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Pack’n Plays or playards come in handy for newborn kids till their toddler years. A pack n play or playard includes many useful features for the baby to spend their time in.
A good mattress is a vital feature of a pack n play as it covers the base of the playard and holds the baby. A comfy mattress is also deemed necessary for the perfect sleeping condition of babies.
For parents, it is essential to make informed purchases while investing in baby furniture. The mattress you choose for your baby’s playard should be durable enough to resist spillage and rough use.
While many pack n play comes with their very own mattress system, you can always upgrade to one of the best playpen mattresses.
A mattress is obviously better than the firm pad a playard comes with if your babies are also sleeping there. A good mattress does not only ensure your kids’ comfort but also contributes to their growth and posture.
There are so many options to choose from if you want a mattress for your pack n play or playards. In this article, we are going to discuss six such mattresses and review them in detail.
Table of Contents
Best Graco Pack n Play Mattress – Playards and Playpen mattress reviews
Dream On Me, 3″ Foam Pack and Play Mattress
| Brand: | Dream On Me |
| Construction Type: | Foam Construction |
| Weight and Dimensions: | 3 pounds and (25.5 x 37.5 x 3 inches) |
| Style: | Vinyl Cover |
| Maximum weight recommendation: | 25 pounds |
The Dream On Me 3 Inch foam Pack and Play mattress is one of the popular mattresses out there for playards as it fits most playpens very easily. It is certified by GreenGuard gold which means it is free from any usage of toxic materials.
This mattress is perfectly compatible with many playards including the staple Graco Pack N Play.
The materials used in making this mattress are antibacterial and safe. It is a comfortable and supportive mattress to use. Maintaining and washing the playard is a child’s play.
All in all, it is one of the top contenders, if you’re opting for a reliable build.
Although it is one of the best mattresses for Graco pack n play, there might be an issue finding the right size sheets for this mattress. You’re going to need slightly different sized sheets, particularly, crib size sheets to fit. Consider the available sheet sizes before buying this mattress.
Overall, Dream On Me, 3” Foam Mattress can be a quite a good edition because it’s cozy, firm, and overall a good quality product.
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress in a Box – The Official Graco pack n play mattress
Specifications
| Brand: | Graco |
| Material Type: | Foam |
| Weight: | 10.7 pounds |
| Dimensions: | 27.6 x 52 x 5 inches |
Now we have Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress in the list, which is the number 1 best seller in Crib Mattresses in Amazon. Although mainly designed for cribs, this mattress can fit a large pack n plays. The in-box feature offers an easy to unpack and unfold option for this mattress.
The outer cover of the mattress is water-resistant and also easily washable. The mattress has just the optimum amount of firmness for the babies to sleep on or goof around.
The materials used in this mattress are safe and environment friendly thus earning the mattress GreenGuard gold certification. It is also very durable and offers 6 years limited warranty.
This mattress is the number 1 best selling item for a reason.
If you have a Graco pack and plays and you’re looking to upgrade the mattress, going with this one could never go wrong. If you have a crib or large playard, then this Graco Premium Foam Mattress can be just the right choice for you.
Cuddly Cubs Fitted Pack and Play Sheets Mattress – Best designed for Graco
Specifications:
| Brand | Cuddly Cubs |
| Size | Pack N Play Sheets |
| Dimensions | 27.7 x 37.6 x 2.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.01 pounds |
Next up, we have Cuddly Cubs Fitted Pack and Play Sheets Mattress which is one of the cheapest mattresses out there. This mattress is designed specifically to fit the most common size of playards including Graco Pack n Play. It uses 100% cotton jersey knit which makes the mattress soft, comfy and breathable altogether.
Materials are non-harmful and non-toxic and the mattress is also hypoallergenic too. It is easily washable and can be stretched to adjust the size. The mattress comes with two colors and styles for you to choose upon.
Although it fits most pack n plays, crib, or large placards, The mattress also doesn’t include crib sheets.
If you want a super soft mattress for your baby with the minimum amount of money, then Cuddly Cubs Fitted Pack N Play Sheet Mattress is surely to be considered for buying.
NapYou Amazon Exclusive Pack n Play Mattress, Convenient Fold
Specifications:
| Brand: | NapYou |
| Material: | Memory foam, cotton and polyester |
| Firmness: | Soft and plush |
| Construction Type: | Foam |
| Weight: | 3.5 pounds approx. |
This NapYou mattress includes features like convenient folding and a light carrying bag as a bonus. The mattress is compact and the corners are rounded so you can adjust the mattress to your choice. The mattress is made of organically sourced cotton. Combine that with polyester and you have a mattress that is not only soft but also durable.
By definition, pack n play mattresses are portable. This mattress is also easy to store away. You can fold it up and take it with you on your travels. The easy handle carry bag makes sure the mattress doesn’t become a burden on the road. So it’s a plus point for families who are often on the go.
The mattress is also great for regular usage. Even if portability isn’t your primary criterion, it can be used as a cozy sleeping mat for your baby.
There have been some issues reported about the pack n play sheets not matching the mattress. But it’s not a dealbreaker. The memory foam can mold the body pressure for a long time. The quality and the safety of the memory foam are reported to be top-notch by some users.
Nevertheless, this NapYou portable mattress is one of the front liners in its category. Whether you want to pack or just play, this is a mattress that can do both.
Dream On Me Breathable Two-Sided Pocket Coil Play Yard Mattress
Specifications:
| Brand: | Dream On Me |
| Construction Type: | Innerspring |
| Weight: | 3 pounds |
| Dimensions: | 37.5 x 25.5 x 3 inches |
| Style: | Breathable fabric and Vinyl Cover |
On the list, next we have another Dream On Me product. This variant of ‘dream on me’ playard mattress is known for its two sided pocket coil elements.
The materials are carefully designed for allowing airflow, thus ensuring breathability in the mattress. The mattress is GreenGuard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. The heat-tempered coils offer a firm setting in the mattress. It also contains a waterproof cover on the side. The mattress gives much priority in being safe and chemical free.
Although listed as a 3 inch mattress, many complained it was over 3 inches, 5” to be exact. It can be a huge problem as your baby may climb out of the playard due to the mattress being larger.
Despite size issues, the dream on me breathable two sided pocket coil playard mattress may interest you for its simple structure, soft and firmness, and safety concerns.
Dreamcountry Fitted Foldable Memory Foam Pack n Play Mattress Pad Portable Playard Mattresses with Washable Cover & Storage Bag
Specifications:
| Brand: | Dreamcountry |
| Firmness: | Plush |
| Construction Type: | Foam Construction |
| Weight: | 4.4 pounds |
| Dimensions: | 37.8 x 25.59 x 3 inches |
Dreamcountry makes the last entry on our list with this one. The fitted Foldable Memory Foam Pack n Play Mattress has many desirable features like pad portability, a washable cover and a compact storage bag. The mattress is made of non toxic materials.
To turn things up a notch, it is certified by CertiPur US for prioritizing safety in its memory foams.
The memory foam is of great quality and strikes a great balance between firm and soft. The mattress has rounded corners and comes with an all-size fitted pad. Out of all the products we have reviewed in this article, this one is the most likely to fit any playard you throw its way.
It comes with a removable and washable cover. It can be folded in a couple of minutes and easily be put into the storage bag. When folded, it takes up very little space.
The mattress may smell a bit funny during the first week of usage. Nonetheless, if you want a good memory foam mattress for your baby that fits almost any playard and is easy to travel with, chances are you’re going to love this mattress!
How To Buy the Pack n Play mattress for Graco or other Playpens
Before getting a mattress for the play yard or pack n play, you should know what to look for as an informed buyer. The first thing you should check is the size compatibility between your pack and play and the mattress you wish to buy.
A common mattress size for playards is 37.5 x 26 inches and 3 inches thick. There are several inner mechanisms that make a mattress. So far, memory foam and innerspring are two most sought after mattresses by parents. These are pretty safe materials for your baby to rest, play, and get comfortable in.
It’s advised to choose a mattress with a waterproof cover to prevent damages from bed-wetting accidents. If you can’t find one that you like, you can buy a cover separately in most cases.
Breathability is of utmost importance so that the mattress doesn’t cause any irritability on your baby’s skin or make the child run hot. The mattress should support a good amount of airflow so the baby can rest comfortably.
Some pack n play mattresses are portable. So if you want to travel frequently with your baby, it’s recommended that you get a mattress that can be folded and be carried easily.
Make sure the mattress doesn’t contain any harmful materials. Check if the mattress is certified by any renowned entities like CertiPur US or GreenGuard Gold.
Since the mattress is for a baby, it needs to be kept clean and sanitary. But babies make it harder to do so. Therefore, you need a mattress that is easily washable.
Make sure the mattress comes with fitted sheets. Look for a sound balance between plushness and firmness. Too soft, and your baby may face SIDS problems. Too stuffy, and your baby may find the mattress not uncomfortable and cumbersome.
Compare the top twin mattress for kids. Right here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we dive in, let’s answer some of the frequently asked questions regarding pack n play mattresses.
Is there a mattress for pack n play?
- Although many pack n plays come with just the firm pad, there are some which usually have a fixed mattress for a pack n play. There are also separate mattresses in the market designed specifically for pack n plays or playards.
What is the recommended size and dimensions for the best playard mattress?
- A pack n play mattress is usually 1 to 3 inches thick. The mattress is usually 25/26” inches in width and 37/38” inches long.
What mattress best fits graco pack n play?
- There is a good number of mattresses considered fit for graco pack n play. Some of them are Dream On Me foam mattress, Graco Premium Toddler Mattress and many more.
What type of mattress is best for a newborn?
- An innerspring coil mattress is the most popular choice for a newborn. Foam mattresses are also a good option for a mattress for a newborn.
Will a crib mattress fit in a pack and play?
- A crib mattress is usually larger and thicker than those of a pack n play mattress. So it’s safe to say a crib mattress won’t fit in a pack n play.
How to clean the pack n play mattress?
- First you have to take out the mattress from the pack n play or playard. Take the mattress cover out if it has any. Then simply wash the mattress in your washing machine following washing procedures.
Should I get a mattress cover for my pack n play mattress?
- It’s recommended to get a mattress cover. As babies tend to be very messy, you’d want to save yourself from the hassle of cleaning the whole mattress. A waterproof mattress cover is very useful in such cases. Also, make sure the mattress cover is easily washable.
Verdict
After reviewing these six mattresses for your pack n play or playard, we have picked our favorites in several categories.
Best Overall Mattress: Graco Premium Foam Crib, Toddler Mattress in a Box
Best Budget Mattress: Cuddly Cubs Fitted Pack and Play Sheets Mattress
Best Travel/Portable Mattress: Dreamcountry Fitted Foldable Memory Foam Pack n Play Mattress
