What are pack and play mattresses?

Sometimes, people choose to buy a pack n play with mattress. Sometimes they buy them as an alternative to the uncomfortable, thin padding that usually comes with a playard. A playard mattress offer infants the chance to nap comfortably at home or on the go. They also give your baby/ toddler a comfortable ground to play on, which is especially helpful away from home.

A playard mattress is different to a standard crib mattress which will probably not fit in the playard.

Pack n play mattresses can be either folded or rolled up so that they can be packed into a car and carried around with ease.

Is there a mattress for pack and play?

Yes, there are mattresses out there for pack n plays and at decent prices too.

Pack n plays sometimes come with a mattress but these may be cheap and unsuitable for the infant in question. Other pack and plays only come with hard and sticky pads, so will definitely need a mattress for safety and better sleep.

Therefore, parents have the option of buying an additional mattress which is the right fit for their small one.

Does Graco pack and play need a mattress?

Yes, like many other brands, Graco pack n play does require a mattress, if you want your baby or toddler to sleep comfortably and safely. That is unless you buy a Graco playard that comes with a graco pack n play mattress.

However, most Graco playards come with a comfortable and portable pad for changing. It also comes with a nest bassinet within the playard for the infant to rest comfortably.

Who would use a playard mattress?

A playard mattress is particularly useful for people who travel around a lot with small children or who are too busy to keep them under watch. It offers them the chance to keep an eye on their baby or toddler much more easily. If a parent’s job requires them to move around the house or travel a lot, then their child can come with them.

The pack n play mattress is ideal for a family whose baby is too small for a full-sized crib. It is also important for those who do not want their baby or toddler sleeping in the same bad as them.

How much does a cheap pack and play mattress cost?

Budget, second-hand ones are usually priced at approximately $20.

However, it is worth noting that cheaper mattresses are often cold and uncomfortable. Thus, it is helpful to look for an affordable mattress of excellent quality. Where a mattress is second-hand, problems like bacteria, fungi, mold mildew and odor can easily occur, so it is important to bear this in mind.

It is also possible to make your own mattress at home, which some crafty people to help the environment. Although, for those without the resources, time or skill, finding great mattresses at a good price is doable.

It may also be more cost effetive to search for a pack and play with mattress, as opposed to a separate mattress.

How much does an excellent playard mattress cost?

The best pack n play mattress can be bought for around $40 to $50 at good value, but may go up to about $100 in price.

The best kind of playard mattress will probably be a foam mattress. Foam mattresses are light, easily portable, hypoallergenic and safe. Innersprung mattresses have a tendency to break easily.

What features to look for when buying a mattress for pack n play?

There are four essential things that every decent mattress should be:

• Comfortable;
• Safe to use;
• Easy to work out;
• Portable.

It is also crucial that you buy a mattress that fits perfectly with your play yard and doesn’t leave too much space between playard and mattress. It must have the right measurements and, for many, it is nice to have a mattress that is of a similar style and color scheme to the playard. Most play yards are 37 x 27 inches, but they often vary by about an inch.

It is essential that the mattress is not made of toxic material, such as lead and phthalates. If it is made in the USA, then look out for certificates which state that the playard mattress is neither flammable nor toxic.

The mattress must either allow a good amount of air to circulate through it (i.e. be breathable) or come with built-in-vents. Any protective or waterproof cover that you buy must also allow good ventilation so that your baby or toddler is comfortable. This will also prevent mold mildew and odor. Buying a waterproof mattress, and not just a cover, is also ideal for this.

Mattresses that indent easily when pressed with a finger will be too soft for your baby and thus unsafe.

In order to be certain that your little one is safe, why not test the mattress on the playard before buying? It can often be tricky to measure by hand.