THE TOLERABLE PLAYPEN
When Baby starts to move around, a safe and confined play space can be a life-saver. This playpen solution has a soft floor, can be configured to fit the right space in your home, and has cushioned sides to catch Baby's tumbles. Plus, the tolerable design doesn't create an eye-sore in your living room!
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See below to create your own.
01/
Create a cushioned floor
We used three layers to create the super-cushioned floor of this playpen. The top layer is a Ruggable shag runner. It's machine-washable for spills and spit-up, but plush enough for Baby's falls. The next layer is a Tribe West Family Mat. It's soft, environmentally sound, and can be used as Baby grows older. The bottom layer is the rug pad that is sold as a bundle with the Ruggable runner.
02/
Set up the "pen"
This wooden playpen allowed us to create the long-and-narrow shape we needed to fit our available space. It has a child-proof door, locking joints, and non-slip pads to keep it in place. The wood matches our home decor and feels a bit softer than plastic or metal.
03/
Soften the sides
When your baby starts crawling and/or trying to stand, you may want to add padding to the edges to break his or her tumbles. One way to do this is to tie a crib bumper along the walls of the pen. You can also line the base with small pillows. In this pen, we've used a combo: crib bumper, decorative pillows and even a nursing pillow to turn one end into a little reading nook. You can also use pull rings to help baby safely test out standing.
04/
Add the fun
Add toys to one side of the playpen and create a reading nook on the other side with a pile of pillows and books. Organize toys and books into small, soft baskets so your playpen stays tidy.
Shag Ruggable Runner
Purchase the 2.5'x7' to fit the linked play pen. Make sure to purchase the rug pad sold with it.
Small Pillows
You want to make sure your pillows are small so they don't take up too much play space. Add different colors and shapes to make the space fun!
Baskets
Use natural, woven, soft baskets to keep toys and books organized. A soft material will also keep the pen safe.
Tribe West Mat
The Family Mat comes in several designs. To use with this pen, cut it in half and place the two pieces side-to-side, long-ways.
Crib Bumper
Any crib bumper will work, but a decorative one, or something that matches your surrounding room's decor, will make the space look a bit more tolerable.
*Note, this space is not recommended for sleeping; it is designed for supervised play.
Pull Rings
These can be tough to find, but attaching some baby-safe pull rings will help Baby pull-to-stand without relying on the pen's bars.
