Playpen or Travel Cot?

[summerkisses84]

I'm trying to decide whether a travel cot or a playpen would be a good investment? My DD is 10 months and is crawling so gets into everything, which makes tasks such as cooking a nightmare, as she pulls herself up at the oven! I really need some advice as DH is useless, bless him. He doesn't see that either is necessary, but then he's not the one at home contending with the problem. I don't like the idea of DD being in a playpen 'cage', but for safety reasons, I feel now that she is moving around and interested in what I'm doing, I need to get one.

Please help...also suggestions on which plapen or travel cot would be useful.

Thanks

[BertieBotts]

Yes definitely, they are very useful. You only need a cheap one at this age though - no need for special bassinets etc. So the only thing to choose between is the size. We got a babylo one, cot size, from baby equipment complete for about £28 I think. It's identical to the Graco pack n play which seems to be the one everyone has - apart from the colour. The main sizes are standard (cot size) compact (probably too small for you) and then you can get square ones or hexagonal ones which are bigger.

I would get a travel cot rather than a playpen which can't be used as a cot because then you can use it if you go away. They also tend to fold up smaller for storage

[summerkisses84]

Thanks Bertibotts.

I should have mentioned that at 10 months, DD is in 18-24 month clothes as she is tall, just like her 6ft 4in Dad! She measures about 80cm at the mo, so have come to the conclusion that a travel cot will not do for very long.

Suggestions on a good playpen would be appreciated though

[SabsBigPants]

bump

[BlueKangerooWonders]

Just another thought - what about a stair gate to the kitchen if that's the room you're most worried about? Mine just howled in any sort of playpen and it just wasn't worth the aggro!

[colditz]

travelcot, argos, 24.99

[summerkisses84]

We tried a stair gate but she kicked off and has to be in the room with me! That's why I wonder whether she'd be ok in a playpen if it's in the same room.

Thanks colditz, will take a look.

[pushmepullyou]

How about a babydan-style playpen/room divider? We're considering one at the moment for our 9 month DD, but they are very expensive new. Cheaper on ebay though.

[ButtercupWafflehead]

Totally recommend the BabyDan - can build it into different shapes or use as a room divider, anchored to the walls.

Well worth the price and you can sell it again on eBay for not much of a loss.

And later you can use it to build cool dens!

[pushmepullyou]

Ok I'm sold! only needed the flimsiest excuse to spend lots of money