Graco Pack 'n Play Element Playard

This was our first pack n play purchased for our 3 month old after much research and deliberation. We intended to use it as a crib when traveling. I picked the Graco Pack'N'Play Element with Stages because of the 'stages' which I hoped would mean that our daughter could sleep higher for longer this pack and play offers three levels, the first supports up to 15lb, the second up to 20lb, once your child weighs more than 20lb you have to use the lowest level.

PROS:

Overall impression is of a very nice and sturdy item.

It was relatively straightforward to assemble and dismantle.

CONS:

BEWARE SAFETY ISSUE I carefully checked all weight bearing seams holding the bassinet together after reading another reviewer's comments that their Graco pack n play had torn at the seams. I found a seam which had not been effectively sewn and as a result was coming undone. This seam was one of the main weight bearing seams that formed the fabric channel for one of the metal rods which held up the bassinet meaning that if this seam continued to come undone (which it did with the slightest pressure) the bassinet and your child could fall. This fault is clearly a manufacturing defect and I am in the process of getting a refund from amazon.

IF YOU BUY THIS ITEM, CHECK ALL SEAMS CAREFULLY!

Aside from that, it was not clear to me why one bassinet level could support 15lb and the other 20lb as the 20lb stage is merely an extension of the 15lb setting, it is not further reinforced in any way. The only thing I could think was that a larger child may be more able to climb out of the first stage, rather than the bassinet not being able to support their weight. Although since mine was already falling apart before we used it, who knows what weight can actually be supported.

I like this graco play pen it's sturdy enough for my energetic 7month baby. My only problem with it is folding it up to take it on the go. Its great for keeping open at home, when he falls he doesn't hurt himself, when sleeping or playing he can see everything and everyone around him. The mattress it came with is very thin and hard so I bought the Dream on me MAttress, it fits perfect in the Graco play pen. He doesn't like to sleep in the crib anymore he mainly sleeps in the playpen especially after buying the Dream on me mattress, he mainly likes being able to see around when he wakes up he will start to look and cry for someone and a bottle.

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Very nice and comfortable. Junior is three months using the second stage bassinet and loves it. The padded mat is comfy and nicely quilted. It was easy for me to put together (im pretty savvy when it comes to that). The colors are pretty nice, wished there were more options, but hey, I'm very content, and happy with my purchase. :-)

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This pack and play is perfect for what we need it for. Our baby is four months old and almost 16 pounds. We wanted her to sleep in our room still. We are using the second phase setting and she seems to like it. The mattress is hard so we put a more padded sheet over it.

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We enjoy this Pack 'N Play...very easy to put together and transition from each "stage". Everything fits together perfectly and it is easy to put it all away and get it back into the carry bag. I just wish there was a way to store the mobile in the travel bag/case. The changing table is sturdy and makes it easy to have more than one changing area set up. We also like the gender neutral pattern!

Review update (June 2013): After lots of use, this Pack 'N Play is holding up nicely. I keep a play yard mattress pad and sheet on it to protect the mat from drooling babies. It continues to be easy to change between the stages and to pack up and travel.

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