Play pens - your thoughts/experiences

[springbelle]

My 10 month old dd is on the move constantly as 10 month olds generally are! Up until now I have been putting her in her walker when I needed to do something (ie. cook her lunch, grab a shower or make a cup of tea)and keep her close by. However she is too strong and quick for this now!
I was wondering what other Mums do to safely contain their little ones when they need to do something? I was thinking of getting a play pen from mothercare. What do people think of these? In your opinion, are they a good idea?

[springbelle]

Well, after careful consideration I have purchased the babydan babyden lite (I prefer the mesh side panels to the all round bar variety) from kiddicare.
I figured that as I am only using it for short periods when cooking etc (I wouldn't let her roam around the kitchen I'm afraid - call me paranoid) I'm not really restricting her (I realise the importance of allowing them to explore) just making her safe when I really need to. She has loads of activity time with me, in and outdoors and I do think she will actually like the 'den' aspect of it particularly as she gets a little older. It will be 'her' space. The little tents that you can buy as an add on look great.
Even if I only use it for nine months or so it is worth it for peace of mind

[castleonthehill]

I used our babydan the same way as LarkinSky. We have very narrow stairs amd it would'nt have been safe to use a gate. I cornered off part of the room and made it safe then stored all the toys in it. it worked really well I hardly shut the gate only when I had to go up stairs but she loved being in there she felt secure. It also contained the toys. You have to start using them when the child is very young or play in it with your child so they get to like it and not feel it is a punishment.

[BoffinMum]

Just upgraded from using a travel cot to a Babydan with a tent thingy and DS3 adores it. He was incredibly excited and made us all sit in there with him!

[Orissiah]

Baby Dan play pen worked wonders for us when our DD began to crawl. We filled it with her toys and she loved spending time in it - she liked the enclosed space. But we only ever shut the gate when I needed to go to the loo or do a small chore - so 10-20 mins max. All other times we left the gate open so she could crawl in and out whenever she wanted.

The playpen was great because she quickly learned how to pull herself up to a standing position using it and then started to walk by dragging herself along the bars.

The playpen only served us well until she started walking properly and then she has no use for it at all as she had the run of the house.

Worhtwhile investment for us.

[otchayaniye]

They are naff and only useful for a couple of months.

Let them crawl about and keep an eye on them.

[otchayaniye]

and if they really get under your feet, want to touch a hot oven, then back sling em.