7 Best Pack n’ Play Mattresses for 2021

7 Best Pack n' Play Mattresses

Pack ‘n’ Play mattresses are very popular these days. The reason? They fold in a minute. This property allows you to take them wherever you want. They are also known as portable cribs. Pack and Plays are perfectly safe, just as normal cribs, so you needn’t worry.

The most important part of such a crib, of any crib, is the mattress. And the market is saturated with a myriad of mattresses. So, which one should you choose? Well, there are various factors that should be taken into account. We can eliminate conventional toddler mattresses straight away as they are too long to fit in any Pack and Play. Aside from quality, dimensions are also crucial as you will need to make sure they are the right fit.

Pack ‘n’ Plays are designed to fit only one mattress, like most cribs, and placing an extra mattress in there poses a safety hazard. Even if a mattress doesn’t seem to be comfortable to you, it certainly is – all reputable manufacturers make sure of that. Don’t be tempted to cushion things up for the little one even more as doing so could lead to possible suffocation and entrapment issues.

But of course, every parent wants to give their little ones that extra bit of comfort. Here we have a list of some of the best Pack and Play mattresses with all of their strengths and drawbacks. Among them, you will most likely find the best fit for your baby.

PRODUCT IMAGEPRODUCT NAMEDETAILSRATING
Dream On Me 3
Dream On Me 3" Playard Mattress

CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON
Weight: 2.9 lbs
Dimension 37.5” x 25.5” x 3”
4.2/5
Litttle One's Pad Pack
Litttle One's Pad Pack

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Weight: 10.1 lbs
Dimension 8.8" x 11" x 2.5"
3.9/5
Dream on Me Foam Pack
Dream on Me Foam Pack

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Weight: 4 lbs
Dimension 37.5″ x 25.5″ x 3″
4.1/5
Kolcraft Cozy Portable Crib Mattress<br data-lazy-src=
Kolcraft Cozy Portable Crib Mattress

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Weight: 2.1 lbs
Dimension 38” x 24” x 2.5”
4.2/5
Milliard Mini-Crib Memory Foam Mattress<br data-lazy-src=
Milliard Mini-Crib Memory Foam Mattress

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Weight: 3 lbs
Dimension 13” x 7” x 7”
4.3/5
Sproutwise Kids Folding Pack n' Play<br data-lazy-src=

Sproutwise Kids Folding Pack n' Play

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Weight: 7.5 lbs
Dimension 38" x 25" x 2"
4.6/5
MamaDoo Kids Smart Play Yard Mattress<br data-lazy-src=

MamaDoo Kids Smart Play Yard Mattress

CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON
Weight: 2.3 lbs
Dimension 37.5” x 1.5” x 1.5”
4.3/5

TOP RATED PACK N’ PLAY MATRESSES

1. Dream On Me 3″ Playard Mattress

Dream On Me child's mattress

All of the manufacturer’s mattresses are as safe as they can be, and the Dream On Me 3″ is no different. The whole thing is non-flammable, lead-free, and phthalates-free. The model meets ASTM as well as federal standards (16 CFR 1623 and 1633).

The Dream On Me is made of 90% foam and 10% Vinyl. Thanks to the vinyl, the Dream on Me is entirely waterproof. It also makes it non-conductive of electricity, durable, and scratch proof. Aside from that, the vinyl cover is hypo-allergenic and antibacterial. You won’t have to worry about moisture, bacteria, mildew, and mold.

The mattress is firm and comfy as it’s spring coil-based. There won’t be any sagging as the edges are reinforced. The model comes with air pockets as well, which allow it to stay fresh as they make it breathable. The Dream on Me is easy to carry. The whole thing weighs only three pounds.

