The Top 6 Best Mini Cribs 2019
Expecting a little addition to your family?
Then you might be all hyped on what theme you’ll have on the nursery or shopping for all baby clothing and essentials. However, the first and foremost thing you’ll need to consider is a comfortable place for your little one to rest their head.
Sleep is quite important for babies. Therefore, you need to make sure that your little one will have a peaceful and comfortable sleeping space.
However, if thinking about how you will fit a full-size crib— along with other essential baby gears such as a glider, dresser, changing tables, cabinets and toys— into your small nursery makes you cringe, then you’ll need a better solution.
Mini cribs.
These are major space server and multitasker, too, doubling as a comfy bassinet or the capability to transition into a toddler bed or day bed down the road.
Mini Cribs: What Are They?
Mini Cribs are well, miniature. They are smaller than the standard sized cribs with some models having portable wheels which make it very convenient and easy for parents to move the crib from the nursery to their bedroom.
In addition, there are some units which can be folded completely flat and stored under a bed, a great option perfect for visiting nanny’s place or the grandparents’ house.
Most kids can comfortably sleep in cribs up to the age of 2 – 3 years, and be ready to transition to a toddler’s bed or maybe even a twin bed. And most mini cribs can be easily converted to a toddler bed or a twin bed later on.
Just make sure that you have the conversion kit since some manufacturers may discontinue making the crib model down the line. Also, mini cribs don’t come with full-sized mattresses, so you will need to purchase a mini crib mattress and sheets to go along with the miniature-size frame.
Why Get A Mini Crib?
Mini cribs are a great solution for any family, however, they are especially suited for particular situations. Here are some of the reasons why you need a mini crib:
- Limited Space
Thanks to their small sizes, mini cribs are especially suitable for small spaces. If the standard-sized crib feels too big for your space, or it just won’t fit, then mini cribs are the best solution out there. Your baby will be able to stay in mini cribs longer than other options, such as bassinets.
Also, if you are a parent to twins or multiple young ones who share a room, then you will have to figure out how to fit in multiple beds and/or cribs into the same room. Well, mini cribs are a great addition that will not make the space feel or look crowded.
- Room sharing
The AAP or American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies need to share a room with their parents for the first 6 months to a year. This kind of co-sleeping is the safest option in a baby’s early days and allows you to quickly and easily attend to your little one’s needs. So, if a standard crib won’t fit into your already crowded room, then mini crib allows room sharing more easily and for longer.
- Sensitive Babies
Your little one, before getting out of this world, has been sleeping in a warm and small place for nine months. Thus, newborn babies are more sensitive and feel safer in confined spaces. This makes a standard sized crib seem like a palace for them.
Mini cribs, on the other hand, can be quite comforting to little ones who are quite sensitive to space. So, if you notice that your newborn baby is not sleeping really well in standard cribs, then it might be a good idea to go with a mini until they get older.
- Portability
Mini cribs, although they are not a formal portable crib, are much easier to move around the house. Some babies may take a nap in the living room while you do household chores while sleeping at night in the nursery.
In addition, some mini cribs can be folded for easy storage or easy traveling. This makes it easy if you might want to visit the grandparents for a few days or even a weekend trip away with the whole family.
If you want the flexibility of moving the crib around the house or take it with you when traveling, then mini cribs will give you that freedom.
- Convertibles
Most mini cribs can be converted to a toddler bed or a daybed. Some even a twin bed or a full-size bed. This makes the mini crib handy and useful when your little one becomes a toddler until teen years.
Expert Guide: Choosing The Right Mini Crib For Your Baby
Buying a mini crib is quite similar to choosing a standard crib. However, there are additional factors that you need to keep in mind:
- Size
Although most mini cribs come in the standard size of 24 x 38 inches, there are some models that are narrower than others. So, you need to keep this in mind when selecting the perfect mini crib.
