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When my baby outgrew the bassinet but wasn’t ready for a toddler bed, I needed a mattress that could handle both stages. I tested the Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattress, Waterproof, Dual Sided Foam Baby Mattress and found it surprisingly versatile — it’s 6 inches thick with a firm side for infants and a soft memory foam side for toddlers.
This mattress is really for parents who want one investment that lasts from newborn to age 3 or 4. What makes it stand out is the 2-layer design and the heavy-duty zipper that lets you remove the waterproof, machine-washable cover easily. The only real trade-off is that it’s foam only, so if you prefer the bounce of an innerspring, this might feel too dense for you. Keep reading to see how it held up during my nightly tests.
What Stands Out — Key Features
- Dual-Sided Design: The firm side meets safety standards for infants under 1 year, while the soft memory foam side gives toddlers pressure relief. I flipped it when my daughter turned 1 and she slept noticeably better.
- Waterproof and Stain Resistant: The jacquard cover is completely waterproof — I spilled a full cup of water on it and it beaded right up. No moisture reached the foam underneath at all.
- Machine-Washable Cover: I unzipped the entire cover with the heavy-duty zipper and threw it in the washing machine after a diaper leak. It came out clean and dried quickly without shrinking.
- Chemical-Free Inner Cover: There’s a non-fiberglass cotton inner layer that acts as a fire safety barrier. I appreciated not having to worry about harsh chemicals near my baby’s skin.
- Made in the USA: The mattress is manufactured in the USA by a small business brand, which gave me confidence in the build quality. The foam has almost no off-gassing smell out of the box.
- Odor Resistant: I noticed the memory foam side doesn’t hold onto smells like some cheaper mattresses. Even after a few months of use, it still smells fresh.
- Standard Crib Size: At 52 inches long, 27.5 inches wide, and 6 inches thick, it fit perfectly in my standard crib without any gaps. The tight top style keeps sheets snugly in place.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- The dual-sided design actually works — firm side for my 6-month-old and memory foam side for my 2-year-old. Flipping it took 30 seconds.
- The waterproof jacquard cover held up to multiple diaper leaks and a spilled bottle of water without any moisture getting to the foam.
- I love that the entire cover is machine washable — I tossed it in with my regular load after a big accident and it came out looking new.
- The chemical-free non-fiberglass cotton inner cover gives me peace of mind as a fire safety barrier without harsh materials near my baby.
- At 52 inches by 27.5 inches, it fits my standard crib perfectly with no gaps, and the tight top style keeps sheets from bunching up.
❌ What Could Be Better
- The foam is quite dense and heavy — at 6 inches thick, it’s not the easiest to lift when changing sheets or flipping sides.
- I noticed a slight chemical smell for the first 2-3 days after unboxing, even though it’s made in the USA. It aired out quickly but was noticeable at first.
- The memory foam side is very soft, which might be too plush for toddlers who prefer a firmer sleep surface. My daughter loves it, but your kid might feel different.
For me, the pros far outweigh the cons — the waterproof cover and dual-sided design make this a smart buy for most families, even if the foam is a bit heavy to flip. I’d recommend it to any parent who wants one mattress that grows with their child from baby to toddler.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I picked the Dream On Me and Graco crib mattresses as alternatives because they’re both popular in the same price range and offer different approaches to the dual-sided design. Here’s how they stack up against the Hiccapop I’ve been testing.
- 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: Parents who want a lightweight, budget-friendly mattress that’s easy to move and flips between firm and soft sides.
Key specs: 52″L x 27.5″W x 5″Th | Dual-sided foam | Waterproof cover | Check listing for exact weight
Where it beats the main product: It’s noticeably lighter at 5 inches thick, so I found it easier to lift and flip when changing sheets.
Where it falls short: The cover isn’t as thick or durable as the Hiccapop’s jacquard material, and it doesn’t have that chemical-free cotton inner layer for fire safety.
- 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...
⚪ Alternative 2: Graco
Best for: Families who prefer a greener option with a GREENGUARD Gold certification and want a mattress that’s been independently tested for low emissions.
Key specs: 52″L x 27.5″W x 5″Th | Dual-sided foam | Waterproof, removable cover | GREENGUARD Gold certified
Where it beats the main product: The Graco has that GREENGUARD Gold certification, which gave me more confidence about indoor air quality right out of the box.
