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The comfort of your baby is a top priority.
Which is why you always want the coziest and safest environment for them, whether at home or away from home.
In today’s post, I will give you some shopping tips and share reviews of the 5 best mattresses for Graco pack n play that will guarantee comfort and safety for your little ones.
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall - Editor’s Choice Organic Breathable Mini Crib Mattress by Naturepedic | Check Current Price Check Current Price on Wayfair Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Waterproof Graco Pack n Play Mattress Organic Cotton Baby Crib Mattress by Naturepedic | Check Current Price Check Current Price on Wayfair Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Memory Foam Mattress Milliard Memory Foam Pack N Play Mattress | Check Current Price on Amazon Check Current Price on Overstock Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Non-Toxic Mattress Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage) | Check Current Price Check Current Price on Wayfair Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Budget Mattress Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress | Check Current Price on Amazon Check Current Price on Wayfair Read more about this mattress |
Our Reviews of the 5 Best Mattresses for Graco Pack n Play
Best Overall - Editor’s Choice — Organic Breathable Mini Crib Mattress by Naturepedic
Highlights
- multiple layers to ensure a comfortable and fresh sleeping environment;
- waterproof layer that can deal will all types of messes;
- natural cover, breathable and gentle on the skin to avoid overheating and irritation.
The best mattress for Graco Pack n Play doesn’t only have to be sized accordingly. What makes an excellent mattress is durability, safety, and comfort. And that’s what this crib mattress by Naturepedic can offer. I especially appreciate how supportive this mattress feels. It is resilient with no give, making it completely safe for babies. Even the edges are firm and reliable, offering proper support around the perimeter.
Another cool thing about the Naturepedic mattress is its quality. This crib mattress managed to withstand multiple spills and washes without losing its color or damaging the materials inside. And this means the breathable crib mattress by Naturepedic can offer durable performance, making this model a worthy investment.
Overall, this mattress is an excellent option for parents who want something long-lasting, safe, and easy to clean. Plus, the Naturepedic is pretty reasonably priced, offering great value for money.
Recommended for:
- Restless babies. This Naturepedic crib mattress has firm edges. Therefore, the baby won’t get stuck between the crib walls and the mattress when moving around.
- Frequent use. The Naturepedic mattress is extremely easy to clean and keep fresh. It has a removable, washable cover and a layer of waterproof lining, making it ideal for regular use.
- Babies with sensitive skin. The top cover of this mattress is breathable and safe for the skin. It also doesn’t cause heat retention even while keeping liquids at bay.
Cons:
- might be too stiff for some babies (especially little sleepers with a flat head syndrome);
- the mattress is slightly higher in the middle than around the edges, and if the baby’s weight isn’t enough to slightly compress the middle section, the baby may roll onto one side or belly.
Best Waterproof Graco Pack n Play Mattress — Organic Cotton Baby Crib Mattress by Naturepedic
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Highlights
- firm enough to provide optimal support;
- thin, noise-free waterproof lining;
- safe, natural components and no off-gassing upon arrival.
Looking for the best mattress for Graco Pack n Play that’s easy to clean but doesn’t cause night sweats? Then this other model by Naturepedic can be an ideal solution! The crib mattress has a breathable construction, with layers of coils, proprietary “wavesupport,” and organic cotton, allowing it to aid thermoregulation. At the same time, the Naturepedic’s waterproof lining does not let liquids through. It keeps this breathable crib mattress clean, dry, and fresh without causing the baby to overheat.
I was also happy to discover that this mattress by Naturepedic did not make crinkly noises when bearing weight. Therefore, the crib mattress will not disturb your baby when tossing and turning.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Naturepedic is very lightweight despite its sturdy construction. This makes cleaning and changing sheets much easier, plus allows for improved portability. Taking the mattress to a car or around the house doesn’t really require much effort, so even petite individuals can handle it.
All things considered, this breathable Naturepedic crib mattress can be a truly universal solution for many parents (especially those who want a breathable but waterproof mattress).
Recommended for:
- Parents who want a firm mattress. This Naturepedic crib mattress delivers truly study support. It has no give and can keep the baby on top and safe all night long.
- Warm regions. The Organic Cotton mattress by Naturepedic is incredibly breathable and, thus, can help reduce heat build-up even during warmer days.
- Those who want an easy-to-clean mattress. This model comes with waterproof lining that simply requires a wipe to keep the mattress fresh. It’s ideal for parents who don’t want to waste their time cleaning.
Cons:
- the sizing might be a bit off, so parents should double-check the measurements before unwrapping the mattress;
- may seem too firm to some parents.
Best Memory Foam Graco Pack and Play Mattress - Milliard Memory Foam Pack N Play Mattress
Highlights
- rollable, easy to carry with you;
- washable cover;
- completely hypoallergenic and safe.
The next item on my list of top-rated pack and play mattresses is this 2-inch mattress made of memory foam to ensure comfort and healthy naptime for your baby. This model is great for traveling, as you can roll it and carry with you wherever you go.
This mattress is quite firm, providing the right amount of sinkage for your little one. It is only 2-inch thick, however it creates a sufficient support level for babies. Plus, the thickness makes this mattress lightweight compared to similar mattresses, which is, again, great for traveling.
