Monday, January 25, 2010

The Baby Jail...


So even though Lucy isn't walking yet (so very close) she sure can move (like greased lightening), and with our 2 dogs and 2 cats and the fact that she can pull those "babyproof" socket plugs right out in a millisecond we recently invested in a "baby jail". I actually have no idea what this contraption is actually called, because all I've ever referred to it as is "the baby jail", but it looks like several baby gates all attached to one another and it is wonderful.



Esthetically, well, we're not exactly looking like the pages of a Pottery Barn catalog at the moment but, hey, she's happy. We basically turn our family room into a enclosed baby playground with a huge quilt on the floor and toys everywhere, all safety contained within the baby jail. Here Lucy isn't tempted by the seemingly delicious dog beds, seriously every time she would be on the floor she would crawl directly to the (disgusting-even-though-I-wash-them-weekly) dog beds and immediately put her wide open mouth on them. Ew. She would also make a beeline for the electrical outlets (covers-shmovers), the sharp edged brick fireplace or the mean cat...so basically anything that would cause her harm...like a moth to the flame... This "baby jail" has worked wonders.


Every day when I come home from work we spend 1 1/2 to 2 hours playing happily within the (safe) confines of the baby jail. Sometimes this involves throwing our toys over the side with gleeful shrieking ensuing and sometimes it involves sitting quietly with Mama and reading a book, it is great fun for all and I don't have to worry about her trying to tip over the bookcase or getting into the trash under the sink. I'm also looking forward to using it in the yard which I will hopefully get into this year (as opposed to last year when it was a hot mess). I'm hoping to plop her down in the shade of one of our trees with a bunch of toys and books and actually make our garden look halfway decent this year, hurray!




$50 is a small price to pay for piece of mind.




"A little girl can be sweeter (and badder) oftener than anyone else in the world. She can jitter around, and stomp, and make funny noises that frazzle your nerves yet just when you open your mouth she stands there demure with that special look in her eyes. A girl is Innocence playing in the mud, Beauty standing on its head, and Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot." - Alan Beck

16 comments:

Michelle said...

Lucy is so adorable and I love her name! But I have to tell you that once she starts walking that baby jail is not going to work so much. She's going to want to get out of that! :-)

Beverley said...

She wants to get out now! But at least it keeps her in ... for the moment!

Unknown said...

We got the same one a few months ago for our daughter and it has been a lifesaver!

Heather Tull said...

My Diva has never consented to being in her jail for longer than a millisecond. We're talking screaming and turning purple and breaking my heart for as long as it takes to get out. But it worked really well around the christmas tree so keep that in mind for next year.

My open roads said...

that is such a good idea, a baby jail set up :) where did you guy these jail walls? I love it! We have an 8.5 month old who is, well, on the move - not walking, but definitely able to get around :) These would work perfect!

Erin said...

She is the sweetest little baby!
Both my boys HATED "the corral" as we called it, would stand at the sides and cry and cry and cry!
So nice to see a baby that enjoys it!

Leslie said...

Where did you buy that baby jail? I so need one for my little guy - well, not right now, but probably soon. He's only rolling right now, but he rolls right toward the litter box every chance he gets. :)

Working Mommy said...

I absolutely love these pictures...and it looks like she is having a grand ole time without even realizing she is in jail!

~WM

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tip! I may have a crawler any day now, so we may be investing one of these.

Lauren said...

I think I may have to buy one of these, if it comes in a smaller version (tiny house = no room for baby jail). Evan is just about to crawl now, but already has learned the fine art of finding things he shouldn't have and shoving them in his mouth.

Unknown said...

i LOVE it! i want one when alex starts cruising.

Amanda said...

Where did you get your gate and what company makes it????

Jill said...

She's so cute! We have the same gate here for my nephews and after they got big enough to want out of it we moved it over to the fireplace and attached it on each side so they didn't fall into the sharp corners. They are 4 and 5 now and we still have it around the fireplace so that we can enjoy a fire without worrying about them getting burned.

Danielle said...

My son has one of these except his is a full circle! The "technical" term for it is the Super Yard, or at least thats what its called at Babies R Us! But we call it the baby jail like you! And yes, I LOVE it as well!!!!

Lucy is ADORABLE!!!

Anonymous said...

The dogs may need to become outside dogs once she is walking. For safety and hygiene. Kids while not meaning too can upset animals and in turn get hurt. Just something to think about for the future.

Beverley said...

It is the Super Yard!

And Anon, I disagree with your statement.

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