Its dimensions ought to suit most Pack ‘n’ Plays, as the product comes in different sizes. The model can accommodate infants weighing up to forty-five pounds. All of the manufacturer’s mattresses are manufactured in the USA, just like the rest of their baby products. If that’s not proof enough for some that the product is of superb quality, the model comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

PROS

  • Organic Materials Used
  • Firm Surface
  • Adheres to All Safety Standards
  • 10 Year Warranty
  • Stain Resistant
  • Waterproof
  • Retains Shape
  • Easy to Clean

CONS

  • Too Noisy for Some

2. Little One’s Pad Pack

Little One's Pad Pack

This is Amazon’s best-selling mattress. It’s a quality product for sure, but what makes it so popular is its affordable price. The Little One’s Pad Pack is a worthy investment as is fits all of Graco’s Pack and Play products, as well as plenty of others. Even though it’s affordable, it certainly isn’t cheap, as it has numerous useful properties.

The pad is safe, durable, and easy to handle. There’s also the waterproof lining that also makes it very easy to clean. If your little one is particularly sensitive and has allergies, they will especially appreciate this hypoallergenic pad.

The material is bacteria resistant, prevents dust mites, and odorless. It uses reinforced threads, meaning there will be no fraying after prolonged use and constant washing. And when it comes to washing – just throw it into the washing machine! You needn’t worry about the pad shrinking.

You can easily carry it with you wherever you’d like as it is foldable and very light – weighing just about ten ounces. The first layer of the pad is made of quilted, soft peach microfiber, and the second one is poly cluster fiber filling.

While the third layer is waterproof, it is still lead-free, BPA-free, Phthalate-free, and Vinyl/PVC-free. The fourth, final layer makes the pad heat safe, so not only will it not shrink, but it will also not peel, tear, or melt during drying or washing.

PROS

  • Fits Various Pack ‘n’ Plays
  • Budget-friendly
  • Machine Washable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Long-lasting
  • Waterproof
  • Comfy, Quilted Top

CONS

  • Not Organic

3. Dream on Me Foam Pack

Dream on Me Foam Pack

Just like the previous pad of the same manufacturer, this one has a lot going for it. Dream on Me is a reputable and trustworthy manufacturer, so there’s no wonder why two of their products ended up on this list. It’s not only an excellent playground but super comfy as well.

This model is also made of 90% foam and 10% vinyl. The pad has an extraordinary anti-bacterial, waterproof cover that can easily be wiped clean with water and mild soap. The cover helps prevent odor, mildew, and mold.

The mattress is Greenguard Gold Certified. In other words, it’s a healthy indoor environment for the little ones. It also adheres to the Federal Flammability Standard (16 CFR 1632). The cotton cover makes it longer-lasting. The whole thing is also phthalates-free and lead-free. It is also exceptionally breathable and great for sensitive babies as it is hypoallergenic.

You can use it with a wide range of Pack and Plays, including most of Graco’s. The price is budget-friendly, and you get a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. The mattress is not foldable, unfortunately, but still easy to carry around as it is light and compact.

The Dream on Me Foam Pack is just three inches thick and therefore ideal for infants. Even though it’s thin and comfy, it still possesses the necessary firmness.

PROS

  • Quality Materials
  • Adheres to the Highest Safety Standards
  • Light
  • 10-Year Warranty
  • Easy to Clean
  • Soft and Comfy
  • Prevents Odors
  • Waterproof
  • Fits in Graco Pack n Play

CONS

  • Not Suitable for Children Weighing Over 25 lbs
  • Cannot Fold for Travel

4. Kolcraft Cozy Portable Crib Mattress

Kolcraft

Another durable mattress thanks to its water-resistant feature. Cleaning it is quite simple – all you need is a bit of soap and water. The waterproof cover makes it mold-free and bacteria-free. The material from which the pad is made is entirely hypoallergenic, allowing your baby to sleep and play on it care-free.

No toxic-fire retardant chemicals have been used in the manufacturing process. Instead, natural, fire-retardant materials are used. There’s also no trace of harmful phthalates and lead. The product exceeds or meets all of the major safety standards and is manufactured in the US. It is also an excellent solution for families who like to travel often, or just for visits to grandma and grandpa’s.

