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Buying a pack n play mattress will, most likely, be a necessity for you. No one can argue the benefits offered by a playard and many parents today even use it as a baby’s primary sleep area for a while. But no matter how high-quality the playpen is, the mattress in it is, at best, passable, and never truly good. But you can buy a better one separately and use it as a replacement for the one included in the play yard package or simply lay it on top for an added layer of softness for your baby.
5 Best Pack ‘n Play Mattress Options to Consider in 2021
| # | Product Name | Key Features | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dream On Me 3’’ Playard Mattress |  Passed all toxicity, flammability, lead, and phthalate testsWaterproof lock-stitched binding to prevent mold | |
| 2 | NapYou Exclusive Pack N Play Mattress | Foldable with a carry bag includedWaterproof cover machine and dryer-safeSoft organic cotton safe and pleasant to the touch | |
| 3 | MamaDooKids Smart Play Yard Mattress | Foldable with a clear case and carry slingCan be used as a play matCertified for safety | |
| 4 | LA Baby Multi-Use Portable Crib Mattress | Tri-folding mattress with a free zippered carry bagWaterproof and easy to cleanNon-toxic and tear-resistant | |
| 5 | My First Pack N Play Mattress Pad | Hypoallergenic, made with CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foamWaterproof coverNon-skid bottom |
Dream On Me 3’’ Playard Mattress Review
Graco’s quilted pack n play sheet is soft, easy to clean, and will help your baby relax and sleep comfortably on its soft surface.
Pack and play sheets by Graco are renowned for their quality, and this model is not an exception. It’s exceptionally soft and when laid on the playpen mattress will help your baby relax in a cozy nest.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a Graco pack and play as the 27’’ x 39’’ size ensures that this quilted sheet fits the majority of play yard mattresses. Parents will definitely appreciate the fact that it’s machine-washable and dryer-safe. Due to the exceptional quality of materials, the sheet will remain soft and pleasant to the touch for many dozens of washes.
This quilted playard sheet by Graco has multiple positive reviews. Parents who use it commend the fact that it fits multiple pack and play models and is comfortable for the baby. Abby Welch, for example, says that this sheet is much softer than “normal” play yard sheets. And for Amanda M. this was a great purchase because her baby enjoyed sleeping on it through the night, which is a rare occasion for them. Some people say that this sheet is too expensive, but that’s because the quality of the materials is so high.
Pros:
Quilted sheetVery softMachine-washable and dryer-safeFits the majority of playpen mattressesCons:
Sometimes doesn’t fit perfectlyShows wear and tear in a few monthsNapYou Exclusive Playpen Mattress Review
The NapYou Tri-Fold pack n play mattress is a great option for parents on the go.
If you travel a lot or just take your baby with you everywhere you go and set up a playpen for their comfort, the NapYou exclusive mattress will be a perfect addition to your travel baby gear. It’s foldable and has a carry bag of its own, so carrying it around with the folded playard is easy. When folded, the size of the mattress is about the average handbag and it’s lightweight.
The tri-fold play yard mattress is reasonably soft and covered with organic cotton. It’s very pleasant to the touch and your baby will love it. The cover is removable and waterproof. You can wash it in the machine and throw it in the dryer following instructions. The mattress’ dimensions are 37.5’’x26’’x1.5’’.
Those who used this playard mattress commend its portability. One of the reviewers says it’s a perfect fit as a Graco pack n play mattress. But another one notes that finding sheets for it can be tricky. It’s best to use fitted sheets or forego them completely.
Pros:
FoldableComes with a carry bagSoft organic cotton waterproof coverCons:
May be too big for some playpen modelsFirmer than averageMamaDooKids Smart Play Yard Mattress Review
The MamaDooKids playpen mattress is a perfect helper in a daycare, on the road, or even when playing outside.
This pack n play mattress is easy to transport because it’s foldable and has a carry sling. You can take it with you anywhere because it’s small and lightweight and easy to clean. Use it in a pack and play or as a play mat anywhere, be it daycare or even a beach.
The mattress meets CertiPUR-US standards and Consumer Products Safety Commission’s regulations. It’s easy to clean and will be a perfect fit for standard fitted sheets as well as standard play yard models. You can even use it as a Graco pack n play replacement mattress with dimensions 37.5’’x26’’x1.5’’.
