If you’re getting ready to put together a nursery or little space for your baby, congratulations! It can be such an exciting time making arrangements to bring your new little one into your home. Depending upon the space you have for your baby or the type of sleeping arrangements you choose, you may be wondering about a mini crib vs a standard crib.
In this post, we’ll go over the key differences between a mini crib vs crib as well as the pros and cons of each!
Mini Crib vs Crib
There are a number of differences between a mini crib and a standard crib, aside from size. Standard cribs are a popular option in the United States and Canada. In Europe, mini cribs tend to be a more popular option due to their more compact size. Regardless of location, one option may be the better choice for your family depending on a few factors.
Size Difference Between Mini Crib vs Standard Crib
The most obvious difference between a mini crib and a standard crib is their size!
Standard, full-sized cribs are 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. While mini cribs are usually 24 inches wide and 38 inches long.
Mini cribs can have a lot of size variations. You may see mini cribs with different dimensions than what’s listed above. This is because they don’t follow the same standards as a regular-sized crib. In the US, standard cribs must follow a standardized measurement by law. However, they still need to be CPSC compliant to be safe for babies.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates baby cribs on the market in the U.S. to protect from unreasonable risk of serious injuries or death.
Additional Key Differences Between Mini Crib and Standard Crib
Portability
When you think of a baby crib, you don’t usually think of portable. However, a mini crib can actually be quite portable! Mini cribs have a smaller profile, making them easier to fit through doorways. Some mini cribs can also conveniently fold or come with wheels to easily move from room to room. Mini cribs are a great option for portable cribs.
If you want to move a standard crib to a new room, you would need to disassemble it to fit through most doorways.
Longevity
For obvious reasons, a standard, full-sized crib will last longer for your baby than a mini crib due to the size differences. At some point, your baby will outgrow the mini crib as they become taller or reach the weight limit. Full-sized cribs have a larger dimension, meant to last your baby for the first few years of their life.
Many standard cribs on the market are convertible cribs. You would use a conversion kit to switch your child’s bed to a toddler bed, twin bed, or full bed depending on the crib. This furthers the amount of time you can have your child sleeping in that particular bed, which can be more budget-friendly in the long run.
There are a few convertible mini cribs on the market. However, they may not fit your growing child as well as a standard convertible crib.
Weight Limit
Weight limits between the mini crib and the standard crib are not much different. The maximum weight limit capacity of a mini crib is 45 pounds. Most babies outgrow the crib in length before they ever reach the weight limit.
The weight limit for a standard crib is 50 pounds. However, the baby will have much more room to grow length-wise with a standard crib.
Durability
Because a standard crib is larger, it is typically more durable than a mini crib. But there are many mini cribs on the market that are made very durable. Just be sure to do your research and check the reviews!
Price
Standard size cribs usually have a higher price tag than mini cribs, especially if they are convertible. Depending upon the designer, some standard cribs can get quite expensive. However, you can still find many standard cribs for a reasonable price. You will see standard cribs ranging anywhere from $200-$1500.
Mini cribs are a bit more affordable due to their smaller size. Most mini cribs on the market cost anywhere from $100-$500.
Style
If you’re looking for a particular style crib for your baby’s nursery, standard cribs are usually the way to go. There are many options for standard cribs on the market. Mini cribs don’t have quite as many options, but there are a lot of cute ones out there!
Crib Accessories
Because regular-sized cribs are more popular with more options, it’s also easier to find crib accessories for them. There are a lot more mattress options for standard cribs. As well as tons of cute, stylish options for a fitted sheet or crib skirt for your baby’s bed.
There are options out there for mini cribs, but standard cribs definitely have a larger selection.
Pros and Cons of Standard Cribs
Pros of Standard Cribs
Style
The options are endless when it comes to standard crib styles. You can even find cribs with changing tables attached or drawer storage. There is most likely something out there to suit your nursery style chosen.
Availability
Because there are so many options out there, standard cribs are in stock at many different stores and available for purchase at any time. You don’t usually have to worry about a crib you chose being out of stock unless it’s a really popular or trendy design. And even then, it’s usually sold by multiple retailers.
Bedding
So many bedding options are available for standard-sized cribs! From crib skirts to regular crib sheets, you can find tons of different designs and colors.
Longevity
There is no doubt you will definitely get more longevity out of a standard crib. If you choose a standard crib over a mini crib, you have an extra 14 inches of length for your baby to grow before outgrowing their crib.
If you choose a convertible crib that converts to a toddler bed (and also a twin size bed), that even further increases the longevity of the crib. Your baby may be able to use that same bed for many years.
