Does anyone think playpens are kind of...cruel?

[Harley Quinn]

I've actually been thinking about this whole "Aren't playpens just little prisons" question lately. It was brought up by a friend who is about to become a dad for the first time. Here's the conclusion I came to. Can it really be a prison if the baby has no real idea of what freedom is?

I don't have a real answer for that, it's just what I've been pondering lately. Sorry to get all philosophical.

On a more practical note, I do have a pack and play, and we did use it as a play pen before Ozzy started crawling. A lot of moms have implied that it's not okay to put your baby in one while you "put up your feet". Somehow, it's only okay to put your baby in a playpen if you have to do housework or pee? I don't know about that. Sometimes the best thing for my baby is me putting up my feet for a few minutes and having a break. I want him to have a sane mommy!

 

[Melissa_M]

^^ I think it's fine to put him in it to put up your feet as long as he's not screaming the place down the whole time Why not?

 

[Harley Quinn]

so what would be more cruel?

The fact that I feel a constant, neurotic need to keep checking this thread.

Bahahaha! Seriously LOL'd. Thanks for that!


To the OP, I just want to say thanks for clarifying your meaning. I think the fact that you're even thinking about this question shows you're a good mom who just wants what's best for her kids.

 

[iluvmyfamily]

I see nothing wrong with a playpen. It's a place a baby can nap when the bassinet is too small and the crib is in another room and you want the baby close by to you. Our 3 month old son outgrew his bassinet already and we have yet to purchase a crib so we broke out the playpen and he sleeps in there for now. He's not in it 24/7 of course. I think any parent who keeps their child, be it a baby or a toddler, in a crib or a playpen for long periods of time with no reason for it, is cruel. That's just my opinion though. As for my 22 month old, when he's getting into everything and I'm cleaning the house with cleaning supplies, I put him in the crib and put a toy in there to keep him occupied until I'm finished. Better safe than sorry but my cleaning sprees don't last any longer than 15 mins. tops!!

 

[kirsteen]

I wouldnt use one for HOURS, but I think they are necessary in some cases, like leaving LO to just do something where you can't keep your eye on them. As much as you try you can't carry him/her around with you everywhere. So no, not cruel if used sparingly.

 

[raychmumtobe]

I dont think its cruel, and to be honest, isnt a cot just like a prison?
It has the bars, and baby is locked into it at bedtime, unable to get out if they dont want to go to bed.

We dont have one ourselves. but MIL bought a travel cot for LO to use when she sleeps over at theirs as she was too big for the moses basket now, and they get scared when they co-sleep, that and she kicks alot

I actually borrowed it on tuesday as its as big as a playpen, and im much more relaxed letting her play in that. I get scared when shes on the floor as she throws herself back and cracks her head on the floor, which terrifies me and results in a screaming babe. Ive found over the past few days, its much safer, and im much more relaxed, not sitting behind her and steadying her everytime she seems off balance. I honestly felt i was hindering her doing this, but was too scared not to. Ive just been letting her play in it now, and if she falls back, its cushioned, and she just rolls over and plays on her tum.
Its also great if i need to go to the loo, put washing in, cook tea, run her bath, shes not mobile yet, but our living room is tiny, and she can reach pretty much anything from her high chair, and if i leave her on the floor, she tries to follow me, resulting in her butting the hard floor, or falling backwards.

When we get the money, we're seriously considering getting one ourselves.
I don't think they're cruel, i think they're safe and very helpful.

Its not a replacement for floor time in any way though, she still gets plenty of floor time, but it is much safer in my opinion for the time being, until we get a big fluffy rug.

 

[Tasha]

Not read all the thread (got to about page five) so apologise if this has been done but unless we all get houses like the below then it is not cruel although I've never used one

 

[whit.]

Tasha, buy that for me. I want to play.

After today and my crazy child, please lock me in it.

 

[Tasha]

Tasha, buy that for me. I want to play.

After today and my crazy child, please lock me in it.

that good a day was it? I will buy it but only if i can come to stay

 

[whit.]

yes, you can come stay!

Who ever in the hell said a walking child was exciting or fun, was out of their damned mind!

It was fun for the first 5 minutes, not anymore.

She's already got a bruised forehead. I'm sure it will only get...better.

 

[Liesje]

Some people can think anything is cruel. If it's not for you, then don't do it, but don't accuse people who do use them of cruelty.

 

[loverguts]

Some people can think anything is cruel. If it's not for you, then don't do it, but don't accuse people who do use them of cruelty.

Thank you for that insightful response

Why on earth does this thread keep getting resurrected

We have already established that the majority of people love playpens and that it is not acceptable to call them cruel
Which i find quite weird actually because at a toddler group i go to today i was talking about this question and the majority (out of about 35 mums) didn't like them or find it necessary to use them! Maybe nearly everyone on BNB does love them or maybe the people that don't just haven't bothered to comment on this silly thread

 

[Jaylynne]

Not read all the thread (got to about page five) so apologise if this has been done but unless we all get houses like the below then it is not cruel although I've never used one

Guess it would be really bad to run with scissors in that house...

 

[Natsku]

Can I come stay in that house too Whit?!

 

[robinator]

https://ui31.gamespot.com/1214/deadhorsebeat_2.gif

 

[DLA]

zombie thread that does not die. oops I just fed it.

 

[lhancock90]

Bring on the llamas..

 

[omfgski]

zombie thread that does not die. oops I just fed it.

LOL!!!!

 

[Ozzieshunni]

https://i.imgur.com/s6i6Q.gif

 

[robinator]

From my third tri days: