simply don’t want to dedicate a whole wall to a huge crib.

There are several advantages to using a pack ‘n play as a temporary cot when you or your partner are away from the home where your baby is sleeping. When you’re away from home, you don’t have to ask other caregivers to permanently have a crib in their house. This is the perfect solution.

It’s also a good option if you’re on the go and require an item that can be taken with you. Products like this one are designed to fold up compactly so that they may be taken along wherever the wind blows, whether it’s on vacation or just a beautiful day at a park in your neighborhood.

There are some babies that prefer to sleep in that position as well. In the first few months of life, many newborns find it difficult to sleep in their cribs because the atmosphere is so drastically different from what they are used to. If you recall correctly, they spent nine months in a cozy little sac. A pack ‘n play can appear less empty than a crib to babies who prefer to feel nestled in, and some babies do prefer to sleep in one.

Safety Guidelines

It turns out the answer to this particular “Is it safe?” is a resounding yes!

According to pediatrician Charnetta Colton-Poole, M.D., FAAPS, a pack and play is generally a safe location for an infant to sleep.

What kind of advice do you have? If you utilize the pack ‘n play in the manner intended by the manufacturer and follow the instructions for proper use, you should be able to put your baby down for a nap or even to bed in there. We’ll get to that in more detail later. 1

When using a pack ‘n play to sleep or play, newborns and young children should follow many safety guidelines laid down by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 2

In order to prevent it from accidently folding up while a kid is inside, we evaluate the locking mechanism, the floor strength, and the accessory attachments, as well as the mesh sides (such as decorative mobiles or removable bassinet attachments, for example). 2

Best Ages for Sleep in a Pack ‘N Play

Pack-n-plays can be used by babies as young as six months old, and there are no age restrictions. Is your infant still able to comfortably sit in the car seat? If not, it may be time to look for an other model that better suits your child’s needs. 1

Gary Kramer, MD, a Miami doctor in private practice, adds, “It’s not age, but size.” In most cases, this indicates a baby who weighs 30 pounds or more and measures 35 inches or more in height.

Older babies who haven’t outgrown their pack ‘n play can also sleep in it if they haven’t outgrown it yet. 1

How to Make a Pack ‘N Play a Safe Sleep Environment

When it comes to your baby’s sleeping quarters, a pack ‘n play is almost always ready to go. Because it is already a safe setting, you don’t need to make any changes.

Doctor Kramer says he’s fine with it for sleep “as long as it fulfills the most recent consumer product safety standards”.

Parents should avoid adding extra features to their pack n play in order to keep their children safe while they sleep, says Dr. Colton.

Parents should not replace the mattress in a pack ‘n play with one that is “more comfy” or “softer,” as she advises. There is no substitute for a firm mattress and snugly fitting sheets when it comes to your child’s safety.

It’s also important to follow the recommendations for safe sleeping in cribs from the American Academy of Pediatrics when it comes to the safety of your child’s pack and play. To put it another way, avoid adding any plush animals, pillows, or blankets to the crib because they provide a suffocation risk and raise the likelihood of SIDS (SIDS). 3

Always place your infant in a back-to-toddler position on a clear, level, and solid sleeping surface. Following the care, usage, and cleaning instructions included with your individual product is an important step in ensuring its safety. 3

Another thing to keep in mind: If your pack-n-play has a bassinet attachment, you can use it for diaper changes—but not for sleep or unsupervised play time, as many of the latest models do. 1

According to Dr. Kramer, a “agility-challenged” baby may be able to roll over in the bassinet sooner than other babies.

10 of the best playpens for babies and toddlers

Having a playpen handy for when your baby first starts moving and crawling is a great way to provide them with a secure environment where they can safely explore and have fun. You can leave your child in the playpen if you need to use the restroom, check on supper, or just want to relax for a few minutes.

Fill the playpen with age-appropriate, safe toys to keep your youngster occupied and promote self-directed play as well. A playpen isn’t simply a one-size-fits-all option; there are a variety of sizes and styles to pick from.

Playpens not only differ in function, but they also differ greatly in price. It’s entirely up to you how much you want to spend on a playpen, and there are options to fit every budget.

Stair gates can be used to divide off a room, and some playpens can even be converted into a gate to separate an area. Take a look at our list of the best stair gates if you’re also in the market for one. If you’re traveling with a young child and don’t have a lot of extra room, you may want to consider investing in a travel cot that also serves as a playpen.

If you’re looking for more methods to keep your child safe, check out our best baby monitors and other safety products for babies and toddlers.

