Guilt over playpen puppies

Hello. I have 2 chihuahua pups, a male and female, Sam and Mimi. The cutest tiny dogs. I currently have them in a playpen. I am constantly cleaning up after them, petting them,etc. I do take them out of the playpen quite often, and the playpen is in my room, so I can constantly watch over them. The reason that I don't let them roam throughout my home is because I have a baby and other children, so I'm afraid the kids will hurt the pups since their so delicate. I plan to keep the pups as indoor pets. The puppies are constantly going potty, so I have the pee pads. I know that because they are puppies they constantly go potty. At times I feel guilty having them in there. Growing up as a child I had a maltese and she roamed all over the house and wasn't really trained. I am really busy and don't want to be stepping in "accidents", nor do I want the children too. I'm hoping that once their older I can let them roam the house, as long as I keep up the pee pads. Someone had suggested to me the crate method. However, I feel like that only makes the pups more confined, making me feel more guilty. At what age can they become housebroken, I'm aiming at about 5-6 months?

I can't say how long it will take to potty train them, but I wouldn't feel too bad about keeping them in the playpen. I know a LOT of chihuahua owners that keep the dogs in playpens because of accidents and how frail the dogs are. Crates are not punishment, it's a method of helping the dog. Don't feel bad about a crate!

Thanks for your response. I feel such reassurance about the playpen ordeal. They really are so very delicate, and my pups are teacups. I've been told that they can so easily break a little leg. I've heard from the vet that many of these pups are accidentally dropped. I would be devastated if that happened. When I go out, I even lock my room so that no one can have access to them. They will eventually get used to the playpen. I'm waiting for them to complete their series of shots, so I can take them on walks, they don't need much exercise. I was told it was best to wait until their vaccinations are completed. Again, thanks for your reply. I thought I'd be bombarded and attacked about confining them in the playpen. (They are like babies, they need to be monitored at all times.) Have a wonderful day!!