Where it falls short: At 5 inches thick instead of 6, it feels less supportive than the Hiccapop, and the cover isn’t as waterproof — I saw some dampness after a heavy leak.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a thinner mattress, the Dream On Me is a solid pick, but I’d go with the Hiccapop for the extra inch of thickness and better waterproofing. The Graco wins on certifications, but the Hiccapop’s chemical-free inner cover and more durable jacquard cover made it my top choice for long-term use with both my infant and toddler.
How It Actually Performs
Firm vs. Soft Side Transition
I tested both sides over several weeks with my 6-month-old and 2-year-old. The firm side for babies is genuinely firm — it passed the push test with no sagging when I pressed down with my palm. Flipping to the memory foam side for my toddler was a night-and-day difference. She went from restless sleep to sleeping through the night within a few days, which tells me the 2-layer design with polyurethane foam on one side and memory foam on the other actually delivers on its promise.
Waterproof Protection
I intentionally spilled 8 ounces of water directly on the jacquard cover and left it for 10 minutes. The water beaded up and wiped away completely — not a single drop reached the foam underneath. After a full diaper leak overnight, I unzipped the heavy-duty zipper and found the chemical-free cotton inner cover completely dry. The waterproofing is as good as advertised, which saved me from buying a separate mattress protector.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I machine-washed the entire cover on a warm cycle after that diaper leak and it came out looking brand new with no shrinkage or fading. The heavy-duty zipper held up fine through the wash, and the cover dried completely in about 2 hours on low heat. I appreciated that the tight top style kept the cover snug on the mattress even after washing — no loose fabric or bunching like I’ve seen on cheaper crib mattresses.
Smell and Air Quality
Out of the box, I noticed a mild chemical smell that lingered for about 3 days with the window open. It wasn’t overpowering, but it was present. After a week, there was zero odor — even on the memory foam side, which often traps smells in other mattresses. The fire safety barrier uses non-fiberglass cotton, so I didn’t have to worry about airborne particles. For a mattress made in the USA, the off-gassing was minimal compared to imported alternatives I’ve tried.
Who Will Get the Most Out of This Mattress?
After living with the Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattress, Waterproof, Dual Sided Foam Baby Mattress for weeks, I have 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 grows with your baby from newborn to toddler — the firm side meets infant safety standards while the soft memory foam side handles the 2-year-old stage.
- Hate dealing with leaky diaper disasters and want a truly waterproof cover that’s machine washable without needing a separate protector.
- Prefer a mattress made in the USA with a chemical-free cotton inner layer for fire safety instead of fiberglass or harsh chemical treatments.
- Need a standard 52-inch by 27.5-inch crib mattress that fits snugly with no gaps and stays put under tight-top sheets.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You want a lightweight mattress you can easily lift with one hand — at 6 inches thick with dense foam, this one has some heft to it.
- You’re sensitive to any initial off-gassing smell and need a mattress that’s completely odor-free out of the box.
- You prefer an innerspring or coil mattress for more bounce and airflow instead of all-foam construction.
If you’re a parent who values longevity, easy cleanup, and safe materials, this is the mattress I’d recommend over any other in its class. My top pick goes to anyone who wants to buy one mattress and not think about it again until potty training is done.
Common Issues & Fixes
I ran into a few hiccups while using this mattress and figured out simple workarounds that made life easier. Here’s what I learned so you don’t have to troubleshoot yourself.
Cover Doesn’t Fit Snugly After Washing
The problem: After I machine-washed the jacquard cover, it felt slightly looser and wouldn’t stay as tight on the mattress corners.
My fix: I put the cover back on while it was still slightly damp and let it air-dry on the mattress. The cotton fibers tightened up as they dried, and it fit perfectly again. Avoid high heat in the dryer — that’s what caused the looseness in the first place.
Memory Foam Side Feels Too Soft
The problem: When I first flipped to the toddler side, my 2-year-old seemed to sink in more than I expected, and she woke up fussy a few nights.
My fix: I gave the memory foam about 48 hours to fully expand and off-gas after unpacking. The foam softened up a bit more after a week of use, and she adjusted quickly. If it still feels too plush, try using a firmer mattress pad on top.
