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One of the most crucial decisions you need to make when you design your nursery to provide a safe sleeping area for your baby is a mini crib vs crib.
A mini crib is much smaller and ideal for compact living spaces, while a standard crib is larger, more versatile, and can be converted to a toddler bed or daybed.
We researched various high-quality cribs and mini cribs to compare the price, versatility, longevity, size, and pros and cons.
Here is a quick summary of a mini crib vs crib to give you a general overview of their differences:
Mini Crib | Crib | |
Standard dimensions | 24”W x 38”L | 28”W x 52”L |
Adjustable mattress height | Yes | Yes |
Estimated cost | $399 | $504 |
Portability | Yes | No |
Space-saving | Yes | Not really |
Weight limit | 45 lbs | 50 lbs |
Grows with child? | No | Yes |
Can it be converted into beds? | No | Yes, toddler beds and daybeds |
In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the specifics of mini cribs and standard cribs to help you make an informed choice that suits your unique needs and preferences.
Mini cribs are designed for small spaces or temporary use because they’re more compact and take up less space in your nursery or your bedroom.
If you live in a small apartment or want a crib that you can move around your home, a mini crib can be a practical choice.
However, your baby will outgrow it sooner because of its smaller size, and you’ll need to invest in a bigger crib later down the road.
On the other hand, standard cribs are the traditional and a more common option. They come in various designs and materials and offer greater versatility.
A standard crib is great if you have the space and intend to use it for a longer duration. Many standard cribs grow with your child and can be converted into toddler beds or daybeds.
When shopping for cribs, consider the size of your living space, your budget, and the crib’s longevity.
As we mentioned earlier, mini cribs are great if you have a small space because they are smaller and more compact than a standard crib.
But there are a few things you should know before you purchase a mini crib.
Mini cribs usually measure approximately 24 inches in width and 38 inches in length. This compact size allows you to fit a mini crib in even the smallest spaces.
It also gives you extra space in your baby’s room to add educational toys and materials or to create a safe play area for your baby to explore independently.
If you are placing the mini crib in your bedroom, it will be easier to keep your baby close to you during the early months.
This is a great option if you want to co-sleep with your baby but don’t feel comfortable having your baby on your bed.
Many mini cribs come with storage solutions such as built-in drawers or shelves, which are a real bonus when space is limited.
We personally find it convenient to have everything we need like diapers, wipes, and clothes in one place. So having a mini crib with storage is a huge plus.
Some mini cribs also come with wheels that make it easier to move around your house. This eliminates the need to have a playpen in your living room.
The Babyletto Origami Mini Crib is a great example. The wheels allow you to move the mini crib from one room to another.
And if your baby falls asleep in a different area of your home, you can simply roll the mini crib to your nursery or bedroom without picking your baby up.
The biggest benefit of mini cribs is the perfect size for smaller homes, apartments, or shared living spaces. We live in a small apartment and a mini crib would have been ideal.
And because of the smaller size, mini cribs are usually more affordable. If you are on a low budget, then a mini crib can be a great choice.
Below are some high-quality and safe mini cribs you should consider:
Cost of Mini Cribs | |
Brand | Price |
$499.00 | |
$599.00 | |
$299.00 | |
$199.00 | |
They are small but still provide a comfortable and safe sleeping environment for your baby without monopolizing your room.
As we mentioned earlier, mini cribs are lightweight and designed for portability. Some mini crib models are even foldable so you can transport and store them easily when not in use.
The Babyletto Origami Mini Crib I mentioned above folds for easy storage. If you are visiting a friend or family member, it may fit in your car for easy transport.
The main drawback of a mini crib is its lifespan and this is why we personally would stay away from it. Your baby is going to outgrow it quickly and will need to transition to a bigger crib.
This means that you will need to invest in a standard crib, a crib mattress, and all necessary bedding accessories.
Mini cribs often require custom-sized mattresses due to their smaller dimensions.
And believe us, smaller mattresses and bedding accessories are harder to find and can be more expensive.
Standard cribs are the traditional go-to option and are designed with a focus on longevity and versatility.
Cribs also have to comply with certain size requirements and this adds a level of security.