There are a lot of options when it comes to playpens. We consulted with parents and industry experts to get their recommendations on the best playpens.

Different types of playpens

Wooden – You can get a wide variety of wood playpens. These are wonderful if you have or plan to have numerous children because they tend to be quite strong and generous in size and last for a lifetime.

In terms of design, metal playpens resemble those made of wood, with bars and panels that fit together like wood. However, compared to their wooden counterpart, they may endure longer and be easier to clean.

It is easy to clean plastic playpens, just like it is metal. They come in a variety of bright hues and fascinating forms. Plastic playpens are the finest alternative if you’re looking for a brightly colored play area.

There are many different types of versatile playpens, including wooden, metal, plastic, and even fabric ones. Basically, it means that it can be used in a variety of ways. For example, it might be used as a travel cot, a gate, or a series of panels that can be snapped together to form a variety of forms and sizes. This is especially useful if your home is laid out in an open floor plan.

Things to consider when buying a playpen

The quality of the product, as well as the material used in its construction, might have an impact on the playpen’s overall strength. Keep an eye on the playpen if your youngster is able to climb or pull on the structure. The playpen should be solid and durable if you intend to use it for a long period of time or with several children.

Easy assembly is an important consideration if you don’t plan on keeping the playpen out all the time. If this is the case, pay attention to how quickly and easily it can be put together. You may want to go with a pop-up design.

If you’re going to store the playpen, you’ll want to go for one that folds up easily so that it’s simple to find when you need it. You won’t have to assemble it every time you want to utilize something that folds.

Playpens with wooden or metal bars typically have smaller gaps between bars than those with plastic ones. Avoid allowing an excessive amount of space between the bars. When a toddler is able to squeeze between the bars, they could get trapped or damage themselves. A cot’s side rails should be your guide.

Avoid sharp edges and scratchy surfaces – Make sure there are no sharp edges or surfaces that could hurt your youngster. Check the wood for splinters before putting your child in a wooden playpen.

A longer-term use playpen may be needed than a shorter-term use one if you want to keep your child in it for an extended period of time.

Whether or whether a particular playpen can be used outdoors is up to the owner’s discretion. If you plan to use your playpen outside, make sure it can handle it.

A playpen should have enough room for your toddler to move around. However, you must be realistic about the amount of space you have at your disposal. You should always measure your space before getting a playpen so that you can be sure it will work.

Depending on your child’s temperament, he or she may be able to sit in a playpen for hours on end if the correct toys are provided. Those that are confined will shout and weep until they are freed. You can borrow a stair gate or place your child in their cot with some toys to create a playpen-like environment before spending any money.

How did we choose our 10 of the Best?

Qualified and experienced parenting journalists have put together our selection of the top ten products for families. They use a variety of sources, including our independent reviews, testing done during the MadeForMums Awards, and comments from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club members. In order to provide you with unbiased reviews and recommendations, MadeForMums has hundreds of parents around the country test thousands of goods each year.

These playpens for babies and toddlers were selected by our panel of Made For Mums home testers, who shared their thoughts on which ones they use and why.

For playpens, we evaluate their value for money, their ability to fold and their ease of assembly in addition to their material.

Instead of a 1-10 ranking, our list is a carefully curated selection of tested and proven items, each of which we believe is ideal for a specific use case or need. There are several factors that go into determining which product is ideal for your family.

Here are our best playpens for babies and toddlers

1. Aldi Mamia Playpen, £49.99

Material: steel, polyester, polyester, polyester, steel, polyester, steel, polyester. Suitable age range: 6 to 36 months. Foldable: No. Assembly required: Yes.

This Aldi playpen provides your youngster with a secure and fun environment at an affordable price. It’s not foldable, but it’s simple to put together. It also comes with a tote bag for when you don’t need the playpen. It’s easy to go in and out of the Mamia playpen thanks to a zip-up door. You can see your child clearly because of the mesh sides, which provide excellent ventilation and ventilation.

Hannah, an MFM house tester, said it was “very fantastic in terms of size, height, and price.” Her 1-year-old “loves going in there with her starry projector light on,” she continued, adding that “she makes it into a tiny den.”

2. Millhouse Plastic Baby Playpen, £119.99

A child can use this because of its dimensions and plastic construction. It is not foldable and requires some assembly.

