Play Pens

[AnyDream]

I resorted to a playpen in our family area - mostly because DH was away for several months and there were times - like getting things in and out the door - that just wouldn't have been safe (too many stairs and concrete etc in our old house). We got a colourful plastic one from Kmart - it had an activity panel - I put a colourful alphabet quilt in there and regularly rotated the toys - DD2 quite enjoyed it in the end. It had a bit of a cubby hole feel to it, and DD1 liked to get in there too LOL. It was put into retirement when we moved to our new house (no room for it) but otherwise we would've got a few more months out of it I think - just play value at that stage.

[Alipralli]

I used a VeeBee one for DD. It has mesh sides, so she couldn't even stick her arm through, or lose toys easily. It comes as 3 pieces, each with 2 panels - use 2 pieces to make a square, or 3 pieces to make a hexagon. It was fantastic! As the hexagon shape, there is enough length between opposite points for me to be able to completely lie down (I'm about 165cm tall).

And it is also big enough to be able to put the Christmas tree in it to keep little hands away from the decorations!

[~Hestia~]

Thanks for all your replies!!
I dont feel so bad now about using one - when I get one that is. I especially like the look of the vee bee!!

[Socks]

I had and still have a big square playpen it's like a port-a-cot. It was so handy while I did things in the house. Like you my last few homes have been open plan so gates aren't something that always worked. So normally while I cooked and did jobs my kids would go in the playpen. And this bub will need to go in there to as I can't keep a bub out of the kitchen with gates.

[CinderToriella]

Thanks for all your replies!!
I dont feel so bad now about using one - when I get one that is. I especially like the look of the vee bee!!

WE have the vee bee- very cute, easy to assemble -