Now, this portable crib mattress features a hypoallergenic cover made to protect your baby from irritations, ensuring her delicate skin remains unharmed. Another thing about this memory foam model is that it is very easy to clean and maintain. Unlike many pack n play mattresses, this one has a removable cover that you can detach while traveling in order to avoid dirt and dust.
Overall, this model is excellent for absorbing sound, which can often wake a child up when tossing a lot. It has the right balance between firmness and cradling, and your baby will feel super cozy sleeping on it. Plus, it isn’t bouncy, which eliminates the risk of harm while playing on it.
Recommended for:
- Those who travel frequently. Foldable construction and light weight might be a good pick for travel devotees. The Milliard mattress will help you easily arrange a spot for your little one in a hotel room or a tent.
- Older babies. This mattress has a medium to medium-firm feel, so you don’t want to use it until your baby learns how to roll over.
- Sensitive sleepers. The removable cover makes this mattress incredibly easy to clean and maintain, so your baby won’t get any allergic reactions.
Cons:
- may not fit some pack’n’plays;
- slight off-gassing at the beginning.
Best Non-Toxic Mattress - Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage)
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Highlights
- Caters to a wider age; as the baby grows, the mattress can be flipped to accommodate.
- The cover protects against stains that could damage the mattress as it is waterproof.
- The mattress is baby-safe as it's made of non-toxic and organic materials.
The Naturepedic Organic Baby Mattress is my best non-toxic mattress for Graco Pack N Play due to its cost-effective design, waterproof cover, and use of organic and non-toxic materials. What stood out to me the most was Naturepedic’s nontoxic features, such as its waterproof layer made from non-GMO sugarcane, making this mattress as safe as possible for your baby. It's made of organic cotton, which is safer than polyester or polyurethane alternatives (like the Graco mattress). This mattress is also free from flame retardant chemicals, instead opting to remove highly flammable foams like poly foam, making this mattress safer for your baby.
In addition, the cover helps keep your mattress safe from stains, such as accidents or drool, which could otherwise cause a breeding ground for bacteria, due to its waterproof cover. It’s also cost-effective as the mattress can support infants and toddlers by simply flipping it, so you don’t have to buy a separate mattress when your baby grows.
What I Don’t Like About This Mattress
One thing I don’t like about the Naturepedic mattress is that it can be too expensive for first-time families due to its use of organic materials.
Best Budget Mattress - Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress
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Highlights
- Competitive pricing makes this mattress a good option for families on a small budget.
- The outer cover can be removed and washed via zippers, keeping your baby’s bed clean.
- The firm core is ideal for adequately supporting babies so you can sleep with peace of mind.
The Graco Premium Foam Mattress is my best budget mattress for Graco Pack N Play due to its competitive pricing, water-resistant cover, and firm core. The Graco mattress is the most budget-friendly option on my list, being priced $190 cheaper than the Naturepedic Breathable Organic Mini Crib Mattress, and $310 cheaper than the Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage). However, it still offers everything your baby needs, like a stable sleep surface and resistance to stains. The Graco mattress can make clean-up easy with its stain-resistant cover, which can be removed with zippers and washed, keeping your mattress stain, allergen, and bacteria-free, so your baby sleeps in a clean environment.
Graco offers supportive sleep for your baby with its firm core, which can keep your baby's hips, spine, and neck straight, so they sleep more soundly, giving you peace of mind.
What I Don’t Like About This Mattress
One feature I don’t like about this mattress is that, due to its low price, it may not use as high-quality materials as others in this list, like the Naturepedic Organic mattress.
What Is Graco Pack and Play & Why Do Parents Love It?
For parents who already have kids, “pack n play” is likely a part of the everyday vocabulary. But if you are a new parent or a parent-to-be, then you might not be very familiar with this term.
So, what exactly is a Graco Pack and Play?
Well, basically, it is a portable baby crib, which is not only mobile but also safe. Think of it as of a little safe play yard for newborns and toddlers whom you don’t want to leave unsupervised. That being said, the Graco Pack n Play is one of the most popular baby play yards used by parents to keep their babies safe from harm while they get a few minutes for a quick shower or to prepare a meal. So, this is one of the reasons why parents love Graco Pack n Plays.
Another reason is their versatility. They can be folded up and are great for traveling with a baby (1), so you don’t have to worry about safety of your child while you are away from home. Also, they ensure your kid’s safety in a cluttered room.
Generally, these portable cribs are very easy to set up and require zero skills, which makes them extremely handy for single mums. However, since they are not all a standard crib size, you will have to search for a special pack n play mattress to fit in there.
Pack n Play Vs Mini Crib
In order for you to not get confused by these two types, it is important that we point out the differences in functionality and cost — the most common factors to consider while shopping for items for newborns.
Pack n Play
As mentioned above, pack n plays are very flexible and easy-to-setup, which is a plus for parents who are often away from home with their babies, such as visiting grandma and grandpa’s house. They sometimes come with a bassinet which can be used to rock your child to sleep.
