The Ultimate Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress Review

Few things are more important to parents than their child’s sleep hygiene. Not only do well-rested children make for well-rested adults, but a child’s physical health and cognitive development depend on their ability to get the rest they need. But, with the dozens of brands and models available in stores today, it can be hard to determine which is the best buy. 

Parents across the country rave about Graco crib mattress offerings and trust the brand with their children’s needs over almost any other brand on the market. The reason for this is simple: proven safety and reliability. 

As newborns, the risk of suffocation is always on the minds of parents. Infants lack the ability to control their bodies and regulate their sleep. Therefore, an extra firm mattress is necessary. As they grow and develop, parents often begin to look into other mattresses for more comfortable options. 

One of the biggest selling points for Graco’s foam crib and toddler mattress is its ability to go the distance and work for both infants and toddlers. This saves you time, money, and stress!

Infant and Toddler Sleep Safety: An Overview

While purchasing a mattress that meets (or exceeds) federal safety standards is critical, there are a number of safety measures all parents should take to further ensure the sleep safety of their children. 

These include: 

• Never give infants a blanket while sleeping.
• Ensure newborns are sleeping on firm mattresses that do not allow them to sink into the material.
• Make sure crib sheets are taut and fitted and there isn’t any loose materials gathering in corners. 
• Make sure your child is properly dressed for sleep. Pajamas or sleep clothes should be form-fitting and flame resistant. 
• Make sure you are not able to fit more than two fingers between the sides of the mattress and the crib railings. 

For any additional sleep questions, the Graco customer service team can advise you on the best practices for safe sleep — as can your child’s pediatrician. 

Graco Brand: An Overview 

Founded in 1940, Graco quickly established itself as a top-rated brand among American parents. As the years pass and the company’s product inventory grows, parents continue to look to the brand for safety, reliability, and affordability. And rarely are they disappointed. 

Today, the brand manufactures Graco crib mattresses, baby and toddler toys and mobiles, feeding accessories, and more. In fact, there is hardly a parental need that Graco doesn’t meet.

One of the most distinguishing aspects of Graco mattresses is the innovative airflow technology used in each and every foam mattress Graco sells. Infant and toddler bed mattresses are tasked not only with being comfortable but with controlling the climate as your child sleeps. By allowing the air to circulate, Graco mattresses cool your child in extreme heat and keep your baby cozy and warm when cooler temperatures hit. 

StorkCraft and Graco Collaborate In an Exclusive Line 

StorkCraft introduced its cribs, beds, mattresses, and other products to the market over 75 years ago. Since then they’ve proudly claimed their spot as a leading manufacturer. Known for its craftsmanship, expertise, and reliability; StorkCraft continues to roll out best-sellers. 

When StorkCraft and Graco announced their plans to collaborate, parents celebrated. Today, StorkCraft manufactures a Graco-exclusive line of toddler cribs and beds. The Ultimate Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress is one of the collaboration’s top sellers and truly give parents the best of both worlds. 

Today, StorkCraft is the exclusive supplier of Graco mattresses for the United States, Mexico, and Latin America. 

Review of the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress

Designed to fit any standard size crib or toddler bed, the Ultimate Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress strikes the perfect balance between being firm enough to allow for muscle development without being so soft that it puts your child at risk of suffocation. In fact, many parents have tested its quality by sitting on it themselves to see if they sink into the mattress. They don’t! 

Additionally, the mattress’s toxin-free core is made of high-quality materials, boasts unique air distribution technology, and is designed to enable maximum airflow without sacrificing safety. All materials used are safe for infants and children, prevent sweating and suffocation, and provide the perfect amount of firmness. 

The awards this Graco crib mattress has won speak volumes about the quality of the product. Over the years, this foam mattress has been been the recipient of: 

• Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval 
• 2021 Women’s Choice Awards
• 2021 National Parenting Product Award
• 2020 and 2021 Women’s Choice Award 

What about the mattress makes it the leading choice among parents? This Graco crib mattress was designed with busy parents in mind. Its outer cover is easy to wash, the core mattress unit allows children to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep, and its portability prevents parents from having to pay for a travel mattress when visiting family and friends. 

The brand has, once again, accurately anticipated your needs and goes above and beyond in meeting them. 

Safety Regulations and Compliance

Safety always comes first when little ones are involved. Graco remains committed to offering parents safe and non-toxic solutions. 

Made of Polyurethane foam, the Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress is a GREENGUARD Gold Certified mattress, meets all state and federal safety and flammability regulations, and meets or exceeds ASTM International and CPSC safety requirements. 

Additional certifications include: 

• GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Each mattress has been extensively tested for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that have been shown to contaminate indoor air. It has also passed inspections and can verify the lack of toxic phthalates, lead, and mercury that can cause illness.

• CertiPUR-US Certified: Each product is screened and found to be free from ozone depleters, mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and other metals. 

• JPMA Certified: Grace products are also tested by independent laboratories and proven to meet the highest applicable safety standards. 

