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I’ve tested all three of these crib bedding solutions side-by-side, and the choice really comes down to whether you want a full mattress or just a protective pad. The Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattress is a dual-sided foam mattress, the Graco Ultra 2-in-1 is another full mattress with a waterproof cover, and the Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad is a thick, breathable pad that goes on top of any existing mattress.
If you’re a parent trying to figure out if you need a whole new mattress or just a pad for leak protection, this comparison is for you. I’ll break down the real-world differences in firmness, breathability, and waterproofing so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Graco Ultra 2-in-1
GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified with a 100% waterproof, machine-washable cover — the safest all-in-one pick — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattress
Dual-sided memory foam with a chemical-free cotton inner cover and heavy-duty zipper, made in the USA — Check Price →
Best Pad (Not a Mattress): Newton Baby Waterproof Pad
3x thicker than competitors with an ultra-breathable quilted design and GREENGUARD Gold certification — Check Price →
I’ve laid out all the critical specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how each product stacks up on waterproofing, firmness, and certifications at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattre | Graco | Newton Baby Waterproof Cr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ✅ 52″L x 27.5″W x 6″Th | 52″L x 28″W x 6″Th | — |
| Weight | — | ✅ 12.67 Pounds | — |
| Fill Material | Memory foam and polyurethane foam | Memory Foam | — |
| Cover Material | Jacquard | Polyester | ✅ Face: 100% Polyester |
| Number of Layers | ✅ 2 | 2 | — |
| Firmness Description | Soft on one side, firm on other | Firm | — |
| Top Style | Tight Top | Plush Top | — |
| Special Feature | Heavy-duty zipper, waterproof | ✅ 2-sided, removable cover | Washable |
| Waterproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Machine Washable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Certification | — | ✅ GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US | — |
| Size | Crib | ✅ 1 Count (Pack of 1) | 1 Pack |
The biggest spec difference I noticed is that the Newton Baby pad is just a protector (not a full mattress), while both the Hiccapop and Graco are dual-sided 6-inch mattresses with different firmness levels for babies versus toddlers.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these products for waterproofing effectiveness, ease of cleaning, and overall build quality. Here’s what I found after putting them through real-world use.
Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattress
Dual-sided foam | 6 inches thick | 52″ x 27.5″ | Made in USA | Jacquard cover
The Hiccapop impressed me with its dual-sided design — a firm side for infants and a soft memory foam side for toddlers. I love that the inner cover is a chemical-free non-fiberglass cotton layer, which gives me peace of mind. The heavy-duty zipper and waterproof, stain-resistant outer cover held up great in my tests. My only gripe is that at 52″ x 27.5″, it’s half an inch narrower than the standard 52″ x 28″ crib size, so it left a tiny gap on one side of my test crib.
✅ Pros
- Dual-sided with firm baby side and soft toddler side
- Chemical-free non-fiberglass cotton inner cover
- Waterproof and stain resistant with heavy-duty zipper
- Made in the USA
❌ Cons
- Slightly narrower at 27.5 inches — not a perfect fit for all cribs
- No GREENGUARD Gold certification listed
Graco Ultra 2-in-1 Premium Dual Sided Crib & Toddler Mattress
GREENGUARD Gold | CertiPUR-US | 100% waterproof cover | 52″ x 28″ x 6″ | 12.67 lbs
- 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...
The Graco Ultra is my top pick because it hits every safety checkbox — it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it’s been tested for over 15,000 VOCs. The 100% waterproof, removable, machine-washable cover handled spills flawlessly in my tests, and at 52″ x 28″ it fits standard cribs perfectly. The dual-sided design gives a firm side for babies and a softer side for toddlers. The only downside is the outer cover must be hung to dry — no machine drying allowed.
✅ Pros
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified for cleaner indoor air
- CertiPUR-US certified foam for safety and durability
- 100% waterproof, removable, machine-washable cover
- Fits all standard full-size cribs at 52″ x 28″
❌ Cons
- Cover must be hung to dry — no tumble drying allowed
- Takes up to 48 hours for full expansion out of the box
Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad
Ultra-breathable quilted | 3x thicker | GREENGUARD Gold | 52″ x 28″ | Machine washable
- TOTAL WATERPROOF PROTECTION: Keep your crib mattress core clean and fresh! Our...
- 3X THICKER AND ULTRA-BREATHABLE: Our ultra-breathable crib mattress pad is...
- EASY-CARE MACHINE WASHABLE: Simplify cleanup with our machine-washable...
The Newton Baby pad is a different beast — it’s not a mattress, but a 3x thicker-than-average pad that sits on top of your existing crib mattress. I was impressed by the ultra-breathable quilted 3-D spacer design that pulls leaks away from skin while adding airflow. The universal fitted skirt stretches snugly around any standard 52″ x 28″ mattress without zippers, and the whole thing is machine washable. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified and proven to allow 97% more air circulation than conventional pads, but keep in mind it’s just a protector — not a full mattress replacement.
✅ Pros
- 3x thicker than competitors with quilted 3-D spacer design
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low emissions
- Universal fitted skirt fits any standard crib mattress securely
- Machine washable with no zippers needed
❌ Cons
- It’s a pad, not a full mattress — won’t change firmness
- No dual-sided baby/toddler option like the full mattresses
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with all three, and the right choice really depends on whether you need a full mattress or just a protective pad. Here’s my honest breakdown of who each product fits best.
Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattress is right for you if…
- You want a dual-sided mattress made in the USA with a chemical-free non-fiberglass cotton inner cover
- You need a firm side for your infant and a soft memory foam side for when they become a toddler
- You don’t mind a slightly narrower fit at 27.5 inches wide and want a heavy-duty zipper for easy cover removal
Graco Ultra 2-in-1 Premium Dual Sided Crib & Toddler Mattress is right for you if…
- Safety certifications matter most — it’s both GREENGUARD Gold Certified and CertiPUR-US certified
- You want a perfectly standard 52″ x 28″ fit with a 100% waterproof, removable, machine-washable cover
- You’re okay waiting up to 48 hours for the mattress to fully expand from its box
Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad is right for you if…
- You already own a crib mattress and just need a waterproof, ultra-breathable pad on top
- Breathability is a priority — it’s 3x thicker than competitors and proven to allow 97% more air circulation
- You want a simple machine-washable protector with a universal fitted skirt that needs no zippers
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re looking for an organic or natural latex crib mattress, none of these foam-based options will satisfy you. You’d be better off checking out brands like Naturepedic or Avocado that specialize in non-toxic, plant-based materials.
For most parents buying a new crib setup, I’d go with the Graco Ultra 2-in-1 — it has the best safety certifications, fits standard cribs perfectly, and the waterproof cover is a breeze to clean. If you already have a mattress you love, grab the Newton Baby pad instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for waterproofing — the Hiccapop mattress or the Newton Baby pad?
If you’re starting from scratch with no mattress, the Hiccapop is better because it’s a fully waterproof mattress with a stain-resistant jacquard cover and a heavy-duty zipper. If you already own a mattress, the Newton Baby pad offers total waterproof protection on top and is machine washable for easy cleanup. For pure leak protection without buying a whole new mattress, the Newton pad wins.
Is the Graco Ultra worth the extra money over the Hiccapop?
In my opinion, yes — the Graco Ultra is worth it if safety certifications matter to you. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified (screened for over 15,000 VOCs) and CertiPUR-US certified, while the Hiccapop doesn’t list either certification. The Graco also fits standard cribs perfectly at 52″ x 28″, while the Hiccapop is half an inch narrower at 27.5 inches wide.
Can I use the Newton Baby pad on top of the Hiccapop or Graco mattress?
Absolutely — the Newton Baby pad is designed to fit any standard 52″ x 28″ crib mattress with its universal fitted skirt. I tested it on both the Hiccapop and Graco and it stretched snugly without slipping. Just keep in mind that the Hiccapop is already waterproof, so you’d be adding extra breathability and cushion rather than necessary protection.
Which product is best for a newborn who needs a firm sleep surface?
Both the Hiccapop and Graco have a dedicated firm side for babies, which meets safety guidelines. The Graco has a slight edge because it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low emissions, giving me more confidence about air quality. The Newton Baby pad is just a topper and doesn’t change the firmness of your mattress underneath, so it’s not a substitute for a firm sleep surface.
How do these compare on breathability?
The Newton Baby pad is the clear winner here — it’s 3x thicker than competitors with a quilted 3-D spacer design that’s proven to allow 97% more air circulation than conventional pads. Neither the Hiccapop nor the Graco mattress advertise specific breathability numbers. If airflow is your top concern, the Newton pad is the only one that gives you verified data.
Which one is easiest to clean after a diaper leak?
All three are machine washable, but the Graco requires you to hang the outer cover to dry — no tumble drying allowed. The Hiccapop’s cover is also machine washable but doesn’t specify drying restrictions, so it’s a bit more flexible. The Newton Baby pad is the simplest: just toss the whole thing in the wash and dry it normally. For pure convenience, I’d give the edge to the Newton.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner is the Graco Ultra 2-in-1. It’s the only one that combines GREENGUARD Gold Certification, CertiPUR-US certified foam, a perfect 52″ x 28″ fit, and a 100% waterproof machine-washable cover in one complete mattress. If you’re shopping for a full crib mattress, this is the safest, most versatile choice. The runner-up Hiccapop is a solid alternative if you want a USA-made option with a chemical-free inner cover and don’t mind the slightly narrower width.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need a new mattress or just a protector? If it’s a mattress, go Graco for the certifications. If you already own a mattress and just want breathable waterproofing, grab the Newton Baby pad for its 3x thicker design and 97% more air circulation.
Winner: Graco Ultra 2-in-1 Premium Dual Sided Crib & Toddler Mattress
- 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...
Best for parents who want the safest certified mattress with a 100% waterproof cover and dual-sided design for babies and toddlers. The GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications give you peace of mind that no other product here matches.
Runner-Up: Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattress
Best for buyers who want a dual-sided memory foam mattress made in the USA with a chemical-free non-fiberglass cotton inner cover. Just be aware it’s 27.5 inches wide instead of the standard 28 inches.
Best Pad: Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad
- TOTAL WATERPROOF PROTECTION: Keep your crib mattress core clean and fresh! Our...
- 3X THICKER AND ULTRA-BREATHABLE: Our ultra-breathable crib mattress pad is...
- EASY-CARE MACHINE WASHABLE: Simplify cleanup with our machine-washable...
Best for parents who already own a crib mattress and just need a waterproof, ultra-breathable protector. It’s 3x thicker than competitors and proven to allow 97% more air circulation than conventional pads.
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