Kolcraft Cozy Portable Crib Mattress is quite cozy and firm enough. A sleeping pad must be of the appropriate firmness in order to be safe for children. Otherwise, it could potentially cause suffocation. Some mattresses do sacrifice comfort for safety, but quality products such as this one manage to have both.

There are no straps and buckles on the surface, making it even safer for children. However, the manufacturer warns parents not to use it with soft sided playards. The pad is super light, weighing only two pounds. The company has been manufacturing supportive pads since 1946. During those decades of producing easy to clean, safe, and comfortable pads, they have made quite a name for themselves.

PROS

  • Comfy, but Firm
  • Mite-Proof
  • Meets CPSC and Federal Flammability Standards
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Waterproof

CONS

  • Foam is Not Embedded

5. Milliard Mini-Crib Memory Foam Mattress

Milliard

Organic mattresses can get a bit pricey. Although organic is typically a better choice, there are still safe, high-quality, and more affordable alternatives. The Milliard Mini-Crib Memory Foam is one of them. The pad offers the perfect balance of support and coziness. It is also hypoallergenic and CertiPur-US certified.

The Millard Mini-Crib Memory Foam Mattress everything your baby needs for a good night’s sleep. The manufacturer stands behind all of its products with confidence. The fact that the company is ceaselessly testing and retesting their mattresses tells us a lot.

The pad is made of 5.5″ top-notch memory foam. The material is designed to contour gently to the baby’s body. The foam is firm enough and therefore, according to some, reduces the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) significantly.

To make sure there’s enough support, the manufacturer added a thick polyester layer. That significantly reduces the risk of suffocation. The extra layer is also non-porous and hypoallergenic.

Thanks to the hypoallergenic feature, the pad is free from bacteria, mold, dust mites, and, of course, allergens. The cover is completely washable and entirely waterproof. The package is shipped vacuum-sealed and with extensive info on how to handle the product.

What’s qualifies this mattress to be on this list are the numerous qualities that come at an affordable price. Possibly, it’s most significant advantages is the fact that it’s specifically designed to relieve stress, muscle pain, and aches.

PROS

  • Comfy
  • Affordable
  • Stylish Pattern
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Waterproof

CONS

  • Takes a Couple of Days to Degas
  • Not Organic

6. Sproutwise Kids Folding Pack n’ Play

Sproutwise Kids mattress

This manufacturer is known for being eco-conscious and innovative. The super functional design and the quality of the material are indeed impressive here.

Its origin story is quite interesting as well. The mattress was design by a group of parents after they’ve noticed some flaws in standard folding mattresses. To them, the generic playard mattresses appeared to be hard as a rock and lumpy.

The market is saturated with foam mattresses suited for Pack and Plays, but almost none of them are fit for travel. Most of them that are, are on this list. The company solved that problem by manufacturing a mattress that is convenient, foldable, and super comfy.

The materials are non-toxic, high-quality, and sustainable. The company is all about health and safety. Not only are their products safe, but are also not harmful to the environment. The pad features an all-natural latex rubber core. The exterior is wrapped in an extra soft bamboo material. The mattress core is always kept clean thanks to the food-grade water-resistant liner.

You can easily remove the outer bamboo cover and wash it in the washing machine. The sheets are sold separately, unfortunately, but they are also waterproof. This mattress is also hypoallergenic. The Sproutwise Kids Folding Pack n’ Play is quite suitable for travel – it even comes with its own carrying case.

PROS

  • Easy to Fold and Carry
  • Waterproof Cover
  • 100% Cotton
  • Comes with a Carrying Case
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Organic
  • Easy to Wash
  • Comfy

CONS

  • May not Fit all Pack and Plays
  • No Warranty Info

7. MamaDoo Kids Smart Play Yard Mattress

MamaDoo Kids

Many parents who have bought this pad claim to not know anymore how they were able to live without it in the first place. It’s an excellent replacement for that generic, hard and uncomfortable pad. The Smart Play Yard Mattress Topper makes the crib very cozy for the little ones.