The majority of reviewers are highly satisfied with the mattress’ size and quality. Chana says it’s comfortable for her baby and is better than a standard playard mattress. Another reviewer, SHS, says even while it’s not a perfect fit in length for their playpen, the baby is sleeping well on it. Some people complain about the smell of the foam, so be sure to air it out after unpacking.
Pros:
FoldableHas a carry slingMultiple usesEasy to cleanCertified for safetyCons:
Not a perfect fit for some playpensCan be smelly from the boxLA Baby Multi-Use Portable Crib Mattress Review
The LA Baby portable pack n play mattress has multiple uses and is perfectly safe and comfy for the baby.
This playpen mattress can be used not only in a play yard but also as a play mat or as an impromptu changing table. The tri-fold mattress is of a convenient size to carry around with you easily. You can use it both outdoors and indoors. The waterproof cover is easy to clean.
The LA Baby playard mattress is antimicrobial and non-allergenic. It’s been tested and proven non-toxic as well as phthalate and PVC-free. The product is tear resistant to increase the safety of your baby. The dimensions are 37.5’’x25’’x1.5’’.
Users generally like using this play yard mattress when traveling, especially by airplane. Many reviewers, The Irelands among them, say it can be used as a Graco pack n play mattress as it’s well compatible with their travel models. Some users complain that it’s too short, but the discrepancy in size isn’t big enough to be a hazard.
Pros:
Tri-foldCarry bag includedEasy to cleanMulti-functionalCons:
Short for the average playpenMy First Pack And Play Mattress Pad Review
Use the My First Pack N Play mattress pad to make the playpen mattress more comfortable to improve the baby’s sleep.
The pack and play mattress pad from My First Mattress is hypoallergenic and equipped with a waterproof cover. It will fit the majority of standard play yards as well as mini cribs. It’s fit to use as a Graco pack n play replacement mattress, but it works better when you put it over the included firmer mattress.
The product is made from CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam and is hypoallergenic. You can be sure that the item stays in place even if the size doesn’t fit perfectly due to the non-skid bottom surface. The product’s dimensions are 38.5’’x24’’x1.5’’.
Users recommend this mattress for traveling with a playpen as it makes it comfier for the baby to sleep. It can be rolled to fit into the luggage, says one of the customers who has been traveling extensively with their baby. But do bear in mind that the mattress is basically just a piece of foam and a cover.
Pros:
Good value for moneyComfyCertiPUR-US certified foamCons:
Very basic in design24’’ widthHow to Choose the Best Pack N Play Mattress: FAQ
How firm must a pack n play mattress be?
Many parents complain that their playpen mattresses are “like cardboard”, meaning they are too firm. However, it’s essential to understand that the baby’s mattress must be firm for their safety and healthy development. Therefore, measuring this product based on your personal comfort level is a mistake. And while you wouldn’t want to let your baby sleep on a rock-hard mattress, it’s usually safer to choose something firmer.
Pack n play sheets vs. crib sheets – are they the same?
Pack and play sheets are usually fitted and designed to fit the exact dimensions of playpen mattresses. The majority of crib sheets will be too loose on these things, which creates a risk of suffocation. You should only use play yard sheets that fit perfectly for the safety of your baby.
Do I need to replace my pack and play mattress?
It’s not mandatory to replace the mattress that comes with your playpen. However, you should understand that the products included in those packages are often of a lower-than-average quality. This is necessary to make the playard more affordable. Therefore, you should decide based on the quality of the included item and your needs. For example, you might not need to get a pack and play mattress replacement, but if you choose a cheap play yard from the nearest shop, this might be necessary.
Should I replace the playpen mattress or just add the new one on top?
Decide based on the quality of the mattress. Assess the comfort of your baby, which means you should try both options and see which they like best.
Buy the Best Pack N Play Mattress for Your Baby’s Comfort & Safety
The chances are, your playard doesn’t have a very good mattress, so buying a higher quality replacement is a good decision. When shopping for one, prioritize your baby’s safety. Choose a non-toxic certified product that matches the size of the playpen as well as possible.