RE: Play yards
Well, I really liked my PacknPlay for many reasons. I ended up having an unscheduled C section and therefore my stair climbing was very limited the first few weeks. We used the PacknPlay to set up a "baby station" on the main floor of my home so that I didn't need to go upstairs to the nursery to do "baby things". I found that to be so convenient, that I have continued to use it for this purpose.
I love the changing table feature on the PacknPlay. My baby napped in the bassinet part during the day (slept in her crib at night) until she was about 6 weeks. After that she didn't really nap very well in there and I stopped using it for that purpose. I now use it to hold all my diapers, wipes etc for the changing table part. Mine also came with a big netting thing that I used while she was napping in order to keep our cats from jumping into the bassinet with her!
We also use it when driving to visit folks as a portable crib and changing station. I think that the play yard feature will be more useful when she is older, but not necessarily for her to "play" in. I see it as being more useful for having a safe, secure place to put baby for a couple minutes while I answer the door, run to the bathroom, etc. and can't watch her. I am dreading a little the day when she becomes self-mobile!
So is it a "must" have, obviously not. But they can be very convenient. If I had to do it again, I would probably not buy one with the bassinet feature, but I do love that changing table.
Beth
(Mom to Sarah, born 8/14/2001)
Beth, mom to older DD (8/01) and younger DD (10/06) and always missing Leah (4/22 - 5/1/05)