It is no secret that Pack n Plays are a lifeline for many parents. It is a cot, crib, and playpen all in one. Why choose one when you can get them all? From sleeping to playtime and diaper change, there’s little you can’t do in a Pack n Play. The only downside is the pad that comes with it. It’s so thin most parents end up buying a mattress pad separately. If you’re thinking of getting one, this article will show you how to pick the best Pack n Play mattress for your playard.
Picking the best Pack n Play pad for your child is no easy feat. Finding a safe yet comfortable mattress can be more overwhelming than you think! Firmness, fit, weight, and materials are just some items to consider. And don’t forget, it must also be portable. With so many things to keep track of we made a guide to help you make an easy and safe pick.
Best Pack n Play Mattresses
- Best Pack n Play Mattress – Dream On Me Playard Mattress »
- Pack n Play Mattress for Travel – Milliard Folding Mattress »
- Folding Pack n Play Mattress – UBBCare Mattress Pad »
- Organic Pack n Play Mattress – NapYou Mattress »
- Best Waterproof Pack n Play Mattress – hiccapop »
How to Choose the Best Pack n Play Mattress
Keep in mind, some parents may have different needs base on their budget or child’s likings. Whichever you choose, don’t compromise on the safety and health of your child. These are the 4 most important things to consider when purchasing a Pack n Play mattress.
Fit
Obvious but often overlooked, make sure the mattress safely fits the playard model you have without leaving any gaps!
Firmness
Pick a firm pack n play mattress without a lot of cushioning. Soft mattresses with too much sinkage increase the risk of suffocation.
Material
Choose a mattress made from materials healthy for your child. Should accidents occur, waterproof materials also make a great option.
Portable
For added convenience, consider a mattress that is lightweight, portable, and has features that make packing up a breeze.
Top 5 Pack n Play Pads Compared
Here are the top 5 pack n mattresses compared in terms of their specifications, materials used, and other standout features.
| Brand | Dimensions | Certifications | Other Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dream On Me Playard Mattress | 37.5 x 25.5 x 3 inches | Greenguard Gold certified | Waterproof | |
 Milliard Folding Mattress | 38 x 26 x 1.5 inches | CertiPUR-US certified | Waterproof & machine washable | |
 UBBCare Mattress Pad | 38 x 26 x 3 inches | CertiPUR-US certified | Machine washable | |
 NapYou Mattress | 37.5 x 26 x 1.5 inches | CertiPUR-US certified | Waterproof & machine washable | |
 hiccapop Mattress | 38 x 26 x 3.25 inches | CertiPUR-US certified | Waterproof & machine washable |
Pack n Play Mattress Reviews
1. Best Pack n Play Mattress – Dream On Me Playard Mattress
Dream On Me Playard Mattress
Dream On Me Foam Pack n play Mattress is the perfect mix of support, comfort, and safety. It’s built with a strong foam core for ideal firmness and an antibacterial waterproof cover for easy maintenance. The best part – it’s Greenguard Gold certified and affordable.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold certified product
- The cover is waterproof and antibacterial
- Fits most playard models
- Made in the USA
Designed to fit most playards, the Dream On Me foam mattress is excellent for babies. With a good firmness level and a Greenguard certificate, you can be sure your baby is comfortable and protected each time you leave them in the playard. This mattress is tested against VOC emission or flame retardants.
It comes with a super easy to clean, waterproof cover. Just wipe it with soap and water. The cover and binding are also antibacterial, so there won’t be any mold, mildew, or odors penetrating the mattress. The Dream On Me is designed and made in the USA.
Pros and Cons of the Dream On Me Foam Mattress:
Pros
- Greenguard Gold certification means the mattress is safe from harmful VOCs.
- Lock-stitch binding prevents absorption of liquids making the Dream On Me mattress waterproof.
- The playard mattress is also on the firmer side so it’s safer for babies
- One of the most affordable pack n play mattresses at this price point.
