I've had the Happy Baby Lagoon v2 playpen for two years now, and I'm excited to share my thoughts. As a first-time parent, I relied heavily on online reviews and advice from family and friends. Some people swear by wooden playpens, but I'm not convinced. I think there are some major drawbacks to wooden playpens.
For starters, wooden playpens are bulky and heavy, taking up a lot of space even when folded. And if you store one in a garage or at a summer home, there's a risk of the wood warping or cracking from moisture. In contrast, the Happy Baby Lagoon v2 is super lightweight and compact, folding neatly into a rectangular carry bag. Sure, plastic can also degrade over time, but it's not as prone to damage as wood.
Another thing that bothered me about wooden playpens is the safety concerns. Many people think wood is safer than plastic, but that's not necessarily true. Plastic can be wiped down with a damp cloth every day and it'll be fine, as long as you're using high-quality plastic and not some cheap stuff. Wooden cribs, on the other hand, are always coated with a layer of lacquer or treated with a special wood finish. Have you ever thought about that? Can a newborn breathe in those chemicals? The chemicals in the finish will eventually evaporate, get scratched off, and dust will accumulate in the gaps - and before you know it, you'll have a bunch of bed bugs.
Thirdly, wooden cribs have wooden slats as rails. Do I need to explain how that's a hazard for a baby? As soon as they learn to roll over, crawl, sit up, stand, and walk, parents start freaking out - what if they stick their head between the slats, or their foot gets stuck, or they're unsteady and fall face-first?
Now, let's talk about my experience with the Happy Baby Lagoon v2 crib. This model has three adjustable levels for different age groups, a music and vibration module, a toy bar, a storage pocket, a mosquito net, wheels, and leg hinges.
I was a total lifesaver when my baby was a newborn. No need to buy extra sides, mattresses, or canopies. The crib comes with a lovely little canopy. It attaches to the side of the crib, at the top, and clips onto the bars. The canopy has a soft mattress, a strap (just for the bottom part, not the five-point harness), and a little hood. Plus, you can use this canopy on its own and rock it, since it has legs. It's super portable, so you can take it on trips, to the dacha, or to visit friends. It folds up compactly and is really lightweight. The hood does block out the sun or a breeze in the summer. My baby was born in the summer, so we spent a lot of time on the balcony, and the canopy was always with me, following me around the apartment. Overall, the canopy is a total winner!
When my little one started rolling over, we started using the top level for sleep. Since our baby was lost in the huge crib and it was a hassle to add pillows on the sides, we bought a cocoon and put it right in the crib. There was plenty of space, the baby was secured to the sides by the cocoon, and I wasn't worried that they'd roll onto their tummy while sleeping. All moms know how much you want to get a good night's sleep, but you end up waking up in a panic, thinking the baby will roll over and get their face stuck, which would make breathing difficult. When we took the cocoon off, we didn't need to buy any side guards because the mesh is super soft and sturdy. The crib also comes with big arches that attach, and it turns into a huge cradle. It sways nicely, and the arches are padded. After two years of use, the mesh hasn't torn or stretched anywhere. As time went on, our son started sitting up. That's when the next challenge comes in...
One thing that's nice about this next-level sleeping setup is that it makes it easy to get in and out of bed quickly, so don't be afraid to remove the top level to avoid any awkward moments. Removing the top level is a breeze - just unclip the velcro along the sides and you're good to go. At first, it might seem like a low-profile setup for your little one to sleep in, and the included mattress is pretty thin, so you'll probably want to get a standard mattress for sleeping anyway. I should note that the sleeping area is NOT standard size, so you might want to get a custom mattress if you're particular about aesthetics. We just got a standard mattress and trimmed it to size, then used the excess pieces as a buffer on the sides. It worked out fine. I also threw a big blanket over the bed, folded to size, and some sheeting with a mattress protector underneath. It's pretty close to a standard double bed in terms of comfort. The only downside to this sleeping setup and the high sides is that it can be a real strain on your back if you're constantly getting in and out of bed to pick up your little one. Our kid was already around 10-14 kg by the time they were 1-2 years old, and it's especially noticeable when you're lifting them in and out of bed or a high chair. So, either find someone to share the duties with or just deal with the back pain. That being said, our kid was really into the ladder for a while - they'd crawl in and out of it, but they never really used it as a functional way to get in and out of bed. The soft, transparent sides of this sleeping setup are actually really convenient if you're placing the bed next to your own - you can keep an eye on your little one and they can see you too.
