[eggy]

Hi Ladies-
I'm trying to figure out which Pack 'n Play to buy. I was going to get this Graco Silhouette Pack 'n Play: Graco: Pack 'n Play® Playard 9965MIN
but I cannot figure out whether the canopy is removable. Does anyone have this item and know the answer? Moreover, is a canopy even necessary? Our baby is due in November, so it's not as though the Pack 'n Play will be outside much in the early months -- but we do live in California, so it's not an impossibility. Also, we're going to be keeping the Pack 'n Play in front of a large window, so maybe we need the shade. Any thoughts? I'm so confused about what to get! Thanks....

[Nala]

Hi Eggy,
I actually have that exact pack and play and I live in San Diego, I am VERY happy with it and the canopy can be on or off the thing with very little effort. I like the canopy because I think the baby is cozier inside, it gives them shade and I even feel its more quiet for them in there with the canopy. But if you want it off you can get it off really easy. If you can, go to a Babies r' Us, they have this types of pack and plays on display so you can see it and make sure it is what you want.

[eggy]

How long are you able to use the canopy? Can it only be used with a small infant?

[Aggie]

I have the Baby Trend Nursery Center, and while there is a little bit of a learning curve it figuring out how to set it up and put it away, I love it. After setting it up and putting it away once or twice I had it down pat! It is big and sturdy and is easy to roll around and move, plus Consumer Reports has it ranked as it's top choice. It worked great for us! Good Luck!!

[infertilitynovice]

Eggy ~ I LOVE this pattern! I hope you don't mind, but I have a Pack-N-Play question too...are special sheets really necessary for the bassinet feature on these things? If so, how many would you recommend having on hand?

Sorry for highjacking your thread Eggy

[eggy]

Hijack away, Melissa! I'd love to know the answer to those questions myself.

So, all you experienced mamas out there, inquiring minds want to know about the necessity of a canopy, how long the bassinet feature can be used (and the canopy), and whether we need sheets and, if so, how many....

[mazariee]

Our pack and play did not havea canopy which I did not care for since I live in NY and my son was born in October so it was needed at least now in my case. I feel it is a personal decision. You mentioned it would be placed in fornt of a large window so if thats the case then you might need it especially if lots of sun light comes at that location.

As for the sheets I did use sheets on the mattress board but basically they are the same sheets you will use for it once it is just a regular play pen. I bought 2 thin fitted sheets and 2 quilted fitted sheeta.

Hugs!!!

[chantalTTC]

Eggy - I really like that design - I may have to steal it for our little girl, too! :-)

Hope others wiser than I can answer your Qs.

[eggy]

Thanks for everyone's input. I've decided against the canopy after all and am going to go with the simpler looking Graham model instead of the Milan: Graco: Pack 'n Play® Playard 9883GRM
(I like the swirly modern pattern of the Milan, but it will totally stand out in our home. The Graham weighs slightly less and won't stand out as much. Why can't they just make these in solid colors?)

[Just~A~]

As mentioned by Elsa, there are special sheets you buy for the mattress board, usually found near the playard displays. I only bought 2 and have been fine, but it depends on how picky you might be about changing them. With her regular crib, I have 3 sheets. I recommend 2-3 to give you time between washings! :-)
I found that the playard/bassinet combo was an excellent investment. I use the playard still in our room to hold her safely while I shower in the mornings. She watches the Wiggles or whatever on TV. We also take it with us when traveling to use at Grandma's house, although she won't sleep in it in hotels. We just put her between us.
The one thing I didn't find useful on the playards are the mobiles. Ours didn't have an automated winder sort of thing, so unless you stood there spinning it Harmony wasn't too interested in it.


Angie