I received the Graco Circus Pack n' Play playpen as a gift from my brother since he bought one and was quite happy with it. The entire package comes in a lengthy, narrow cardboard box. The playpen comes all pre-assembled so there's no need for screws, or tools or any kind of a handyman, unless you feel the need to have one around.

The entire package consists of the one piece umbrella-like folded playpen, a foldable, thinly padded base in which you place on the inside of the playpen, as well as a nylon cover in which to pack and carry the folded playpen around. The base as well as all non plastic or metal parts of the playpen are made of stain and water resistant nylon. This is great for easy cleanup should there be "accidents". Each of the playpen's four sides are composed of two bars that are connected by a locking mechanism, thus allowing for the sides to "bend" into an upside down "v" and collapse into a foldable umbrella-like shape that allows for easy portability and setup. Also, there are velcro straps attached to the playpen for strapping and holding the playpen together when folded.

Although no true "assembly" of parts are needed, the actual assembly of the playpen does take a bit of getting used to. Upon removal of the folded playpen from the box, you will notice that the playpen is folded almost like that of an umbrella, with the four sides of the playpen's legs jutting out and the center of the playpen's bottom sticking up at the top. Keeping the playpen still folded, place it at the location where you want to, let the legs fall or come out, and bring out the rest of the playpen to allow it to take shape. Straighten each "bent" playpen side by tugging the bars of the sides so that the bars will "lock". Once the bars are locked, they can withstand a fair amount of pressure without collapsing. The only way to fold the playpen is to firmly press the safety button located at the "lock" or the stress of the sides where the sides "bend". Then, place the folded padded base inside and at the bottom of the playpen and that's it! The playpen is ready for use. As I mentioned, it does take a bit of luck and patience for those who are using it for the first time, to get the sides to "lock". Packing it up is the opposite. Just press the lock firmly to make the side bars collapse and then fold up the legs like an umbrella and store it inside the nylon bag provided.

The playpen is quite sturdy with durable plastic legs on all four corners. The base is reinforced via a set of criss crossed metal bars, a center plastic base and another set of metal bars that run across the center of the playpen's width. The four sides of the playpen are lined with a see through nylon mesh that allows for easy observance of the inside. The top of the bars and sides are padded somewhat to prevent injuries. The corners are reinforced with durable plastic to retain its shape but also allows flexibility when packing and moving.

Overall, the Graco Circus Pack n' Play Playpen is a great investment for new parents for its stability and durability. A few of the negatives of this playpen include the thinly padded base. I found that the padding and the underlying sturdy base was not adequate for absorbing shock or for supporting the inside of the playpen. It doesn't seem to provide enough support or comfort for the young child to lie or sit in it. I usually place a layer of soft comforter or cushions on top of the base to improve the comfort and support. Another point is the the assembly or packing up of the playpen. The locks may seem hard to either "lock" or "unlock" as sometimes it may seem frustrating to make it do so. Other than those two points, I am very happy with the Graco Circus Pack n' Play playpen and would recommend it for new parents. Always remember to use the playpen under supervision and only leave your baby in the playpen momentarily when you must attend to other matters. Never leave your baby in it for long periods of time as accidents do happen.

Thanks for taking the time to read and rate my review.

Recommended: Yes