The Graco Pack 'n Play is a versatile piece of baby equipment. It can be used in the master bedroom so baby is near the parents while sleeping. It can be used outdoors in the yard or at the beach. It can also be used as a bed away from home when the family is traveling. The Pack 'n Play can offer a safe place for the baby to sleep and play, as long as consumers follow the manufacturer's directions and use the system with proper supervision.
Features
Most Graco Pack 'n Plays consist of three basic components: the play area, a bassinet and a changing table. The play area is surrounded by mesh on all four sides, which provides a safe place for the baby to sleep or play without concern of him hitting his head on the sides. A bassinet attachment slips over the top and snaps on the sides of the Pack 'n Play, giving a newborn baby a cozy place to sleep. Babies who can pull to a sitting position shouldn't be placed in the bassinet for safety reasons. The third component is a changing table, which has compartments for diapers, wipes and other necessary baby supplies and allows parents to change diapers with ease.
Types
Pack 'n Plays come in several different configurations. The basic Pack 'n Play comes with the play area, which consists of the vinyl floor and the mesh sides. Some models include the bassinet, and others add the changing table. Outdoor versions are available that include a rounded canopy to keep the sun off a baby's delicate skin. Still other versions have a mesh cover available to protect babies from outdoor pests and insect bites.
Function
The Graco Pack 'n Play folds and can be easily moved from room to room, from the house to the car, and from the car to a hotel or park. When folded, it's very compact. The vinyl floor wraps around the folded Pack 'n Play and prevents it from opening up, and the entire system then tucks away into a waterproof carrying case. The bassinet and changing table add-ons don't fit in the carrying case, but the system is still easy to tote when needed.
Benefits
The Graco Pack 'n Play makes a useful bed for the baby being raised in a small apartment. A full-size crib can take up a lot of room, and when a changing table is added to the nursery, space is at a premium. The Pack 'n Play also provides a baby with a second bed when the nursery is too far away from other parts of the house. Baby can nap in a corner of the living room or kitchen instead of all the way across the house. The Pack 'n Play keeps the baby safely contained when parents are working nearby or when a curious older child is playing in the room.
Warning
Follow all directions when using the Graco Pack 'n Play, and set the Pack 'n Play up exactly as instructed. The stability of the sides will be compromised if the system isn't fully locked into place. Also follow such precautions as buckling the baby into the changing table when the changing table is in use, not leaving the baby unattended while on the changing table and not putting an older child into the bassinet portion once he can sit or pull up.
