Newton vs. Graco: Which Crib Mattress Offers the Best Peace of Mind for Parents?

As a dad on his second round of the newborn phase, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right crib mattress. The first time around, I was told they were all basically the same, so my wife and I chose the cheapest one. 

Big mistake. We were up all night worried about the baby turning over, and the baby just didn’t sleep comfortably. And when babies don’t get enough sleep, their growth and immune system can seriously suffer. We knew we needed a change, so we looked for the best crib mattress.  

Graco’s been around forever and is often seen as a reliable choice for all things baby. Newton is newer to the scene but has a great reputation for quality and safety. Which one gives your baby the best night’s sleep (and peace of mind for you)? Let’s tuck in and find out.

If you’re looking for the safer crib mattress…Newton

With my newborn, I can’t help but check on them every night to make sure they’re sleeping safe and sound. Thankfully, with Newton’s crib mattress, I can trust that my baby is as safe as possible with its incredibly breathable design. 

 By breathable, I mean you can literally breathe through this mattress with its Breathe-Thru technology. As a plus, the mattress’ air flow helps keep the baby cool. In our experience, Graco just cannot match that quality. 

Both Newton and Graco crib mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning they’re independently tested and certified for low chemical emissions. However, Graco relies on a basic foam core that doesn’t offer the same breathability, making Newton the safer bet for those late-night snoozes.

If you’re looking for a completely washable mattress…Newton

Any parent will tell you—no matter how many precautions you take, baby fluids find their way into every nook and cranny. 

With the Newton Crib Mattress, you don’t have to worry; it’s completely washable, from cover to core. That means even after a middle-of-the-night diaper blowout or the inevitable  spit-up, you can wash the entire mattress—not just spot-clean it like you would with Graco’s. Trust me, I’ve been elbow-deep in baby messes over and over again, and full washability is a lifesaver.

If you’re looking for a lower-cost crib mattress…Graco

Let’s talk dollars and cents. Graco offers a budget-friendly crib mattress at $119, while Newton’s more affordable option, the Essential Crib Mattress, comes in at a higher price point—$249 (currently on sale for $199). This is $100 less than the cost of Newton’s Original Crib Mattress with the same benefits. 

When my wife and I were preparing for our first child, we were drawn to Graco’s lower cost. But we quickly realized that its lack of durability meant we had to buy another mattress sooner than expected. With Newton, you’re investing upfront for quality that lasts.

If you’re looking for a mattress that can grow with your baby…Newton

Babies grow quickly, and their needs change as they grow. The Newton Crib Mattress is designed as a 2-stage mattress, suitable from infancy through the toddler years. 

Meanwhile, the Graco mattress might look like a good deal, but you’ll need to replace it sooner rather than later. It just can’t keep up with your baby as they grow! So in reality, it could cost you more in the long run. 

For our newest addition, we decided to go with Newton, knowing we won’t have to worry about buying another mattress anytime soon.

Newton is the crib mattress you can trust

After trying both brands, I’ve seen firsthand the difference a Newton mattress can make. It’s safer, more durable, and easier to clean. And I love that it’s so durable it’ll last as long as we need with its strong, easy-to-clean materials. 

While Graco might offer a more affordable option initially, Newton is the one I’d recommend to any parent looking for the best sleep for their little one. They offer a variety of colors, thicknesses, and styles, so you can customize your mattress to your baby’s needs. 

Luckily, you can try their crib mattresses for 100 nights with free returns, so there’s no reason to not to try Newton now.