In this article, I’ll review my top picks and include information on choosing the best mini cribs for your home.
Welcome to the age of the mini crib! The world has changed, and so have our homes. More families and individuals live in urban areas where space is at a premium.
Some people downsize as they get older, while others opt for smaller homes to reduce their environmental impact and live simpler lives.
Whatever your reasons, I’m glad you’re here—and that you’re choosing a mini crib!
I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the variety and quality of mini cribs to choose from. So let’s get right into it.
Enjoy Mom Life is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Mini Crib vs Standard Crib Size
Mini cribs are smaller than standard cribs.
Any crib smaller than a standard crib is considered a mini crib. Unlike a full-size crib, mini crib dimensions can vary significantly.
The most common mini crib mattress size is 24 x 38 inches. The actual mini crib will be at least a few inches larger than the mattress.
Standard-size crib mattresses measure about 28 x 52 inches. The dimensions of the crib will be a few inches larger than that.
If you are still undecided on whether to go with a mini crib vs regular crib, be sure to check out my full comparison of the two.
How long can you use a mini crib?
Most children outgrow their mini cribs between 18 months and 3 years old. Most kids will outgrow their full-size crib by around the same age.
For the safety of your baby, check the height and weight limit specific to your mini crib.
Mini Crib Features to Consider Before Purchasing
Even though they are designed for small spaces, mini cribs can come with all the features that standard-size cribs offer. Here are some options to consider when purchasing a mini crib.
Convertible Crib
These cribs can convert into a mini day bed, mini toddler bed and/or twin-size bed. It’s a great feature, but keep in mind you will likely have to purchase a separate conversion kit.
Portable Crib
Portable cribs usually come with caster wheels so you can easily wheel your small crib from room to room.
Folding Cribs
These mini cribs fold up for easy storage. This is a great option if you don’t need the crib every day, like at a grandparent’s house.
Mini Crib With Drawers
Mini cribs with drawers offer extra built-in storage. The surface of the drawers is typically designed as a built-in changing station. They are a great choice because these cribs provide a sleeping area, changing table, and storage area all in one piece!
Adjustable Mattress Levels
Many mini cribs come with adjustable mattress positions. As your baby grows, you can adjust the mattress height to a lower position to prevent your baby from rolling or climbing out.
Different Colors Available
You will want to make sure the crib has all the features you are looking for and that it matches your other furniture.
If you are planning to keep this crib to reuse for future babies, then you will want to pick a color you are comfortable using for a boy or a girl.
Best Mini Crib
Here’s my round-up of the best mini cribs. You are sure to be pleasantly surprised by the variety of options out there!
Best Convertible Mini Crib
Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
An excellent choice for an inexpensive, safe, and easy-to-use crib. With its 5 different modes of use, your child will be able to transition easily from a newborn baby right through to a big kid. With over 3,500 5-star ratings, this is one of the best cribs on the market.
- Converts from mini crib to mini toddler bed to mini day bed to twin-sized bed (with or without a footboard).
- 3 adjustable mattress heights
- Constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine wood
Best Portable Mini Crib
Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib
The wheels on this crib make it a great option if you need to be able to move your crib from room to room easily. The foldable option is an added bonus for easy storage.
This crib is an excellent choice for parents who want a high-quality crib that their baby can use for years. The sturdy design features two adjustable mattress heights, perfect for when the baby transitions to sitting and standing.
- Portable – lockable wheels
- Foldable for easy storage
- 2 adjustable mattress height positions
- Greenguard Gold Certification
Best White Mini Crib
Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
White is a popular color for cribs, a bright color to welcome your beautiful baby boy or girl home in.
The white finish on this piece will look lovely in any nursery, whether you’re aiming for something modern or timelessly classic. The Aden Convertible Mini Crib is a great option with over 5,000 5-star reviews.
- Converts from a mini crib to a mini daybed and a twin-size bed
- 3 adjustable mattress heights
- Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood
Best Folding Mini Crib
Let’s look at two great options, to splurge vs save on.
Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib
Splurge on the Babyletto Origami Mini Crib and its cute sleek design. It is made of sustainable materials, including New Zealand pinewood from responsibly managed forests, and non-toxic finishes low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Foldable
- Portable – removable lockable wheels
- Low profile design with a height of just 36″
- Adjustable mattress height positions
- Greenguard Gold Certified
DaVinci Dylan Folding Portable 3-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
Save with the DaVinci Dylan Folding Portable 3-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib. Superb pricepoint on a crib that grows with your baby. A great option for families tight on space and tight on a budget.
- Foldable
- Portable – lockable wheels
- Grows with your baby: from mini crib to twin bed
- 4 adjustable mattress positions
- Low profile design with a height of just 33″
- Greenguard Gold Certification
Best Mini Crib With Drawers
Dream On Me Jayden 4-in-1 mini crib
This crib converts into a mini daybed and twin-size bed, so you will definitely get your money’s worth out of it.
The side storage is detachable, so you can remove it when your baby is no longer in diapers. The side storage can stand independently as a nightstand when you transition to a daybed or twin bed.
