Do parents still use playpens?

emma-uk

onlyroz wrote: »

I never really used a playpen, but I did use a stair-gate, so at least I could confine the kids to one floor of the house. Kids will quickly learn the meaning of "No" and will learn which cupboards not to open, or to stay away from the oven/tv/hi-fi/precious ornaments etc.

Not my son!:rotfl:He seems to think it's mummy giving him permission to continue with what ever he is doing. He can climb ovr stair gates and remove plug covers.....no doubt he could climb a wall given half a chance :doh:

That said, we never used a playpen. We used to put him in his cot if we needed to do something or just wait until he slept. That said, should we have another baby I would be open to the idea of having one.

Lotus-eater

The best thing about playpens, if you have one like me with a solid floor, is when you've finished with it as a playpen, you can move it down into the cellar and your secret dungeon, turn it upside down and tada! Adult sized cage!


Anyone? Only me huh?

building_with_lego

clw1 wrote: »

...
Also don't forget that for at least 6 months the child won't be crawling so they can't go anywhere but just stays where you leave them

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:Don't bank on this though- DD was like a commando at 17 weeks and on her feet before six months; DS was crawling properly at around five months.

Icey77

Thanks everyone, until Elvis arrives and is on the move I don't know if he/she will tolerate a play pen.

When the time comes I will try to borrow one or find one on Freecycle or ebay and give it a go.

My sister is a nursery nurse and calls them Baby Prisons which tickles me. Elvis will be banged up for a short stretch if necessary. I find this all the more entertaining as DH is a police officer :rotfl:

BugglyB

rachbc wrote: »

No I've managed to keep my kids safe, get the housework done, and answered 'calls of nature' without needed into cage my children

Ooooo, just the faint whiff of judgement in the breeze

pinkshoes

We've got a dog, so the play pen is a must-have, as otherwise I'd have to take DS with me to go pee, or shut the dog in another room, which isn't really fair on the dog as the baby has disrupted his retirement enough!

DS isn't walking yet, but he'll have to go in the playpen every time I leave the room, otherwise he's going to annoy the sleeping dog and get nipped!

puddy

pigpen wrote: »

I have had one for all of mine some loved it and some hated it.. Squeak loves it and puts herself in.

And in reply to they didnt have them until the 50s.. before this point there was a lot more family about/neighbours to watch LOs while mum did stuff and it was not uncommon for a child to be tied to a table leg or strapped into a pram for hours on end.. Id rather use a cage!

not to mention more accidents

jonty1970

Hanky_Panky wrote: »

I would if I could - can you get them for a 16 year old ?

You can, mine is called a 10ft trampoline. Keeps my 14 year old happy :j


I used them for mine. They can go in the garden too, with an umbrella over when it's sunny. I used to put a few toys in there and they were quite happy while I made the tea etc!
I used a graco travel cot as a playpen. They are a good size and fold up to use when travelling.
My daughter had a huge wooden playpen and it got in the way and had a hard bottom

CH27

rachbc wrote: »

No I've managed to keep my kids safe, get the housework done, and answered 'calls of nature' without needed into cage my children

It's Mary Poppins:D

bernie115

I used a travel cot in place of a playpen as my mum swore by them. I didn't use it all the time but it was great - my ds was happy as larry in it.
My sis in law refuses to use one and carries her little one around with her on her hip all day and now wanders why she can't do any of her cleaning/cooking etc!!