I have use crates and a play pen, and puppy pen. I have to say the best way is to get a crate and puppy pen. You put them together and the puppy can sleep and lie down in the crate but come out into the puppy pen to go potty on tt pads and eat or drink. This works great. The only thing bad about a play pen is cleaning it. You have to put something down inside it because you can wash it.
Just an idea
