When you have a baby, you know a crib is a necessity. But, what if you’re in a small space? Or need to purchase multiple cribs when you’re preparing for multiples? What to do then?
Enter the mini crib.
A mini crib suits the same purpose of a crib, it’s just smaller than the traditional one. A mini crib is a great solution for parents who want to create a quintessential nursery set-up but are facing space challenges.
As a mom to twins, I wish I had known about mini cribs when I was shopping for my daughters’ nursery. I measured (and re-measured) the space so many times, and breathed a deep sigh of relief when our cribs arrived and they both fit. Some research into the world of the best mini cribs would have alleviated that stress, and created more room in their nursery for story time and tummy time.
Learn from my naïveté.
If you’re like me and faced with a small space while preparing for your baby, read on. In this article, we’re going to share some tips to choose a mini crib and review the best mini cribs on the market.
Jump straight to our reviews of the best mini cribs…
- Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
- Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib with Wheels
- DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
- Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
- Dream On Me Violet Mini Crib
- Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib
- Dream On Me Jayden 4-in-1 Mini Convertible Crib And Changer
- Dream On Me Edgewood 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
How to Choose a Mini Crib
What’s the difference between a mini crib and a regular one?
The big difference – really, the key difference – between a mini crib and a regular crib is the size.
Regular-sized cribs are around 28 inches wide by 52 inches long. Mini cribs typically measure 24 inches wide by 38 inches long, but can vary by an inch or two.
What age is a mini crib good for?
This answer is going to depend on how fast your baby grows.
There are height and weight limits on all mini cribs. Many babies can stay in a mini crib until they’re around 18 months to two years old. But, if your baby grows faster, he’ll outgrow it well before then.
Keep an eye on your baby’s development. When your baby gains the strength to pull himself up and stand in the mini crib, that’s a sign he’s outgrown it and it’s time to transition to a toddler bed.
Are mini cribs safe for newborns?
Yes, mini cribs are safe for newborns.
Since they are smaller and more portable than a regular crib, they fit more easily in a parent’s bedroom than a standard-sized crib.
Many parents like to have their newborns in the same bedroom when they’re that small, so this is ideal.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should sleep in the same room as their parents (not the same bed) until they’re six months old. A mini crib allows them to do just that.
If you are concerned about a specific mini crib on your list of possibilities, you can check to see if it’s ever been recalled or if there have been any issues with it. (Not sure how to look up if a product has ever been recalled? Check out this how-to guide from Real Simple.)
Do mini cribs come with mattresses, like Pack and Plays?
With a few exceptions, mini cribs are just like regular-sized cribs, and you’ll need to purchase a mini crib mattress and mini crib sheets separately.
What is the smallest crib?
The smallest crib we’ve seen on the market is 24 inches wide by 38 inches long. You don’t want it to be any smaller because you want your baby to be able to use it for enough time to make it worth your money.
Why should I get a mini crib?
Many parents look for a baby crib for small spaces when they don’t have room for a larger crib. If your baby is sharing a room with an older sibling, you may want to save space with a mini crib. Other parents have small bedrooms – or may even need to set up their baby’s sleeping area in a main living area, like one of my friends did – so a mini crib just makes sense.
Some of the best mini cribs are also foldable, making them portable and ideal for travel or just an overnight stay at grandma’s house. If you travel frequently, a mini crib is a safe way for your baby to sleep when you’re on the go.
Features to Look for When Buying a Mini Crib
When you’re shopping for a mini crib, there are several things to keep your eye on.
Safety
Safety is priority number one when it comes to any baby product. Check to see that the mini crib you’re considering is safe, hasn’t been recalled, and has good reviews in the safety department.
Also, check to see that the slats on the crib are no more than 6 cm apart. You don’t want your baby to be able to stick a limb through and get stuck.
Portability
If you plan to use your mini crib for travel or want to be able to move it around the house easily, look for one that has wheels.
Also, a mini crib that folds up is a good idea if you travel frequently and want your baby to have a safe place to sleep.
Convertible Options
The only drawback with a mini crib is that your baby can outgrow it sooner than a regular crib.
Don’t despair though!
Some cribs have the option to be converted into a toddler bed when the time comes and even a twin bed or full-size bed down the road. You have to buy a conversion kit to make this work, but many parents like this option, so keep it on your radar.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Mini Crib
If you like the idea of a mini crib because you can save space, you still want to make sure that you’re going to get your money’s worth.
While there’s no way of knowing how fast your baby is going to grow, you want to get a mini crib that will be worth your money. Look for one that has the maximum weight and height restrictions you can find. This way you’re really stretching your dollar.
A mini crib that folds and is portable if you intend on traveling is one way to ensure you’ll get your money’s worth too. And thinking a few years down the road, a mini crib that converts into a big kid bed can help you stretch your investment.
