C-Section MUST
At first I was irritated that my husband wanted this pack and play when any other would do and we probably wouldn't use it for more than a few months. SO WRONG! We've had it for over a year and we're still using it.
Why this is a must have...
A little background: I had a c-section my son was delivered early. I gained a ton of weight so after delivering the baby my body had to readjust (hips back everything) since the weight was redistributed.
The bassinet addition made picking my son up easy - I didn't have to bend over (I didn't want to anyways to avoid ripping my stitches and I was so sore that bending over was very uncomfortable). The changing table is elevated enough that I could change him standing up (I'm 5'3") AND all the basics were within reach. Diaper stack held enough that we only had to refill once a day. The 2 little cubbies were used to hold his mittens thermometer probe powder & rash cream (in case we need it) and the part for the wipes were so small that we stored q-tips to clean his umbilical cord.
The vibrating function was AMAZING! It helped put our baby to sleep the music was soothing. Batteries lasted long enough that it wasn't annoying to have to change it. We used those 2 functions almost ALL the time to get him through his naps and bed time - I think we changed our batteries once a month.
Complaints:
The thing is hard to move. Our doorways are tight and the idea of pushing this from room to room just seemed ridiculous. Beyond doorways we'd have to navigate it around our household furniture - just not practical. And collapsing it to move it was just cumbersome.
The wipes storage - it held at most like 15-20 wipes - which isn't much when he's going through 12 diapers a day. We had a box of wipes on the changing table since it's pretty roomy.
The diaper holder kept coming off - the sticky on the velcro were useless. We bought industrial strength velcro and held it in place.
The canopy - once it's on it's hard to reach your baby. It's HUGE! and kinda annoying to get staying up.
Other Info:
It's recommended that you stop using the basinet at 15lbs but depending on your baby's skills - I'd suggest not using that once they can roll over. Not that they could roll off - but you never know.
Strongly recommend getting several sheets - when one is the wash you don't have to wait for it to put it on - especially if it's right around nap time.
Very easy to clean - a wet towel done. The mesh part takes a little bit longer.
My son still sleeps in his pack and play. He's a little over a year old and has only slept in his crib once for a nap. (I know they don't recommend this for sleeping) but it's the only place he enjoys and I feel safe leaving him. The mesh is breathable while in a crib I'm worried he'll get stuck in between the railings. It's sturdy. It's easy on the eyes.
Definitely worth the $$ we've paid. If we had to get a PNP now (at his age) I'd definitely get a plain one without the bells the whistles. But all those perks are a necessity with a newborn.
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