Play pens

[nicoleE]

Im looking at getting a play pen soon for DD who although isnt crawling yet gets around just fine by rolling and shuffling in the right direction! When needed I have started using her portacot as a play pen which is handy but its a bit small for too much action.

Im a little confused as to what type are the best and want to make a wise decision considering how expensive they are.

What type are best? I quite like the soft sides like our portacot has but this limits options so i am open to bars. We have quite an open plan house so does that mean one that converts to an extended gate is essential? Id preferably like one also that folds up well to put out of the way.

Its difficult to know when its your first child what you are going to be in for and what will be handy so appreciate your comments.

:wave:

[Lyglc]

I love the playpen we have. It's quite a decent size. We got it from babyco - nearly 5 years ago, but I think they still have it in stock. It's bright and colourful made of study plastic. Each side is a different colour - blue, green, yellow, red. It also has a built in mat for the bottom which is fantastic as the child can't push the paypen around to wherever they want to go. It also means if you have a hard floor (we use to have slate) that it gives a softer surface and also a bit of insulation. It does break down for storage to the four side pieces and the mat folds up too - it is a little bulky still but I wouldn't swap mine for anything.
When I had my second child I used to put the activity gym inside the play pen so the baby could play and not be stood on by the older child. I'm due to have another baby in about 10 weeks and will be using it again from very early on.

Good luck finding one that suits well for you.