A playpen (or fence) can be a helpful tool in certain situations. Here are some suggestions for situations where using a playpen may be appropriate:
Safety controls: A playpen can provide a safe area, allowing you to keep your baby within a specific area of your home without worrying about them crawling around or coming into contact with dangerous objects. This is especially useful in areas of your home where there are potential safety hazards, such as stairs, kitchens, or areas with breakable items.
Supervision time: A playpen can provide a way to supervise your baby in certain situations, such as when you need to leave the room briefly or when you need to focus on another task. This keeps them safe while giving you some free time.
Limited space: For families living in smaller spaces or lacking a safe play area, a playpen can provide a defined area where babies can play in a safe and supervised environment.
However, it is important to note that playpens should not be viewed as a substitute for independent activities for infants. Babies need to interact with family members, crawl freely, and explore their environment to facilitate their development and learning. Therefore, confining babies to a playpen for extended periods of time may be detrimental to their development. Playpens should only be used as a temporary tool, not as a substitute for opportunities for infants to interact with family members and actively explore.
When using a playpen, always make sure it is stable, safe and age-appropriate. At the same time, do not leave babies in the playpen for long periods of time and give them enough time and opportunities to move freely and explore.