Reviews of the Best Mini Cribs on the Market
Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
When you’re looking for the best mini crib, keep this one on your list if you want to be able to use it after your baby outgrows the crib stage. With a conversion kit sold separately, this 4 in 1 convertible crib can convert into a mini daybed and even a twin bed.
Height and weight limits on this mini crib are 37 inches tall and 40 pounds. Keep this in mind as you’re shopping to determine if this is a good fit for you.
If you’re looking for a mini crib that’s on the smaller side, this one is not the smallest out there, but it’s pretty close. It measures 39 inches long x 23 inches wide. In the safety department, this one passes all of the tests and is also free of any toxic elements.
What We Love:
- It’s convertible so it grows with your child.
- Reasonably priced
- 1 inch mattress included
Keep in Mind:
- It doesn’t come with wheels and isn’t foldable.
Check out the Dream on Me Aden 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib on Amazon.
Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib with Wheels
If portability is high on your list of must-haves in your search among the best mini cribs, Babyletto may have something for you – the Babyletto Origami Mini Crib. This model has a foldable frame with removable, locking caster wheels that make storage easy.
Size-wise this baby crib measures about 39 inches long x 25 inches wide, making it a pretty solid choice if you need to save space in a room. It also has a sleek and simple design if that’s what you’re going after. This mini crib comes in seven colors, which can be especially helpful if you’re trying to match decor with existing areas in your home.
There is the option to use two different mattress positions to put your baby to sleep and it comes with a 1 inch mattress pad included.
The Babyletto Origami Mini Crib is also Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning that it is made from materials that won’t hurt your baby and is good for the environment. This baby is made with sustainably sourced solid New Zealand pine wood — one of the most renewable woods available.
At the time of this writing, we found this mini crib a little difficult to find and pricey. So, keep that in mind as you shop and compare other mini cribs on the list.
What We Love:
- Sleek design
- Easy to fold and very portable
- Made from materials that are good for your baby and the environment
- Small in size and good for tight spaces
- Seven fun colors help you create the nursery vibe you’re looking for
- One inch mattress pad included
Keep in Mind:
- There is no option to convert the crib into a larger bed.
- It’s an expensive one!
Check out the Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib on Amazon.
DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
As you search for the best mini crib for your baby, check out the DaVinci Kalani if you’re looking for portability and a crib that grows with your baby.
There are four adjustable mattress positions to lower your baby as she grows so she can stay safe in the crib.
Your baby will get a lot of use out of the DaVinci Kalani mini crib because it has a weight limit of 50 pounds – which will be when he’s 5 or 6!
When he gets too big for the crib, you can convert to a mini toddler bed, daybed, and twin bed, since this is a 4 in 1 convertible mini crib. You just have to buy the conversion kit separately.
If you’re looking for a baby crib for small spaces, this one measures 39 inches long x 28 inches wide. Keep those measurements in mind as you shop around as it’s a little bigger than some others. When it comes to safety, this mini crib is Greenguard Gold Certified so it’s good all-around.
But, if portability and easy storage are high on your list, this one doesn’t check those boxes. There are no wheels and it doesn’t fold up. This one is going to stay where you put it unless you decide to lift it into another room.
When it comes to price, this one is a good buy because you’ll be able to convert it into different bedding options as your baby grows. Even though you have to buy the conversion kit separately, it beats having to buy another crib or bed.
What We Love
- You can convert this into different bedding options.
- It’s reasonably priced.
- Weight limit of 50 pounds
- Sized right for small spaces
Keep in Mind:
- There are no wheels, so portability is tough.
- It doesn’t fold up, so moving to another room isn’t that easy.
- Slightly larger than some other mini cribs
Check out the DaVinci Kalani Mini 4 in 1 Convertible Crib on Amazon.
Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
This mini crib checks many of the boxes of things to look for when you’re buying one. Let’s start with the size. It measures 39 inches long x 26 inches wide. Although it’s slightly larger, it’s in the ballpark of many other mini cribs, making it a good choice if siblings are sharing a room or if you want to put it in your room for a while.
Once your baby gets too big for the crib, you can transition it to a toddler bed, daybed, and eventually a twin bed. While the conversion kit is sold separately, it can still be a good way to save money.
When you consider that you can get all of that use out of one crib, the price tag makes sense. The conversion kit is not going to cost you as much as having to buy new furniture every couple of years.
Like its sister, this Babyletto model is also made from renewable New Zealand pine wood, so you can feel good about this sustainable choice.
If you don’t mind that you can’t fold up this crib or wheel it around your house, then this mini crib may be an option for you. But, if portability is top on your list, this one may not work out because there are no wheels or folding options.
What We Love:
- You can convert it to three other bedding options.
- It’s not as wide so it will fit in smaller spaces.
- It’s reasonably priced for what it includes.
Keep in Mind:
- There are no wheels so portability is going to be tough.
- This isn’t going to work for travel because it doesn’t fold.
Check out the Babyletto Gelato Convertible Crib on Amazon.