- Detachable 3 drawer changing table chan function as a nightstand
- Mini crib can convert to a mini day bed or twin size bed
- 3 adjustable mattress heights
- Several different colors available
Smallest Mini Crib
These mini cribs are tiny but mighty!
Alma Mini Crib by Bloom
This beautiful crib is one of the smallest mini cribs out there. It’s a high-quality crib made from sustainable materials. Crafted from 100% American beech wood, this mini crib is built to last.
This mini crib measures just 19.5″ wide x 37.25″ long x 36″ high.
Given its extra compact design, it can be used for babies up to 12 months old.
- 2 adjustable mattress heights
- Lockable wheels
- Easy assembly
Stokke Sleepi Mini – 4-in-1 Oval Crib
This beautiful mini crib is extra tiny for an extra cozy safe sleeping space for your babe!
I discuss all these cribs details in the Oval Mini Crib section below. So keep reading!
Best Modern Mini Crib
Dream On Me Lucas Mini Modern Crib
The Dream On Me Lucas is such a beautiful crib, it literally makes me want to pick out baby furniture all over again. In terms of design, this takes the cake.
However, while there are many happy buyers, there are some concerning reviews reporting poor quality.
- Beautiful mid century modern design
- 3 adjustable mattress heights
- Converts to daybed and twin bed
Oval Mini Crib
Stokke Sleepi Mini – 4-in-1 Oval Crib
This beautiful oval mini crib is just TDF. It comes with swivel wheels to conveniently wheel from room to room. The drape rod allows you to hang a canopy to create the most dreamy sleeping space for newborn babies.
The downside is it is really small! While they claim it can hold babies up to 6 months old, some babies will grow out of it much earlier. However, there are panels you can purchase to extend the length to fit kids up to 10 years old.
Given the unique design, sheets can be difficult and expensive to find.
- Compact design measures just over 26″ wide x 32″ long x 34 inches tall
- Wheels for portability
- Adjustable mattress height positions
- Made of solid beech wood
Mini Crib Accessories
Mini Crib Mattress
Per U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations, mini cribs must be sold with a mattress included. However, you should consider buying a more comfortable mini crib mattress since most of these mattresses are just a 1-inch mattress pad.
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. Since mini cribs come in different sizes, you will want to pay special attention to the dimensions to be sure the mattress fits perfectly.
Be sure to read my post on the best mini crib mattresses on the market to help you pick the best mattress for your baby’s mini crib.
Mini Crib Sheets
The AAP also recommends a tight-fitting sheet over the baby’s mattress. Loose sheets can pose a strangulation hazard. Take the size of the mattress and the thickness of the mattress into account when buying sheets for your baby’s mini crib.
Mini Crib Bumpers
Bumpers, pillows, and loose sheets are not recommended by the AAP. So skip these accessories and save your money for something else!
Mini Crib Alternative: The Pack n’ Play
Despite their smaller size, mini cribs are not cheap! And when you add the cost of a good mattress, mattress sheets, mobile and any other accessories you may need it can be quite expensive!
The Pack n’ Play is a great alternative to the mini crib. Here are some important considerations if you are debating between a mini crib and a Pack n’ Play.
Cost
Pack n’ Plays are a cheaper alternative to mini cribs.
Size
Pack n’ Plays are smaller than traditional cribs. They are not as long, but they are similar in width.
Pack n’ Plays are approximately the same length as mini cribs, but they are a bit wider than mini cribs.
Here’s a comparison of the dimensions of a few popular options:
Popular Pack n’ Play Dimensions
Pamo Babe Deluxe Nursery Center: 39.4″ long x 27.6″ wide x 27.6″ tall
Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Anywhere Dreamer: 39.50″ long x 28.25″ wide x 29.00″ high
Popular Mini Crib Dimensions
Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib 39″ long x 23″ wide x 36″ high
DaVinci Dylan Folding Portable 3-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib: 40.35″ long x 25.08″ wide x 40.9″ tall
Portability
Pack n’ Plays are designed for portability. They fold up for easy storage or for travel.
Durability
Pack n’ Plays are not as durable as mini cribs because they are made of fabric. Mini cribs are constructed of wood or wood-like material making them longer lasting.
Value
Pack n’ Plays often include a built-in bassinet and changing station. They can double as safe sleep and play areas. Pack n’ Plays offer greater value than mini cribs since mini cribs are really only used as a safe sleeping area.
Recommendations
Check out these popular Pack n’ Plays to see if they are a good option for you.
Pamo Babe Deluxe Nursery Center
At under $100 the Pamo Babe Deluxe pack n’ play is a steal.
Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Anywhere Dreamer
I am currently using the Graco Pack n’ Play Anywhere Dreamer while my baby is still sleeping in our room. It comes with a changing station and bassinet that are perfect for the first few months.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best mini crib, we hope you find our list of reviews helpful.
We have included a wide range of models, from budget-friendly to high-end options. No matter your needs or how big your nursery is, there should be something here that will work for you and your baby!
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our latest blog posts!
You may also enjoy:
The Best Mattress For Mini Cribs Reviewed
Crib vs Mini Crib: What’s the difference?