What is a Pack ‘n Play Mattress?

You might’ve heard friends swear by their trusty Pack ‘n Play, all without actually explaining what the heck they’re talking about. Also known as a playard, a Pack ‘n Play provides a safe space for naps, playtimes, and diaper changes. And the best part? Pack ‘n Plays fold into a portable bag for easy travel.

Whether you’re looking to take your little one on an overseas adventure or simply to visit a relative, a playard will ensure they stay happy and comfortable when away from home. Plus, you can even use your playard at home as a backup crib or play area. 

There are tons of great playards on the market, ranging from the inexpensive and serviceable to the costly and hi-tech. Broadly speaking, most Pack ‘n Plays come with a thin, slightly cushioned surface on which your baby can sleep and play. However, many parents discover that their snazzy new playard isn’t quite soft enough for their baby’s needs – particularly if they’re planning to use the product frequently. This is where the Pack ‘n Play mattress comes in.

What is a Pack ‘n Play mattress?

As the name suggests, a Pack ‘n Play mattress is a portable cushion specially designed to fit inside a playard. Unlike standard crib mattresses, a Pack ‘n Play mattress is relatively slim and light, ensuring the playard remains safe and portable. Overly thick mattresses can make the playard too tall, creating a safety hazard.

What are the advantages of using a Pack ‘n Play mattress?

There are heaps of great reasons to try out a Pack ‘n Play mattress, including:

Every parent knows that babies and toddlers are mess-magnets. No matter how hard you try to keep your playard clean, spills and stains are inevitable. Many playards come with fixed or non-machine-washable foam surfaces that are tricky to wipe clean. As such, it’s a good idea to purchase a removable mattress you can pop straight into the washing machine!

2. They provide support for your little one’s spine
   

Pack n’ Play mattresses are designed with comfort in mind, ensuring your baby’s spine is properly cushioned and aligned while they snooze. Plus, playard mattresses are firm enough to lower the risk of SIDS — a must for new parents.

3. They’re breathable

Playard mattresses are typically produced using breathable materials, ensuring your baby doesn’t overheat during playtime or sleep.

4. They’re durable

If you’re planning trips requiring various types of transport, you’ll need to purchase products that can withstand wear and tear. Fortunately, most Pack ‘n Play mattresses are designed with durability in mind, so you get the most bang for your buck.

What should I look for in a Pack ‘n Play mattress?

Before you rush off to purchase a mattress for your baby’s playard, here are a few hints and tips to consider:

• Try to avoid second-hand mattresses: We get it – buying pre-loved products for your little one can help save the planet and lower the costs of raising a child. However, it’s impossible to tell whether used mattresses are still safe. As well as losing its sturdiness and supportive qualities, a pre-used mattress could harbor harmful bacteria or fungi.
• Look for third-party safety certifications: Only purchase a mattress that passes rigorous safety standards set out by respected third parties. A safe mattress will not be too thick and will include features like rounded edges to prevent accidents. 
• Only purchase mattresses that fit snugly inside your playard: Your playard mattress must fit tightly inside your Pack ‘n Play to ensure your baby stays safe. If there are gaps between the playard walls and the mattress, your baby could get trapped. As such, make sure to measure the dimensions of your Pack ‘n Play before selecting an appropriate mattress. 
• Do not use a standard mattress topper in your playard: While it may be tempting to use crib mattresses or other soft surfaces inside your Pack ‘n Play, only a specially designed playard mattress will keep your baby safe. Other kinds of mattresses can create indentations into which your baby may roll during sleep, increasing the risk of suffocation. 
• Check for warranties and guarantees: Remember to check whether your chosen mattress comes with a guarantee, as this will ensure you don’t lose out if the product is damaged or faulty. 
• Choose the material carefully: Most playard mattresses are made using either foam or innerspring. While innerspring may provide a softer surface, it can be relatively costly. Foam mattresses provide plenty of comfort and are super portable. Just remember to check that the mattress is made using non-toxic chemicals.

Where can I find a decent Pack ‘n Play mattress?

An increasing number of Pack ‘n Play mattresses are hitting the shelves as parents wake up to the many advantages of playards. While you may wish to conduct some research before settling on a mattress, we strongly recommend checking out hiccapop’s portable Pack ‘n Play mattress. Measuring 38” by 26”, this mattress fits in a wide range of playards and is specially designed to support your little one’s developmental needs. Other benefits include:

• Ultra-soft and stain-resistant material
• CertiPUR-US foam passes stringent safety standards
• Includes a handy travel bag to keep your mattress clean and dry
• Machine-washable (including removable zippers)
• Hypoallergenic 
• Lifetime guarantee that includes coverage for accidental damage!
• Tons of positive reviews on our website (check them out!)

Transform your baby’s world with a Pack ‘n Play!