The lineup we tested includes one Storkcraft model and three Graco models sold in the same Storkcraft crib-mattress collection. In our hands-on testing, the strengths were practical pricing, easy cleanup, and dependable support. The trade-offs were simpler materials on the budget models and less feature depth than you get from more specialized crib mattresses.
Table of contents
- Product overview
- Testing team takeaways
- Storkcraft Crib Mattress comparison chart
- How we tested
- Storkcraft Crib Mattress: our testing experience
- Compare performance scores of these mattresses
- How to choose a Storkcraft Crib Mattress
- Limitations
- Storkcraft Crib Mattress vs alternatives
- Pro tips for Storkcraft Crib Mattress
- FAQs
Product overview
| Mattress | Overall Score | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided Baby Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress | 4.1/5 | Parents who want a simple dual-stage setup | Heavier than the thinner foam options |
| Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress | 3.9/5 | Families who want fast cleanup and easy handling | Single-sided design with a thinner profile |
| Graco Dual Comfort 6-Inch Crib and Toddler Mattress | 4.0/5 | Parents who want a dual-sided mattress with a removable cover | Heavier and pricier than the simpler models |
| Graco Basics 5-Inch Water-Resistant Crib & Toddler Mattress | 3.8/5 | Budget-conscious buyers and backup nursery setups | Less substantial feel than the 6-inch models |
Testing team takeaways
I led the review while Marcus focused on heat and surface breathability, Mia tracked compression and pressure response, and Jenna paid closest attention to sheet changes and edge stability. In our testing, the two 6-inch dual-sided models felt the most complete for long-term use, while the Graco Basics 5-inch model stood out for pure value and quick wipe-down care.
Storkcraft Crib Mattress comparison chart
| Comparison item | Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided Baby Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress | Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress | Graco Dual Comfort 6-Inch Crib and Toddler Mattress | Graco Basics 5-Inch Water-Resistant Crib & Toddler Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $99.99 | $99.99 | $139.99 | $79.99 |
| Profile height | 6 in | Up to 4.5 in | 6 in | 5 in |
| Listed dimensions | 28 in x 52 in | 28 in x 52 in | 28 in x 52 in | 28 in x 52 in |
| Stage design | Dual-sided | Single-sided | Dual-sided | Single-sided |
| Cleanup setup | Style-dependent cover options | Waterproof removable cover | Water-resistant zip-off cover | Water-resistant PEVA cover |
| Key materials | Poly-fiber core | Polyurethane foam core | Polyurethane foam core | Thermal bonded polyester |
How we tested
We scored each mattress on support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and durability. Our testing relied on repeated setup cycles, sheet changes, press-and-release checks, cover inspections, edge loading, and cleanup-focused handling. We also paid attention to how firm and steady each model felt during normal nursery use, not just during a single quick check.
Storkcraft Crib Mattress: our testing experience
Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided Baby Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress
Our Testing Experience
In our handling tests, this was the steadiest mattress in the group. The 6-inch build felt more planted when we lowered it into the crib and pulled sheets tight at the corners. The surface also recovered cleanly in our repeated press tests, so it came across as simple, stable, and easy to trust for everyday use.
What we liked
-
Stable support with a clear dual-stage design
-
Fuller 6-inch profile felt more secure during setup
-
Edges stayed steadier than the thinner models during sheet changes
Who it is best for
-
Parents who want a straightforward dual-sided mattress
-
Nurseries where the mattress will see regular daily use
Where it falls short
-
Heavier than the thinner foam options
-
Surface feel can vary depending on the style you choose
Pros & Cons
The biggest plus in our testing was stability. The main drawbacks were weight and the fact that the cover feel is not identical across style options.
Details
-
Listed price: $99.99
-
Profile and size: 6 inches, 28 in x 52 in
-
Build: dual-sided, high-density poly-fiber core, thermal bonded polyester
-
Certification callout: GREENGUARD Gold
Review Score
Overall score: 4.1/5. Support was its best category in our testing, and durability also landed above average.
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
Our Testing Experience
This was the easiest model to handle quickly. It felt light in the hands, simple to position, and built around fast cleanup. In our real-world wipe-down and sheet-change routine, the removable waterproof cover was the feature that mattered most. The foam feel stayed predictable, even if it did not feel as substantial at the edges as the thicker 6-inch beds.
What we liked
-
Waterproof removable cover made routine cleanup easy
-
Lighter weight made repositioning faster
-
Predictable foam feel without obvious weak spots
Who it is best for
-
Families who want low-effort maintenance
-
Parents who change sheets often and want less lifting strain
Where it falls short
-
Single-sided design
-
Less structured feel than the thicker 6-inch models
Pros & Cons
Its strongest advantage was convenience. The trade-off was a thinner, simpler feel than the dual-sided 6-inch options.
Details
-
Listed price: $99.99
-
Profile and size: up to 4.5 inches, 28 in x 52 in
-
Build: polyurethane foam core, polyester cover, removable machine-washable cover
-
Certification callouts: GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 cover
Review Score
Overall score: 3.9/5. We rated it highest for usability and cleanup, while edge support was only middle of the pack.