Лаз матрасик из комплекта My little one turned 1.8 years old, and I found myself struggling to get him to sleep in his crib. He'd wake up after 30 minutes, get out, and cry, asking to be picked up. I'd lift him out, put him back in, and repeat the process. The lower level for sleeping came in handy for a short time, but I think it's safe to say that by 2 years old, kids outgrow cribs and it's time to switch to a full-sized bed, like the ones you see in nurseries. However, every child is different, and I'm not saying you need to make the switch at this age. But if you've trained your kid to sleep in a crib like a playpen, this option will become a lifesaver.
On one hand, the storage compartment is a great feature, but on the other hand, it's more like a pocket. We only used it for disposable diapers and a few toys. It's not very convenient for storing regular diapers, towels, or baby powder, and it's a hassle to get things in and out. Even though the compartment is a decent size, it's held shut with sticky strips at the corners.
Pocket This thing is super convenient - it's portable. It's small, it plays music, vibrates, and lights up (which makes a great nightlight). The music isn't bad at all, and it turns on with three ascending sound modes. My kid loves switching between modes, and the battery life is impressive - it lasts a long time. It also attaches to the side of the crib and stays put.
Mobile We chose a light, greenish color for the crib, and I'm glad we did - it doesn't overwhelm the senses. For comparison, we looked at a Graco playpen, but the design and color scheme just didn't appeal to me.
The crib comes with a bar that holds hanging toys, but the toys themselves aren't very eye-catching, so we ended up attaching other ones. The bar is easy to attach to the side of the crib and is made from the same material as the crib itself - it's soft and comfortable.
As for the rings that help little ones learn to stand and balance, there aren't any included. But to be honest, we didn't need them - our kid picked it up quickly without any assistance. If you're worried about this being a drawback, I'd say it's not a big deal. You can always attach your own favorite rings to the sides of the crib. We actually did this a few times, using rings from a set of teething toys.
Cleaning up this crib is a breeze - just wipe down the dust with a regular cloth, or use a damp cloth and some soap to tackle any tough stains like spills or accidents.
I love the design of this crib - it's really clever. The legs fold up for easy storage, and the casters make it super easy to move around the room. Plus, the brakes on each caster are a lifesaver when you've got a wiggly baby in the crib. The storage bag has special cutouts for the casters, which is a nice touch.
The whole crib folds up into a really compact storage bag, which includes all the different levels for sleeping, the mattress, the mobile, the crib toy bar, and the canopy. There are plastic caps on all the metal parts to protect them, and the storage bag has handles on the sides and top, which makes it easy to carry around. It's also really easy to assemble and disassemble - just follow the instructions on the bottom of the crib, and you'll be good to go. The only thing to keep in mind is to follow the sequence of steps, or you might end up getting frustrated. But overall, it's a really convenient and compact design that's perfect for travel or storage.
Assembly and disassembly instructions The bottom of the crib The mattress in its folded state The crib in its folded state The crib in its folded state The set, part 1 The set, part 2 The set, part 3 Wrapping up the parts in the carry bag was a breeze.
We ordered the Happy Baby Lagoon v2 crib online from this website back in 2017. The shipping was super fast, and it was delivered right to our doorstep. We paid 8,990 rubles with delivery.
I'm really glad we got this crib - it's been a lifesaver for our little one. After using it for over a year and a half, we found it wasn't quite working for us as a bed, but every baby is different, so it's all about finding what works best for your little one. If you're set on getting a crib, I'd definitely recommend checking out the Happy Baby Lagoon v2 - it's one of the best out there, in my book.