My mom let her puppy be in a cardboard box while she sweeped the floor because she crawls out of her bed is that okay?
My mom hasn’t got a crate yet and the only thing she has crawled out of it and hurt herself. (She wasn’t in there long)
If the puppy was being watched and calmed and it wasn't for long, it wouldn't be an issue. However, since the puppy has already been allowed to hurt herself, it sounds like crating or gating is best since there's much less likelihood the puppy will somehow get hurt.