Best Pack n Play Mattresses (April 2024) - Rated by CherryPicks' Experts

Pack n Play Mattress Buying Guide - How to Choose the Best Portable Crib Mattress for Your Baby

For parents needing a convenient sleep space for their infant or toddler, a Pack n Play is a popular choice to keep baby comfortable and safe during naps, overnights and travel.

A high quality Pack n Play mattress ensures your little one rests easy wherever they lay their head. In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll cover everything parents need to know about selecting the best portable crib mattress.

What is a Pack n Play Mattress?

Pack n Play mattresses are designed specifically to fit neatly inside portable playards and cribs. Since Pack n Plays are more compact than full-size cribs, their mattresses are proportionally smaller in length and width.

These portable crib mattresses are available in standard sizes that correspond to common playard dimensions. Thicknesses range from 1 inch for basic pads up to 4 inches for more cushioned options.

Many leading crib manufacturers like Graco also make Pack n Play mattresses tailored for their models that you can purchase separately. There are also replacement mattresses made by other brands to fit specific Pack n Play products.

Benefits of a Quality Pack n Play Mattress

While Pack n Plays come with a mattress pad, upgrading to a better mattress can make a big difference for your child’s comfort and safety. Here are some key benefits:

More Cushioning - Thicker, plusher mattresses provide needed softness for a great night’s sleep.

Better Support - Firm, supportive mattresses maintain the ideal flat, stable surface.

Increased Breathability - Breathable mattresses like those with coil cores allow airflow to reduce overheating.

Easier Cleaning - Waterproof mattress covers protect against messes and fluids.

Safer Materials - Non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials prevent exposure to chemicals.

Longer Use - Durable mattresses withstand repeated packing and travel.

Investing in a high quality mattress for your Pack n Play is worthwhile for baby’s development during sensitive early years.

Types of Pack n Play Mattresses

There are a few main options when it comes to Portable crib mattresses.

Original Mattresses

Pack n Plays typically come with a free thin mattress pad made from foam or fiber padding. These original mattresses work fine, but usually lack cushioning.

Replacement Mattresses

You can purchase a replacement mattress specifically contoured for your model Pack n Play. These are more padded for comfort.

Popular options:

• Graco Pack n Play Replacement Mattress
• 4moms Pack n Play Mattress
• Evenflo Pack n Play Mattress

Crib Mattresses

Standard crib mattresses can also work if they are the right length and width to fit snugly in your playard without large gaps.

Look for “portable” or “playard” sizing around 24 x 38 inches. Mini crib mattresses can sometimes fit playards as well.

Mattress Materials

Pack n Play mattresses come in several material options:

• Foam: More affordable but retains some heat. Options like memory foam provide cushioning.
• Coils: Innerspring or pocketed coils allow airflow to keep kids cool. Provides bounce.
• Organic Cotton: Natural breathable filling made without chemicals. Machine washable.

Combination designs like coil+foam or foam+cotton offer benefits of both materials.

What Size Pack n Play Mattress Do You Need?

Since dimensions vary across playard models, you’ll need to measure the interior length and width of your specific Pack n Play.

Aim for a mattress that fits snugly without large gaps on the sides. Typical sizing:

• Length: 23” to 38”
• Width: 3” to 5” less than width of Pack n Play floor

Ideally, the mattress will be no more than 1 inch shorter and narrower than the playard interior.

Most standard full-size playards need a mattress around 24 x 38 inches. Mini playards may use mattresses as small as 18 x 26 inches.

Measure yours carefully and compare to mattress size charts to ensure a proper fit. Too small leaves dangerous gaps.

Pack n Play Mattress Firmness

Choosing the ideal firmness level for your child’s Pack n Play mattress depends on their age and developmental stage:

• Newborns: Extremely firm infant mattress to prevent suffocation. Look for extra firm or ultra firm models.
• 6 months to 1 year: Move to a firm toddler mattress as baby can roll over. Avoid plush or pillow top options.
• 1 to 3 years old: Moderately firm mattress provides needed cushioning for toddlers and preschoolers.

Ideally, at all ages pick a mattress firm enough that the surface remains flat when baby is on it. Soft mattresses contour to baby's shape, creating suffocation hazards.

Key Features to Evaluate in a Pack n Play Mattress

Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting the ideal portable crib mattress for your child:

• Support: A firm, flat surface prevents unsafe sinking and indentations. Pick non-plush designs.
• Breathability: Airflow reduces overheating risk. Look for convoluted foam or innerspring coils.
• Fit: Dimensions should match Playard size with minimal gaps. Don’t overlook thickness.
• Easy Cleaning: Waterproof covers protect against messes and fluids. Machine washable is ideal.
• Safety: Examine materials and certifications to ensure safety. No soft bedding.
• Portability: Compact and lightweight enough for travel and storage. Foldable is a plus.
• Affordability: While safety is key, affordable options exist. Sets with sheets offer convenience.
• Comfort: Cushioning and responsiveness for napping infants and toddlers.

Prioritize safety, support and breathability when evaluating different mattress options to find the highest quality pick within your budget.

