When you’re shopping for baby products there’ll be a lot mulling through your mind: safety, comfort, durability. Everything matters as you only want the best for your baby, right? That’s the case for all parents shopping for the best mattress for Graco Pack n’ Play cribs or Playards. Getting the baby room ready or wanting to make your parenting lifestyle a little easier can be daunting. There are so many products to pick from. Which one will really work?
Let’s make your life a little easier with our mattress reviews. We did research on the materials that brands use, the designs they pick, and practical considerations such as dimensions & covers. In our concise yet detailed product reviews, you can quickly gauge which item is most appropriate for your baby based on age, preferences, and what you’ll use this mattress for.
After interviewing multiple parents and discussing safety aspects with pediatricians, we finalized our list of the best mattresses on the market with the best overall pick EMBRA LOVE Pack n Play Mattress. To make it easier for you to pick the best one for your needs, we have complied in-depth reviews of the mattresses, and we’ve also included a buyer’s guide. If you need to make a quick decision, use the comparison table below that shows the winners in various categories.
Everything you need is here so you can have a little more peace of mind about one aspect of parenting. So keep reading.
Extra features: 100% waterproof and machine-washable cover, non-slip bottom, CertiPUR-US certified foam, OEKO-TEX certified fabric, CPC certified
Starting off the list of Graco pack n’ play compatible options for your newborn is the EMBRA LOVE Pack n Play Mattress. It earns the top spot because the bamboo viscose cover is 100% waterproof and machine-washable, so a leaky diaper is a quick wash rather than a ruined mattress, and the non-slip bottom keeps it from shifting around the playard.
The mattress is dual-sided, with soft gel memory foam on one face and supportive bamboo charcoal foam on the other, and it measures 38 x 26 x 1.5 inches for a snug fit in standard playards. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the fabric is OEKO-TEX certified, and when you travel the whole mattress rolls up and cinches with the included strap.
Extra features: waterproof, washable and breathable cover; rounded corners for a gap-free fit; comes with a carry bag; no fiberglass or chemical flame retardants
This mattress is built for families on the move: the tri-fold design folds down in seconds and slips into the included carry bag. Inside, a firm high-density foam layer supports your baby’s spine while a soft gel memory foam layer keeps things cool and comfortable.
At 38 x 26 inches with rounded corners, it fits a standard Pack N’ Play without leaving gaps around the edges, and the waterproof, washable cover turns spit-ups and diaper leaks into a quick clean-up. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the mattress meets ASTM and CPSIA requirements, with no fiberglass or chemical flame retardants.
Extra features: CertiPUR-US certified foam; OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabric; waterproof inner layers; removable, machine-washable cover; cooling side and warm side
This mattress is built to last through the whole Pack N’ Play stage: a firm high-density foam side gives newborns the flat, supportive base their spines need, and a softer memory foam side can be flipped to once your child passes the one-year mark and starts rolling and turning. The supportive foam layers are made to resist sagging, so the same mattress will serve your little one well into his or her toddler years without repeat purchases. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the fabric carries the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, while two thin waterproof membranes keep leaks and spit-ups out of the foam and the cover comes off to go straight into the washing machine. At 38 x 26 x 3 inches it is a standard playard size, but it is a fair bit pricier than most Pack N’ Play mattresses, so measure your playard before buying to make sure the size matches.
Extra features: waterproof; machine washable cover; cooling side and warm side; fits most pack and plays, playpens and mini cribs
We like this mattress for its versatility: at 38 x 26 x 3 inches it fits most standard playards, playpens and mini cribs, and the seamless design keeps gaps between the mattress and the frame to a minimum.
It is dual sided, with a firmer high-density foam side for newborns and a softer memory foam side for toddlers, and two thin waterproof layers sit under a cover that goes straight in the washing machine after spit-ups or leaks.
The foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which is reassuring for babies with sensitive skin. It is one of the pricier options in this class, and because it is a full three inches thick you should check your playard’s mattress thickness guidance before buying.
Extra features: CertiPUR-US certified foam; OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabric; two waterproof membrane layers; machine-washable cover; cooling and warming fabric sides
If you want a proper playard mattress without spending a fortune, this DeerFable model is our budget pick. It measures 38 x 26 x 3 inches, which is sized for most Pack n’ Plays, playpens, travel cribs and mini cribs, and the seamless design helps close the gap between the mattress and the frame.
It is dual-sided: a firm high-density foam side for babies under a year, and a softer memory foam side once your child is a toddler. Two thin waterproof membranes keep leaks out of the core, and the cover goes straight in the washing machine, which makes clean-up after spit-ups and diaper leaks painless.
Extra features: rounded corners; removable zippered cover; carry bag included
This VRSHOAT mattress earns our Premium Choice spot because it combines a folding design with materials that are safe for a baby. The foam core is CertiPUR-US certified and the manufacturer states the mattress complies with ASTM standards, with no glass fiber, chemical flame retardants, phthalates or lead.
At 38 x 26 inches with rounded corners it is made to sit in a standard Pack n’ Play with almost no gaps, and the three-fold structure plus the included carry bag make it easy to pack for trips or visits to the grandparents. The cover is soft and breathable on the outside, waterproof on the inside, and zips off so you can throw it in the washing machine after spills.
