Do parents still use playpens?

moomoomama27

Plans_all_plans wrote: »

Not read any replies, but no I would never use a playpen. I think they're horrible things, akin to chaining a child up!

Oh yes, so they are, cold metal chains, restraining a child to a position, really the same as a playpen, soft (if travel cot), and toys for a short period of time! Do you write for the daily mail?

Plans_all_plans

I think those of us who don't like playpens may have touched a nerve!

Why does it matter in the slightest to you what I think of playpens??!

moomoomama27

Plans_all_plans wrote: »

I think those of us who don't like playpens may have touched a nerve!

Why does it matter in the slightest to you what I think of playpens??!

It doesn't, not at all! You parent how you want to parent! I just think it's a tad hysterical to suggest that people who do use them are basically chaining their children up, or using them as a dumping ground!

Plans_all_plans

Well like you say, we all parent the way we think's best. We all have different ideas and the world'd be a boring place if we all thought the same! (Apologies for the cliche!)

jellyhead

bernie115 wrote: »

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!!

Both of my children have been on my hip every waking moment, and it is very difficult to get anything done. A friend of mine follows it as an actual routine, it's called attachment parenting. I didn't use a playpen - my children would have screamed themselves sick.

My friend uses a playpen and it's fine. She also has a cage for her dog when necessary. Having a playpen doesn't necessarily mean hours of abandonment, it could just be for a few minutes. Some children even seem to like being in there. Her older children like being able to play with their stuff without annoying younger siblings being able to ruin everything, rip drawings, etc. and it takes the burden of babysitting off the older ones while she cooks. It means her older children can have a birthday party and be able to run around without worrying about toddler fingers being stood on. She's a fab mum and it's really nothing like being 'caged' for the child.

jess1974

I've had 3 children and never used a playpen,they take up too much space......

mikey72

Plans_all_plans wrote: »

Not read any replies, but no I would never use a playpen. I think they're horrible things, akin to chaining a child up!

No, they don't make that clanking noise that our kids made when they tries to get out of the chains. Sometimes I had to turn the tv up to drown it out. (still do now)

jess1974 wrote: »

I've had 3 children and never used a playpen,they take up too much space......

Wait until you see how much space three kids take up as teenagers.
If you could stuff them into a playpen now..........

starnight_2

Another travel cot user here. DS loved it and I knew he was as safe as possible so I could turn my back for a few minutes. Normally only used it when I was going into the kitchen to cook or clean, otherwise he was with me or in bed sleeping.

I can understand why some people choose to not use one, but there really is nothing wrong with them either. Playpens/travel cots aren't used to cage our children but as a safe environment, no matter how much you childproof your living room, children will get where they're not supposed to be. It's not as if you're sticking them in a 2ft square with nothing to do!!

It's an individual choice, I also have a crate for my dog when needed, but she's never really in there unless she wants to get away from the noise.

System

Don't really see whta the massive deal is about using them, mum used one with my siblings (handy when my bro and sis have 1 years between them!) and it never did them any harm. Just meant mum could get on with things knowing they were safe.

*Louise*

I never had one for my three, but tht was due to lack of space more than a dislike of them. I had a stairgate on the livingroom door though, so they couldn't get to the kitchen or stairs.

Can't see how it's like 'caging' them though.....it's a secure area with toys in where they can play safely for short periods, that can herdly be described as restraining them. No different to putting a fence round a small garden to stop a child running out into the street.