Playpen Safety - Fact Sheet

2009
ISBN: 978-0-662-06329-2
Cat. No.: 128-1/08-560
HC Pub.: 4516

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A playpen should be a place where a baby is safe. Playpens sold in Canada must meet current Canadian safety requirements.

Since playpens and playpens advertised as portable cribs do not meet the same safety requirements and are not as durable as cribs, they should not be used as a sleep surface for an unattended baby. A crib that meets current Canadian safety regulations is the safest place for a baby to sleep.

Safety Tips

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for weight and age requirements.
• Never leave a baby in the playpen with the side down; the baby can roll into the space between the mattress and the mesh side, and suffocate.
• Make sure sides are in their fully raised and locked position before placing a baby in the playpen. If the sides are not locked in place, a "V" shape can be created in which a baby can strangle.
• If a change table or bassinet is provided as an insert for the playpen, never put a baby in the playpen while the change table or bassinet insert is still in place. Babies have died when their heads became trapped between the top rail of a playpen and the bottom rail of an insert.
• Never put scarves, necklaces, or cords in the playpen or around a baby's neck. These items can catch on the playpen and strangle a baby.
• Never put the playpen near a window or a patio door where a baby can reach the blind or curtain cord and strangle.
• Place the playpen away from stairs, doors, furniture, and appliances.
• Remove mobiles and toy bars as soon as the baby begins to push up on their hands and knees.
• Do not place a baby in a playpen with large toys or stuffed animals that can be used to climb out of the playpen.
• Do not add blankets, pillows or an extra mattress to the playpen. The use of these items could lead to suffocation.
• Check that the mattress pad is firm. Mattress pads that are worn down in any area could create a suffocation hazard.
• Check for tears in vinyl rail coverings, mesh panels, or in the mattress pad of the playpen. A baby can bite off small pieces and choke.
• Before buying a second-hand playpen or re-using a playpen for another baby, check with the manufacturer and Health Canada for recalls (www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps-recalls).

For more information contact Product Safety, Health Canada.

1-866-662-0666
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps
cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca