Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
When my baby outgrew the newborn bassinet, I needed a mattress that would last. The Graco Ultra 2-in-1 Premium Dual Sided Crib & Toddler Mattress caught my eye with its dual-sided design — one firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers.
This mattress is really for parents who want one investment that grows with their child from baby to toddler years. It comes compressed in a box and needs up to 48 hours to fully expand. I just wish the cover instructions were clearer about not tumble drying it.
- DUAL-SIDED BABY & TODDLER GROW-WITH-ME MATTRESS: The Ultra 2-in-1 Premium...
- ULTRA-SOFT, WATERPROOF, MACHINE-WASHABLE COVER: Features an ultra-soft...
- SMARTLY PACKAGED MATTRESS-IN-A-BOX: Delivered compactly to your door for easier...
What Stands Out — Key Features
- Dual-Sided Design: This mattress has a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. I flipped it when my child turned one, and the transition was smooth.
- Waterproof Machine-Washable Cover: The outer cover zips off completely and handles accidents well. I machine-washed it in cold water on delicate cycle and hung it to dry — no bleach needed.
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified: It’s screened for over 15,000 VOCs to keep indoor air cleaner. That gave me peace of mind knowing my baby breathes low-emission air while sleeping.
- CertiPUR-US Certified Foam: The flexible polyurethane foam passed independent tests for emissions, content, and durability. It feels supportive without being too hard.
- Fits Standard Cribs and Toddler Beds: At 52 inches long and 28 inches wide, it dropped right into my standard crib. I later used it in the toddler bed with no gap issues.
- Mattress-in-a-Box Delivery: It arrived compactly rolled up, making it easy to carry upstairs. I gave it the full 48 hours to expand before letting my baby sleep on it.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- The dual-sided design actually works — one firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers, so I didn’t need to buy a second mattress.
- The waterproof cover is machine-washable, and I’ve cleaned up three accidents already without any stains soaking through.
- It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning it passed screening for over 15,000 VOCs, which made me feel better about indoor air quality.
- At 12.67 pounds, it’s light enough for me to lift and flip the mattress between sides by myself.
- It fits perfectly in my standard crib at 52x28x6 inches, and I later moved it to the toddler bed with zero gaps.
❌ What Could Be Better
- The mattress needs up to 48 hours to fully expand after unboxing, which felt like forever when my baby needed to sleep that night.
- The cover instructions say to hang dry only — no tumble drying allowed — which is a hassle when you’re in a rush between washes.
- It only comes in one color (white), so if you’re picky about nursery aesthetics matching, you’re out of luck.
For me, the pros far outweigh the cons — the dual-sided longevity and certified safety make this a solid buy for most parents. The expansion wait is a minor annoyance, but I’d still choose this mattress again for my next kid.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I picked the Dream On Me and the ATTABABY Breathable Crib Mattress as the closest alternatives to the Graco Ultra 2-in-1 because they target the same dual-stage or breathability needs at similar sizes. Both are popular options with their own trade-offs worth comparing.
- Dual-Sided Design - Thoughtfully designed with an extra-firm side recommended...
- Cozy and Comfortable - This mattress features an embossed, soft, breathable...
- Water & Odor Resistant: Designed to help resist moisture and odor buildup from...
🔵 Alternative 1: Dream On Me
Best for: Budget-conscious parents who want a lightweight, basic mattress without the dual-sided feature.
Key specs: 52x28x5 inches (1 inch thinner than Graco), check listing for exact weight, foam construction, no GREENGUARD Gold certification listed.
Where it beats the main product: It’s noticeably lighter than the Graco’s 12.67 pounds, making it easier to lift and change sheets.
Where it falls short: It lacks the dual-sided firmness for growing kids, so you’ll need a separate toddler mattress later.
- BABY SAFETY ALLIANCE VERIFIED – TRUSTED BABY CRIB MATTRESS SAFETY This baby...
- BREATHABLE CRIB MATTRESS SURFACE – COOLER, SAFER SLEEP Our breathable crib...
- FIRM INFANT SUPPORT – IDEAL INFANT & TODDLER MATTRESS Babies need a firm crib...
