I was thinking we might want a pack n play for downstairs, in case we need to put baby down for a few minutes to do something that requires both hands, but still keep them segregated from our dogs. I also thought it might be convenient to have a changer, to save our backs from having to always do it on the floor (where the dogs will no doubt want to 'help'), and prevent having to go upstairs as often. And of course we'll eventually need something to travel with. We don't travel often, and are planning on using the Graco Travel Lite with Stages initially as a bassinet in our (upstairs) bedroom...this can be our travel crib initially, but I imagine baby will outgrow it in a few months and need a standard size PNP for holiday trips.
Are there any lightweight PNPs that have changers that AREN'T total junk that slant to the side? I really like the Chicco Lullaby Magic and Chicco Lullaby Dream because of the sturdy changers, but they are HEAVY for travel, and removing the entire changer every time we use the bassinet seems tedious. Plus they are expensive and I don't plan to use the nappers at all. The Ingenuity PNPs seem to have really stable changers too, and I like that they flip out of the way, but they are hard flip (especially one-handed) and the one in the store kept falling off every time I tried...plus it is also kinda heavy for travel. I like all the cheap lightweight PNPs...but the changers all seem to be total garbage and slant to the side. But all the ones with nice changers seem to be 35-40lbs.
I have no idea how long you can use the changers before they are outgrown, but for my back, even if it is only 3 months or so, it's worth it to me to have something, and if I have a c-section I'm sure it will help. So yeah, looking for a standard sized PNP that is light enough for the occasional trip, and has a decent changer. Any suggestions?