Hi I have a newly mobile baby and need a quick, safe "drop zone" for her, for when I'm showering, getting hot food out of oven, etc. I never thought I'd hear myself contemplating a playpen but I have an older DD with a tendency to leave unsafe things around, and DH works away frequently so I'm going to have to do something or I'll be a ball of nerves.

So just wondering - do I need a playpen or is a portacot just as good? Interested in hearing from people who have used either and how useful was it, really?