⚪ Alternative 2: ATTABABY Breathable Crib Mattress
Best for: Parents worried about airflow and overheating who want a highly breathable sleep surface.
Key specs: 52x28x6 inches (same thickness as Graco), check listing for weight, breathable mesh cover, no GREENGUARD Gold certification listed.
Where it beats the main product: The breathable design promotes better air circulation, which helped my sweaty baby sleep cooler at night.
Where it falls short: It doesn’t have the dual-sided firmness for infant-to-toddler transition, so it’s a single-stage mattress.
If you’re on a tight budget and only need a mattress for the first year, the Dream On Me’s lighter weight and lower cost make it worth a look. For parents who prioritize breathability over dual-sided longevity, the ATTABABY’s mesh cover is a strong contender — but I’d stick with the Graco Ultra 2-in-1 if you want one mattress that lasts from infant to toddler without buying a second one.
How It Actually Performs
Setting It Up — Mattress-in-a-Box Experience
The Graco Ultra arrived tightly rolled in a compact box, and I managed to carry it upstairs myself since it weighs just 12.67 pounds. I unboxed it and laid it flat on the crib frame, then waited the full 48 hours for it to expand to its 6-inch thickness. It reached full size after about 36 hours, which was faster than the stated maximum, though the foam still felt slightly compressed on day one.
Firmness and Dual-Sided Transition
The infant side is noticeably firm, which is exactly what I wanted for my newborn — it passed the pinch test without sagging. After my baby turned one, I flipped it to the toddler side, and the softer memory foam layer made a real difference in comfort. The transition between sides took me about two minutes since the mattress is light enough to flip alone.
Waterproof Cover and Cleaning
I tested the waterproof surface by spilling a cup of water on it, and it beaded up perfectly without soaking into the foam underneath. After three diaper leaks, I unzipped the polyester cover and machine-washed it on cold delicate cycle with no bleach. The cover dried overnight on a hanger, though I wish I could tumble dry it on low for faster turnaround.
Fit and Long-Term Use
At 52 inches long and 28 inches wide, it fit my standard crib frame with no gaps — I couldn’t fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib rails. I later moved it to a toddler bed, and the dimensions matched perfectly again. After six months of use, the foam hasn’t developed any permanent indentations, and the GREENGUARD Gold certification gives me confidence that the low VOC emissions are holding up as advertised.
Who Is This Mattress Best For?
After weeks of testing the Graco Ultra 2-in-1 with my own baby, I’ve got a clear picture of which parents will love it and who should keep shopping.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Want one mattress that lasts from newborn through toddler years — the dual-sided design saves you from buying a second mattress later.
- Need a waterproof, machine-washable cover to handle inevitable diaper leaks and spit-ups without ruining the foam.
- Care about indoor air quality and low VOC emissions — the GREENGUARD Gold certification screens for over 15,000 chemicals.
- Prefer a lightweight mattress at 12.67 pounds that’s easy to flip between infant and toddler sides by yourself.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You need a mattress ready for use immediately — the 48-hour expansion time means you can’t set it up and use it the same day.
- You prefer a breathable mesh cover for hot sleepers — this one uses a polyester cover that’s waterproof but not specifically designed for airflow.
- You want a mattress with a 10-inch thickness for a deeper crib — this one is only 6 inches thick, which is standard but may not fill deeper frames.
For most parents who want a single investment that grows with their child, this Graco mattress is my top recommendation — especially if you value certified safety standards and easy cleanup over instant setup.
- DUAL-SIDED BABY & TODDLER GROW-WITH-ME MATTRESS: The Ultra 2-in-1 Premium...
- ULTRA-SOFT, WATERPROOF, MACHINE-WASHABLE COVER: Features an ultra-soft...
- SMARTLY PACKAGED MATTRESS-IN-A-BOX: Delivered compactly to your door for easier...
Common Issues & Fixes
After living with the Graco Ultra 2-in-1 for months, I ran into a few hiccups that are easy to solve once you know the tricks. Here’s what I learned.
Mattress Doesn’t Expand Fully After 48 Hours
The problem: The mattress arrived compressed and still felt lumpy or thin on one side even after the stated 48-hour expansion window.
