Why are toddler play pens now called "play yards?" What's the story behind that change of terminilogy?

Question

I'm new to the whole baby scene, have a little boy due in April. I always remember those "Pack 'n' Plays" or "Play Yards" being called "Play Pens." Is this some sort of attempt to be politically correct, since we don't put children in pens since we put animals in pens? Just wondering!

Answer 1

Marketing strategy to stroke the PC crowd. A play yard sounds protective. A play pen sounds forbidding. We can't do anything to forbid Jr from doing whatever he wants right?

I promise, none of the other moms at the picnic are going to get concerned if you still refer to it as a play pen. Though, some of them did get annoyed with me for refering to it as "the baby cage."

Answer 2

I think you're right. A lot of things have changed names over the years. I don't know if everything is changed to be politically correct, or if some are more for advertising. I think a play "yard" has more of an appealing sound and will probably sell better than a play "pen". I was confused when I started shopping for my daughter 2 years ago. I thought the play yards were those sectioned fences that you put together. They don't have a bottom to them and are larger than the pack n' plays.

Answer 3

Political correctness strikes again--I guess it sounds bad to some to stick their baby in a 'pen'.

Best wishes:)

Answer 4

I think it's a standard marketing ploy. Manufacturers occasionally "reinvent" their products to make them more appealing.

Answer 5

Probably not PC anymore... like it makes it sound like they are an animal instead of a kid or something. Who knows.

Answer 6

I'd say it is manufacturers trying to make their boring old 'playpens' sound new and exciting.

Answer 7

That is exactly the reason. Good for you.