Travel cot as playpen - does it work?

[wastingmyeducation]

Got a ten month old daredevil and was wondering -

How well does a travel cot work as a playpen?
Is there enough space for a cruiser?
How long were they happy to play for?

I've got a travel cot, and need to be able to leave him to it now and then, but will get a playpen if they're much better.


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Hi there,

This thread is quite old and some of the product recommendations are a little of date.

If you're looking for a travel cot that can double up as a playpen, take a look at our round up of the Mumsnet best travel cots for this year.

Hope that helps,

MNHQ flowers

[wastingmyeducation]

Was LO happy to play for a while, or just for instance, while answering the door?

[wastingmyeducation]

I think I'll give it a go. It's worth a try!

Thank you.

[kitbit]

Yep! Thought it was better actually, since it was bigger than the kind of bendy sided playpens we saw in the shops. Our travel cot was full size though, a mini one would have been too small. ds used to play happily then fall asleep in it sometimes, and the cushiony mattress made it OK for naps.

[noolia]

I use one and it is great.

[chuckeyegg]

Me too. DS also nodded off happily in there.

[bruhaha]

i still use mine and my ds is 18 mths - he can't be trusted out side of it if i need to go to the loo! he's a climber. It was a lifesaver for me. he can play with his toys and i can get on with cleaning or hoovering if i need to.

[Twims]

19 month old uses it still.

[wastingmyeducation]

Well it's up in the living room, and successful, with a little help from a Baby Einstein DVD.

[Miamla]

wastingmyeducation, what make/model have you got?

[MintChocAddict]

Worked for me too until about 20 months. Also used to tip lots of play balls in it and turn it into a ballpool from time to time.

[wastingmyeducation]

Graco, Contour Electra? Says on the side.

Ballpool is a great idea!

[Miamla]

thanks WME

[LIZS]

It was fine for short periods. To get some ironing or hoovering done , have a cup of tea and so on.

[blondiep14]

we have used ours from the word go and i still put DS (14m) in it now and then for shorter periods as he's so much more active but i couldn't have done without it!

[Miamla]

hmm so with a very active 8mth old free-standing already DS have i missed the boat a bit?

sorry for hijack

[wastingmyeducation]

DS was happy enough in it today Miamla, but he's still pulling up and cruising. I think it'll depend on what entertainment is provided while in it.

We already had ours, as Dad bought it us for when we went to stay with him in the summer.

I'd prefer an actual playpen, with bars to help with the cruising, but as I already had this it seemed daft to spend the money. And of course it can still be used as a travel cot!

[Miamla]

i was hoping to get one that could be used for sleeping in as well. perhaps i'll try my luck on freecycle to try one out
thanks for advice, sorry again for hijack!

[monkeypinkmonkey]

No No No and no but looking at the previous responses that was only my DS then!

[accessorizequeen]

Do any of you think a standard full size travel cot would be alright for twins (as I have one of those already) or must I (sigh) buy a proper playpen for them? They're 6 months, I'm just thinking ahead of myself a bit.