Dream On Me Violet Mini Crib
Another option to consider when you’re looking for the best mini crib is the Dream on Me Violet Mini Crib. This crib is another one that converts to a mini daybed and then to a twin-size bed with the extra pieces sold separately.
There is also a 3-position adjustable mattress height so you can always make sure your baby is safe in the crib.
The maximum weight is 50 pounds.
When it comes to space, this one is slightly longer than some other mini cribs, measuring at 42 inches long x 25 inches wide. So, if you were looking for a crib for a very tight space, this could become an issue.
Another thing to consider is that while this mini crib is convertible, it’s not portable or foldable. If those are deal-breakers for you, then you know you have to look elsewhere.
In the price department, this one is reasonable when you consider that you can use this crib as your baby grows. It’s also passed numerous safety tests so you can feel confident if you choose this for your baby.
What We Love:
- Reasonably priced
- It can be converted into other bedding options.
- It has passed many safety tests.
- Weight limit of 50 pounds
Keep in Mind:
- There are no wheels and the crib is not very portable.
- It is longer than some other mini cribs.
Check out the Dream on Me Violet Mini Crib on Amazon.
Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib
Equipped with wheels, this Delta Children folding portable mini crib gets high marks for portability and travel.
It’s also on the smaller side of the various mini cribs, measuring at 37 inches long x 23 inches wide. This makes it easy to fit in tight spaces at home or on the go.
Plus, the mattress that’s included stores right in the crib when you fold it so everything is compact.
There is a 2-position mattress height adjustment so you lower the mattress when your baby starts to sit or stand. This, coupled with the fact that the crib meets or exceeds all safety standards, should give you peace of mind that you’ve chosen a safe crib for your baby.
Although this crib is portable and compact, it can’t be converted into other bedding styles. You need to decide which factors are most important to you as you shop for your mini crib.
Also, the maximum recommended weight for this Delta Children mini crib is 35 pounds. So, your baby could outgrow the crib quickly.
What We Love:
- This crib is extremely portable and easy to fold.
- The mattress folds into the crib for easy storage.
- It’s reasonably priced for what it offers.
Keep in Mind:
- The maximum recommended weight is 35 pounds.
- You can’t convert this crib to any other bedding styles.
Check out the Delta Children Folding Portable Crib on Amazon.
Dream On Me Jayden 4-in-1 Mini Convertible Crib And Changer
This mini crib is different from others on the list because it also has a detachable 3-drawer changing table. While this does make it larger when it is attached (56 inches long x 29 inches wide), the fact that you can detach the drawer and changing table is a bonus. You can put this somewhere else in your house if it doesn’t fit when it’s attached.
The fact that there are options means it’s one to keep on your radar. Plus, it is a convertible design so it can become a mini daybed and a twin bed. All of the rails are sold separately.
This maximum weight requirement is 50 pounds, so you should be able to use it for quite some time.
You really can’t beat the price considering that you have the option to detach the changing table and convert this crib into other beds. The only downside is that there are no wheels and it isn’t portable.
What We Love:
- The changing table and drawers are detachable.
- You can convert this into other bedding options.
- It can weigh up to 50 pounds.
- The price is good for what it offers.
Keep in Mind:
- There are no wheels and this crib isn’t portable.
Check out the Dream On Me Jayden Convertible Crib and Changer on Amazon
Dream On Me Edgewood 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
When it comes to a no-frills mini crib for small spaces, this one from Dream on Me is one to keep on your radar.
For starters, it can convert into a mini daybed and a twin bed (all rails sold separately).
The measurements are slightly larger than some others at 39 inches long x 28 inches wide. The maximum weight is 50 pounds so you should have it around for a while.
The 3-position adjustable mattress height lets you change the settings as your baby grows so the mattress is always in a safe position. Plus, this mini crib meets or exceeds all safety standards.
In the price department, it’s reasonable for what it offers. There are no wheels and it doesn’t fold, so if these are important to you, you might want to look at other models.
What We Love:
- Can convert into other bedding options
- Meets or exceeds all safety standards
- The maximum weight is 50 pounds.
Keep in Mind:
- No wheels make it hard to transport.
- It doesn’t fold up.
Check out the Dream on Me Edgewood Mini Crib on Amazon
Final Thoughts on the Best Mini Cribs
When it comes to finding the best mini crib, it really comes down to what factor is most important, portability or convertibility. Many portable mini cribs are not convertible and vice versa.
If we had to pick our favorite mini crib, it would be the Dream On Me Jayden 4-in-1 Mini Convertible Crib And Changer. (And needless to say, it’s the best convertible mini crib of the bunch!) This one stands out among the competition because it has the bonus detachable changing station and storage drawers.
While it’s not portable, it does check most of the boxes for the best mini cribs in small spaces because it’s safe and convertible. It’s also economical for what it includes. The Dream on Me Jayden mini crib is designed to give parents the best of both worlds with its options while keeping their budget in mind.
