I don't do the crate, just my preference. I use a PetGear playpen. It keeps Lulu safe & she actually loves it. She goes in all by herself when it's bedtime. The only time she doesn't like it is when we leave her...but she just doesn't like to be left alone.
She has figured out how to jump out so I have to put a blanket over the top if we leave her alone.
Good luck with your baby. Take special care of her...she's so very young.