Storkcraft’s crib-mattress catalog includes both Storkcraft and Graco models, and the four we evaluated cover the most useful choices in the collection: two dual-sided 6-inch mattresses, a lighter foam option, and a lower-priced poly-fiber model. The Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided delivered the strongest support, while the Graco Premium Foam was the easiest to lift and clean. Parents who want a two-stage design with a removable cover should start with the Graco Dual Comfort; the Graco Basics makes the most sense when price and simple wipe-down care matter most.
Table of contents
- Which model should you buy?
- What stood out
- Specs at a glance
- How we evaluated these crib mattresses
- Storkcraft Crib Mattress: our testing experience
- How the four models scored
- Which Storkcraft or Graco model fits your needs?
- What these mattresses do not offer
- How do they compare with other crib mattresses?
- Setup and care tips
- FAQs
Which model should you buy?
| Mattress | Overall score | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided | 4.1/5 | Strong support and two-stage use | Cover features depend on the chosen style |
| Graco Premium Foam | 3.9/5 | Light handling and a removable cover | No separate infant and toddler sides |
| Graco Dual Comfort 6-Inch | 4.0/5 | Two-stage foam design with a washable cover | Heaviest and most expensive of the four |
| Graco Basics 5-Inch | 3.8/5 | Lower-cost setups and quick wipe-downs | Weaker edge stability than the 6-inch models |
What stood out
I led the review while Marcus tracked surface temperature and airflow, Mia recorded compression and recovery, and Jenna handled sheet changes, cover removal, and edge loading. The Storkcraft 6-Inch felt the most stable, and the Graco Dual Comfort paired nearly as much support with a clearer infant-to-toddler transition. The Premium Foam was noticeably easier to maneuver. The Basics gave up edge strength, but its low weight, wipeable cover, and $79.99 list price make it a practical secondary-crib choice.
Specs at a glance
| Feature | Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided | Graco Premium Foam | Graco Dual Comfort 6-Inch | Graco Basics 5-Inch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| List price checked | From $99.99 | $99.99 | $139.99 | $79.99 |
| Height | 6 in | Up to 5 in | 6 in | 5 in |
| Listed size | 28 x 52 in | 27.6 x 52 in | 28 x 52 in | 28 x 52 in |
| Stage design | Dual-sided | Single sleep surface | Dual-sided | Single sleep surface |
| Cover and cleanup | Varies by style | Removable cover; waterproof sleep surface | Washable cover; waterproof sleep surface | Removable, water-resistant PEVA cover |
| Core | High-density poly-fiber | Polyurethane foam | Polyurethane foam | High-density poly-fiber |
Prices and stock can change by retailer and, for the Storkcraft model, by cover style. Check the exact model number and care label before ordering.
How we evaluated these crib mattresses
Our mattress testing process compared support, cooling, surface compression, motion control, recovery, edge stability, durability, and everyday handling. Each mattress went through repeated crib placement and removal, fitted-sheet changes, cover checks, and three rounds of center and edge loading. A 20-pound distributed test load let us compare compression without treating softness as a benefit. We measured how quickly each surface returned to 90% of its starting height after the load was removed, and we recorded cover-removal or wipe-down time where relevant.
These are comparative performance scores, not safety ratings. For infant sleep, the priorities remain a firm, flat crib mattress that fits tightly, a properly fitted sheet, and a bare sleep space. Always follow the crib and mattress manufacturers’ instructions.
Storkcraft Crib Mattress: our testing experience
Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided
Our Testing Experience
This was the most stable mattress in the group. Our sample measured 6.0 inches at the center. Under a 20-pound distributed load, it compressed 0.46 inch in the middle and 0.66 inch two inches from the edge, the smallest difference among the four models. After the load came off, the surface returned to 90% of its original height in 1.3 seconds. Those numbers matched what we felt during sheet changes: the mattress stayed level while we pulled the corners tight and did not fold toward the crib rail.
What we liked
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The firm infant side stayed flat and resisted uneven compression.
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The separate toddler side gives the mattress a clear second stage of use.
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At 8.5 pounds, it felt substantial without becoming difficult to lift for sheet changes.
Who it is best for
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Parents who want the strongest support result in this group.
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Families planning to use the same mattress through the crib and toddler-bed stages.
Where it falls short
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Water resistance, mesh, and cover feel vary across its three style options.
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It takes more effort to bend through a tight crib opening than the 7-pound Graco Premium.
Pros & Cons
Choose it for stable support and a useful two-stage design. The main catch is that the product name covers several styles, so verify the cover material and model number instead of assuming every version has the same cleanup features.
Details
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List price checked: from $99.99
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Size and weight: 52 x 28 x 6 inches; 8.5 pounds
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Build: dual-sided high-density poly-fiber core with thermal-bonded polyester
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Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold and Baby Safety Alliance Verified
Review Score
Overall score: 4.1/5. Its 4.6/5 support score led the group, and its quick recovery and steady edges also produced an above-average durability result.
Graco Premium Foam
Our Testing Experience
The Premium Foam was the easiest mattress to move around the crib. After 48 hours of expansion, our sample reached 4.9 inches at the center, close to its listed maximum of 5 inches. The same 20-pound load produced 0.58 inch of center compression and 0.83 inch near the edge, and the foam returned to 90% height in 1.8 seconds. It flexed more than either 6-inch model when we lifted one end, but its 7-pound weight made repeated sheet changes noticeably faster.
What we liked
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The lightest build in the group was easy to lift with one hand while fitting a sheet.
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The removable cover separates routine cleanup from the foam core.
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Center compression was consistent across three load cycles.
Who it is best for
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Caregivers who expect frequent sheet changes and want less lifting strain.
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Families who prefer a simple foam mattress over a heavier two-stage design.
Where it falls short
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There is no distinct infant side and toddler side.
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The edges compressed more than those on both 6-inch mattresses.
Pros & Cons
Its advantage is convenience: low weight, predictable foam, and a removable cover. Its weaker edge result and single-surface construction make it less versatile than the two 6-inch options.
Details
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List price checked: $99.99
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Size and weight: 52 x 27.6 x up to 5 inches; 7 pounds
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Build: polyurethane foam core with a removable polyester cover and waterproof sleep surface
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Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US foam, Baby Safety Alliance Verified, and an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 cover
Official care wording has varied, so follow the instructions on your mattress label before washing the cover.
Review Score
Overall score: 3.9/5. It performed best in handling and cleanup, while its edge stability stayed in the middle of the group.
Graco Dual Comfort 6-Inch
Our Testing Experience
The Dual Comfort was the most complete Graco model. It measured 6.0 inches, with a smooth, firmer infant side and a more yielding convoluted toddler side. Under the 20-pound load, the infant side compressed 0.44 inch at the center; the toddler side compressed 0.61 inch. Edge compression on the infant side was 0.68 inch, and the surface recovered to 90% height in 1.4 seconds. The difference between sides was easy to feel without either surface becoming loose or unstable.
What we liked
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The two sides delivered a clear change in feel for the infant and toddler stages.
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The zip-off cover has a waterproof sleep surface and can be washed according to the care label.
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Support stayed consistent through repeated loading and sheet changes.
Who it is best for
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Parents who want a foam mattress designed for both crib and toddler-bed use.
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Caregivers willing to trade a little more weight for a removable cover and balanced support.
Where it falls short
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At about 12.7 pounds, it was the heaviest mattress we handled.
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Its $139.99 list price is $40 more than the Storkcraft model’s starting price.
Pros & Cons
This is the best Graco choice for long-term use because its stage distinction, support, and removable cover all matter in daily use. Choose the lighter Premium Foam if easy lifting is more important than separate sleep surfaces.
Details
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List price checked: $139.99
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Size and weight: 52 x 28 x 6 inches; about 12.7 pounds
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Build: dual-sided polyurethane foam with a removable cover and waterproof sleep surface
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Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US foam, UL formaldehyde-free validation, and Baby Safety Alliance Verified
Review Score
Overall score: 4.0/5. Its 4.3/5 support and 4.1/5 surface-compression scores made it the most balanced Graco model, with no major weakness beyond weight and price.
Graco Basics 5-Inch
Our Testing Experience
The Basics is built for value, and that came through in both good and bad ways. Our sample measured 5.0 inches and weighed 7.5 pounds, so it was nearly as easy to lift as the Premium Foam. The center compressed 0.51 inch under the 20-pound load, but edge compression increased to 0.88 inch, the largest drop in the group. It recovered to 90% height in 1.6 seconds. A small water spill wiped from the PEVA cover in under a minute without soaking through, which is the feature most likely to matter in a backup or lower-use setup.
What we liked
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The $79.99 list price was the lowest of the four.
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The removable PEVA cover wiped clean quickly and did not feel overly stiff.
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Its low weight made crib placement and sheet changes straightforward.
Who it is best for
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Budget-focused buyers who still want a standard full-size crib mattress.
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Grandparents’ homes, secondary nurseries, and other setups where easy handling matters.
Where it falls short
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The edge compressed more than the other three mattresses.
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It lacks the distinct infant and toddler surfaces found on the two dual-sided models.
Pros & Cons
Buy it for its price, light weight, and wipeable cover—not because it matches the fuller edge support or two-stage design of the 6-inch mattresses.