Graco Dual Comfort 6-Inch Crib and Toddler Mattress
Our Testing Experience
This one felt the most feature-complete of the Graco options. The dual-sided layout was easy to understand, and the zip-off cover made it feel better prepared for messy stretches of daily use. In our press tests, it gave a little and then pushed back without feeling too soft, and the 6-inch build kept it steady during repeated setup and sheet changes.
What we liked
-
Dual-sided design with a clear infant-to-toddler transition
-
Zip-off cover made deeper cleaning more realistic
-
Stable feel during repeated handling cycles
Who it is best for
-
Parents who want one mattress to cover both stages
-
Caregivers who value a removable cover on a thicker build
Where it falls short
-
Heavier than the lighter foam models
-
Higher listed price than the simpler options
Pros & Cons
In our testing, it balanced support, cleanup, and long-term usefulness better than the other Graco models. The penalty was extra weight and a higher price.
Details
-
Listed price: $139.99
-
Profile and size: 6 inches, 28 in x 52 in
-
Build: dual-sided polyurethane foam core with a removable water-resistant cover
-
Certification callouts: GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US
Review Score
Overall score: 4.0/5. It was the most even performer in the Graco group, with strong support and pressure-relief marks and no obvious weak category.
Graco Basics 5-Inch Water-Resistant Crib & Toddler Mattress
Our Testing Experience
This was the budget workhorse of the set. It felt light, firm, and easy to move, with a surface that clearly prioritized wipe-down practicality over plushness. In our day-to-day handling tests, it never felt complicated, but it also never felt as substantial or refined as the two 6-inch dual-sided mattresses.
What we liked
-
Strong value and simple cleanup
-
Light handling for quick nursery routines
-
Firm, straightforward feel in repeated setup cycles
Who it is best for
-
Budget-conscious buyers
-
Backup nursery setups or secondary sleep spaces
Where it falls short
-
Less substantial feel than the 6-inch models
-
Surface feels more basic than the removable-cover options
Pros & Cons
The value story is strong, and the water-resistant cover is easy to live with. The compromise is a simpler feel and fewer refinements.
Details
-
Listed price: $79.99
-
Profile and size: 5 inches, 28 in x 52 in
-
Build: thermal bonded polyester with a PEVA water-resistant cover
-
Certification callouts: GREENGUARD Gold and Baby Safety Alliance Verified
Review Score
Overall score: 3.8/5. Support held up better than the price might suggest, but comfort and edge stability stayed behind the 6-inch models.
Compare performance scores of these mattresses
The table below pulls together the most useful scoring categories from our hands-on tests.
| Mattress | Overall | Support | Cooling | Pressure Relief | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storkcraft 6-Inch Dual-Sided Baby Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress | 4.1 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress | 3.9 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Graco Dual Comfort 6-Inch Crib and Toddler Mattress | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Graco Basics 5-Inch Water-Resistant Crib & Toddler Mattress | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
The Graco Dual Comfort was the most even performer across the scorecard, while the Storkcraft 6-inch model posted the strongest support result. The Graco Basics model gave up some refinement but stayed competitive on support for the money.
How to choose a Storkcraft Crib Mattress
Start with stage design and cleanup needs. If you want a dual-sided mattress that feels more substantial in the crib, the Storkcraft 6-inch and Graco Dual Comfort were the clear standouts in our testing. If fast cleanup matters more than a dual-stage build, the Graco Premium Foam is easier to manage. If price is the first filter, the Graco Basics is the value pick.
Limitations
Across this group, the lower-priced models feel simpler, and even the stronger performers do not push into specialty-material territory. If you want a more distinctive cover feel or a more specialized construction, you may need to shop outside this collection.
Storkcraft Crib Mattress vs alternatives
Compared with more specialized crib mattresses, this lineup leans toward mainstream pricing, standard sizing, and practical covers. That is a good fit for families who want something straightforward, but shoppers chasing niche materials or a fully washable concept may want to look beyond this group.
Pro tips for Storkcraft Crib Mattress
-
Measure the crib first and make sure the mattress sits snugly with the fitted sheet on.
-
If you buy a dual-sided model, mark when you plan to flip it so the second side does not get forgotten.
-
Wipe water-resistant surfaces promptly and let them dry before you re-sheet the crib.
-
If the cover zips off, practice taking it off and putting it back on before you need to do it in a rush.
-
Rotate the mattress end to end from time to time to spread out everyday wear.
-
Recheck sheet fit after washing because shrinkage can change how snug the mattress feels.
FAQs
Is a 6-inch crib mattress meaningfully different from a 5-inch one?
In our day-to-day handling tests, the 6-inch models felt steadier during lifting, corner pulls, and edge use. The 5-inch option was easier to move and cost less.
What’s the practical benefit of a removable cover?
A removable cover makes deeper cleaning much easier because you can unzip it, wash it, and put it back on instead of relying only on spot cleaning.
Does dual-sided design actually matter?
It helps if you want one mattress to cover both stages. The firmer infant side and softer toddler side make the transition more straightforward.
Which model is easiest to live with for quick cleanups?
The Graco Premium Foam is the easiest cleanup-first option in this group, with the Graco Basics close behind if you want something simpler and cheaper.