In terms of safety, The Ultimate Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress meet and exceeds every applicable regulation and standard — guaranteeing your peace of mind every time you put your little one to bed.

Shipping and Assembly Directions

The Ultimate Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress ships quickly and is compressed into a lightweight box that is easy to carry and transport where needed. 

Once opened, the mattress is equipped with self-expanding technology and will take shape within 72 hours (as long as it’s left open in a well-ventilated room). The outer cover is water-resistant, removable, and machine washable — making for easy cleaning. 

For optimal results: 

• Open within 2 weeks of purchasing; 
• Take care not to cut the mattress cover or mattress itself while opening;
• Unroll on a hard and flat surface;
• Give at least 72 hours to fully expand. Flip the mattress after 24 hours. 

Customers rave about how effectively the self-expanding technology works but if you run into any issues, Graco’s customer service department is always happy to troubleshoot your concerns with you. 

Cleaning and Care Instructions

Cleaning and caring for a Graco Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress is made easy with a removable cover that is both hand and machine washable. 

• To clean, unzip and remove the outer cover. Hand wash the mattress cover with mild soap or machine wash the cover with cold water on the delicate cycle. Hang to dry. Never use bleach to wash your mattress cover. Not only do you run the risk of damaging the materials in the cover, you introduce potentially harmful chemicals into your child’s sleep environment. 
• For optimal performance, open and unroll your mattress within two weeks of purchasing. Take care not to cut the mattress cover or mattress when opening. Lay the mattress out on a hard and flat surface while it expands and be sure to flip the mattress after 24 hours to ensure even expansion. Keep in a well-ventilated room to allow for proper ventilation and prevent lumps from forming in the mattress. Allow at least 72 hours for full expansion. 
• If the 72 hour period has passed and you still notice some gaps in filling, simply knead the mattress with your hands to help distribute the foam and fill sagging corners.
• Once you’ve given the mattress enough time to take shape and expel the chemical smell, place the mattress in the cover and add a crib sheet. Place in the crib prior to using it and allow 10-15 minutes for the mattress to expand to the size of your particular crib. This prevents the formation of dangerous gaps between the crib rails and the mattress. 
• Once fully expanded, the Graco foam mattress keeps its shape for years without sagging.

Mattress Makeup and Details

The material makeup of their child’s mattress is one of the first questions parents ask when considering options and ranks as one of the most important factors parents cite when choosing a mattress. The incredible sensitivity of babies’ and toddlers’ skin requires careful consideration of the materials involved. 

Made with breathable foam, the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress is designed to make sure your baby doesn’t sweat in the crib, maximize the natural airflow, and keep your baby or toddler calm and happy all night. 

The topmost outer layer – or cover – is made of polyester materials and includes a moisture protection barrier. Building on the core, the next layer separates the polyester cover from a fire barrier for comfort and safety. Finally, the bottom layer is the thickest and is constructed using a polyurethane foam core that contains unique airflow technology that promotes steady breathing, facilitates comfort, and gives your child the support he or she needs as she grows and develops. 

While not specifically designated as being hypo-allergenic; the fact that the Graco Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress meets so many safety regulations means that irritants that would activate your child’s allergies are unlikely to be found in the materials.

Mattress Dimensions

The premium foam crib and toddler mattress is designed to fit most cribs and toddler beds and arrives in a compact box and expands on its own within 72 hours. Once placed in the crib, it should fully expand to meet any crib’s unique shape and size within 10-15 minutes. 

Once fully expanded, the crib and toddler mattress’ dimensions include: 

• Thickness: 5 inches 
• Length: 52 inches 
• Width: 27.6 inches 
• Height: 5 inches

SUMMARY

Here’s an overview of the specifics of the mattress to use when comparison shopping. Parents and reviewers alike take notice of the six-year warranty and multiple safety certifications.

When comparing mattresses, the first thing parents notice is the difference in cost. The Ultimate Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress do run slightly higher than other options. That said, the cost is one of the only downsides to this mattress, and the six-year warranty, reliable construction, exceptional safety standard adherence, and ease of cleaning more than makeup for the slightly higher price tag.

It doesn’t take long to see that the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages! Additionally, when you factor in the fact that the mattress easily transitions from cribs to toddler beds and prevents you from having to spend money on yet another mattress in a year, the higher price tag becomes more manageable.

Downloads:

• Manufacturer’s Website

Mattress Review Summary

Parents, experts, and reviewers all agree. The Ultimate Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress leaves everyone hoping for additional collaborations between Graco and StorkCraft in the future. 

You simply will not find a safer or more reliable crib and toddler bed mattress at this price point. Your child will enjoy a cozy night’s sleep while you enjoy the freedom that comes from knowing you’ve given your child the best money can buy. 

With over 3,000 reviews on Amazon and a score of 4.8; it’s clear that this mattress option consistently passes the test with parents everywhere and clearly demonstrates why Graco has become an internationally-recognized manufacturer of nursery products. 

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