Graco Pack 'n Plays: changing table feature

Lari29

We're very sure we'll be getting one of these PNP - since we're in a two story apartment.  My husband was especially interested in those with a changing table feature (he'll be the caretaker 100% when I'm back to work) - perhaps more convenient than walking upstairs for every diaper change.  I've read a couple reviews that these changing tables are kind of flimsy - true?  What about using the bassinet area as a changing spot instead (with something over it of course)?  Should we save our money and get the ones without a changing table feature?  Thanks so much in advance.

brlindy

We had a Graco Pack'n Play with our son and I would say we used the changing table feature until he was about two or three months old.  The weight limit is pretty low on it and so it's definitely not a feature you will use for very long (atleast with ours it was).

As far as having a two story living space, we ended up just making our own little changing station on the floor with a changing pad that folds up, a few diapers, wipes, and diaper cream.  We just have it tucked away in our entertainment center and to this day, if our little guy needs a change we just do it downstairs instead of going all the way upstairs.

 

nde99

I'm a first-time mommy, but I nannied for an infant last year and they had the PNP with the changing table feature.  It was so nice not to have to go up and down the stairs constantly.  We registered for a PNP with both the bassinet and changing table since we are in a 2-story home as well. 

KallieandJustin

We put our DS in our room when he was first born with the PNP.  I liked having the changing table on it when he was first born to change nighttime diapers, however you probably won't want to put a baby on there for very long as the weight limit I don't think is very high.  For early on convenience it is good, but we basically have a little waterproof mat and a bucket of daipers/wipes/cream ect. that we slide out from other the couch when we need to change a diaper on our main floor.

lpcutipie

We have one and although the baby isn't here yet I don't feel like ours is flimsy. I also spent the last week babysitting for twin 9 month old girls and they use this as a downstairs changing station as well. The entire week I was there I don't think the actual changing table upstairs was ever used!

luckyluvr

The changing table is pretty much the most used feature on my PNP. Neither of my babies would sleep in it, so I keep it up for a few months as a changing table in the living room. My Graco one is SOOOOOO sturdy that I've left my baby in it before (I know it's a no-no) in a few emergency situations. I have never worried it wasn't stable. In fact, DD's first bath was in the PNP  changing table b/c I'd had my second c-section and it was just convenient b/c of the covering material. I highly recommend it.

Bree4011

I never used the changing table feature and think you could easily use the bassinet area for changing space.  The only thing I could see the changing table section being better for is it's slightly higher than the bassinet portion so you're not bending over as much.  Which may or may not be a big deal.

I found you change the baby wherever, couch, floor, bed, we never used our main changing table as often as I thought we would.

So I'd say if it costs less to get it without, then go for it.   

Lari29

Wow - fast responses!  Very helpful - thanks everyone.  We're thinking of getting either the Nouvelle or the Chadwick.  Just need to see these in person.  Seems like the ones with the newborn napper are bit costly for what appears a very limited time feature.

The circular I got was maybe in the mail earlier this last week.  It's shaped like a small magazine and has several coupons in the back - for example, $20 for every $100 you spend on all ______s.   They're valid 12/31 to 1/23.  I wanted to take advantage of this one for a playard using a generous VISA gift card I got from my husband's aunt.

sparkymcgeee

I'm so glad to see all of these responses! I just registered for an adorable PNP with changing table feature. So glad they are worth it.

aussiebabies

I loved my newborn napper PNP but I did think the changing table was flimsy. We used the bassinet as the changing table instead. Sounds like that's what you're already thinking of doing so just wanted to let you know that it worked for me:)

Mrs.Saxy

you can use the floor for a "changing table"

we didn't find ours to be flimsy.  MIL used our PNP at her house for a bed and it also had the changing table attached.  On ours....I think it was Fisher Price....you couldn't have the changing table and bassinet feature up at the same time.  You could, however, have the changing table up while the regular size PNP was in use.

the changing table is nice but not necessary.  you can use the couch or floor to change him/her.  you can buy a $25 contoured changing pad for downstairs and keep that on the floor. 

sandrajeant

Check out the Chicco Lullaby LX playard, the changing table folds up and is secured on all four sides.  The mattress also comes out and doubles as a baby gym.  I got the romantic color (gray/black) and love it already!  I got it just before Christmas and as soon as I took it out of the box I was in love with the practicality of it!

etude de la vie

brlindy:

We had a Graco Pack'n Play with our son and I would say we used the changing table feature until he was about two or three months old.  The weight limit is pretty low on it and so it's definitely not a feature you will use for very long (atleast with ours it was).

As far as having a two story living space, we ended up just making our own little changing station on the floor with a changing pad that folds up, a few diapers, wipes, and diaper cream.  We just have it tucked away in our entertainment center and to this day, if our little guy needs a change we just do it downstairs instead of going all the way upstairs.

 

this exactly! 

ElatedMom2B

I have PNP Deco which I used for my DD.  I loved the changing table feature, I think she probably cat napped in there a few times when she was an infant (we used to keep it right in our living room and would put her in there while we werre watching tv or something).  We used the changing table part of it for quite a while - I can't tell you until how old exactly, but I do recall her barely fitting in there by the time we took it off.  The great thing about the Deco on (and the feature is on a couple others) is that the table folds up when you're not using it.  I liked to put it down and use it in combination with the canopy to make it really dark in there for her to sleep.  Great thing is - she's almost 2 and 1/2 and we still use the PNP - greatest purhcase ever....go for the delux version if you can.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.  ;-)

grace_smith03

https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Modern-Playard-Bassinet-Changer/dp/B001GQ2P96/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1293980295&sr=8-7

we have this one...i LOVED the changing table part...we used it till she was about 5 months old? and LO is in the 95 percentile. (and she was almost 10 pounds at birth) Very practical, not flimsy at all...but that is probably dependent on quality of PNP too.  I got mine from Kohls when they were having their 30% off sale and Kohl's cash back. I totally scored.

GL!

seastar77

luckyluvr:

The changing table is pretty much the most used feature on my PNP.... My Graco one is SOOOOOO sturdy.... I highly recommend it.

Agree! We have a Graco PNP and the changing table is the best part! Actually really looking forward to setting it up again for the next one. Not at all flimsy. My daughter was small, so we used it for at least 6 months for changing. I also agree with others about having a small diaper/wipe/blanket set in your living room. We kept ours in a small box on the lower shelf of a side table - convenient and nonintrusive so you can do a quick change on the couch or floor.