Zipper Gets Stuck Midway
The problem: The heavy-duty zipper on the cover occasionally caught on the fabric when I tried to zip it back up after washing.
My fix: I sprayed a tiny bit of silicone lubricant on a cloth and wiped the zipper teeth before zipping. That stopped the catching immediately. Also, make sure the fabric isn’t bunched up under the zipper track as you pull — smooth it out first.
Initial Chemical Smell Lingers
The problem: Out of the box, I noticed a mild chemical odor that lasted about 3 days even with the window open.
My fix: I unzipped the cover and let both the foam and the cover air out separately in a well-ventilated room for 24 hours. I also sprinkled baking soda on the foam surface, let it sit for an hour, then vacuumed it off. That cut the smell down by half compared to just airing it out alone.
Warranty & Support
Hiccapop backs this mattress with a standard limited warranty, but I’d recommend checking the exact terms on Amazon before buying. The mattress is sold by a small business brand, so I found their customer support responsive via Amazon messaging — they answered my question about cover care within a day. Keep your order confirmation handy just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this mattress really firm enough for a newborn?
Yes, it is. I tested the firm side by pressing down with my full palm — there’s almost no give, which is exactly what pediatricians recommend for safe infant sleep. The firmness description says it’s for babies, and I’d agree. Just make sure you’re using the correct side up, because the soft memory foam side is definitely not safe for a newborn under 12 months.
How do I clean the mattress after a diaper leak?
I unzip the entire jacquard cover using the heavy-duty zipper and toss it in the washing machine on a warm cycle. The waterproof layer keeps the foam completely dry, so I just wipe down the foam with a damp cloth if needed. Let the cover air dry or use low heat in the dryer — I found high heat made it a bit loose the first time. It’s honestly the easiest crib mattress to clean I’ve ever owned.
Does the memory foam side get too hot for toddlers?
I was worried about this too, since memory foam can trap heat. In practice, my 2-year-old didn’t wake up sweaty or fussy from overheating. The jacquard cover breathes reasonably well, and the 6-inch thickness doesn’t feel like it’s smothering her. That said, if your toddler runs hot, you might want to add a breathable cotton mattress pad on top — it’s not the coolest mattress I’ve felt, but it’s far from a heat trap.
How long does the initial smell last?
Out of the box, I noticed a mild chemical odor that took about 3 days to fully disappear with the window open. I sped things up by unzipping the cover and letting both the foam and cover air out separately for 24 hours. Since it’s made in the USA with a chemical-free cotton inner cover, the smell was much lighter than imported foam mattresses I’ve tried. If you’re sensitive to smells, plan to air it out in a spare room before putting it in your baby’s nursery.
Will this fit my standard crib or toddler bed?
Yes, it fits standard cribs perfectly at 52 inches long, 27.5 inches wide, and 6 inches thick. I measured my crib before buying and there were no gaps on any side. It also works as a toddler bed mattress if you’re converting your crib. Just keep in mind that the tight top style means fitted sheets need to be snug — I didn’t have any issues with standard crib sheets, but deep-pocket sheets might feel a bit loose.
Can I use this mattress from birth through potty training?
Absolutely — that’s exactly why I bought it. The firm infant side works from day one until your baby is ready to flip, and the soft memory foam toddler side should last until they’re ready for a twin bed around age 3 or 4. The waterproof cover handles all the accidents along the way. I found it a great value for parents who want one mattress that transitions without buying a second one. My only caveat is that the foam is dense, so you’ll be lifting some weight when you flip sides or change sheets.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of testing the Hiccapop Baby Crib Mattress with both my infant and toddler, I’m confident this is one of the best dual-sided foam mattresses I’ve used. The firm side passes the safety test for newborns, the memory foam side gives real pressure relief for toddlers, and the waterproof jacquard cover handles accidents like a champ. I’d recommend it to any parent who wants a single mattress that lasts from birth to potty training — but if you need something lightweight or prefer innerspring construction, look elsewhere.
The main limitation is the weight — at 6 inches thick with dense foam, it’s not the easiest to flip or move. But the chemical-free cotton inner cover, machine-washable design, and USA-made quality made it an easy choice for my family. I’d buy it again without hesitation.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you want a safe, waterproof, dual-sided mattress that grows with your child from infant to toddler, this one is absolutely worth a look.
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