Even if your baby does not hit the height limit for the mini crib, they might feel cramped if their crib is too narrow.
In addition, you need to consider how you plan to use the mini crib. If portability is crucial or space is limited, then you might need a narrower mini crib. However, if you want your baby to use to the crib for as long as possible, then you need to get the standard size of the mini crib.
Either way, you will have to make sure that you purchase a mattress as well as a fitted sheet that match the size of your mini crib.
- Safety
Similar to standard cribs, the standards for mini cribs are set by the CPSC or the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This organization require high-quality hardware, strong mattress support, and slats, prohibit drop-side rails and outlines rigorous and strict testing methods. For mini cribs which can be folded down or collapsed, the CPSC specifies that locking mechanisms should be failsafe and that the detachable bases are secure.
And since the latest standards were released last 2011, it is a good idea to get a new mini crib, instead of relying on hand-me-down cribs which could have been built with outdated specifications.
- Quality of Materials
Since your baby might be in the mini crib from birth to toddler, you should make sure that you are purchasing one that is made of high quality and reliable materials.
Choose solid wood if you can and ensure that the mattress support is sturdy and thick. There are some mini cribs that also have a metal mattress support for extra durability.
Note that most mini cribs usually come with a 1-inch mattress pad, but you will probably want to purchase a thicker mattress for your little one’s comfort.
- Portability
Unlike regular cribs, most mini cribs are designed with portability in mind. Especially when you have a newborn, you will likely want to be near them during naptime.
Rather than feeling chained to a room, look for lightweight and portable mini cribs which can be easily moved from one room to another. There are even mini cribs that are fully equipped with caster wheels for this exact purpose. Just make sure that the wheels can be locked in order to prevent any accidents.
In addition, you might also want to take the crib with you on trips or easily tuck it away when not in use. If this is the case, then go for a mini crib which can be folded down or collapsed when the mattress. This is a great choice for anyone who needs to visit the grannies or If you want to store the crib to save space.
- Adjustability and Versatility
Depending on the design, mini cribs can be used until your kid is 1 – 2 years old. However, if you go with convertible cribs, you will be able to use the components for a few more years.
There are some mini cribs which can transform into a mini daybed by removing one of the rails. Some can be a toddler bed, or even a twin bed and a full-size bed.
In addition, you will have to make sure that the mini crib allows you to adjust the mattress positions. Look for mini cribs which allow at least 2 or more mattress levels. With newborns, you will want a mattress at the highest level so you can easily reach your little one.
However, once your baby can sit up and probably stand up, you will want to move the mattress to a lower position for your baby’s safety.
- Price
Mini cribs are generally more affordable than the regular cribs. Most mini cribs fall between $100 and $300, although it varies on the features.
Mini cribs with multiple features such as wheels and collapsibility tend to cost more than the simpler models. Convertible mini cribs, on the other hand, are not necessarily more expensive than the non-convertible cribs, plus they provide a great value since they grow with your kid.
The Top 6 Best Mini Crib 2019
A highly functional and stylish mini crib, the Origami Mini Crib from Babyletto is one of the best mini cribs in the market today. Not only is this crib petite, but it also comes fully equipped with lockable wheels so you can easily take it with your from room to room. Also, the mini crib is a great option for traveling and visiting grandparents’ home since it collapses flatly after the mattress has been removed.
Just like most mini cribs, this one only comes with the 1-inch standard mattress pad, so you might want to purchase a separate mattress for additional support and comfort. In addition, the mini crib allows mattress adjustments to 2 different positions for safety and convenience.
The crib has various colors available including natural, light green, grey, pink and black to match your nursery’s design. For safety, the crib’s finish is phthalate and lead-free, which limits your little one’s exposure to harsh and harmful compounds.
