With 7 kids, we've owned a few of these sorts of packable playpens over the years, and with a new grandbaby bought one for when we watch her. We didn't want to get a dedicated changing table just to use for a few short months, so we liked the idea of this unit with the changing platform and bassinett level to it as well. There are a few challenges with this unit that you might not have with more expensive models, but overall it's a fine pack and play that should serve us for a long time. The first thing to know about is the instruction booklet is packaged in a pocket on one side of the outside cover, which is also the mattress pad. That's not a problem unless you are open the box and fail to notice it and start flying blind. I like the fact that there's the pocket for keeping the manual, but there is no notice on the box that it's there, so unless you unbox the unit with that side facing you, there's a good chance you're going to miss it, especially if you take a 'well, I've done this before' mentality. Settin up the playpen isn't rocket science, but if you've never owned one before, pay very close attention to the fact that you do NOT want to lock in the sides with the middle lowered tight. The tension on the bottom of the playpen is very high when you do put it down, and popping it back up can be tough. I also don't think the handle for pulling the center post back up is attached well, as ours came off with the first pull. The side rails on this playpen are the toughest I recall having ever encountered to get locked. Stick with it and you will get it. I had to do the ends first, then the sides but did eventually get them all locked into place. The changing surface is uniquely designed, and this design is one reason we chose this model -- it isn't permanently attached so that when our granddaughter is too heavy for it, it won't be in the way while we use the playpen and it doesn't have to be stored somewhere. The way it attaches to the playpen it is simply rotates over the side to rest against the end, nicely out of the way. The bassinet feature is surprisingly sturdy. It hangs from hooks on both ends of the playpen, and it also zips along the entire length of both sides, with two metal rods to provide rigidity along its length. The same mattress pad you use in the bottom is used for the bassinet, so there are no wasted our duplicative elements. When the baby is too big for it, you just take it out and put the mattress pad in the bottom. There isn't really any place to store the bassinet or poles anywhere when not in use, however. The end storage compartment makes it easy to store diapers, wipes, powder, etc., on the opposite end from the changing surface. It's not a terrific design, as it simply hangs from velcro straps run through two loops in the border cloth. It also suffers from a lack of rigidity in the bottom or sides that could make it easier to use, but it's not a fatal flaw. This is another time when I'd like half-star review capability. This isn't perfect but I think it's going to last us, it's easily portable and the changing surface is very convenient. It is definitely superior to a single-use changing table and looks good in the living room.
