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31 July 24

Everything You Need to Know About the Playpen: Mattresses, Playmats, and Storage Options

A playpen is almost a must-have for every new parent. It offers a safe and comfy spot for your baby to rest or play, while you have your hands free for other tasks. But when setting up your baby’s playpen, you’ll quickly find there are lots of choices to make. What do you actually need? In this blog, we’ll guide you through all the essentials—from playpen mattresses and playmats to fitted sheets, storage bags, and bumpers.

What Is a Playpen For?

A playpen is a safe play and nap area for your little one. It’s perfect for tummy time, which helps develop core strength and motor skills, and it gives your baby a clean, pet-free space to explore. You can choose from round, rectangular, or square playpens and accessorize with soft essentials like a playpen mattress or a playmat (or both!). Not sure what’s right for you? Let’s break it down.

Playpen Mattress vs. Playmat: What’s the Difference?

There’s no right or wrong—just what suits your baby best.

  • A Playpen Mattress (like our Jollein ones) adds softness and support. Ideal for short naps and for keeping your baby safe from bumps.

  • A Playmat—like the Bouclé, Basic Knit, or Pure Knit Playpen Mats—is designed for active play and tummy time. Slightly firmer, it supports movement like rolling over and pushing up.

Pro tip: You can also layer them! Place a Playpen Mattress underneath and a Playmat on top for extra comfort and an inviting play space.

Fitted Sheets for Playpen Mattresses

Keep your mattress clean and cozy with our Jersey Fitted Sheets. Made from 100% jersey cotton, they’re super soft, breathable, and skin-friendly. The elastic edges ensure a snug fit, and they’re machine washable and colorfast—perfect for everyday use. A must-have for keeping your playpen mattress fresh and hygienic.

Our Favorite Playmats

Turn your playpen into a stylish eye-catcher with one of our signature Jollein Playmats:

  • Bouclé Playmat – Super soft and fluffy with a modern teddy texture.

  • Pure Knit Playmat – A luxe, knitted texture that fits perfectly in any calm, neutral interior.

  • Basic Knit Playmat – Simple, soft, and timeless—great for any space.

Available in round, rectangular, and square designs, and in trendy Jollein tones like Naturel, Ash Green, Storm Grey, or Rosewood.

Smart Storage: Playpen Storage Bags

Keep your essentials close at hand with a Playpen Storage Bag. These handy bags attach to the side of the playpen and are perfect for storing diapers, wipes, pacifiers, toys, and more.

Check out our favorites:

  • Bouclé Playpen Storage Bag – Soft, cuddly and stylish.

  • Corduroy Storage Bag – A trendy touch with ribbed fabric.

  • Soft Waves Storage Bag – Adds texture and a modern twist.

They tie easily to the side with ribbons or loops and keep your living space neat and organized.

Extra Comfort: Playpen Bumpers

Make your baby’s space even safer and more snug with a Playpen Bumper. These soft protective edges shield your baby from the hard wooden bars of the playpen. They add both comfort and style, plus they come in colors that match your playmat or storage bag.

Try a Bouclé Playpen Bumper for that cozy teddy vibe or choose a quilted floral print for a softer, classic look.

Style Your Playpen Your Way

Styling your playpen is so much fun! Mix and match your favorite colors and textures to suit your home. With a soft Playpen Mattress, a cozy Playmat, a fresh Fitted Sheet, a clever Storage Bag, and a comfy Bumper, your little one will have the perfect space to rest and play.

🛒 Explore all playpen must-haves at Jollein.com and create your dream setup today!