Cons
- The cover is not removable therefore it isn’t machine washable.
Wipe your worries away with the Dream On Me mattress. It’s one of the safest and most affordable USA-made mattresses and fits most playards!
2. Pack n Play Mattress for Travel – Milliard Folding Mattress
Milliard Folding Mattress
The Milliard folding mattress is the best travel pick for high-flying toddlers. It’s CertiPUR-US approved, made with high-density foam, and comes with a waterproof, washable cover. The tri-fold design and carry bag make it the ideal pack n play mattress for travel.
Highlights:
- Trifold-design with carrying case
- Cover made from polyester
- Waterproof and washable
- CertiPUR-US compliant
If you’re looking for a pack n play mattress for travel, look no further. The Milliard folding mattress is a combination of firm support, comfort, and practical design. The trifold design and carry bag included make packing and carrying it a breeze. Don’t worry about getting it dirty on the road; the waterproof cover is machine washable.
It’s not suitable for infants due to the medium-firmness, but it’s a great choice for toddlers. The high-density foam meets the CertiPUR-US standards, so you can rest assured no harmful VOCs will get close to your child.
Pros and Cons of the Milliard Folding Mattress:
Pros
- Compact and foldable. The trifold-design makes the mattress easy to carry & tuck away.
- Comes with a bonus carrying case, ideal for traveling with the little one.
- Its waterproof and washable cover makes cleaning up a breeze.
- Made from high-density foam tested to meet CertiPUR-US compliance for chemical emissions.
Cons
- At a thickness of 1.5 inches, some may find it too thin.
- The mattress is on the softer side and as such may not be right for infants.
Give your child a carefree slumber wherever you are. The Milliard folding mattress is the perfect travel companion, ready to use in a few easy steps!
3. Folding Pack n Play Mattress – UBBCare Mattress Pad
UBBCare Mattress Pad
UBB Care is a soft, breathable, and safe folding pack n play mattress. An excellent choice for your toddler, made with memory foam, with 3-inch thickness and medium firmness. The mattress comes with a storage bag and a removable cover for easy clean-up.
Highlights:
- CertiPUR-US compliant
- Removable, washable cover
- Cover made from polyester
- Fold-away design
- Comes with a carrying case
Folding mattresses don’t have to be thin and short-lived. UBBCare created a solid, high folding mattress that precisely fits most playards. The 3-inch thick mattress is made of CertiPUR-US approved, non-toxic, and BPA-free memory foam. It cushions your toddler’s body, reducing tossing and turning at night. At such density, you can be sure it’s reliable!
This folding pack n play pad comes with a storage bag, so it’s easy to pack and hit the road. It’s suitable for separate use if you can’t bring the playard. The cover is entirely removable and washable. At medium firmness, it’s not suitable for infants, but toddlers will adore it.
Pros and Cons of UBBCare:
Pros
- Made from non-toxic, phthalate, and BPA-free foam.
- The fold-away design and carrying case makes this mattress another great alternative for travel.
- With 3-inches of padding, it should be comfortable enough for most toddlers.
- Mattress material is breathable and most importantly it’s removable for washing!
Cons
- Its firmness level is rated on the plush side so only older toddlers may want to use this.
- Some complaints about the quality of the carrying case.
We all enjoy the cushioning sensation of memory foam, so why not let your toddler try it? The UBBCare Mattress Pad is a safe and reliable choice
4. Organic Pack n Play Mattress – NapYou Mattress
NapYou Mattress
NapYou Pack n Play mattress is a plush tri-fold mattress made with memory foam and a waterproof cover. It’s an organic Pack n Play mattress built to fit most playards, comes with a carry bag, and good for independent use.
Highlights:
- Organic cotton and polyester blend cover
- Fold-away memory foam mattress
- Comes with a carrying case with over-the-shoulder handles
An organic playard mattress is hard to find, so NapYou is a real gem on this list. While the memory foam base is not organic, the cover is made of polyester and organic cotton blend. It’s soft to the touch and gentle on your baby’s skin. The cover is waterproof and completely removable for easy maintenance.
