Superyard/playzone?

Who here used either a superyard or a playzone of some kind? If so what was the set up like? Was it worth the money? Which product did you have?

We hopefully will be moving soon(we put an offer in on a house this weekend)to a larger house...the dinning room area is pretty good size so I am thinking of turning it into a playzone for the twins. The big kids will have their own play area in the sunroom. I have found a couple different options on line....so just trying to figure what worked for others.

 

We did this, and every time I look at it or play with the twins inside of it, I thank my lucky stars that we did. It has worked out WONDERFULLY. They're really happy in there and I can get some chores done while checking in with them every few minutes and not worrying every second they're out of my sight. We found this play yard on Craigslist:
http://www.amazon.com/Friendly-Toys-Little-Playzone-Sounds/dp/B00021NX9C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1314123846&sr=8-3
The guy that we purchased it from had twins as well, so it was actually two sets and some extension pieces that he sold for $120. It's HUGE -- we have a sunroom that juts off to the side of the living room, and we put the play yard all around the perimeter to wall off the brick walls, electrical outlets, etc. and to make it a confined space. On the floor, we covered our area rug (which was also well-padded) with these:
http://www.amazon.com/X~5-Thick-Rainbow-Play-Mats/dp/B003TU83SE/ref=sr_1_11?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1314123964&sr=1-11
which we actually ALSO got on Craigslist. I've read about the dangers of the foam mats (almost all of them use a toxin that can be cancerous when breathed in or chewed on) and was wary about them but the research says that if they're off-gassed the toxin dissipates and the danger disappears -- these had been previously owned for over two years and in a grandmother's basement, so they've been airing out for quite a while. We washed them thoroughly and, added to the carpet and the foam mat, they've made quite the cushy surface in there. All told, we spent $140 for a huge playroom that looks more like a daycare center! I would highly recommend trying the Craigslist in your area to see if you can find the play yard second hand, because with twins, you'll need more than one of them probably.

 

We had a superyard. It was good for awhile. We have hardwood floors, so we used a foam mat with it, and we soon got one of the extensions because it is a bit small for two babies, especially once they crawl. My only complaint is that it slides around very easily, even on the foam mat, and I felt like I was constantly putting it back in place (not to mention our boys could push it all over the room). We got rid of it when they were about 10 months because they pitched a fit being in there anymore, and they learned to climb up it.

 

We have two of these North States Superyard 3 in 1 Metal Gate and I would recommend them. We use this around our couch, so the area it surrounds is big, being that the the couch is one of the sides. It's very sturdy and they are learning how to walk by holding onto the bars. They are still not able to climb on the couch.

 

We bought a Summer Infant super playard with one extension and have definitely got our money's worth. Though once our boys were really good at crawling and starting to cruise they didn't like being confined to it. We too had a problem of it moving around a lot, especially when a baby would back into it, so we reinforced it with some cheapy molding and plastic ties. It may have looked a little silly, but it really did help

After they were able to walk and didn't want to be inside the playard we ended up separating into two 4 panel sections. One of those we put around our end table, and the other we put around the Christmas tree at Christmas time. I also bought another playard from my coworker which we wrap around our entertainment center area to keep them out of there (which is where we also keep cat food,etc). So even if your twins don't actually play inside of them for a long time, you can still find other helpful uses for them

 

I have the Playzone that LHigh posted. I learnt about it when I had DD1 and it was great.

A set of the Playzone comes with 4 panels, which I felt was really tiny even for 1 baby to move around. So we bought 1 and a half sets, which made it 6 panels. The twins are in it now, and I say it's quite safe to leave them in there in case you need to go for a quick shower or bathroom break. Recently a friend loaned me another 6 panels, so you can imagine the amount of space they have to play. My boy tends to use his sister as a step stool a lot - she hasn't learnt how to stand yet so she's mostly on her tummy, while he is cruising so he gets all over her. So I might just separate them. Perhaps each in a 5 panel playzone.

I think it's really worth the money. U could put them in it as soon as they can flip, and perhaps a foam mat. I bought of of these too http://www.amazon.com/Parklon-Soft-Mat-Pororo-Magic/dp/B004XJE2H6/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1315446672&sr=1-3
The foam is really thicker and cushiony so it helps with falling, bumps, flips and what nots. With DD1 we bought normal foam mats that fit together like a jigsaw and they were as hard as the floor. Btw with DD1 she was usually in the playzone until she was about 16 months where she wanted out for good.

It's going to be even more worth it if you want more kids!

 

I had this up for 2 years - TOTALLY worth it!!! we had a large area to have it and I actually used it attached to a wall, so it was a square - only we didn't have to buy 2, just used the wall for the other half of it. it was great, sturdy and has the wonderful walk through gate. I can't say enough about it!! We finally took it down with the kids were 2 1/2 and were literally climbing in and out at will... but it was at least taller than the plastic superyard so I think that it kept them contained for longer than it would have.

good luck!! Oh, and it has great resale value! I got at least 50% of retail... and I was able to to buy with a coupon from BRU so at least I didn't pay full price.

 

I also have the Dreambaby extra tall baby gates... they work in hallways/doorways. I think Walmart had a great deal for $70. Again, great quality, we still use these gates, though they are coming down soon, now at over 3 yrs.