To think playpens are a short term safety device and not a prison?

We also had three stair gates: one at the top, one at the bottom, and one across her bedroom doorway. That last was so I had somewhere safe to put her when necessary. She played happily in there very often and often fell asleep.

DD was talking about putting a cot up (she co-sleeps with GS2) just so she has somewhere safe to put him where he won't get trodden on or tripped over by GS1 if she needs to nip to the loo or something.

I can't imagine how people manage without something of this sort.

Don't know how people manage without slings and other baby-carriers either.

When DD2 was born, DD1 wanted to climb all over me while I was feeding the baby, so I got into the playpen and fed the baby there. My reasoning was: DD1 got her feeds in peace so it was only fair that DD2 did too.

When DD3 came along we got an openable system that you could fix to the walls to create a barrier. We made it into a fireguard and protection for the corner of the room where my harp was. This also meant I could play the harp without DD joining in. From being able to move at all (wriggling), she always moved towards the sound when I was playing, but it would have been very stressful to have her able to play near the harp without supervision. I looked on it as my harp insurance policy.

Mishap - our posts crossed! Did I know your Mum I wonder?

They are not really fashionable these days. That said, DD had one for DGS1 and he used to take himself off into it and shut the gate when he wanted his own "space. Great for the things you say, for keeping the toys in one place, plus you can have it outside, good for for keeping the dog away!! I have also heard of a mum sitting in it to do mending while the baby played around her(outside the playpen) !

I have one - but so far have never used it. I may resort to it when we start having our DGD regularly one day a week in December.

My Mum used to sit in ours to do her sewing!

I have one for my DGS, and couldn't do without it, I am partially disabled and for getting organised in the morning, and having somewhere to put him if i am trying to get us ready to go out it is a godsend, he is 18 months now and understands that it is only used for short periods. I am very naughty when he is in it and he gets to watch Tv at those times, god bless Mr Tumble.

I agree that they can be extremely useful! My DD played happily in hers for, especially if she could see me, but I did start her from a very early age! Perhaps 13 months would be a bit too late?

I had them for my twins , and they were such a help , as one would go one way and the other the other way. Ekkk, still it was all good fun !!