What to Look for in a Mattress for Graco Pack n Play?

Before you visit the bedding aisle at the nearest local baby store or online, we advise you to take a moment and review the most important things that the best mattress for Graco pack n play should have.

Buy New

Never be tempted to buy a second-hand mattress regardless of how economical it may be. According to some studies, babies who sleep on a pad that has been used by others have an increased rate of cot death.

When purchasing a used pack n play sleeping pad, you can’t be absolutely sure of the abuse or care it was subjected to by the previous owner. The mattress can be a serious SIDS risk if it is harboring bacteria or has fungi growth.

Style

Usually, Graco has two styles of pack and play: a standard size play yard and a care station structure with a bassinet at the top for a newly born. Choose an appropriate sleeping pad with respect to the style of the pack and play.

Right Fit

No matter which pack n play mattress you choose, one of the most important feature is fit. Because most Graco play yards are almost the same size, the mattresses should be too.

The size selection should be easy, but of course, while everything standard is supposed to actually be standard that is not always the case.

Some pack and play mattresses may be a little smaller than they should be and some play yards are roomier. Irrespective of the size it says it is, you cannot be sure a mattress fits cozily until you drop it into place.

A safe choice is a snug one. You have a good fit if you cannot fit more than one finger between the perimeter of the play yard and the edge of the mattress.

We even urge you to measure your Graco playard to establish if a standard playard mattress will fit properly. The two most important parameters to consider for the size are the length and the width.

Firmness

Irrespective of which style and fit you choose, you must pick the ideal firmness for your baby. Because soft bedding is mostly thought to be a SIDS risk, you don’t want a bed that could obstruct little airways.

Test the firmness by pressing on the middle with your index finger. If the surface indents too easily, the mattress is too soft. The best way to judge is to compare a really crappy pad that is too soft to a nice firm mattress.

Venting

A breathable mattress is necessary for a playard in order to ensure that the baby is always cool and dry. Some pads are advertised as naturally breathable, while others have actual vents on the sides.

Apart from the venting, you should choose a mattress that comes with a breathable and hypoallergenic cover.

Foam or Innerspring

You can settle for innerspring if you want a mattress of average quality. A cheaper spring pad isn’t going to be comfortable and may eventually tear, but we think that is a safer alternative to cheap foam mattresses.

Good quality foam pads are modern wonders of comfort, safety, and convenience. They are lightweight and hypoallergenic, and many are quite chemical free. Just make sure you confirm that the materials used are non-toxic.

Why You Need a Graco Pack and Play Mattress

There is no better place for your baby to play than a pack and play, especially for a busy parent. It is the one thing that can make life easier for parents.

But can a pack and play double as a sleeping zone for your baby? According to pediatricians, a playard can offer a safe sleeping environment for little ones as long as it is equipped with a high-quality mattress.

Most parents would prefer to keep on using the pad that comes with the play yard. However, most sleeping pads that come with a Graco pack n play are thinner and softer.

A thinner and softer mattress is likely to slump, especially if it is designed from crummy springs or cheap foam. This may be uncomfortable and unsafe for your baby when sleeping in the pack and play.

With a pack and play original mattress, you are not certain about the chemicals contained in it, especially if it is designed from very cheap foam materials.

According to our research, it is only recently that most manufacturers of baby mattresses have declared their products to be free of harmful chemicals and eco-friendly.

When you buy a separate mattress for your baby’s Graco playard, you are in a good position to choose a sleeping pad that is free of volatile organic compounds and off-gassing.

Another important feature that the sleeping pad that comes with the Graco pack n play may be missing is breathability.

When you buy a separate mattress for the play yard, you are able to choose a product that is highly breathable. Most top-tier pads are equipped with ventilation holes for superior airflow. This allows your baby to sleep cool and dry when she has played enough.

Click here to Buying a new mattress also guarantees that you are using a newer product, and not a refurbished one.

Conclusion

We recommend buying your own Graco pack and play mattress for your baby so you know its history, including the good, the bad, and the explosive.

But beware of warranty scam. A long warranty is not a sure sign of a quality baby mattress. A good choice should have quality materials as well as a solid construction.

The mattress should be firm, chemical-free, breathable, comfortable, and fits snuggly without leaving dangerous gaps on the edges.

Beware of brand name scam. If you do not recognize a brand, you are better off without it.