The NapYou mattress can be used as a play pad, taken with you in the carry bag, or fitted in common playards. Small off-gassing can occur upon unpacking. Keep in mind this is a plush mattress; thus, it’s not suitable for infants.
Pros and Cons of the NapYou Mattress:
Pros
- This may not be a fully organic playard mattress but an organic cotton blend is used in the cover.
- The cover is also waterproof, removable, and washable.
- Convenient fold-away design and comes with a carrying case for travel.
Cons
- The mattress is on the thinner side and some babies or toddlers may not find that comfortable enough.
Treat your toddler to the softness of this foldable organic playard mattress. NapYou is created for utmost comfort and carefree nights.
5. Best Waterproof Pack n Play Mattress – hiccapop
hiccapop Mattress
hiccapop Pack n Play mattress is an innovative, dual-sided mattress with a firm infant side and plush toddler side. It’s 3.25 inches thick, with reinforced edge support and a snug fit. This waterproof pack n play mattress comes with a hypoallergenic cover.
Highlights:
- Dual firmness mattress
- Antibacterial & hypoallergenic
- Removable cover
- CertiPUR-USA compliant
hiccapop is the thickest one on the list and an excellent investment for new parents. The dual-sided design has you covered for a couple of years. Use the extra firm side for your infant and switch to the plush side once they are a toddler. The mattress is created with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam and covered with soft jacquard.
One of hiccapop’s biggest perks is you can use it even without a sheet due to its hypoallergenic cover. Don’t stress over spills; this is a waterproof mattress with a removable and washable cover.
Pros and Cons of the hiccapop Mattress:
Pros
- Choose the firmness level that’s right for your baby simply by flipping the mattress over. This is a great option for fussy sleepers.
- The thickest mattress we found. This is great for those needing extra padding.
- Stitch binding makes the hiccapop mostly waterproof.
- It’s removable cover makes for easy cleaning.
Cons
- At this thickness level, there’s some risk of sinkage. The different firmness levels may mitigate this.
hiccapop Pack n Play mattress is safe, extra comfortable, and has your back for years ahead. Save money and time with this advanced dual-sided pack n play mattress.
Choosing the Best Pack n Play Mattress
Fit
Check the model you own and research if your manufacturer has a list of compatible mattresses. If not, measure out your playard and look for a mattress that fits snuggly, without gaps. This is crucial to prevent entrapment and SIDS.
Firmness
As the child grows, you can switch to a medium-soft mattress. Some mattresses come with different firmness sides so that you can turn them in a year or two. Try to pick a thicker mattress for Pack n Play. It ensures more comfort and durability.
Material
Babies can’t control their body temperature for the first year and a half, so you must pick a breathable material. Your child needs a bed with good airflow that doesn’t trap moisture or heat. Look for a waterproof pack n play mattress; it cuts the clean-up time and extends the mattress’s life.
Portable
A portable pack n play mattress needs to be lightweight, foldable, or come with a bag, so it’s protected in transit. Packing and heading off should be an easy task.
FAQ
How Do You Clean A Pack n Play Mattress?
For the best care tips, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some mattresses come with removable covers that can be machine or hand washed. Others are entirely washable. If you want to clean the whole mattress, make sure to use baby-safe detergents. Once washed, lay it flat to dry. Ensure it’s totally dry before using trapped moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Do not use a washing machine unless otherwise stated.
Will A Crib Mattress Fit In A Pack n Play?
Pack n play mattresses are designed to meet the size of the Pack n Play. Regular mattresses and are not intended to be used in a playard. Depending on the crib, the mattress may be too small or large to fit in a Pack n Play. A mattress that doesn’t fit snuggly and leaves gaps puts the child in danger of suffocation and entrapment. Please use the right mattress to keep your child safe.