You’re making a very important decision when you’re shopping for your baby’s sleep and play areas. You need safety as much as comfort. And user friendliness is vital to make your life as a parent a little easier. Is it possible to get all those features in one product? With our buyer’s guide you’ll know exactly what to pick from our best mattress Graco Pack n’ Play reviews.
If you’re still wondering whether it’s necessary to invest in one of these mattresses, let’s remind you of all the advantages:
Now, let’s talk about that checklist of features you need when you go shopping. The items listed below are important to consider if you want to create a safe and user friendly environment. We discuss each aspect in depth so you know how to gauge which type of Graco Pack n’ Play mattress suits your (and your baby’s) lifestyle.
Firstly, turn your attention to the details about the materials used in manufacturing the mattress. You want to create a safe space for your child no matter what happens. That means you need hypoallergenic materials without any toxins or chemicals. This doesn’t only relate to the mattress itself, also research the manufacturing process. You don’t want harmful substances to cling to your baby’s items. Another safety feature to consider is whether it’s easily flammable. A CertiPUR-US certification is a bonus, as it’ll ensure your mattress has passed all safety checks and does not have any harmful substances that could adversely affect your baby’s health.
You can also consider comfort when you look at the materials. You’ll probably have to pick between a foam mattress and a coiled version. A foam type is lighter, but a coil mattress is usually more durable. You determine which you value most. If you often travel, you’ll probably need a light version. You can also opt for memory foam for the ultimate in comfort for your baby.
It’s not only the interior that matters—when it comes to a baby’s environment all exterior surfaces must be practical: for you and the little one.
For your own benefit, invest in one with low maintenance requirements. If it’s washable—such as a vinyl type cover—you can simply wipe off spills and messes. Since babies often make messes with food, bottles or diapers, a waterproof cover is almost non-negotiable. Many parents settle on cotton because of its softness, but before you buy, consider the effort of keeping it clean all the time.
For your baby’s sake, make sure this cover is anti-bacterial and won’t spark any allergic reactions.
When it comes to design, you need to consider where you’ll use your mattress. If you’re only buying to use it in your baby’s room a classic mattress will suffice. If you know this will serve as your baby’s bed when you travel—and if you travel often—a foldable mattress is more practical, such as the VRSHOAT trifold model shown above.
The folding design allows you a compact mattress that can easily fit into a car or be carried to where you need it. These are often a bit lighter too, but just know that they’re thinner overall, providing less support.
It’s vital you make sure your new mattress fits snugly into the Graco Pack n’ Play. You need a smooth surface, without bumps or gaps on the sides to ensure it’s a safe space for babies to play, sleep and roll around. You don’t want your little one to roll into a gap without the ability to get out.
Know that you can’t use a regular cot’s mattress in a Graco Pack n’ Play as they’re usually too big. A Graco Pack n’ Play requires dimensions of +/- 37 by 25.5-inches. Thickness can differ from design to design.
You’ll also find mattresses with square or rounded corners. The latter makes it a little easier to fit in more styles of playpens. The small gaps in the corners don’t carry too much risk of your baby getting stuck there.
What exactly can your little one do at the moment? If you’re looking after a very young baby that can’t yet keep his or her head up, you must provide a firm surface for sleep and play. This prevent them suffocating if they should turn onto their stomachs. But make sure it’s still comfortable so they can fall asleep easily. For older babies and toddlers, it’s safe to use softer models as they will be able to push their faces away from the mattress if they roll over onto their stomachs, or they can simply lift their heads.
Before you purchase a mattress, it’s important to consider the kind of Pack n’ Play that you have. Only then can you purchase the correct mattress that fits. There are different kinds of Pack n’ Plays including playpens, bassinets and convertible playpens.
Not all mattresses will fit into certain Playpens. A good example is the DeerFable Pack and Play mattress which is made for standard 38 x 26 inch playards, so it won’t suit smaller or oddly sized models. Alternatively, you can opt for the DeerFable Dual Sided Pack and Play mattress which fits most standard 38 x 26 inch playards, playpens and mini cribs.
To clean your baby’s mattress, you can follow these seven easy steps
For our top three picks we’ll start with the VRSHOAT trifold mattress which earned our Premium Choice spot. We’re impressed with the materials used in its construction: the CertiPUR-US certified foam and soft, breathable cover make it both comfortable & easy to keep clean for your baby.
Following close behind is the ZNUZDRK Tri-Fold mattress. We particularly like the trifold design which makes the mattress easy to fold and carry. And since it comes with a carry bag, it’s both easy to store and travel with. Its waterproof, washable cover also makes it easy to keep clean.
Next up, we’re impressed with the DeerFable Pack and Play mattress which we gave a 9.4 rating. It features an OEKO-TEX certified cover which you’ll appreciate if your baby has sensitive skin. Also, it’s the most durable mattress on our list.
For your baby you want nothing but the best mattress for Graco Pack n’ Play. So which one from our recommendations will you pick for your little one?
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