8 Mini Cribs to Suit Any Space and Budget
Babies come with a lot of stuff—from changing tables and nursery gliders to high chairs and bouncers, the furniture alone can take up a ton of room in your home. Looking for a space-saving solution? Consider a mini crib. These compact cradles take up less floor space and are narrower than traditional models, meaning you can squeeze one in beside your bed. The best mini cribs are reliably safe, and many options are foldable and portable, so you can even take them on overnight trips to Grandma’s house. Expecting twins or triplets? Mini cribs are a great option, as each child will need their own separate sleep space.
Eager to learn more? Keep reading to find out the differences between regular cribs and mini cribs—plus, our picks of the best mini cribs on the market.
A mini crib is a smaller version of a standard crib. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a full-size crib must be 28 inches in width and 52 inches in length. Anything less than these dimensions can be categorized as miniature. That said, most mini crib dimensions measure in at approximately 24 inches wide by 38 inches long.
Both mini cribs and full-size cribs have their own benefits and drawbacks. Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of each type.
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Mini cribs. The main benefit of a mini crib is that it takes up less space. Besides that, some smaller models have wheels for added portability, and can be folded away when they’re not in use. Another advantage is that mini cribs tend to be more affordable, which is great if you’re kitting out baby’s room on a budget. One slight downside is that it can be harder to find mini crib mattresses and fitted sheets. It’s also important to note that your child may outgrow a mini crib faster than a standard size option.
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Cribs. Although full-size cribs may be large and bulky, they’re also super-sturdy and reliable. Plus, many styles can be converted into toddler beds. One possible downside? Standard cribs usually have solid legs without wheels, making it difficult to move it from room to room. Another thing to consider is that cribs tend to be more expensive than mini cribs and bassinets.
Children can sleep in a mini crib until they outgrow it or are ready to move into a toddler bed. There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but, in general, kids transition to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. Prior to sleeping independently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing—meaning baby has their own sleep space in your bedroom—for at least the first 6 to 12 months. Depending on your space, a mini crib, bedside bassinet or a full-size crib can be used in your room during this period.
Weighed up your options and decided a mini crib is the way to go? Keep reading to discover nine of the best mini cribs on the market. From petite classics to small-scale smart cribs, you’re sure to find a model that meets your needs.
Overall best mini crib
Delta Children is a brand known for top-quality nursery furniture. This mini crib boasts the same style and craftsmanship as standard sizes, but on a smaller scale. It’s made from strong, sturdy New Zealand pine and is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it’s free from over 10,000 harmful chemicals. The included mattress is thick, firm and waterproof. Better yet, it's built to last—simply adjust the mattress height as your little one begins to sit upright or stand. And, when your tot is ready to move on from a crib, it converts into a twin bed (adapter set sold separately).
Dimensions: 41.25" (L) x 26" (W) x 38.25" (H) | Age range: 0+ months | Capacity: 50 lbs. | Mattress: Includes 2.75" thick mattress
- Converts to a toddler bed
- Adjustable mattress height
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Conversion kit sold separately
Best mini crib with changing table
Convertible nursery furniture offers great bang for buck. Case in point: This mini crib with a built-in changing table that converts to a daybed and a toddler bed—all for under $350. It meets all CPSC safety standards and boasts an elegant design. We also like the fact that it comes with three drawers for added storage. While the sleep space itself is miniature, the overall dimensions are closer to that of a standard size crib.
Dimensions: 56.75" (L) x 29" (W) x 41" (H) | Age range: 0+ months | Capacity: 50 lbs. | Mattress: Includes 1" thick pad
- Three adjustable mattress height options
- Converts to a daybed and toddler bed
- Detachable changing table can be used on its own
- Included mattress pad is very thin
Best mini crib with storage
Crying out for additional storage space? You’ll adore this clever mini crib. Expertly designed to fit into the smallest nooks and crannies, this crib comes with a trundle drawer that runs the full length of the base. The roomy drawer is the ideal place to store baby’s clothing or extra diaper supplies. It’s also Greenguard Gold certified and easily converts to a mini toddler bed, daybed and twin-size bed.
Dimensions: 40.6" (L) x 25.6" (W) x 34.6" (H) | Age range: 0+ months | Capacity: 50 lbs. | Mattress: N/A
- Trundle drawer in the base
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Converts to a mini toddler bed, daybed and twin-size bed
- Mini crib mattress sold separately
- Conversion kits sold separately
Best folding mini crib
Traveling with an infant can be a logistical nightmare, but thanks to this portable mini crib, you’ll no longer have to worry about where baby is going to sleep. The Greenguard Gold certified crib has a compact fold that makes it easy to store and take on trips. Plus, rolling wheels mean you can freely move the crib around your hotel room or vacation house. It also happens to be the most affordable mini crib we’ve seen. Oh, and did we mention that this pick converts to a twin bed too? We’re sold!
Dimensions: 40.35" (L) x 25.08" (W) x 38.58" (H) | Age range: 0+ months | Capacity: 50 lbs. | Mattress: Includes 1" thick pad
- Folds for easy storage
- Rolling wheels
- Four adjustable mattress positions
- Included mattress pad is very thin
- Twin-size conversion kit sold separately
Best portable mini crib
Need a flexible sleep space for baby? Meet the Origami Mini Crib by Babyletto. Named after the Japanese art of paper folding, this stylish crib folds away for easy storage. Plus, this petite pick is small enough to fit through a door frame and has rolling castor wheels, meaning you can move it to any area of the house. Adjust the mattress height to suit your little one’s needs, and sleep easy knowing that this crib is Greenguard Gold certified.
Dimensions: 39.25" (L) x 25.75" (W) x 36" (H) | Age range: 0+ months | Capacity: 30 lbs. | Mattress: Includes 1" thick pad
- Foldable frame
- Lockable castor wheels
- Fits in very small spaces
- Included mattress pad is very thin
- Lower weight capacity than other mini cribs
Best round mini crib
Create a comfy nest for baby with this oval mini crib. It has a super-small footprint and lockable wheels for added portability. And, thanks to an adjustable mattress bottom, it’s easy to lift your little one in and out. The stylish design is crafted from sturdy beech wood and can be adapted to a junior bed with an extension pack.
Dimensions: 32.3" (L) x 26.4" (W) x 34.3" (H) | Age range: 0 to 6 months | Capacity: 264 lbs. (in junior bed configuration) | Mattress: 1.4" thick mattress
- Compact footprint
- Breathable mesh mattress included
- Converts to full-size crib and junior bed
- High price point
- Conversion kits sold separately
Best convertible mini crib
Don’t want to buy a bulky piece of furniture baby will outgrow in a matter of months? This convertible mini crib might be the one for you. It’s small enough to fit into any corner of your home and even has interchangeable feet to match the decor. The best part? This pick easily transitions to a toddler bed, daybed or twin bed for big kids. And like many of the best mini cribs on this list, it's Greenguard Gold certified.
Dimensions: 39.75" (L) x 26" (W) x 35" (H) | Age range: 0+ months | Capacity: 50 lbs. | Mattress: 1" thick pad
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Two adjustable mattress positions
- Converts to toddler or twin bed
- Conversion kits sold separately
- Included mattress pad is very thin
Best vintage-style mini crib
The best mini cribs check every box in terms of style and functionality. And the Abigail convertible crib by Namesake does just that. Crafted from premium steel coated with non-toxic paint, this pick is Greenguard Gold certified and meets all American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) crib safety standards. It has a classic vintage design and a petite footprint, meaning it’ll look lovely in nursery nooks and small bedrooms. Looking for something with longevity? This crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed with the help of a conversion kit.
Dimensions:" 40.25" (L) x 27" (W) x 42.5" (H) | Age range: 0+ months | Capacity: 50 lbs. | Mattress: N/A
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Vintage-inspired design
- Removable wheels
- High price point
- Mattress pad is not included
- Conversion kits sold separately
Plus, more from The Bump:
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, Full-Size Baby Cribs Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide
American Academy of Pediatrics, Tips for Keeping Infants Safe During Sleep From the American Academy of Pediatrics, February 2020