The model features a high-resiliency and high-density foam. The material matches the firmness and density of a parent’s chest. It also prevents flat spots on the little one’s head. The MamaDoo Kids Smart Play Yard Mattress is without a doubt one of the most portable and most lightweight mattresses out there. Folding it is a piece of cake. It also comes with a travel bag and a carrying handle.

Traveling with the whole family means lots of baggage. Thankfully, this pad takes up very little space and bringing it with you is well worth it. Your baby will definitely appreciate a good night’s sleep, just like at home. This product is also made in the U.S.A. It’s absolutely noiseless and appropriately thick. The firmness is satisfactory and the whole thing is very comfy.

The pad is very breathable, minimizing the risk of suffocation. Safety is of no concern here as well, as the product exceeds all of the major us safety standards. The MamaDoo Kids Smart Play Yard Mattress is available in three colors – pink, blue and gray.

PROS

  • Comes with Travel/Storage Bag
  • Exceedes all US Safety Standards
  • High Quality Materials
  • 97% Cotton Cover

CONS

  • Not Waterproof
  • Pricey

CHOOSING THE BEST PACK N’ PLAY MATRESS – BUYER’S GUIDE

Baby on matress

What to Consider When Buying a Pack n’ Play Mattress?

The Type

New parents need to get familiar with the types of Pack ‘n’ Play mattresses before making a purchase. Some might work better for your family than others.

Foam

The lightest kind of mattresses out there. The firmness and thickness vary from model to model. The surface of such a mattress is very soft and therefore suitable for babies under 18 months old.

Organic

Such a pad is made of pure organic materials, like plant-based foams, natural latex, food-grade polymers, wool, coconut fibers, cotton, etc. They are excellent for long term use. Typically, such a mattress can last a couple of years.

Innerspring

Contains spring and coils inside that provide flexibility. The coil is covered by fabric, foaming, padding, etc. They possess better cushioning and gage quality.

Baby on a mattress

Sizing

They come in all shapes and sizes. Typically, the minimum and maximum lengths are 27″ and 52″, respectively. The thickness is usually 6″ max. An ideal pad ought to be snuggly in the sleeper.

There mustn’t be any space between the frame of the Pack and Play and the pad. If there is some wiggling room, the mattress is too small. It’s important to check the dimension of both the mattress you are considering purchasing and the Pack and Play to make sure everything will fit once it arrives.

Cover Sizing

Try using a waterproof, fitted, washable and protective cover – especially if the pad itself is not water-resistant. The size of the cover is just as important as the size of the pad because the little one won’t be comfortable if the mattress gets too loose or too tight. It’s best to choose the pad first and then to buy a cover.

Compliance standards

Make sure the manufacturer has followed or exceeded the US Compliance Standards.

Firmness

One of the most important factors as it is crucial for your child’s safety, health and comfort. Checking the firmness is quite easy – press a finger into at an edge and into the center.

If the pad reshapes itself in the same or similar manner, you can rest assured the firmness is appropriate.

CONCLUSION

A pad that fits your baby’s Pack and Play is a worthy investment. It doesn’t only take care of their comfort, but of their safety as well. A high-quality mattress is a guarantee of high-quality play time. There are tons of Pack ‘n’ Play pads out there, but only a handful of them are quite good. Trying to figure out which one to go for isn’t as easy as it might seem to be. Now that you know what to look for, the choice ought to be easier.

Still, take your time – there’s no hurry. An informed an well thought-out decision is the best decision. Make sure the pad you are going for is easy to use, easy to clean, and safe enough for your child. Consider what your little angel might need to ensure they’ll be having a good night’s sleep when you are on family vacation, visiting relatives, or when they are taking a nap. A good piece of baby gear can make all the difference.

A versatile, high-quality baby product, even if it is something as plain as a mattress, will make your job as a parent much easier. An investment in a good Pack ‘n’ Play mattress is an investment in your child’s health.