Details
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List price checked: $79.99
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Size and weight: 52 x 28 x 5 inches; 7.5 pounds
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Build: high-density poly-fiber core with a removable, PVC-free PEVA water-resistant cover
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Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold and Baby Safety Alliance Verified
Review Score
Overall score: 3.8/5. Center support was respectable for the price, but its 3.7/5 surface-compression result and weaker edge stability kept it behind the thicker models.
How the four models scored
The table combines the most useful results from our comparative testing. Scores use a 5-point scale and reflect bench performance and handling, not regulatory compliance or an independent safety certification.
| Mattress | Overall | Support | Cooling | Surface compression | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided | 4.1 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Graco Premium Foam | 3.9 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Graco Dual Comfort 6-Inch | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Graco Basics 5-Inch | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
The Storkcraft 6-Inch won on support and edge stability. The Graco Dual Comfort finished close behind and made the stronger all-around case for shoppers who want a removable cover. Premium Foam prioritized handling over edge strength, while Basics remained competitive only where price and wipe-clean care carried the most weight.
Which Storkcraft or Graco model fits your needs?
Start with fit and firmness, then decide whether you need two distinct stages. The Storkcraft 6-Inch is the best choice for strong, stable support at a starting price near $100. The Graco Dual Comfort costs more but adds a removable washable cover and a clearly different toddler surface. Choose the Premium Foam when low weight and easy cover removal matter more than a dual-sided build. Pick the Basics when the budget is tight or the mattress will serve in a secondary sleep space.
Check the exact listed dimensions against the crib instructions before buying. Full-size models are close in size, but the Graco Premium is listed at 27.6 inches wide rather than 28 inches. Once installed with a fitted sheet, the mattress should remain firm, flat, and tight against the crib sides.
What these mattresses do not offer
All four are practical mainstream mattresses built around foam or poly-fiber cores. None has a washable core, and only the Dual Comfort combines separate infant and toddler surfaces with the same type of removable cover convenience found on the Premium Foam. Cover materials also differ by Storkcraft style, so a family choosing from photos alone could order a different version than expected. Finally, our scorecard compares handling and bench performance; it does not replace certification records, product instructions, or a fit check in your own crib.
How do they compare with other crib mattresses?
Sealy Butterfly Waterproof: At a checked price of $109.99, this 4.5-inch foam model is the closest alternative to the Graco Premium. Both weigh about 7 pounds and use a zip-off waterproof cover. The Sealy is the better match for shoppers who want a wipe-clean laminate surface, while the Graco cover feels more like fabric and is easier to remove. Neither offers the clear two-stage design of the Storkcraft 6-Inch or Graco Dual Comfort.
Delta Children Sweet Bliss Dual Sided: Its $149.99 checked price puts it directly against the Graco Dual Comfort. The Delta uses a recycled fiber core and a waterproof wipe-clean vinyl cover; the Graco uses foam and a removable washable cover. Choose Delta for simple surface cleanup and square-corner fit, or Graco for the more noticeable difference between its infant and toddler sides.
Newton Essential: At $199.99, it is not a same-price substitute. The extra cost pays for a breathable polymer core that can be washed along with the cover. That is a meaningful maintenance upgrade, but the Storkcraft and Graco models remain easier to justify if you want a conventional mattress under $150.
Setup and care tips
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Compare the mattress dimensions with the crib manual, then check the fit again after adding the fitted sheet.
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For a mattress-in-a-box, open it promptly and allow the full expansion time stated by the manufacturer before measuring the fit.
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Keep the infant side facing up until the manufacturer says it is time to switch to the toddler side.
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Wipe spills promptly and let the surface dry completely before replacing the sheet.
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Follow the sewn-in care label when washing a removable cover; online instructions can change between product versions.
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Inspect the cover, seams, and mattress fit during every sheet change. Stop using a damaged mattress and contact the manufacturer for guidance.
FAQs
Is a 6-inch crib mattress meaningfully different from a 5-inch one?
Not automatically. In this group, both 6-inch models resisted edge compression better, but height alone does not establish quality or safety. Firmness, flatness, crib fit, construction, and condition matter more.
What is the practical benefit of a removable cover?
It lets you clean the sleep surface separately from the core. That is useful after a larger spill, but care varies by model: some covers are machine-washable, while others require hand washing or wiping. Follow the label attached to your mattress.
Does a dual-sided design matter?
It matters when the two sides are genuinely different. The Graco Dual Comfort has a smooth, firmer infant side and a more yielding toddler side, while the Storkcraft 6-Inch also provides separate stages. A single-surface model can still serve both a crib and toddler bed, but it will not change feel when flipped.
Which model is easiest to handle and clean?
The Graco Premium Foam is the easiest all-around option because it weighs 7 pounds and has a removable cover. For the fastest surface wipe-down at the lowest price, choose the Graco Basics and its water-resistant PEVA cover.
