Which playard mattress is best?
Even if you already own a crib, a playard is a great portable alternative that offers your baby a place to safely sleep and play. What most people don’t always consider is the mattress that goes in the playard, but it can provide your child with additional comfort and support.
When shopping for a playard, much depends on the age and size of your baby, but our top pick is the Hiccapop Tri-Fold Pack N’ Play Portable Foldable Playard, because it’s convenient and ideal for everyday use.
What to know before you buy a playard mattress
Child’s age
The ideal mattress for a playard depends on the age of your baby, with the general rule being the younger the child, the firmer the mattress. A firm mattress can also minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
Once babies begin to crawl, they can benefit from a softer mattress, which won’t be a hazard at that age like it could be for a newborn. Keep in mind that some playard mattresses are reversible, meaning that one side is firm and the other side is soft, which can be a convenient option to prevent you from having to upgrade.
Location
Where do you plan to keep the playard? If you want to use the playard as a travel crib, consider a portable mattress that folds up into three parts and comes with a travel bag designed for this purpose.
If you plan to keep the playard in one location, a flat mattress would be ideal because they are thicker and tend to be more comfortable for your child.
What to look for in a quality playard mattress
Materials
Since your baby may spend a substantial amount of time on their mattress, it’s imperative that it is made from high-quality materials. While organic materials tend to be the ideal option, if that’s not possible, the mattress should at least be free from BPA, phthalates or any other substances that could irritate their skin or respiratory system.
Waterproof
Babies are messy! Whether it’s a diaper leak, spit up or regular old drool, it can wreak havoc on the mattress if it’s not waterproof. Bacteria, mold, mildew and bad odors can build up the surface of the mattress. Not investing in a waterproof mattress could mean that you’ll need a replacement sooner than you think.
Covers
It’s always a good idea to put a cover on a playard mattress to keep it clean. These covers are easy to remove and machine washable. If your preferred mattress does not come with a cover, you can always purchase one separately.
How much you can expect to spend on a playard mattress
A good playard mattress can range between $20-$100, with the least expensive models being made from foam and not being waterproof. Midrange models cost between $30-$50. They are typically waterproof and come with a cover. The high-end models have features like an innerspring and contain bindings to lock out moisture.
Playard mattress FAQ
Why are mattresses for newborns so firm?
A. Most doctors will recommend that babies sleep on a firm mattress until they are about a year old and able to support their head. Since they have minimal head control, a soft mattress could block an infant’s airways and make it difficult to breathe.
If I have a playard do I still need a crib?
A. There are advantages to both cribs and playards, but it will depend on your child’s personal sleeping preferences. For newborns, playards are safe, but as children grow and get older, playards are not ideal when compared to a crib.
When is it the right time to stop using a playard?
A. The size of your baby will determine how long they can use the playard. Once your child starts to climb and stand, it’s best to stop using the playard as it could tip while they are trying to climb out. Most playards are recommended for kids less than 30 pounds and under 35 inches.
What are the best playard mattresses to buy?
Top playard mattress
Hiccapop Tri-Fold Pack N’ Play Portable Foldable Playard
What you need to know: This tri-fold mattress is dual-sided and exceeds safety standards.
What you’ll love: This playard mattress offers a variety of firmness and comfort options for your little one. It has a no-gap design, so it perfectly fits into the playard, so there are never any open spaces. As an added bonus, it’s also stain-resistant, waterproof and nontoxic.
What you should consider: Since the mattress is lightweight, it can shift inside the playard.
Top playard mattress for the money
Dream On Me Aster 3” Fiber Mini Crib Mattress
What you need to know: This mattress was constructed to create a safe and cozy environment for your child to play and sleep.
What you’ll love: This mattress has a waterproof and bacteria-proof cover that is easy to clean. It has two sides: an extra-firm side for infants and a more comfortable side for toddlers. It’s made of a polyester fiber core to help ensure infant safety.
What you should consider: It’s only available in one print.
Worth checking out
Organic Dream Pack and Play Mattress
What you need to know: This comfortable playard mattress is made of 100% certified organic cotton and is GreenGuard GOLD Certified.
What you’ll love: It has both a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. The toddler side is made with CertiPUR-USA high-density memory foam. Every layer of this mattress is breathable, so you can let your child sleep on it without worrying for their safety.
What you should consider: Some people said it was thinner than they expected. It’s also more expensive than some of the other options out there.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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