From our journal

  • The cutest Jollein Toys for babies from 0 to 1 year

    The cutest Jollein Toys for babies from 0 to 1 year

    A baby’s first year is a time full of growth and wonder. Every day, your little one learns something new: reaching, rolling, listening, looking, and feeling. The right toys can make this journey of discovery safe, fun, and stimulating. At Jollein, you’ll find toys perfectly suited to this special stage. The collection combines soft materials, calming colors, and clever designs that support your baby’s development. Playtime becomes not only enjoyable but also a meaningful moment of bonding and exploration. Discover the cutest gifts for your little one or the perfect present for a newborn! Safety and Materials Jollein toys are designed with little hands in mind. Every item is made from safe, high-quality materials that feel pleasant to touch. The soft colors and natural fabrics fit perfectly into any nursery and bring a sense of calm to daily play and learning moments. What makes these toys even more special is that they grow with your baby. From the first weeks when your little one mostly observes and listens, to the stage of grabbing, rolling, and exploring – Jollein offers something appropriate for every phase. Pacifier cloths Pacifier cloths are often a baby’s very first favorite companions. They provide comfort, familiarity, and security and can be taken everywhere: in the crib, on the couch, or on walks in the stroller. Jollein comfort blankets are made from soft materials like teddy fabric and velour, perfect for snuggling and holding close. Many designs also include small tags, buttons, or rattles that stimulate the senses and help develop fine motor skills. How cute is the Little Star Pacifier cloth? Rattles Around three months, babies discover that they can grasp and move objects. A rattle is the perfect toy at this stage: lightweight, easy to hold, and with a gentle sound that sparks curiosity. Recently, wrist and foot rattles have also become available. These little rattles attach to your baby’s arms or legs, so every movement creates a soft sound. This makes everyday motions even more fun and engaging while your baby spends hours exploring touch and sound. They help develop fine motor skills, hearing, and hand-eye coordination in a playful way, keeping your little one active and entertained. Baby Gyms and Activity Cubes A baby gym is an essential for the first months. Your baby lies underneath, looks up, and reaches for the soft hanging toys. This naturally stimulates motor skills and coordination. Jollein offers various baby gym toys that can be attached to the gym – from cute animals to soft rattles. Which one is your favorite? Later in the first year, an activity cube is a wonderful next step: a block full of textures, shapes, and sounds that keeps your baby engaged and learning. The Animal Friends Activity Cube is a perfect example – educational, safe, and fun for the second half of the first year. Baby Mobiles A baby mobile brings calm and fascination to the nursery. The moving figures capture attention and stimulate vision, while the gentle rotation has a soothing effect. Hang it above the crib or playpen for a quiet moment in between activities. Jollein baby mobiles are real eye-catchers in the nursery and look adorable under a mosquito net. Teething Rings Around four to six months, the first teeth often start to appear. This can be uncomfortable for your baby, but a teething ring can help relieve the discomfort. Jollein teething rings are made from safe materials such as soft silicone or natural rubber, allowing your little one to chew and explore safely. They support both teething and the development of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Our Favorites for Babies from 0 to 12 Months Baby Gym – Natural Wood: stimulates movement and curiosity from the very first weeks. Choose from the cutest baby gym toys! Baby Mobile – Teddy Bear: soft and calming, perfect above the crib. Wrist Rattle – Tiny Park: your little one’s new favorite friend always within reach! Comfort Blanket – Elephant Tales: provides comfort and familiarity anywhere you go. Activity Cube – Animal Friends: engaging and educational, perfect for the second half of the first year. The first year flies by, but the memories of all those little discoveries will last forever. With Jollein toys, you give your baby the chance to grow, learn, and enjoy in a safe, calm, and loving environment. Discover the complete range and be inspired by the most delightful toys for the very youngest.
  • Discover the best gifts for toddlers (1–2 Years)

    Discover the best gifts for toddlers (1–2 Years)

    After that magical first year, your baby is turning into a curious little explorer. Between 12 and 24 months, toddlers become more mobile, independent, and eager to discover the world around them. They’re walking, talking, stacking, building, and imitating everything they see. The right toys make these new adventures even more exciting — and help your child develop essential skills in a fun, safe way. At Jollein, you’ll find thoughtful toys and gifts that support your toddler’s growth while fitting beautifully into your home. Soft textures, natural tones, and clever designs make every item both stylish and practical. Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, a “just because” surprise, or a new favorite playtime essential — we’ve got you covered. Stacking Toys Around this age, toddlers love to build (and knock down!) towers.  Stacking toys are perfect for little hands still learning about balance and coordination. They help develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving — all while keeping playtime safe. Time for your little one to stack and play! This wooden stacking tower features three adorable jungle animals — a caramel Giraffe, ash green Crocodile, and biscuit-colored Cheetah. The colorful blocks help your child learn shapes and colors while developing fine motor skills. Made from 100% FSC-certified wood, it’s safe, durable, and fun to look at! Cuddly Dolls & Soft Toys Imaginative play starts here. Around 18 months, toddlers begin to form emotional connections with their favorite stuffed friends. A soft doll or cuddly toy can quickly become a loyal companion for naps, car rides, and adventures. Jollein’s plush toys — like the Knight Duke, Lady Lynn, or the Elephant — are made from ultra-soft materials and designed to comfort and inspire. They’re not just toys; they’re friends your little one will cherish for years. Wooden Pull-Along Toys Walking becomes a true joy when there’s a little friend to pull along! Race cars encourage movement, balance, and coordination — ideal for toddlers who are just finding their rhythm. The Jollein Wooden Animals on wheels come in charming shapes like elephants or bears, crafted from smooth, natural wood. Their minimalist design and neutral tones make them both a beautiful and functional gift. Or get ready for endless fun with this amazing wooden race track, perfect for your little adventurer! Watch the four cheerful cars zoom down the track again and again — pure excitement from start to finish. Part of our On the Go theme, this toy keeps your mini (and friends) entertained for hours. A beautiful and timeless gift for any occasion — even as a newborn present! Mealtime Essentials as Gifts Between one and two, mealtimes become little adventures too. Giving your toddler their own silicone tableware set — with a bowl, spoon, and cup — helps foster independence. The Jollein Silicone Dinner Set is safe, flexible, and oh-so-practical. With soft pastel colors and easy-to-clean material, it’s a stylish and thoughtful gift that parents will love just as much as little ones. Our Favorites for 1–2 Year Olds Stuffed Animal – Elephant: a soft buddy for every adventure. Wooden shape sorter - Jungle Jambo: Let your little one bring all the jungle animals together in this fun wooden house and enjoy hours of fun Wooden race track, perfect for your little adventurer! Watch the four cheerful cars zoom down the track again and again. Kids dinner set 4 pieces: practical, safe, and beautiful for everyday use. Your toddler’s world grows bigger every day — and with Jollein toys, each discovery feels calm, cozy, and full of wonder.From their very first steps to their first words, Jollein helps make every moment of growth feel soft, stylish, and full of love. Explore the full Jollein toy collection and find the perfect gift for your little explorer.
  • A throne of their own! The kids beanbag for your mini-me

    A throne of their own! The kids beanbag for your mini-me

    From reading a first book by themselves to cosily watching a movie: their own kids beanbag is a perfect comfy spot. Read why this soft item in teddy or corduroy is a must-have in your interior! 

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