Despite the fact that a pack and play is a great safe space for your child to be left unsupervised, they do not come with very comfortable mattress pads. This means that you might have a hard time choosing from the variety of pack n play mattresses on the market.
Pack n plays today are commonly referred to as portable cribs, but parents often use them as a primary sleeping surface for their little ones. If that’s what you want to do as well, note that buying a quality, firm mattress made of safe materials is a must.
Another thing to check while choosing pack n play is that, once your child starts to outgrow the playard, you will need to plan for an alternative.
Mini Crib
Some parents prefer only using mini cribs for their babies, but there are no restrictions from combining both a mini crib and a pack and play for your little one.
Now, mini cribs are very sturdy, which guarantees better safety, especially since babies are known to move around a lot, holding on to anything that appears on their way. One more advantage is a more traditional look, which can fit almost any nursery style.
However, mini cribs are a little steep in price and sometimes require help to set up. Needless to say, they are not flexible for traveling and are only great for being installed once.
With all of that being said, it all comes down to whether you’re looking for a portable solution or for a more permanent one.
Both pack and play and mini crib mattresses are mostly the same size, which is 37.5” x x25.5”. But these numbers can vary by an inch or two, which poses a threat to your baby’s safety. To avoid making the wrong choice, measure the size of your crib or playard before you make a purchase.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Graco Pack and Play
Since you probably won’t like the thin mattress pad that comes with your Graco pack n play, you may want to get a good, thick mattress to substitute it with. That’s why I suggest that we look into some factors to consider when buying a mattress for your Graco pack n play.
- Size. The first thing you should really consider is the size of the particular playard model that you own. Not all mattresses will fit your pack n play, so be careful when selecting one.
- Durability. As for how durable your pack n play mattress should be, it isn’t that big of an issue. If you plan to have more than one child, then durability matters. But if you’re going to use it only for a year or two, it might be not reasonable to overpay for durability. Whatever the case, what you really want is to ensure the playard is well made and sturdy. You can do that by scanning the pack n play mattress reviews on Amazon or the manufacturer’s website. Also, you may want to get a good warranty package, in case of any defects.
- Thickness. Another important thing to consider when choosing a mattress for Graco pack n play is its thickness, which usually goes up to 3 inches. Try not to get a mattress that is thinner than that, as they might be uncomfortable for newborns due to insufficient padding.
- Firmness. As for the comfort of your baby’s mattress, it is always great to search for models with higher firmness. Too much of cushioning poses a danger of suffocation and SIDS (2).
- Material. While considering comfort and thickness level, you may also want to research more on the materials used for the mattress. Some of them may not be safe for your baby’s health (even if the manufacturer claims the opposite). Also, if your child has allergies while contacting certain materials, you will want to avoid them. Baby’s skin is so delicate and should not be exposed to harsh materials. Also, make sure that the mattress is encased in a breathable cover and has a construction that allows the air to circulate properly. Some manufacturers use porous materials to achieve that, while others may design vents on the sides of the mattress to help air circulation (3).
- Cost. Due to numerous mattress options on the market, it is advisable to narrow your search down by setting a budget. Some mattresses for Graco pack and play are quite affordable while still being made of high-quality materials. Also, you do not want to splurge on a product that you will use for a short period of time. Kids outgrow portable cribs pretty quickly, so there’s no need to spend too much money.
- Maintenance. The final thing that you should definitely look out for is how easy it is to clean your Graco pack n play mattress. Luckily for you, most models are waterproof and can be easily spot cleaned.
When shopping for a mattress, you may want to make sure it can be folded for easy carriage, or at least be lightweight.
FAQ
What mattress fits Graco pack n play?
Most pack’n’plays accommodate mattresses that are about 25.5” wide and 37.5” long. The thickness may vary from 1 to 3 inches.
Conclusion
Buying baby products for your little one is a responsible and pretty complicated task. That’s why I tried my best to help you make the right choice. Each of the mattresses reviewed above is great for both playing and napping during the day and for getting a decent sleep at night. Still, they are each made from various materials, which means they have unique features to meet different needs.
And if I had to choose only one, I would pick the Organic Breathable Mini Crib Mattress by Naturepedic. This little mattress can boast of impressive quality and durability, making it ideal for frequent use. Plus, it does not sacrifice breathability for a waterproof design. Therefore, the Naturepedic mattress is easy to clean but doesn’t cause overheating. To me, that sounds like a winning set of features!
Have you decided which mattress to purchase yet? What are the most important factors you consider when choosing a mattress for your Graco pack n play? Let us know in the comments below.
Additional Resources
References
- Darienne Hosley Stewart (n.d.). Traveling With a Newborn to 8-Month-Old. Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/0_traveling-with-a-newborn-to-8-month-old_7157.bc
- E. A. Mitchell, L. Scragg, M. Clements (June 1996). Soft Cot Mattresses and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8668299/
- What to Look for in a Mattress for Graco Pack n Play? (2019, March 14). Retrieved from https://medium.com/@thesleepadviser/what-to-look-for-in-a-mattress-for-graco-pack-n-play-5557e288c818
Our research
45
Mattresses Considered
95
Hours of Research
6
Mattress Executives Interviewed
3
Sleep Experts Consulted