Which mini crib is right for you? A guide to help you find the PERFECT mini crib for your budget. You won’t have to sacrifice quality with these options!

Introduction

Here’s a scenario: You love your baby, but when they’re sleeping in a full size crib, it makes you feel like you’re living in a dollhouse.

There are so many options when it comes to trying to find a mini crib and it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Which one will fit in your home? Which one is safe for your little one? Where should you even start looking?

You might have to spend hours researching, reading reviews, and comparing prices before you find something that fits your needs.

I’ve tried to do most of that work for you! In this article we will explore some of our favorite picks in this market. These smaller cribs might be a good option for your family instead of a full-size crib because they’re easier to move around (some are portable), cheaper than larger models, more durable than pack ‘n play or playard, but still offer the option to transition into toddler beds.

The top 7 mini cribs we found are reviewed at the bottom of the page, but first let’s get some quick facts out of the way you may be wondering about!

What is a mini crib?

A mini crib is a smaller version of the regular full-sized cribs that many parents are familiar with. It’s not quite as small as a pack ‘n play or playard, but it also isn’t nearly as big and bulky as your standard crib.

The benefits of a mini crib

There are a number of benefits associated with having a mini crib in your home. A few reasons you might want to consider one include:

• They’re easier to move around
• Some mini cribs are convertible and offer the option to transition into toddler beds, which means they can be used for years to come
• They can fit anywhere (or almost anywhere)
• They can be more affordable than larger models

What to look for when buying a mini crib

When purchasing a mini crib, you should take into consideration the quality of materials and main components. You want your purchase to last for years, so it’s important that everything is made from good materials that will hold up.

The mattress that comes with mini cribs is usually thinner than the standard full-sized one, which means you’ll have to use a foam or other kind of filler. Make sure this will be comfortable for your baby and won’t cause any issues down the line.

How much do mini cribs cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 – $300 for a good quality mini crib. Of course some models come with additional features that might increase the price slightly.

There are some mini cribs that come with matching dressers, changing tables, and other furniture pieces that can be used in combination with the crib or separately. This can make a total package deal sometimes more cost effective than purchasing them separately.

For parents who want to keep their baby close by but still have privacy for themselves, a mini crib with side panels attached might be the perfect option. It gives you the ability to lower or raise them as needed.

Alternatively, some models come with slatted sides that provide an unobstructed view of your baby while still offering a little privacy for both child and parents alike.

Some manufacturers will include storage features on their mini cribs that can hold diapers, wipes, changing pads, and other things a new parent might need to keep on hand.

What safety standards must mini cribs adhere to?

Safety features are important when it comes to mini cribs because you want your baby to be as safe as possible. Look for models with non-tipping bases , anti-friction pads (to prevent the mattress from slipping around), and safety railings that stay in place when pushed on. These features can help ensure your baby’s comfort and safety at all times.

Make sure there are no loose slats on the mattress. Also, look out for soft sides that could collapse if your baby pushes on them; you want the crib to remain safe and sturdy at all times.

Any mini crib that is sold in the U.S must adhere to safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC requires that all items must comply with mandatory federal flammability requirements.

Mini crib vs. crib

When deciding between a mini crib versus a crib, it’s all about what you feel is best for your baby. Some parents prefer the mini crib because they’re a lot easier to move and can be placed in a smaller room or area of the house. They’re also a great option if you feel your baby will be spending less time in the crib than he/she would in a full-sized one, or if you plan to move the crib around on a more frequent basis.

Mini crib vs. bassinet

Much like trying to decide between a mini crib and a regular sized crib, deciding between a mini crib versus a bassinet is really up to you. Some parents prefer bassinets because they’re portable and can be easier to travel with. They also allow the baby full mobility and range of motion without being restricted by railings as they would be in a crib.

If you choose a mini crib over a bassinet, you still have the option to put your baby into a regular sized crib when he/she gets older.

What age is a mini crib good for?

The age range for most mini cribs is 0 – 2 years old. Typically, you can keep a baby in a mini crib until you’d normally transition them out of a regular size crib into a toddler bed or a big kid bed.

Is a mini crib big enough for a toddler?

This will depend on how giant your kid is, honestly. We have little shrimpy babies, so my 6 year old could still fit in a mini crib with her legs curled up.

If you have a giant Shrek sized baby, you may have less time that your toddler could fit into it. And that’s okay! That can also help you make the decision as to whether or not a mini crib is right for your family.

Top 7 picks for the best mini cribs on the market

DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

The DaVinci Kalani Mini Crib is designed with safety and convenience in mind. The crib grows with your child – from a mini crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and twin-size bed. The crib comes with four adjustable mattress positions, so you can always keep your child at a safe sleep level and its non-toxic laminate finish is lead, phthalate, and even formaldehyde free. Sturdy construction meets GREENGUARD Gold standards for low chemical emissions.

