After looking at the pros and cons, I concluded that mini cribs can be worth it. In this guide, I’ll share some advice, plus my top pick of mini cribs.
A mini crib is a practical approach when you don’t have enough room space or when you need a temporary bed solution for a baby. Mini cribs are a great solution when sharing a room with a baby. Also, it’s perfect for the grandparent’s house because it’s not just compact; it’s also lightweight and may be foldable. You can easily tuck it away.
Uncertain about which mattress to get? Take a look at this list of the best crib mattresses. I have put lots of hours into this guide, for you to find the ideal mattress for your baby!
Now I got you interested, and you want to know more about mini-cribs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand your options.
This guide will cover:
Best Mini Crib
So you’ve seriously considered a mini crib for your little potato. You scroll through Pinterest and Amazon, but instead of deciding, you’re overwhelmed by the hundreds of choices.
I created this list of the best mini cribs to help you out with just that. I’ve gathered the most positively reviewed products and, with the added insight from my research, present you with this list.
The folding functionality of this mini crib is exceptionally convenient when you have limited space in your home. Another great feature is the portability aspect because of the wheels and the lightweight material. Perfect to have your baby nap in the living room and sleep in your room.
Another excellent option for a small apartment or loft is this mini crib by Dream On Me. Because of its size, you’ll be able to put the crib into your room. Later, you can convert the crib into a toddler or full-size bed for your kid.
Parents living in a small home will love this foldable crib. The lightweight design combine with the portability offered by the wheelsets is perfect for storing the crib when you need additional floor space.
Made with sustainable wood, and following the new AAP safety guidelines. With the foldable and portable aspect of the crib, it’s definitely an excellent option for small apartments or travel bed.
Meant for portability, this crib easily folds and fits into a small closet or even under your bed. The strong metal frame as an 80 pounds weight capacity, while being CPSC 1219 compliant.
What is a Mini Crib?
Compared to a standard-size crib, mini cribs are smaller. Besides their compact design, some also have wheels that make them mobile and easy to move from the master bedroom to the nursery room once your child is ready to sleep in a separate area.
Others would say that a foldable crib qualifies as a portable crib and not a mini crib. But nowadays, the lines that define these models from each other are becoming more blurred as features mix into each other.
For mini crib buyers, this only brings good news since it means mini cribs can have the best of both (or any other ‘mini’) worlds.
Mini Crib Dimensions
Compared to regular-size cribs, which are standardized as required by law, a mini crib’s dimensions vary depending on the brand and model. This is why it’s advisable to buy the mattress and the mini crib simultaneously to make sure they are a perfect fit.
How small is a Mini Crib?
On average, the length of a mini crib ranges between 36 inches and 43 inches. Their width can be the same as that of standard cribs, which is 28 inches, or they can be slightly tighter at 24 inches.
What is the difference between a Standard Crib and a Mini Crib?
A law exists requiring the interior of a standard crib to measure 28 inches wide and 52 3/8 inches long. Mini cribs are a few to more than a couple of inches smaller on either or both dimensions.
This means that the mattress for a standard-size crib will not fit a mini crib or the other way around.
Which is Bigger, a Bassinet, or a Mini Crib?
Most bassinets measure around 32 inches long and 16 inches wide. Compare this to the standard mini crib dimensions of 24 inches in width and 38 inches in length.
If you look at the sizes of mini cribs vs. bassinet, mini cribs are the bigger ones.
Is a Mini Crib bigger than a pack n play?
In some instances, depending on the brands, the size of a mini crib and a pack n play will be the same. But commonly, with dimensions measuring 39 inches by 27 inches, pack n plays are broader and longer than a mini crib (but still smaller than a standard-size crib).
How to Choose a Mini Crib?
Any meticulous parent (which we all are) would not simply jump into buying the first mini crib available for a baby. To purchase any other items for your little one, you must consider several important aspects of the product.
Mini cribs, despite all being mini, it is different in a lot of things. Some are like the traditional crib, sturdy and immovable. In contrast, others are foldable and mobile and can be stored in tiny places for later use.
Features to Look For
When choosing a mini crib, consider your situation. How much space do you have? Do you plan to bring the mini around the house or maybe to grandma’s house on select occasions? How will I ensure my kid’s safety?
In order to answer these questions and to help you decide what’s important to you and your baby, you must look at the mini crib’s features and how they can make particular situations easier.
1- Portability
This is the best advantage a mini crib has over the standard crib. You’d appreciate the mobility this lightweight option will afford you, especially when your kid is still very young. It’ll be easier for you to take the crib to a different part of the house with wheels, especially when you’re busy and your kid won’t let you out of his sight.
Collapsible cribs are also a popular choice for giving parents the option to transport the mini crib over to granny for a visit.
Folding
You can fold it up to a size small enough to be tucked away under the bed or in the closet. You can do this conveniently without removing a single screw or bolt. Perfect when you expect to be traveling while your little one still needs his comfy crib to sleep soundly.
