A hexagonal baby playpen can create a defined space for play and relaxation in your home. To make sure it remains practical beyond the first few weeks, expectant parents should look beyond its colour and shape. Key features to consider include the height adjustment, how securely the castors lock, how easy the liner is to clean and the maximum weight limit.
A playpen with castors is easier to move around the home. However, if you’re using it in one place, the castors need to lock securely. Check that all the castors have brakes and that they’re easy to operate. The hexagonal roba model has six braked castors. The smaller roba Lucky Charm has four.
Important: the playpen should only be placed on a level floor. Before putting your child inside, apply the brakes and check that all the parts are securely fitted.
A baby playpen suitable from birth isn’t automatically suitable as a place to sleep. A playpen is primarily a defined space for your baby to spend time and play. Don’t add extra mattresses, pillows, blankets or soft padding unless the manufacturer says it’s safe to do so. These changes could create a risk of slipping or entrapment.
The roba Hexagonal Baby Playpen is stated to be suitable from birth. Its maximum weight limit of 15 kg also applies. Never leave your baby unattended in the playpen.
Small spills and messes can quickly become part of everyday life with a baby. Check whether the liner can actually be removed and machine-washed. A washable playpen liner with clear care instructions is more practical than a cover that’s sewn in place.
According to the product information, the roba models have a removable, quilted polyester microfibre liner that can be machine-washed at 40 °C. The wooden frame can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Abrasive cleaning products aren’t recommended.
An height-adjustable playpen can be particularly useful in the first few months. A higher base makes it easier to lift your baby in and out. You can lower the base later as your child becomes more mobile.
The hexagonal roba playpen has three adjustable base positions. According to the product description, the highest position helps reduce strain on your back when laying your baby down and lifting them out. Make sure the adjustment mechanisms are fully locked into place before every use. Also check that the selected height is suitable for your child’s stage of development.
A six-sided playpen takes up space differently from a rectangular model. Its shape can provide a generous play area, but you’ll need to leave enough space between it and furniture, radiators, windows, blind cords and walls. The roba Hexagonal Baby Playpen measures approximately 119 × 103 × 72 cm and weighs around 14 kg.
Before you buy, measure the space and make sure doors, drawers and walkways can still be used freely. The folded dimensions are also worth checking if you’ll be putting the playpen away from time to time.
A padded playpen can add a soft fabric liner to the wooden surround. However, padding is no substitute for supervision. Check it regularly for tears, loose stitching or fastenings that have come undone.
The EN 12227:2010 standard is listed for the roba Hexagonal Baby Playpen and the roba Lucky Charm. It covers requirements and test methods for playpens for domestic use. The standard is a useful point of reference, but it doesn’t replace checking the playpen yourself.
You should also bear the following in mind:
Why this product suits this need: Its compact 75 × 100 cm footprint makes it a good fit for smaller rooms. Three base heights, a grey liner and four braked castors cover the essentials.
The product information specifies a removable liner that’s washable at 40 °C, as well as compliance with EN 12227:2010. The castors and height adjustment are clearly listed.
Compact dimensions, three height positions, four braked castors and a washable padded liner.
Why this product suits this need: Its hexagonal design provides a generous play area. The white wooden frame and grey liner fit in well with a range of home interiors.
Rather than unspecified padding, the product details list a quilted microfibre liner, machine-washable at 40 °C, three base positions and compliance with EN 12227:2010.
Six braked castors, three height positions, a removable liner and a stated weight limit of 15 kg.
Why this product suits this need: Six castors and a hexagonal play area are useful in homes where the playpen needs to be moved from time to time. The brakes let you keep it securely in place.
The number of castors and the braking function are clearly specified. This makes it easier to check before buying whether the features suit the way you plan to move the playpen around.
Six braked castors, three height-adjustable positions and a washable liner for moving the playpen to different places around the home.
Before using the playpen for the first time, parents should:
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
The roba models mentioned are stated to be suitable from birth. However, it’s still important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, assemble the playpen correctly and supervise your baby. A playpen isn’t automatically intended as a permanent place to sleep.
How long you can use it depends on your child’s development and the weight limit. For the models mentioned, the stated maximum weight is 15 kg. Stop using the playpen as soon as your child tries to climb over the sides or reach the parts.
A playpen with castors can be useful if you want to move it between rooms. Before buying, however, check the available floor space, door widths and floor surface. Always apply the brakes when the playpen is in its chosen position.