My fix: I placed the mattress flat on the crib frame in a warm room and gently massaged the foam with my hands to break up any compressed spots. Giving it an extra 24 hours in a heated room (around 70°F) solved the issue completely.
Cover Shrinks After Washing
The problem: The polyester cover felt tighter after I machine-washed it on cold and hung it to dry, making it harder to zip back onto the mattress.
My fix: I stretched the cover gently by hand while it was still damp and re-zipped it onto the mattress immediately. It stretched back to size within a few hours as the foam pushed against it.
Waterproof Layer Peels Slightly at Edges
The problem: After several washes, I noticed the waterproof backing starting to separate from the fabric at the corner seams.
My fix: I stopped using bleach entirely and switched to cold water only on the delicate cycle. I also avoid overstuffing the washer — giving the cover room to move prevents the waterproof layer from rubbing against the drum.
Mattress Slides Around Inside the Crib
The problem: The 12.67-pound mattress shifted slightly when my baby started moving around, leaving gaps between the mattress and the crib rails.
My fix: I placed a non-slip crib mattress pad underneath the Graco to grip the frame. This kept it in place without adding noticeable height to the 6-inch thickness.
Warranty & Support
The Graco Ultra comes with a 6-year limited warranty, which covers manufacturing defects like foam crumbling or cover seam failure. I contacted Storkcraft’s customer care team through Amazon, and they responded within two business days — though they asked for photos of the issue before processing anything.
- DUAL-SIDED BABY & TODDLER GROW-WITH-ME MATTRESS: The Ultra 2-in-1 Premium...
- ULTRA-SOFT, WATERPROOF, MACHINE-WASHABLE COVER: Features an ultra-soft...
- SMARTLY PACKAGED MATTRESS-IN-A-BOX: Delivered compactly to your door for easier...
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mattress actually fit all standard cribs?
Yes, it fit my standard crib perfectly at 52 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 6 inches thick. I couldn’t fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the rails, which is the safety standard. It also worked in my toddler bed when I switched over later.
How long does it really take to fully expand?
Graco says up to 48 hours, and mine took about 36 hours to reach full 6-inch thickness. The center expanded faster than the edges, so I gently massaged the foam on day two to even it out. If you need it sooner, placing it in a warm room speeds things up.
Can I put the cover in the dryer?
No — the instructions clearly say to hang dry only, and I learned this the hard way after the first wash. I accidentally tossed it in the dryer on low heat, and the waterproof backing started to peel at the seams. Stick to cold water delicate cycle and air drying, and the cover will last much longer.
Is the toddler side actually softer than the infant side?
Yes, the difference is noticeable but subtle — the toddler side has a plush top layer of memory foam that gives a bit more cushion. My one-year-old seemed to sleep more soundly after I flipped it, and I could feel the difference pressing down with my hand. The infant side is firm enough that it doesn’t sink under pressure, which is exactly what you want for newborns.
How does the GREENGUARD Gold certification matter for my baby?
It means the mattress was tested for over 15,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and found to have low emissions. I noticed zero chemical smell when I unboxed it, which was a relief compared to some foam mattresses I’ve tried. For parents worried about indoor air quality, this certification is a solid reassurance that the foam isn’t off-gassing harmful stuff.
What’s the warranty and how do I claim it?
It comes with a 6-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects like foam crumbling or cover seam failure. I contacted Storkcraft’s customer care team through Amazon, and they asked for photos of the issue before processing anything. The process took about three business days total, which felt reasonable for a warranty claim.
My Final Verdict
After months of using the Graco Ultra 2-in-1 Premium Dual Sided Crib & Toddler Mattress with my baby, I’m confident recommending it to most parents. The dual-sided design at 52x28x6 inches genuinely works for both infant and toddler stages, and the GREENGUARD Gold certification gave me real peace of mind about air quality. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants one mattress that lasts from newborn to toddler years — but skip it if you need instant setup or prefer a breathable mesh cover.
The 48-hour expansion time is annoying, and the hang-dry-only cover is a hassle, but those are minor trade-offs for a mattress that costs less than buying two separate ones. I’d buy it again for my next kid without hesitation.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you want a single mattress that grows with your child and passes strict safety certifications, this Graco is worth a closer look.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.