Once Cora (and now Sophie) got mobile we set up a big square of baby barriers in the family room - remember the Poke? That way she/they are safely corralled while I do useful stuff and it seriously reduces the need for extensive baby-proofing. She has a bunch of toys in there and can crawl around while I'm upstairs or doing dishes or whatever. Way helpful and lots more room that a pack-and-play. It's unsightly, of course, but whatever :-)