If you’re trying to design more of a modern nursery, then having a black mini crib in your room could be just the finishing touch that you need! (Pssst. It would also be a great option if you’re planning a Star Wars Themed nursery too!)

Babyletto Origami Mini Crib

This Babyletto classic crib shows off its beautiful design and workmanship in every detail. This Pottery Barn mini crib option is made of solid wood and comes in some SUPER CUTE and fun colors! The one shown here is Lagoon, but they have one in a blush pink that would be absolutely precious in a princess themed room!

It has four locking casters and features a functional folding mechanism. The contemporary design is also neutral, so it can be used in any nursery style. This mini crib easily collapses for storage, instantly freeing up space when your little one needs additional room to play or you need additional room to walk around.

DaVinci Alpha Rocking Mini Crib

This DaVinci mini crib is considered a “multifunctional crib” because it houses your baby, but it also rocks if you don’t have it on its wheels. This makes it a great alternative for a bassinet because you can have it by your bed if you cosleep while your little one isn’t sleeping through the night yet.

It’s crafted from sustainable material and meets or exceeds all CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) requirements and tested and certified to be free of more than 100 potentially harmful chemicals, including lead and phthalates. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified for indoor air quality, and it comes with a waterproof pad that fits into the crib mattress slot.

The DaVinci Alpha is light enough to easily be moved if needed. You can roll it from room to room using the included rocker wheels or leave them off when your child needs rocking.

Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib/Twin Bed

This Baby Gelato mini crib actually converts to a twin bed and I know plenty of kids who are in a twin bed up until they move out for college…when they go right to another twin bed in a dorm room.

This one is pretty cool since it will grow with your child. I also like that it is made from sustainable wood.

Simple to put together, this mini crib set includes everything you need for an at-home nursery. It is designed with small spaces in mind, allowing more floor space in the baby’s nursery or if they’re sharing a room with mom and dad. Wooden slats provide the babies with great air circulation and breathability which is super important for baby’s safety.

One of my favorite features is that, although sold separately, you can actually purchase additional feet for this mini crib which means you can customize the look to add some a pop of color if you want which sounds super fun! 🙂

Delta Children Classic Mini Crib

Everyone loves a classic white crib. Or a white mini crib in this instance. This easy to assemble mini crib by Delta Children has a safe and sturdy slatted wood construction with an adjustable mattress height. It’s great for a small space and can be used as a crib or toddler bed with the purchase of an additional bed frame.

I personally love this mini crib because it’s part of Delta Children’s classic collection which has been making quality kids furniture at affordable prices for decades. Our first baby’s crib was a Delta and she’s 6 now so it brings a level of nostalgia.

The classic mini crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified to protect your child from toxic chemicals in their environment by complying with the most stringent chemical emissions standards. It’s also JPMA certified, which means that it meets or exceeds all safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. When you put your baby to sleep, you want to make sure they’re protected as much as possible and this crib checks all the right boxes!

BreathableBaby Mesh Mini Crib

Unlike any other design of a mini crib I’ve seen on the market, the BreathableBaby Mesh Mini Crib is a true mini crib. It offers a sleeker, more modern design. Its innovative breathable mesh design makes it more hygienic and safer than traditional mini cribs. With the right mattress for your mini crib, this will be a lovely addition to any home nursery.

Something I like best about this mini crib is that the design gives baby their own space, but still lets you see them. This is one of the main things I wanted and needed in our nursery when all of our babies were super little. The fact that this crib doesn’t have slats, but instead a breathable mesh fabric all the way around makes this one of the safest mini crib on the market. I’m glad that BreathableBaby put so much thought into their design.

Carter’s by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib with Trundle

With this mini crib comes another option for a multifunctional piece of furniture because of the awesome trundle storage drawer underneath. The crib features four different mattress positions which means your baby can sleep in a level position as well as raise it as he grows to make getting into and out of bed easier for him. The mini crib converts into a twin-size bed using an optional conversion kit sold separately.

Like many of the other mini crib options, this crib is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and made from sustainable materials, its non-toxic multi-step painting process and lead and phthalate safe.

If space and storage is something you’re concerned with, the storage trundle underneath should come in handy for storing your baby’s clothes or keeping some of your favorite toys in the nursery with your little one without them being everywhere in the room.

Conclusion

I hope you find this guide helpful in narrowing down your options. There is a mini crib for everyone that can fit your specific needs and I think that’s pretty amazing!

Let me know if you have any questions about the products or need help deciding which one to buy. And please share with anyone who might be looking at buying their first baby gear purchase. The more information, the better decision making process!

Happy shopping!

Click on any of these cribs below to shop!

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