Newborn Napper in Disney's Classic Pooh Fashion

Graco heard from moms and dads that it’s important to have a dedicated space in the playard for their newborns—whether in their own bedroom or anywhere in the house. The Newborn Napper was the perfect answer. The soft, cushioned napper is ideal for cuddling newborns during those all-important naps. The cozy fabric and supportive shape have made it a favorite of parents and babies alike. Currently, this feature is available on Graco’s Pack ‘n Play® Playard with Reversible Napper & Changer™, Newborn Napper Station, Newborn Napper LX, Newborn Napper DLX and Newborn Napper Elite.

The next wave of napper innovation has come in the form of the exciting Pack ‘N Play Playard with Cuddle Cove™ Rocking Seat. This exciting addition is really two products in one: it has the comfy features of the Newborn Napper and it removes (with convenient carry handles!) to function as a rocking seat anywhere in the house. Babies love the gentle vibration in the seat—it really offers endless hours of soothing rest for your little one.

If you haven’t already, be sure to enter our Pack ‘N Play Facebook contest! Through tomorrow (September 8, 2012) you can enter for a chance to win the grand prize ($5,000 worth of baby gear) or, through November 2, you can play the daily instant win game (for $25 gift cards). Learn more about how to play here.

What’s your favorite innovative feature of the Pack ‘N Play?

We want you to get in on the celebration! You’re invited to play for a chance to win a Grand Prize worth $5,000 and take part in our daily instant win game for $25 gift cards.

It’s simple. Here’s how to play:

• If you’re not already, become a fan of Graco Baby on Facebook.
• You’ll see a tab at the top of our page that says “Graco-Play-Pages.” Click there.
• There are two ways to play, now through Sunday, September 8:
  • Play for the Grand Prize ($5,000 worth of Graco baby gear!) by sharing your own story how you have loved your Pack ‘N Play or of why you’re excited to use one when your baby arrives. Plan to take a minute to read other mom’s and dad’s inspiring stories.
  • Play our Instant Win Game, for a daily chance to win a $25 gift card. This game is packed with cool facts (for instance, did you know that the year Pack ‘N Play debuted, 1987, “Three Men & a Baby” was a box office hit?). You can return once a day for another chance to win!
  • Later this fall, you’ll have the chance to vote on your favorite story—and the winner will be awarded the Grand Prize Package (worth $5,000).

While you’re there, we would love it if you would help us with a very special and worthwhile project. Just share the Pack ‘N Play celebration with your friends—on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or via email—and Graco will donate funds (up to $5,000) to Operation Shower. It’s a terrific non-profit organization whose mission is to provide joyful baby showers for military families to ease the burden of deployment, and we feel great about supporting this worthy cause.

Happy birthday to Pack ‘N Play, America’s best-selling playard, and good luck as you enter to win!

Scribbles is the perfect, playful pattern to set your baby on a creative path! Serene teal and rich chocolate brown provide the perfect backdrop for pops of bright lime green, blue and subtle cream in this fun fashion. Scribbles is a gender-neutral, abstract pattern that just might inspire your little artist.

This cute pattern is available exclusively from Target and has a whole collection of great Graco products, including:

•  DuoGlider™ Stroller: This stroller holds two children, up to 40 lbs. each, with stadium-style seating and two reclining seats with canopies and footrests. You’ll love it!

• Pack ‘N Play® Playard with Reversible Napper & Changer™: Moms (& dads) love the convenience of this awesome Pack ‘N Play—we know, because it’s the #1 playard around. You get the comfort of a napper along with the convenience of a changer, all-in-one. Plus, of course, you also get all of the great features of Pack ‘N Play: easy fold for travel, toddler playard and even a cute toy bar.
• Contempo™ Highchair: This is Graco’s slimmest folding highchair, perfect for convenient feedings—either at home or while traveling—since it stores easily, even in small spaces. With six height positions and three recline levels it always keeps baby comfortable.
• FastAction™ Fold Travel System: Experience the only travel system with a one-second fold. This great set comes with a lightweight stroller—that folds in just one second, with one hand—and has a multi-position reclining seat (it lies flat to keep a sleepy baby comfortable) and an extra-large storage basket. It also comes with the top-rated SnugRide® Infant Car Seat, which is a favorite pick of leading consumer publications, since it’s rigorously side-impact tested to meet or exceed all U.S. safety standards.
• Swing By Me™ Portable Swing: This swing is smart—it’s like two products in one. It’s both a portable swing that allows you to move baby from room to room and it converts to a full-sized swing. It includes multiple swing speeds for baby’s different moods and a two-position reclining seat to help baby get comfy. The cute toy bar even features plush blue elephants, sure to hold baby’s attention!

We hope you love the Scribbles fashion as much as we do! What do you think?