Wheels
Take your baby to the nursery or put him back to your master’s bedroom; moving the crib around the house is so much more convenient with wheels. Or when your baby’s picky, but you need to be cooking diner, you can easily take his crib over to the kitchen where he can see you.
For maximum mobility, go for the mini crib with wheels. Don’t forget to lock the wheels so the crib won’t move and avoid accidents, mainly when your kid is old enough to push and pull.
Fits in a doorway
If you’re living in a small apartment with narrow door frames, things can get frustrating trying to move a piece of furniture from one room to another.
Most mini cribs, even those that are not foldable, are designed to fit through doors. However, I strongly suggest getting an accurate measurement of the door frames in your house and look for a mini crib with a narrower width.
2- Safety
There are standards in place for mini cribs, just as for regular cribs. These products undergo rigorous testing from Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ensure that only high-quality materials are used. Drop-side rails are prohibited, and mini crib manufacturers are required to use strong mattress support and slats.
Collapsible mini cribs must also adhere to CPSC’s specifications about the safety of locking mechanisms and detachable bases.
The most current standards were established a decade ago, so it’s best to buy brand new mini cribs instead of second-hands that could have been made with outdated standards.
Its compact design makes it easy to fit through your room door so your baby can sleep near you. This is the sleeping arrangement recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for babies 6 months to a year of age. It’ll be more convenient to tend to your newborn’s needs with your baby close by, especially during the night.
Other safety measures you must observe when letting the baby sleep in the crib are their sleeping position and the environment inside the crib. Newborns must be but on their back on a bare and firm surface. There must be no additional pillows, blankets, and toys that can pose risks of suffocation.
Baby’s grow and gain weight fast. Make sure to regularly check your baby’s weight against the capacity of the crib. Since mini cribs are smaller, they have a lower weight limit in comparison to regular cribs.
Are Foldable Cribs Safe?
As long as it is new and meets the standard specifications set by CPSC, foldable cribs are safe choices for your baby to sleep in day and night.
3- Mattress height adjustment
Choose the mini crib with the most levels of mattress height adjustment. Setting the mattress at the highest is best when your little one is still a newborn. It makes it easier to scoop him up into your arms without bending too low. Your back doesn’t need to suffer taking care of your baby.
As your baby grows and hones his monkeying skills, adjusting the mattress to increasingly lower levels can save you from regularly chasing down a baby on the loose.
4- Convertible Mini Crib
A lot of satisfied parents consider convertible cribs as an investment. Depending on the model, your kid can use the same bed up until his teenage years. There is no need to worry about purchasing different bed sizes every time your kid had a growth spurt.
A convertible mini crib can be transformed into several bed sizes.
- Toddler bed – detach the crib’s stationary side, place the mattress at the lowest level, and attach the safety rail for a giant baby who’s ready to sleep in his room.
- Daybed – remove the safety rail from the toddler bed.
- Twin-sized bed – this conversion is a bit more complicated than the first two. It will require you to replace the spring frame with a twin-size bed frame. Voila, it’s now a bed for your big boy!
Important reminder: if you are planning to convert the mini crib to any size bed a few years later, it’s a good idea to buy the matching conversion kit with the mini crib. Sometimes, manufacturers discontinue making the mini crib model. Spare yourself from the possibility of hunting down the conversion kit from one store to the next.
If you can’t find the matching conversion kit, you can get a universal conversion kit. But to make sure you don’t turn worn money into a disappointing waste, note down the mini crib’s exact dimensions and find a kit that accurately fits.
For more information, consider reading my article on convertible baby cribs here.
5- Certification
A seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certifies that the crib’s manufacturer adheres to the government’s safety standards. They test products for children to ensure only the best quality materials are used.
Another seal to look for in the crib you’re purchasing is Green guard gold certification. They test for more than 360 volatile organic compounds (VOC) and around 10,000 toxic emissions and. This certification makes sure that the product doesn’t produce indoor air pollution harmful to your baby.
On the other hand, CARB II certification regulates the number of harmful emissions from composite wood products, including wooden mini cribs or parts.
Are mini cribs worth it?
The mini crib is best for rooms with limited space. If you are thinking a mini-crib could optimize the little room left and an affordable one that does not compromise quality, getting one will be a good idea.
Why consider a mini crib?
As compared to buying a bassinet which your kid will outgrow in a matter of several weeks or a few months, a mini crib will allow you to let him sleep close to you without transferring to a regular-size crib. If you’re trying to be economical and practical, a mini crib is your best pick.
Benefits of mini crib
If you have little room in the nursery, a mini crib can fit in without a problem. You can put the mini crib in your older kid’s room and still have enough space to maneuver. It’s also not as expensive as a regular crib. And if you need to visit a relative and have a sleep-over, a mini crib allows easy transport.
If these benefits make sense to you, then you should give the mini crib a chance.
Who Should Consider a Mini Crib?
If you live in an apartment or home that could use more room or if a regular crib just can’t fit in, you should consider getting a mini crib for your baby.
It’s easy to room share when the crib fits in nicely through the door. It’s a more convenient setup for feeding and changing nappy at night.
If you have more than one child, adding the mini crib inside your older kid’s room will be comfortable.
Suppose you need to be away and have the option of letting your kid stay with a relative. In that case, the portability of a mini crib makes it easy to transport.
If you relate to more than one of these, a mini crib is a way to go.
How long can my baby sleep in a mini crib?
Once your child has mastered the art of mini crib escape, at about 2 to 3 years old, it’s time to quit. Or when your kid has reached 35 inches in height and met the weight limit.
If you have a convertible mini crib, then it’s time to transition to the toddler bed.
What age is a mini crib good for?
Your child can use the mini crib up until he’s 1 to 2 years old. But it depends on the measurement and weight limit.
Convertible mini cribs can be used for more years beyond your little one’s crib phase.
How long mini do cribs last?
Most babies outgrow a regular-size crib in a matter of 3 years or so. Considering mini cribs are short of 20 inches compared to regular cribs, your child would have outgrown his mini crib by 2 years of age.
Can a newborn sleep in a crib?
Cribs and bassinets are both safe sleep options for your baby. However, your little one will outgrow the bassinet in no time. It’s why a mini crib is the better choice for a newborn to sleep. If the mini crib’s mattress height can be set to the highest, it can function as a bassinet your newborn can use to sleep in while he’s next to your bed at night.
For more information, check out my article on crib safety with a newborn baby.
What is the weight limit for a mini crib?
22 to 40 pounds is the usual weight limit of a mini crib, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This weight, in turn, corresponds to ages 24 to 36 months, which is when your kid is around 35 inches tall.
Pros and cons of mini crib
The size of the mini crib does not necessarily undermine its safety. The advantages and disadvantages are mainly regarding the number of functional years and being compact and portable.
Pros
- Mini cribs are lightweight and portable.
- They can easily fit through most door frames
- Take less space.
- Stable, sturdy design (less risk of tipping)
- Used longer, even several years
- Standard-sized mattresses are easy to find
- Wide variety of styles, shapes, colors, and sizes
- A longer lifespan can be converted to a toddler bed
Cons
- Heavy (can be hard to move)
- May not fit into your bedroom
- More complicated assembly
- It takes up more space, can be expensive
- The mini crib is not convertible; its use is limited to 2 to 3 years.
- Perfect mattresses can be difficult to find.
Mini Crib Mattress
Once you’ve picked the mini crib for your cutie-patootie, it’s time to complete it with just the right mattress to fit. In most cases, mattresses for mini cribs are sold with the units to make sure they match and have a snuggly fit.
However, suppose they are sold separately for some reason, or you’re choosing to buy a separate mattress. In that case, you must accurately take note of the mini crib’s inner dimensions. For your baby’s safety, the mini crib mattress size must fit that of the mini crib.
Mini Crib Mattress Size
The typical size of the mini crib mattresses is 24-inches in width and 38-inches in length. Note, however, that mini crib mattresses’ size is not regulated, unlike the regular-sized ones. As a safety measure, ensure that the space between the mattress and the crib’s inner sides is less than two fingers. Any wider gap than that can pose a danger to your child.
To be sure, note down the exact dimensions of the mini-crib or the mini crib mattress size. Please make sure they are an exact match.
Best Mini Crib Mattress
Finding the perfect mini crib mattress can be as taxing as finding the best mini crib. Mini crib mattresses also have a vast selection of brands, designs, and models.
You can choose dual-sided, waterproof, organic and non-toxic, innerspring, or foam, that list of random features could go on. What better way to narrow your down choices down but with a comparison table. Weigh your options depending on your needs and (financial) capacity.
For more information, check out this article I wrote on picking the right crib mattress for your baby.
Takeaway
Mini cribs are best for those who are on a tight budget and tight living spaces. But it doesn’t sacrifice elegance over practicality. Knowing the right features to solve the corresponding challenges is how you can make the most of your mini crib purchase.
In general, cribs don’t come with a mattress, and you should consider ordering one simultaneously as the bed. Don’t worry; I have simplified the selection by creating this list of the best crib mattresses. Or perhaps you need help, and you should visit this guide I made on choosing the ideal mattress for your baby crib.
Still unsure about the crib? Here are some other types and styles you should also consider for your nursery:
- Convertible cribs: Best for long term use
- Cribs with drawers: Best for extra storage
- Cribs with a changing table: Best for space-saving
- Mini cribs: Best for portability
- Mid-century cribs: For a timeless design
- Wooden cribs: For a natural look
- Metal cribs: Best for durability
- White cribs: For a dreamy nursery
- Round & oval-shaped cribs: Because they are so cute 😉
