Extremely easy! The Summer Infant Pop N Play comes fully assembled, so it can be used straight out of the box. All you need to do is open the playpen out (you’ll need two hands) and pull the side straps down to the bottom to create tension so that they sit securely under the feet. If you're planning to use this playpen to entertain your toddler whilst you tend to your newborn, it’s also worth noting that it doesn’t have a door. For that reason, you’ll need to be able to physically lift your child – something to bear in mind if you’ve had a c-section. While the manufacturer recommends use from six months to 24 months (or when your child is 35 inches tall), Rebecca found it to be a safe space for her baby to rest and play earlier than the six-month mark. Whilst it’s relatively small in size, the Mokee playpen is both stylish and sustainable, with no metal or unsightly plastic. Made from sustainably sourced beech wood, it not only looks sleek, but is easy to fold away flat and store when not in use.

Next, look for something with a strong construction but that is lightweight with foldable features for easy storage, or wheels for easy transportation. There are so many different designs and shapes for baby playpens so you are sure to find something that's suitable for you. Different types of baby playpens

7. Best sustainable playpen: Mokee Foldaway Playpen

There's a wide variety of playpens from travel cot playpens to plastic panelled playpens, gated, wood, metal, multipurpose and activity playpens - most features depend on what age your child is at.

The game panel can not only stimulate children's imagination but also exercise their cognitive ability and motor skills. There are countless outdoor playards on the market, but if you’re looking for ease of use and excellent value, the Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play is a great choice. This extra-large portable playard works just as well outdoors as it does in your house. Crucially, it comes with a removable canopy that provides sun protection to keep your little one safe from the sun’s rays. The sides are made of airy mesh, so baby won’t get too hot (and you can easily keep an eye on her). Set it up safely. Whether you’re using a playard for sleep or supervised play, set it up out of reach of electrical, phone and window-blind cords, and never tie toys or anything else to the top or sides. Overall, the BabyDan Deluxe Playpen is the best playpen to buy as it’s safe, attractive to look at, comfortable for your baby and incredibly flexible too. Whilst it’s not cheap, the ability to adjust and reposition the sides to suit your environment certainly makes it worth the investment. It can even be used as a room divider with additional wall fixings. How we chose our recommendations Recommendations from real parents

Best baby playpen UK

Always keep the playpen clear and ensure that it is in good condition with no holes or broken pieces of wood or plastic. This playpen consists of six connecting elements and durable fabric that’s soft to the touch. It’s wipe clean and machine-washable, and has a zip door for easy access. With an easy-open gate that swings in both directions or can be fixed in the direction of your choice, it’s a completely modular design, so you can locate the door in the place that works best for you.

For those concerned that a playpen is a big investment, why not get your money's worth by opting for one that can be used in a variety of different ways? The Summer Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play has become a must for summer gatherings,” says Leah. “I’ve sat in it with my daughter during peak summer temperatures and was pleasantly surprised at how cool it was.” Leah also loves that the outdoor playard is roomy enough for three babies, a plus if you have multiples or are using it with other families. Measuring a substantial 190cm x 150cm, it comes with not one, but two zip-down doors so your baby can crawl in and out without any lifting required.The hexagonal design of the Summer Infant Pop N Play is minimalist, which some parents will appreciate, and it stores away neatly in a cupboard its accompanying travel bag so that it’s not a permanent eyesore in your home when not in use. How safe and sturdy is the Summer Infant Pop N Play? Portability: Does the playpen come with a storage or carry bag that enables you to take it with you when travelling or visiting family? More portable playpens tend to be a little less sturdy, but are ideal for occasional use. Are safe for sleep. With the exception of the Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard, which is designed as an indoor or outdoor play space.