Key Difference – Baby Cot vs Playpen
Baby cots and playpens are secure places to put a baby when parents are preoccupied with other tasks. However, there are several differences between these two options. The main difference between a baby cot and a playpen is their purpose. Baby cots are pieces of furniture designed for sleeping, while playpens provide a secure play area for the baby when the parents are busy.
Key Takeaways
- A baby cot is a small bed with barred sides designed for babies, used primarily for sleeping.
- A playpen, also known as a play yard, is a collapsible enclosure where infants or young toddlers can be placed for playing while their parents are occupied.
- While baby cots and playpens have distinct purposes, children can also sleep in playpens and play in baby cots.
What is a Baby Cot?
A baby cot is a small bed with barred sides specially designed for babies. Babies can sleep in cots from the time they are born, but many parents use bassinets or Moses baskets until the baby is a few months old and can roll on their own. Baby cots are larger and more stable than bassinets or baskets. When the baby reaches two or three years old and can climb out of the cot, they should be moved to a child-bed. Some types of cots, known as cot beds, have removable sides so that they can be converted into a child-bed when the child is old enough.
Cots have barred sides with a distance of 1 inch to 2.6 inches between each bar, which is a safety measure to prevent the baby’s head from slipping between the bars. Cots can be stationary or portable, and some have drop gates that can be lowered to keep the baby inside.
What is a Playpen?
A playpen, or play yard, is a piece of furniture in which an infant or young toddler can be placed when their parents are occupied. It is typically a collapsible enclosure designed to prevent self-harm or accidents when a child’s parents are busy or away. For example, a parent can keep the child in a playpen when they need to take a shower, answer the door, or anytime when they cannot directly supervise the child. As the name suggests, playpens are also places where children can play with their toys.
Playpens are used when the child is about six or seven months old and starting to crawl. If the child spends time in the playpen from a young age, they will enjoy being there and playing while their parent is busy. Many playpens available today serve multiple purposes, such as travel cots, stair gates, room dividers, or fireguards. However, children should not be kept in playpens for long periods of time, as it could negatively affect their ability to explore their surroundings and experiment.
What is the difference between Baby Cot and Playpen?
Purpose:
Baby cot: Baby cots are small beds with barred sides designed for children.
Playpen: Playpens are secure areas where the baby can play while the parents are busy or away.
However, children can also sleep in playpens and play in baby cots.
Portability:
Baby cot: Some cots are difficult to move.
Playpen: Playpens are typically portable.
Age and Abilities:
Baby cot: Baby cots can be used for newborns, but they are ideal for three or four-month-olds who can roll.
Playpen: Playpens are used for six or seven-month-old babies who can crawl.
Height:
Baby cot: Baby cots are elevated from the ground.
Playpen: Playpens are at ground level.