Your toddler may enjoy an open play space while still being protected by this attractive playpen. This playpen’s versatility is a major plus. It’s up to you how you want to utilize the panels. To be able to use it as a “rectangle, square, or fence,” MFM home tester Maxine used it with her 15-month-old son. It’s great for keeping the kids in the living room/play area, she said, and “she’d absolutely advocate getting one” as well.

This playpen’s mobility and adaptability make it a fantastic choice for families on the go. There are stickers included, but the pen itself is gorgeous as is, with its grey and white paneling.

There is an easy-to-use lock system on the door panel of the playpen to prevent your child from escaping. Toxic elements are not used in its construction. It also comes with interlocking mats to keep your child from slipping, which is a nice perk.

Notably, the suction caps used to anchor the playpen into the ground will not adhere to carpets of any kind.

3. Arkmiido Large Baby Playpen, £67.99

No folding or assembly is required; it is 150 by 150 by 62 centimeters, and is made of steel and mesh.

This roomy playpen offers enough space for toys, pals, and even a bit of wiggle room. With its transparent net, you can look in from every angle, it provides 360° safety protection. With four sucker tees in each corner, it is secured to the ground with high-quality Oxford fabric. Protect your child from injury with a foam steel pipe and a thick layer of protection foam, followed by a soft cotton cover.

This playpen is great for both indoor and outdoor use, and the fabric can be washed by hand.

Assembling it only takes a few minutes, so you don’t have to keep it about all the time.

MFM home tester Yasmin, whose kid turned 9 months old when she began using this playpen, praised the door’s aesthetics. Zip doors are convenient since they only open from the outside, so he can’t open them when he’s inside, but I can leave the door open when I’m in the room so he can sneak in and out. “Pretty enormous, but extremely useful,” she added of the playpen.

4. Venture All Stars Duo Plastic Baby Playpen, £139.99

Plastic | Ages from infancy | Not foldable | Assembly required: yes | Dimensions: 155 x 155 x 65cm

For those searching for an attractive playpen with a lot of extras, this is the one. The neutral grey and white hues make it suitable for a wide range of decors.

Its rounded edges and cushioned surfaces make it ideal for keeping your youngster safe while they are having fun outdoors. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this playpen is both elegant and functional.

Is there anything else that makes this playpen so wonderful? Assembling it is simple because to the use of push-fit components. “You can put it up based on the floor space you have/need at that specific moment,” says home tester Hannah, mother of two young boys. She went on to describe how she “had a very mobile first baby and used it and was delighted” when she first started using it. When Gemma used a Venture playpen with her two-year-old, she positioned it to protect a Christmas tree from the reach of little hands.

There are a lot of additional elements that make this playpen even better if the basic design isn’t enticing enough. You’ll be able to keep your child engaged with an activity panel that includes interactive development tools. To provide the utmost in child safety, the playpen comes equipped with a variety of colorful balls and foam play mats.

Non-toxic materials and sturdy polymers have also been used to make each panel, with any finger-tapping areas removed.

5. Angelbliss Baby Playpen, £129

Alloy steel and plastic are used in the construction of this product, which measures 180.3×149.9×68.6cm and is suitable for infants.

Playing in this Angelbliss playpen is safe and pleasant for your youngster. It’s encased in clear mesh so that you can always see your kid. The maximum level of safety for your child is ensured by the 300D Oxford fabric and robust steel tubing with safety slips and 4 safety suction cups in each corner.

In addition to being used indoors, this playpen can also be utilized outdoors. You may just wipe it down with a wet towel and soap to clean it.

For a toddler who is just learning to stand and walk, the height of this playpen is ideal. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also a breeze to put together and take down.

“It’s extremely fantastic if you’ve got a large place,” Sarah, an MFM house tester, said, so make sure you’ve got enough room for this playpen.

6. Clippasafe Natural Wood Playpen, £164.95

Material: wood; suitable for ages 2 and up; folds up for storage; assembly required; 79″ x 24″ x 62″

The beech wood used in this clippasafe playpen is sustainably sourced. Six sections allow it to be used as a 6-sided playpen or a rectangular one, depending on how it is configured. In order to make the playpen larger, it is possible to combine two sets together. In the hexagonal arrangement, a fabric base mat is included as part of the package.

One of the most useful features of this playpen is that it may be used in many different ways. The slam-shut door makes it simple for parents to get to their children.

What’s another wonderful feature of this environmentally friendly playpen? If you don’t use it, you don’t have to keep putting it together and taking it apart; you can simply fold it up and store it.

7. Dreambaby Brooklyn Converta Fabric Playpen, £99.99

Foldable and foldable: yes | Required assembly: yes Dimensions: 80.5 x 16 x 66cm | Material: metal, mesh

Using the Dreambaby Brooklyn Converta Fabric Playpen, you may create a barrier gate that is extra broad. The barrier/gate can be mounted on the wall using the provided brackets. The mesh fabric panels enhance the product’s visibility, making it more safe. They also add a fashionable touch to it.

A stay-open function on the playpen’s door makes it easy to get in and out. There is an option to make the door one-way if you feel it enhances security.

This versatile playpen may be set up in any way you like to meet the needs of both you and your child. The long-lasting aluminum and durable mesh paneling are built to last.

When not in use, this playpen folds up in a matter of seconds, making it a breeze to store away.

8. Hauck Travel Cot Set Sleep N Play Centre, £79.95

From birth up to 15 kg | Foldable: Yes | No assembly required| Dimensions: 125×68.5x82cm| Material: metal, mesh

This device is specifically created for folks who want to use a travel cot as a playpen. In comparison to some of the other playpens, this one is definitely designed for newborns and is not ideal for toddlers.

This playpen’s main selling point is its ease of use. The folding and unfolding process is all that is required. This device folds down into a little bag, making it convenient to carry on vacation or wherever else you might need it.

When parents are away from home, the travel cot/playpen with bassinet and changing table top can be a lifesaver. When used as a playpen, it features a zippered door that makes it easy for your child to get in and out. “The small flap that she can crawl in and out of,” says house tester Sarah, who has an 8-month-old daughter. Convenience is further enhanced by the inclusion of bottom-mounted wheels.

A changing table, a folding mattress, a second-level attachment, and a transport bag are all included in this travel cot/playpen.

It’s ideal if you don’t have a lot of space and frequently travel.

9. Joie Cheer Baby Playpen, £90

– Best playpen for a baby

For children from birth to 15 kg, this metal and mesh play pen has dimensions of 96x96x76cm and can be folded up for storage when not in use.

If you’re looking for something that’s tiny enough to fit in most rooms yet big enough to accommodate your baby’s growing needs, this playpen is a great option! There are plush planes and clouds adorning the walls for your baby’s amusement.

As a parent, you can rest certain that your child is well-protected as they play, thanks to the fun-loving print.

The side panel opens up so that you can easily get to your infant. Added ventilation is provided by the mesh-lined sidewalls.

This playpen’s best feature, like the Hauck travel cot’s, is its compact size, which makes it convenient to transport or store. A replaceable mattress is included with the playpen to make naps more comfortable.

10. Relaxdays Pit Baby Zoo Play Pen, £32.27

Pop-up construction; no assembly necessary; dimensions: 80 x 80 x 29 cm; materials: polyester, plastic, steel; age range: 6 months to 8 years;

This pop-up zoo playpen may be ideal if you’re searching for something a little less permanent. Children will like the vibrant, colorful, and exciting designs of the adorable animals.

It’s quick and simple to set up because of the pop-up feature; it immediately appears and can be placed wherever you need it.

There are 50 non-toxic PE-plastic balls in five different colors included with the playpen to boost the amount of fun while also ensuring safety.

The sides of this pen aren’t secure enough to leave your infant unattended; a child who can crawl might certainly get over the sides pretty rapidly, so use it exclusively for supervised but contained play.

FAQS

How do I introduce my baby to a playpen?

Position the playpen so that you can readily check on the infant without being seen, along with numerous age-appropriate toys. If you are just getting started, start with just 5 or 10 minutes a day and gradually work your way up to your goal amount of time each day.

When should I introduce a playpen to my baby?

When may I use a playpen with my baby? When your baby is six months or seven months old, a playpen comes into its own. It’s best to buy a playpen before your baby starts moving around a lot, so she can get acclimated to it.

Is it bad to put your baby in a playpen?

Parents love these high-sided, enclosed play rooms because they know their babies can’t get out on their own. Never leave a child unsupervised in a playpen, no matter how well-designed the playpen may be.

How long can you use playpen?

Is a Playard Usable for a Long Time? Newborn to roughly three years old is when most playards can be used. Your child’s time in the playard is over once he or she is 35 inches tall or can climb out.

Why won’t my pack and play folded up?

Do a check to see whether any of the rails in the Pack ‘n Play are partially locked. Push the center button again if you encounter a rail that isn’t completely compressed.

How do you close a Cosco playpen?

Play yard’s buttons are located on each side. Push the two buttons together. Collapse the four corners by pulling up the red lever in the middle. They should come together in the center and then seal.