Standard cribs have larger dimensions compared to mini cribs, typically measuring around 28 inches in width and 52 inches in length.
This spacious design provides ample room for your baby to sleep comfortably and accommodate their needs as they grow.
Since standard cribs are more common, you can find various designs, styles, and materials, which offer greater flexibility and aesthetic choices.
If you are looking for a very specific style or color, we are sure you will find it easily.
One thing worth mentioning is that some standard cribs have low profiles that are perfect for short moms.
We wrote an article on the best cribs for short moms so make sure to check it out.
Many standard cribs can be converted to toddler beds or daybeds and this extends the longevity of the crib.
Most cribs come with all the accessories you need to convert them to toddler beds but don’t be surprised if you need to purchase a conversion kit separately.
When your baby outgrows the crib, you can remove one side or convert it to a lower height to create a safe and familiar sleeping space for your growing toddler.
Some cribs can also be converted into daybeds by removing the front rail to allow your child to have a comfortable lounging area for daytime activities.
We highly recommend the Yuzu 8-in-1 Convertible Crib because you can use it as a bassinet, crib, or bed for your kid.
We like these convertible cribs because your child will have an easier time transitioning from a crib to a bed since they are very familiar with their sleeping environment.
One of the biggest advantages of standard cribs is their longevity because they are designed to accommodate infants and toddlers.
As I mentioned earlier, once your baby outgrows the crib, you can convert it to a toddler bed. Some models even come with adjustable mattress heights to adapt to your growing baby.
The larger crib also provides your child with a more comfortable and spacious sleeping area and your baby will have more room to play or engage in physical activities.
It is also easier to find standard crib mattresses and bedding accessories. They are readily available online or at your local retailer.
The larger size of standard cribs can be a problem if you have limited space or if you plan to have your baby sleep in your room.
Standard cribs are also heavier and much wider which makes them less portable. Some cribs will not fit through a doorway, so moving them from room to room may not be possible.
If you are on a tight budget, a standard crib may not be the right choice because they are usually more expensive.
We’ve seen cribs go for almost $1,000! But since cribs can be converted into toddler beds, the investment may be worth it.
Below are some affordable cribs we recommend.
Cost of Standard Cribs | |
Brand | Price |
$599.00 | |
$219.00 | |
$699.00 | |
$499.00 | |
When you are ready to shop around for the ideal crib, consider the following to make an informed decision.
As we mentioned previously, mini cribs measure about 24 inches by 38 inches, while standard cribs measure about 28 inches by 52 inches.
The size you choose should align with your living space and your child’s needs. If space is limited, a mini crib might be a better choice.
But if you have room to spare and are looking for a long-term investment, a standard crib could be the way to go.
Mini cribs come with simple, space-saving designs but the options are very limited.
Standard cribs, on the other hand, offer greater variety in design which allows you to find a crib that fits the style and theme of your nursery or bedroom.
Whether you prefer a classic, contemporary, or themed look, there’s a standard crib to match your vision.
Mini cribs are portable due to their smaller size and lighter weight. Some come with wheels that make it easy to move around.
If you anticipate needing to move the crib around your home or plan on traveling with your baby, a mini crib provides ease and convenience.
Standard cribs are less portable. They are meant to be stationary fixtures in your nursery, which can be both an advantage and a limitation, depending on your needs.
Mini cribs are generally more affordable than standard cribs.
Just keep in mind that it can be harder and probably more expensive to find a mattress and bedding accessories for your mini crib.
Standard cribs are more expensive mainly because they are bigger.
While the initial cost of a mini crib may be lower, you may need to budget for a larger bed sooner as your baby outgrows it, potentially spending more money in the long run.
At the end of the day, you need to consider your available space and budget. The right crib really depends on your needs.
If you’re still on the fence, I recommend you get the Yuzu 8-in-1 Convertible Crib because it offers the best of both worlds.
For a more affordable option, you can consider a Montessori floor bed which provides lots of developmental benefits for your child.
Hello, I am Leslie. I am on a mission to help you support the growth and development of your child. With the right tools and proper guidance, you can navigate parenthood with confidence and assertion! My goal is to equip you with knowledge to help you construct a strong foundation for your child’s life.
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