What type of infant typically uses a playpen?

A playpen is generally used for immobilized infants. This stage typically involves children who are not yet fully mobile and still require a safe, contained space for play. The playpen offers a secure environment where they can explore their surroundings while being limited in mobility.

Being in this stage, immobilized infants are usually able to sit up or roll around but cannot crawl or walk independently. The playpen serves as a protective barrier that allows them to develop their sensory and motor skills without the risk of hazards that come with movement.

While active, mobile, and newborn infants have different needs and developmental stages, they do not typically use a playpen in the same way as immobilized infants. Active infants are constantly in motion and require more open spaces to explore, whereas mobile infants are beginning to crawl or walk and might not find a playpen limiting enough for their growing exploration needs. Newborns, on the other hand, need close supervision and attention and are often held or placed in cribs rather than playpens.