Graco Pack 'N Play ... Don't Leave Home Without It!

When looking at all the gifts my husband and I received for our baby shower, I have to say the Graco Pack N Play has been one of the most useful so far. We live in a three level townhouse and currently have the pack n play set up in our living room. Although it does take up a lot of room, it is nice to have a place for our daughter to sleep comfortably for her naps during the day, while I am on the main level of the house.

The Graco Pack N Play is actually two products in one. For infants up to 20 pounds it can be used as a bassinet. Once the child exceeds the bassinet's 20 pound weight limit, the bassinet can be removed, converting the pack n play into a portable play yard. The bottom half has mesh sides for air flow and so the parent can see the child while he/she is inside.

I have found the bassinet feature to be very useful. The height of the bassinet makes it easier to lift your baby since you do not have to bend as far to reach your child. The height also makes the bassinet area very convenient to utilize as a changing area. This means less trips up and down the stairs to change a diaper. The model I have has an organizer/accessory bag which snaps to the side of the pack n play. I use this to store my wipes, diapers extra receiving blankets, burp cloths and a few toys.

As opposed to some other brands of play yards with bassinets spanning only half the width and one half to one third the length of the play yard, the bassinet area in the Graco model spans the entire length and width of the play yard. This makes it roomier and more comfortable for your growing baby.

The play yard has two locking swivel coasters which makes it easy to move from room to room without the need to completely break it down. When we do travel, the pack n play does break down into a relatively compact unit. We remove the bassinet rails and the organizer bag. The sides collapse and fold. The mattress is then wrapped around the compacted play yard and secured with the velcro tabs. The bassinet rails then fit snuggly in the middle of the rolled up unit. You then place the entire folded play yard into the organizer bag and ZIP! you are ready to travel.

I will admit it took a few tries until we got the hang of breaking down and setting up the pack n play quickly. Break down is more difficult than setting up, which is fine with me. I know if I have to work at collapsing the sides of the pack n play, my daughter will not be able to do so on her own when she becomes a toddler.

We use this product on a daily basis and have already used it for two trips. I highly recommend it for new parents whether used as a full service bassinet, a second sleeping area for your child or if you plan on using it only when traveling.