Adjustable Mattress Positions
Because a standard crib is meant to grow with your baby, they have multiple adjustable mattress positions. This is so as your baby grows, you can lower the mattress within the crib to keep your baby safe. There are usually at least 3 different mattress positions in a standard crib.
Cons of Standard Cribs
Size for small spaces
For families with smaller living spaces, a standard crib may be too large for the space they have for their baby. Some standard cribs may also be quite large and bulky depending upon their design, like solid wood construction.
If you have a small room for your nursery or your baby needs to share the space with another family member, a standard-sized crib may not be the right fit for you.
Portability
Standard cribs are not designed with portability in mind. Once they are assembled, they are usually meant to stay set in the location you place them. You can move them throughout the nursery. However, they are not easy to move from room to room and may require disassembling to get out of the door.
Storage
If you plan to save your baby’s crib for your next baby, storage may be a bit difficult with a standard crib. They’re quite impossible to store without disassembling (unless you have really large storage space), and usually, break down to large pieces with lots of hardware. It will take some organization on your part to keep all of the pieces together to save for your next baby.
Pros and Cons of Mini Cribs
Pros of Mini Cribs
Better for smaller spaces
The ultimate pro of a mini crib is the fact that they take up less space due to their smaller construction. This type of crib is great for families living in small spaces, or even new parents having multiples that need to fit more than one crib in a space.
Less expensive
If you have a low budget for a crib and are looking for a less expensive option, you may want to search for a mini crib.
More portable
Another top feature of mini cribs is their portability. If you’re looking for a safe space for your baby to sleep that you can transfer from room to room but also use for their night sleep, a mini crib is a great option. Most mini cribs come with wheels which makes their portability even easier!
Easy to assemble
Mini cribs are generally easier to assemble due to their smaller size and need for fewer parts. And can often be put together by one user, whereas a standard crib needs two people to assemble.
Easy storage
Many mini crib options are the market come with folding hinges that allow the crib to fold together in some way for easy storage. All the pieces stay together so you don’t have to worry about losing anything or having to reassemble like you would with a standard-sized crib.
Transition period
Mini cribs are great for any transition period. For example, my baby quickly outgrew his bassinet but I wasn’t ready to put him in his own room yet. Rather than disassemble his large convertible crib and move it to our room, we decided to purchase a mini crib instead to keep in our room.
Cons of Mini Cribs
Baby outgrows quickly
Mini cribs are on average 14 inches smaller than a standard-sized crib. This means there may be a chance your little one will outgrow the crib pretty quickly.
worse valuE?
Although mini cribs are less expensive, over time they may be of less value. If you know you plan to keep your child in a crib for a while, it may be best to choose a convertible crib. The price will be larger upfront but the crib will last you for years as it grows with your child.
Or if you anticipate that you may have a larger child that will outgrow the mini crib quickly.
Less bedding options
Because mini cribs aren’t a popular option on the market, there aren’t as many options for bedding. You will usually just find standard colors and not many pattern options.
Fewer Mattress Heights
Most mini cribs only have two adjustable mattress positions while most standard-sized cribs have three. This matters based on your little one’s physical development and how quickly they’re sitting or standing.
Mini Crib vs Crib: What’s Right for Your Family?
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both a mini crib and standard crib. It’s important to consider the space you have for your little one and your budget.
If you do choose a mini crib, think about where you will put your baby for sleep after they outgrow the mini crib.
And if you don’t love the decision you made in the end, you can always resell and try again!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a baby stay in a mini crib?
This all depends on how quickly your baby grows. Once your baby gets close to 38 inches and has less space to stretch or move around in their crib, it’s time for them to transition to something else.
For some babies this can be around 2, maybe 3 years old. And for others, it may be closer to 1 year old. Don’t forget the weight limit of 45 pounds. And if your baby is standing, make sure the top rail is at the top third of their chest for safety purposes.
Is a mini crib safe?
Newborn babies up to when they outgrow the crib can sleep safely in a mini crib. As long as the mini crib is of good quality, CPSC compliant, and the parents follow safe sleep rules.
Is it worth getting a mini crib?
Yes, it can definitely be worth it depending on your situation! If you have a small space for your baby, are having multiples, or have a lower budget, a mini crib could be the right choice for your family.
What about a mini crib vs pack and play?
A pack n play is a great option for a portable bed, as it can be folded more compact and traveled with. However, if you’re looking for something for your baby to sleep in long term, a mini crib might be the better choice.
You can choose a better quality mattress for your baby to sleep on and purchase different fitted crib sheets to easily switch out and clean.
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