Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

I wouldn't say that the Pack and Play is a necessity, but since my house is 2 levels (nursery upstairs) and a lot of my friends found them useful, we are planning on getting one.

My question is about all the options. From the research I've done it seems like most of them have the bassinet and the changing table, but DH thinks we should get one with a canopy and the parent organizer (diaper stacker, wipes holder, etc).

I wouldn't mind having those options, but it seems like they only come in some designs (not my fave design) and it jacks the price up considerably.

For those of you who have or plan to use one -- did you think the canopy and organizer were really useful? DH says the canopy is a must for using it outside -- but I wonder if anyone even uses their's outside.

TIA

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

i didn't have a canopy and don't think it was necessary. i've never used it outside. all of our bedrooms are upstairs so i used to keep the PNP downstairs for during the day. we used the bassinet part and i also used the organizer, but you could always just keep stuff in a basket or something. i probably mostly used the PNP as a changing table. ours also had a mobile that my DS liked to look at. just so you know, if you plan to travel with the PNP, the mobile, changing table, and organizer don't fit in the bag. i always left these parts at home.

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

I've wondered how useful/important the canopy is as well. I'd think that even if I took the baby outside in it, I'd probably place it in the shade anyway, no? So the canopy is kind of pointless, or am I missing something, like indoor lighting bothering the baby or something? And the canopy only really works for the bassinet part, right? Not when you move past the bassinet and just use it as a PNP?

So confusing!!

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

I would agree..... I do not see the usefulness of the canopy...

IMO, if I am taking the baby outside majority of the time the baby will be in the stroller...

Based on the suggestions I was given by family, to me the most important thing was the bassinet and to be sure I got one that "vibrates"....

We live in a Victorian so it is a necessity for me....

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

Teh one i put on the registry doesnt have a canopy. I think the canopy is more for use outdoors which is what someone told me.

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

The Graco I registered for is only with the bassinet, mobile and activity center on top (Baby Einstein).

I don't need the extra options. I really just want the pack and play because I have 2 small dogs and it would be the only way I can have the infant with us in the LV.

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

I plan on using it as a bassinet in our bedroom for a few months and then as a play pen during the day so I can get some stuff done around the house here and there. So I dont think the canopy would be necessary.

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

we are in a 2 level house and I didn't get one - I actually thought going up the staris would be good for me to lose the pregnancy weight. A little bit here and there always helps...LOL

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

we have our pnp in the living room. We don't have a canopy or an organizer, just a bassinet attachment.

Re: Spinoff to Pack and Play question -- for those who use/want them

I have a bi level house and I have the PNP with the canopy/changing station/bassinet, basically everything.

I NEver once used the canopy part, I never took it outside.

I did use the changing station downstairs where the pNp was ALOT in the first 6 months or so. I loved not having to go upstairs to change her, especially since my recovery was brutal. I also refuse to change baby on a bed, couch or floor-yicky to me, dd sprung alot of leaks in the beginning.

When DD started napping consistently in her crib and I stopped working in Dec. I toook it all down since i only change her upstairs now.

The PNP though will be used for #2 upstairs for middle of the night changes when DD is sleeping.