Pack n Play Mattress Safety Standards

When shopping for a Pack n Play mattress, look for the following safety certifications:

• CPSIA and CPSC approved – Meets flammability and lead/phthalate standards.
• Food contact safe – Upholstery is free of concerning chemicals.
• Hypoallergenic – Helps reduce allergic reactions.
• GREENGUARD Gold - Certified for low emissions to protect indoor air quality.

Avoid mattress toppers, soft bedding or pillows, which seem cozy but pose a suffocation risk. Waterproof the mattress yourself to control exposure to chemicals.

Ideally, the mattress should be non-toxic, breathable, and firm for safety.

Where to Buy a Pack n Play Mattress

You can buy Pack n Play mattresses from several sources:

• Baby product retailers – In-store and online at Walmart, Target, BuyBuyBaby, etc.
• Mattress stores – Shop mattress showrooms or specialty baby stores.
• Online – All major options available on Amazon and manufacturer websites.
• Secondhand – Great cost savings from yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist. Prioritize safety.

For convenience, purchasing online delivers the mattress right to your door. But testing firmness first in a store can be worthwhile.

New vs Used Pack n Play Mattresses

New mattresses ensure you’re getting a model that meets all the latest safety standards. Newer materials may be more breathable and durable as well.

Used mattresses can provide huge cost savings, with gently used options in great condition. Prioritize models with waterproof covers to limit contamination. Inspect carefully for quality and hygiene.

While used portable crib mattresses can be an economical choice, take precautions to ensure cleanliness, safety and integrity. Weigh the cost savings vs the benefits of new when deciding.

Popular Brands of Pack n Play Mattresses

Here are some of the top manufacturers of quality Pack n Play mattresses to consider:

• Graco – Leading brand with mattresses contoured for their Pack n Plays. Affordable prices.
• Milliard – Offer replacement mattresses plus stand-alone crib mattresses in various materials.
• SwaddleMe – Make a popular quilted foam mattress with Luxe water-resistant cover.
• LA Baby – Provide affordable lightweight foam mattresses to fit major playard brands.
• Colgate – Manufacture premium eco-friendly mattresses with organic cotton and plant-based foams.
• Dream on Me – Known for affordable foam mattresses with waterproof vinyl covers.

Do some homework reading reviews to identify the stand-out mattresses known for quality, comfort, and value.

Comparing In-Store vs Online Shopping

In-store shopping allows you to test out mattress firmness and quality in person before you buy. Knowledgeable staff may provide guidance. No waiting for shipping.

Online shopping provides a wider selection of brands and models. You can easily compare based on specs, pricing and policies. Reviews lend insight. Convenient home delivery.

If unsure what firmness your child needs, in-store makes sense. For shoppers that have done their homework, online brings convenience.

Replacement Mattress vs New Pack n Play?

Over time, Pack n Play mattresses lose their support and need to be replaced. But at what point should you invest in a new playard instead?

Consider replacing your Pack n Play completely when:

• The mattress can no longer provide a firm, flat sleep surface
• The playard materials are worn or sagging, posing safety risks
• Key features like the bassinet or changing station no longer function properly
• You need a different sized playard for a growing child

Otherwise, replacing just the mattress can extend the life of your Pack n Play if the structure remains sturdy.

Caring for Your Pack n Play Mattress

Here are some tips for keeping your playard mattress in great shape:

• Use a waterproof cover to protect from accidents and spills
• Spot clean messes immediately to prevent staining
• Air out the mattress between uses to reduce odors
• Fold or roll up mattress neatly when storing in playard
• Let mattress fully dry out if exposed to moisture before reusing
• Replace mattress if you notice damage, sagging or deterioration

With care and maintenance, a quality portable crib mattress should last 1-2 years or longer.

Finding the Best Value Pack n Play Mattress

The right balance of quality, safety, and price comes down to your priorities and budget. Here are some strategies to get a great deal:

• Measure precisely before buying to get an exact fit
• Consider lightly used options in great condition
• Choose basic materials like foam without luxury features
• Wait for sales, promotions and coupons from major retailers
• Bundle with a mattress protector and sheets for added savings

While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, make sure any mattress you select meets safety guidelines and offers enough support. With some savvy shopping, you can find a quality mattress under $50.

Investing in the best Pack n Play mattress you can comfortably afford enhances baby's sleep in the short and long term.

Choosing the Best Pack n Play Mattress for Your Child

• Best Overall – Dream On Me, for waterproof bacteria-resistant foam.
• Best Folding – Hiccapop, for tri-fold design, removable cover, and carrying bag.

Making the right choice comes down to picking a mattress tailored to your Pack n Play model that provides a firm, supportive sleep surface for your child’s specific age and stage.

Be sure to measure your playard’s interior dimensions, select an appropriate level of firmness, and evaluate materials that offer safety, breathability and ease of care.

With this mattress buying guide’s tips in mind, you can provide your little one a cooler, cleaner, more comfortable place to sleep, play and travel. Sweet dreams!

Top 10 Pack n Play Mattresses Sellers: CPR Seller Rank List

CPR sellers rank is based on CherryPicks-AI bestselling ranking system that helps us analyze each seller's sales trends. The List of top seller ranks is our in-house data, essential for our product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice.