8 Mini Cribs to Suit Any Space and Budget
Baby’s come with a lot of stuff—from changing tables to high chairs, 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 cribs and mini cribs—plus, our picks of the best mini cribs on the market.
In this article:
What is a mini crib?
Mini crib vs. crib
How long can a baby sleep in a mini crib?
Best mini cribs
A mini crib is a smaller version of a standard crib. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a full-size crib must measure 28" wide by 52" long. Anything less than these dimensions can be categorized as mini. That said, most mini crib dimensions measure in at approximately 24" wide by 38" 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 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. A crib usually solid has legs without wheels, meaning it may be difficult to move it from room to room. Another thing to consider is that cribs tend to be more expensive than mini cribs or 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. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing—meaning baby sleeps in their own crib, mini crib or bassinet in your bedroom—for the first 6 to 12 months. You may also decide to get a mini crib for your room to use during this period and a full-size crib for their nursery.
Best mini crib with mattress
Delta Children is a brand well known for its 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:
- 38.25″ height x 41.25″ width x 26″ depth
Age and weight guidelines:
- Newborn up to 50 pounds
Buy it: Delta Children Classic Mini Crib Convertible to Twin Bed, $150, Target.com
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. You can 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" length x 25.75" width x 36" height
Age and weight guidelines:
- Stop using when child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches
Buy it: Babyletto Origami Mini Crib, $299, Maisonette.com
Best mini crib with changing table
Convertible nursery furniture gives you great bang for buck. Case in point: This pick with a built-in changing table that converts to a mini daybed and a toddler bed—all for under $300. 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" length x 29" width x 41" height
Age and weight guidelines:
- Newborn up to 50 pounds
Buy it: Dream On Me Jayden 4-in-1 Mini Convertible Crib and Changer in White, $279.97, Wayfair.com
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" length x 26" width x 35" height
Age and weight guidelines:
- Mini crib: Stop using when child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches
- Toddler bed use for up to 50 pounds.
Buy it: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib and Twin Bed, $299, Maisonette.com
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 room. It also happens to be the most affordable mini crib we’ve seen. Bonus: This pick converts to a twin bed too.
Dimensions:
- 38.58" height x 25.08" width x 40.35" depth
Age and weight guidelines:
- Newborn up to 50 pounds
Buy it: DaVinci Dylan Folding Portable 3-in-1 Mini Crib and Twin Bed, $160, Target.com
Best mini crib with storage
Crying out for additional storage space? You’ll adore this clever mini crib. Expertly designed to fit in 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 toddler and twin-size bed.
Dimensions:
- 40.6" length x 25.6" width x 34.6" height
Age and weight guidelines:
- Newborn to 50-pound weight capacity when used as a crib
Buy it: Carter’s by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib with Trundle, $199, Wayfair.com
Best round mini crib
Create a comfy nest for baby with this oval mini crib. The stylish design is crafted from sturdy beech wood and can be adapted to a junior bed with an extension pack. It also 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.
Dimensions:
- 32.3" length x 26.4" width x 34.3" height
Age and weight guidelines:
- Newborn to 6 months
Buy it: Stokke Sleepi The Oval Mini Crib, $499, Stokke.com
Best vintage-style mini crib
The best mini cribs check every box in terms of style and functionality. And the Abigail convertible crib by Million Dollar Baby 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 (sold separately).
Dimensions:
- 40.25" length x 27" width x 42.5" height
Age and weight guidelines:
- Stop using crib when child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches
Buy it: Million Dollar Baby Classic Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib, $399, ProjectNursery.com
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