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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think my Mum should put the puppy in a crate, rather than newborn DC in a playpen?

21 replies

NorkyButNice · 10/05/2010 11:30

My mum has a puppy who can be rather excitable at times. She's fine with DS (2.6) although my Mum makes sure that they're not left in the room together.

DC2 is due in July, and since they only live 10 minutes away, there's a fair chance that my Mum will kindly do some babysitting duties (she currently looks after DS one day a week which I'm very grateful for).

She informed me this morning that she's bought a playpen to put the baby in for times when she needs to leave the room, so there's no chance of the puppy doing anything dangerous. I laughed at the idea that the baby gets put in a playpen, rather than the puppy being crated or just taken out of the room.

I didn't say anything about it (she's doing me a favour after all), but IABU to think putting a newborn in a playpen is a bit weird?

OP posts:
Eglu · 10/05/2010 11:33

Hmmm. I'm kind of inclined to think it's her house, and the dogs house. So why should the poor dog be put in a crate in its own house.

Also think that if the dog was crated when the baby was around then it may become jealous of the baby.

MaryBS · 10/05/2010 11:36

Personally I think its less weird than her leaving the room and the baby alone with the dog, even if it is just for short periods on rare occasions.

What's to stop the puppy getting in the playpen? Or when the baby is crawling, getting close enough to the edge of the playpen for the puppy to be able to get to him/her?

TheArmadillo · 10/05/2010 11:37

I think YABU as as long as she is taking precautions to protect baby it shouldn't matter which way round it is. It's her house so as long as she comes up with a reasonable solution (which doesn't cause either party any harm) then that is ok.

Also it might be a better idea from the dogs point of view that the baby gets put away rather than the dog to stop the jealousy issues.

veritythebrave · 10/05/2010 11:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

berri · 10/05/2010 11:37

I think it's nice of her to have thought about a potential problem and spent cash on it, and tbh I wouldn't see it as a bad thing if it's just for the 2 mins when she has to leave the room.

It'll be a real pain to try to get a dog into a crate (I should imagine, can't say I've ever tried!) and it'll probably bark the place down and when it's let out be more excitable than ever - I guess she just thinks it's easier to pop the baby down behind bars temporarily!

berri · 10/05/2010 11:38

Hmmm hadn't thought about the dog being able to get in the playpen - good point....

Nancy10 · 10/05/2010 11:39

I agree Eglu. The puppy will be even more excitable if it's shut in a crate too! Also a newborn isn't really going to notice being in a playpen and will be nice and safe. In fact I'd do that myself if I was in the same situation.

OtterInaSkoda · 10/05/2010 11:39

Not that I know about these things, but I think Eglu may have a point regarding the puppy getting jealous of the baby.

oricella · 10/05/2010 11:40

I think a play pen is fine for newborn - baby can't move after all, so not fair to restrict the puppy. It's not just the puppy baby would be protected from - no danger from being run over by boisterous toddler (or would you suggest that your mum should put toddler in a crate too )

You can get fab playpens that can be raised, so baby is at similar level as other people in the room

Original poster
NorkyButNice · 10/05/2010 11:40

I knew I was being unreasonable! The dog does have a crate, and is quite happy going into it for a sleep etc, but I think it's generally on its own terms rather than being "put" in there.

I did wonder whether putting the baby "behind bars" will make it more of an attraction to the dog, but I guess as long as it can't get in then there's no danger.

My mum's a bit animal crazy, they're like her replacement kids now we've all left home

OP posts:
Psammead · 10/05/2010 11:41

I agree with berri - far harder to get the dog in and out of a crate than pop the baby into a safe area while she nips to the loo or whatever!

I don't think your newborn will even notice being put into a playpen.

So, YABU. It doesn't sound like she thinks the dog takes priority over the baby or anything - and at least she is doing SOMETHING to keep the two apart. Some people would just say 'oh, the dog's as good as gold, he wouldn't harm a fly' or something.

CarGirl · 10/05/2010 11:42

I used a playpen loads for my younger children to keep them safe from their older toddler siblings! Baby was quite happy on their playment in the playpen and the toddlers weren't constantly being told "mind the baby" it worked very well for us and I wouldn't have a problem with it being used to keep a puppy away.

skihorse · 10/05/2010 11:42

YABU

If you don't like it - pay for a sitter without animals.

Doodleydoo · 10/05/2010 11:43

Well got to be better than my dd getting into the puppy crate this morning whilst shutting the new kitten out.

WhiteElefant · 10/05/2010 11:44

YABU. You are talking about a baby who will not be able to move around by itself, a play pen will simply keep the puppy away. The puppy on the other hand does need space to run around. If you were talking about a toddler it might be different.
Also your Mum has said its for when she is out if the room so she is not planning to leave your baby there for hours. At least she is thinking of your childs safety.

islandofsodor · 10/05/2010 11:49

YABU. I did the same when my children were small. My dog was my PFB and before dd was born I looked into the psycholocgy of it all. it is a big no-no to shut dogs away when a baby is around, however it is vital to allow the dog a private space (we used his bed in the kitchen) where the baby can not get to.

PLypens can also be useful at other times too. Am thinking about the morning when dd was violently sick and I put ds in the playpen whilst I was dealing with her/cleaning the mess.

susiey · 10/05/2010 11:55

my baby son spent many a time in a bouncy chair on the dining table as a protection from the uber love of his toddler sister!

think its fine not like she talking about leaving the baby there all day just while shes not in the room. very sensible actually and could help with the toddler too!

somebodysfool · 10/05/2010 12:00

If the dog has a crate it's there den and they would normally feel very comfortable and safe there as long as its been introduced appropriately and its not seen as a punishment. Dogs have dens in the wild and our dog loves her crate though they can look unusual to people not used to them. The vet said we should get one and she comes and goes as she likes and I would have no hesitation shutting her in if someone was uncomfortable with dogs or if I was looking after a new born.

She is a good dog though and well trained and will go to her crate when you say crate and it might be harder for the puppy to get the hang of it initially.

I think both options may be appropriate depending on the circumstances and this may have been your mums thinking. For example if the dog is in another room and your mum is making food she might want to pop DC in there so she can keep an eye on her at the same time. Assuming it's portable enough of course.

Vallhala · 10/05/2010 12:01

YABU. Her home, her dog's home, her choice. She's doing you a favour for goodness sakes!

darkandstormy · 10/05/2010 12:07

Can't see what the problem is tbh.

Thediaryofanobody · 10/05/2010 12:22

Personally I'd be concerned with my mothers priorities if she would rather her grandchild be put in a cage over her dog.
But it is your mothers home and she can do as she likes it's up to you wether you go along with them or not.

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