Product Features:

• Engaging, overhead toys offer two ways to play: in-playard stimulation and a removable, on-the-floor play mat
• Modern-style frame blends right in with your home décor
• Gentle vibration with two speeds helps soothe baby; turn it on with just one touch
• Pivoting, posture-plus changing table allows you to change baby without bending over (your back deserves it!)
• Baby basics organizer makes changing diapers more convenient (all your supplies—diapers, wipes, clothes—will be close by)
• Speaker system with 5 classical songs and 5 soothing sounds keep baby comforted
• Look light allows you to peek in on baby without disturbing her
• Quilted mattress pad provides an extra-comfy spot for your little one to nap
• Signature Graco push-button fold makes closing your playard quick and hassle-free
• Handy wheels for added convenience
• Convenient carrying bag for no-fuss travel and storage

 We hope you love the Pack ‘n Play 2-in-1 as much as we do! What are some of your favorite multi-tasking products that have made being a parent easier?

Here is the link to the actual award: http://www.cribsieawards.com/winners2012/category/gear/best-alternative-to-a-crib

We feel very honored that so many parents feel strongly enough about the Graco Pack ‘n Play to not only nominate us, but to vote us to the top. A HUGE thank you to all of you that support the Graco brand!!

And in case you really just want to know how to go from Napper to Changer and back again, check out this video:

Where do you typically look for information on how to put together new baby products?

Here’s a preview of just a few of the great products you can look forward to for you and your little one this year — and stay tuned for even more new items as the year goes on!

Graco Smart Seat™ All-in-One Car Seat

The new Graco Smart Seat All-in-One Car Seat is the ultimate in car seat longevity. This convertible car seat fits your child from 5-100 lbs and features a convenient stay-in-car base so you only have to install the base one time!

Quattro Tour® Reverse Travel System featuring the new SnugRide® 30 Infant Car Seat

For face-to-face adventures, the Graco Quattro Tour Reverse Travel System features an innovative stroller with a reversible seat that provides superior maneuverability in both seating positions. This new travel system features a one hand fold, holds a child up to 50 lbs and also includes the top-rated SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat.

Pack ‘N Play® Playard with Cuddle Cove™ Rocking Seat

Graco’s Pack ‘n Play with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat features a removable vibrating rocking seat to create a soothing haven for your newborn.

Graco’s Signature Series™ 3-in-1 Modular Stroller

Graco’s new Signature Series -in-1 Modular Stroller has all the thoughtful details parents love about Graco with the touches that make Signature Series the best of the best.

New Graco Fashions

Graco has the world’s largest selection of fashions, ranging from basic solids and sweet animal prints to toiles, geometrics and modern florals—so many to choose from! So whatever your style, there is a set of coordinated Graco gear for you. Check out these new fashions making their debut in 2011!

What baby gear are you looking for this year?

All during the time Bunny was expecting our Lovebird, I couldn’t wait to “gear” up so that Bunny and SIL would find our home baby-friendly and bring her often for visits once she arrived.  I bought them the Prenatal Heart Listener so they could listen to her heartbeat at home.  I got them a Sweetpeace Soothing Center, a Travel System and a Pack N Play.  

For Nonna and Paddy’s house (that’s us ), I picked up a Cozy Dinette High Chair and a Travelite Crib.  I also picked up an extra Snugride and Car Seat Base for our car.   Having this gear in our home has come in so handy when Lovebird visits.  Best of all, when she is not there, we just fold the high chair and crib right up and store them easily in a closet. 

Then the other day, on Grandparents.com,  I read about an up-and-coming trend – Yes, BABY SHOWERS FOR GRANDMA.  What a great idea!! 

Think about it…. Grandparents often lavishly help in outfitting the expectant parents, but do they think of what they may need in their own homes to make it easier (and more appealing) for the parents to bring those little guys over?   Some grandparents are far away and when the baby comes to visit they will stay awhile and need basically EVERYTHING!

The needs are a little different for different grandparents and also different from what the parents need.  If you are like me, you will want your gear to be lightweight and readily storable. 

I think throwing a shower could be GREAT FUN for friends or even coworkers to do for one another to celebrate this exciting time.  Just think of all the fun you could have with it!  Party 411 has theme ideas and party games to play.

Here’s one I thought was funny:

“What is this for” – things have changed so much since the last generation had their babies, that some of today’s baby items didn’t even exist or could be virtually unrecognizable.  Like prenatal heart listeners, battery operated nasal aspirators or even breast pumps.

Awesome idea?  Really Stupid?  Upstages the parents? What do you think?

If you know anyone who has thrown a shower for grandparents or been the guest of honor, we would love to hear about it!

And they are absolutely right. Just looking back at one of our signature products, the Pack ‘N Play® Playard, innovation has come a long way in five years. Now there are so many options available to meet your different needs.

Let’s take a look:

2004 – 2005: Graco® first introduces the Pack ‘N Play Silhouette™ Playard with a raised, pivoting changing station

2005 – 2006: Integrated storage is debuted with Graco’s Suite Solutions® line

2007 – 2008: A portable solution that blends in with your home’s decor is born: The Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard with Wood Accents

2008 – 2009: The Playard goes mod with a new line of bright, modern Pack ’N Play designs in the Pack ‘N Play Modern series

2008 – 2009: A breakthrough innovation in Playards launches with the Pack ’N Play with Newborn Napper® Station

In five years, a lot can happen! For more information on all of Graco’s playards, and to use our comparison tool to see the difference. Visit us at www.gracobaby.com!