If you’ve chosen a mini crib for your baby’s sleep space or are considering one, you may be wondering how long can baby stay in the mini crib. Because mini cribs are smaller than a regular crib, your baby may outgrow the baby crib sooner rather than later. There are many reasons a new parent may choose a mini crib for their baby. In this post, we’ll go over the different reasons it may be time to move your baby out of their mini crib.
Mini Crib vs Standard Crib
Size Difference
The obvious and significant difference between a mini crib and standard crib is their size. A full-sized crib measures 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Whereas a mini crib usually measures 24 inches wide and 38 inches long. There is a difference of about 14 inches in length between a regular crib and a mini crib.
The length of use by your baby depends on the mini crib’s size. Standard cribs are required to be a certain measurement (28 in x 52 in) by the U.S. government. However, there are no regulations on the size of mini cribs. But, mini cribs are just as safe as standard cribs as they also have to be approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Weight Limit and Adjustable Mattress Positions
There are also differences in weight limit and adjustability of the mattress height. These two things can also be a deciding factor in when it’s time to transition your baby out of their mini crib. The weight limit of a full-size crib is usually 50 pounds versus a mini crib which can be anywhere from 40-50 pounds.
Be sure to check your crib’s weight limits when choosing a mini crib for your baby! The higher the weight limit, the more longevity you may get out of your baby’s mini crib.
When it comes to mattress height, standard cribs usually have three different heights. This is beneficial because as your baby starts sitting and standing, you want the top rail of the crib to not be higher than the top third of your baby’s chest.
You want to lower the mattress as they grow so they don’t accidentally fall over the side of the crib. And it makes it harder for them to climb out when they start becoming more mobile.
A mini crib usually only has two adjustable mattress heights. Your baby should still remain safe when standing as the height of the mini crib does not differ. However, you will go from having your baby close to the top when they are a newborn and then the mattress is lowered all the way down once they start sitting.
AAP Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing for at least the first six months of your baby’s life, ideally up to one year. However, many new parents may not be able to fit a regular-sized crib in the same room as their full-sized bed.
If the parents plan to room-share for an extended period of time, a mini crib may be a better option to allow their baby to room in with them.
The best mini cribs will be made of quality materials, have options for portability and easy storage, and adjustability.
For even more information on the important differences between a regular crib and a mini crib, check out this post next – Mini Crib vs Crib: Which One is Right for You?
How Long Can Baby Stay in Mini Crib?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sets the safety standards for crib sleep in the US. The AAP states once children are about 3 feet tall, they should start sleeping in a bed. However, this is all dependent upon the type of crib you have and how tall your little one is.
The answer truly depends on how big your baby gets as they grow. If your little one grows quickly, it could be around one year old. If your little one doesn’t grow as rapidly. they may be able to stay in the mini crib until they’re a little over two years old. The average height of a two year old can be anywhere from 32-37 inches. So as you can see, this can vary quite a bit!
If you have a mini crib with two adjustable mattress height positions and your child’s top third of their chest (nipple height) is above the top rail of the crib, your little one has outgrown their crib.
If the length of your mini crib is 38 inches, 3 feet tall (36 inches) will most likely be too tight for your baby to sleep comfortably in their crib. You should change to a different sleep space for your baby before they get too large where they would no longer be able to stretch out and sleep comfortably.
If you purchased a convertible mini crib, that would be a good time to use the conversion kit and switch their bed over to a regular bed. A toddler bed conversion would not work since your little one would have outgrown the length of the mini crib.
So as you can see, safety and comfort are key in determining how long baby can stay in a mini crib. You will want to check on their height and weight limits for safety purposes and their length when laying in their crib.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth it to buy a mini crib?
Yes, absolutely! If you have a tight space but want your little one sleeping in a crib, a mini crib is a great option. It would also work well for families low on space having multiples, like twins or triplets. Or if your little one will be sharing a room with a sibling or other family member.
What’s the difference between a mini crib and a pack n play?
A pack n play is a safe place for your baby to sleep that can be used as a travel bed or a portable crib. A mini crib can also be portable, but not in the same sense as a pack n play.
Mini cribs are usually made with folding hinges and wood or wood-type construction. So while they may be portable from room to room, they are not as easy to carry to different locations.
Both a pack n play and mini crib are great for small spaces, but if you’re looking for a more long-term sleep space for your baby, a mini crib would be the way to go.
Are mini cribs safe for newborns?
Yes! As long as you follow the AAP’s standards for safe sleep, mini cribs follow the same safety regulations and should be safe for newborn babies!
How do you turn a mini crib into a toddler bed?
If you have a convertible mini crib, it may come with or you can purchase a conversion kit separately to turn the mini crib into a toddler bed. If this is something you definitely want to do, make sure you check your mini crib of choice to see if it’s compatible.
Other Posts You May Like:
- Mini Crib vs Crib: Which One is Right for You?
- How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need? Real-Life Guide
- How to Prevent Diaper Blowouts: 22 Best Tips Every Parent Must Know
- When Should You Buy Your Breast Pump?
