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Active Toddler

9 replies

MummyLK · 15/07/2025 17:29

So I have a very active 21 month old DS who has recently learned how to climb out of our play pen. We don’t use it all the time, but it’s a lifesaver when we need to do other things like use the hob and empty the dishwasher! I’m on school holidays now, but when I go back to work, I’m not sure what I’ll do with him when I’m getting ready for work in the mornings, as that’s a time I’d normally pop him in the play pen to play while I put on makeup/get dressed/brush my teeth. DS is ‘on the go’ all the time and can’t be left unattended! We have this playpen currently, what would people suggest instead?

https://amzn.eu/d/211bhSW

OP posts:
Brokenforsummer · 15/07/2025 17:30

Baby gate across a toddler proof room.

Sapienhom · 15/07/2025 17:31

I'd just make the lounge as safe as possible and if you have a dp take turns to watch him.

MummyLK · 15/07/2025 17:31

Brokenforsummer · 15/07/2025 17:30

Baby gate across a toddler proof room.

I would! But I have an open plan kitchen/living room!

OP posts:
NuffSaidSam · 15/07/2025 17:32

It's time to teach him to behave himself outside of the playpen! Luckily you have the summer to do it.

Take him with you room to room, get him to help where possible and have something for him to do when it isn't. For example, I'd let him help with the dishwasher, but obviously keep him away from the hob (if you're cooking I'd put him in his highchair or get a standing tower and let him chop/mix/do something that isn't dangerous!).

Edenmum2 · 15/07/2025 17:36

Is his bedroom safe? Could you put a gate on the door?

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 15/07/2025 17:37

21 months is too old to be in a playpen (unless SEN) in my opinion. Mine hasn't been in his since he was about a year old.
You Just need to baby proof as best as you can. My dc is a little younger than yours, very active, a climber and I can use the dishwasher and hob with him in the room. He can get up and down the stairs safely. You have to invest the time to teach him these things rather than just try and keep him away from them forever.
Get him involved, he may surprise you.
Yes it is hard work but its worth it in the long run.
You can get a kind of baby gate area that is suitable for partitioning off open plan rooms though.

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 15/07/2025 17:40

Sorry if that link doesn't work, basically Google baby gate for open plan areas. It allows you to partition off.

Brokenforsummer · 15/07/2025 18:37

MummyLK · 15/07/2025 17:31

I would! But I have an open plan kitchen/living room!

Then for down stairs jobs pop him in the high chair with some snacks.

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