Pros:
- Smaller than other mini cribs
- Fully equipped with lockable wheels
- Foldable
- Lightweight
- Trendy and sleek design
Cons:
- Higher price tag
Most mini cribs are now offering convertible options that allow you to use the crib even after your little one grows. The Addison from reputable manufacturer Dream On Me is a 4-in-1 convertible mini crib which can be converted to a daybed, to a twin bed with tailboard and/or headboard.
The mini crib has 3 different mattress positions which allow you to change the height of the mattress depending on what is safe for your baby and comfortable for you. It also includes the standard 1-inch mattress pad, or you can always purchase a separate mattress for comfort.
The mini crib offers 5 different colors including white, cherry and black that can adapt to any nursery design. Constructed from New Zealand pine wood, this mini crib ensures durability and longevity and meets all ASTM and CPSC standards for your little one’s safety.
Pros:
- Sturdy wood construction
- Affordable
- Great value for your money
- Available in various colors
- Passed safety standards
Cons:
- Does not come with wheels
One of the lower priced mini cribs in this list, the DaVinci Kalani Mini Crib offers great value to your money since you will be able to use it for years to come. This mini crib can be converted from a mini crib that cradles your newborn to a twin-size bed that keeps your toddler comfortable.
For your convenience and your baby’s safety, this crib offers 2 mattress positions and has a lower profile design for easy reach. In terms of style and look, the Kalani Mini Crib features a classic design with its sophisticated sleigh-bed styling. You get to choose from various finish including white, grey, chestnut, espresso, and ebony black to match your nursery décor.
For safety, this mini crib is GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means that it has been screened for 360 VOCs and more than 10,000 chemicals. It also meets the CPSC and ASTM international safety standards and is finished in a multi-step painting process that is non-toxic and free of phthalate and lead. Lastly, this mini crib is made of 100 percent sustainable New Zealand pine wood to ensure its durability and has a TSCA compliant MDF bard over its metal mattress support.
Pros:
- Classic sleigh bed design
- Sturdy wood construction
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Convertible
Cons:
- The finish on the frame gets scratch and dents easily
A mini crib with great portability, the Delta Children Folding Mini Crib has the durable construction of standard mini cribs but with the folding capability. This makes the crib easy to store or take with you on a weekend trip at the grandparents’ house. This mini crib can be folded flat at 6 inches thick, making it easy to take it down and fit in most car trunks.
The crib also includes a mattress. And unlike foldable mini cribs, this model can be folded without removing the mattress, so you do not have to worry about another bulky thin when storing or traveling. At 34 pounds, this may not be the lightest crib around. But, it does come with convenient wheels, so you do not have to carry it around.
The crib has 2 position mattress height adjustment for your convenience as well as your child’s safety. Made of high-quality wood, the crib’s construction is durable and sturdy that should last for years. In terms of safety, it passed all strict requirement from CPSC, JPMA, and ASTM.
Pros:
- Strong and sturdy wood construction
- Passed ASTM, JPMA and CPSC standards
- Foldable
- Includes lockable wheels
Cons:
- Wheels do not roll well, especially on thick carpets
- Low-quality mattress
If you have very limited space or just want a total value with your money, then the Casco Mini Crib from Dream On Me is a good buy! Not only is the crib mini, but it also includes a built-in dressing table atop 3 roomy drawers to hold all your little one’s essentials. This great feature should make any middle-of0the-night diaper changes quick and easy!
But that’s not it! When your little one outgrows the mini crib, you can convert it into a mini daybed or even a standard twin bed with a conversion kit that is sold separately. The dressing table can be removed and the top can be used as a shelf once your kid is out of diapers.
The Casco mini crib is made of solid pine wood and offers 3 position mattress support system for convenience and safety. It features a simple and classic design and comes in various finish including grey, white, espresso, cherry and black, to match your nursery interior design. For safety, the crib is tested for lead and other various toxic elements. In addition, it has exceeded ASTM and CPSC standards.
Pros:
- Simple design with classic colors
- Made from durable and solid pine
- With built-in drawers and changing table
- 3 mattress positions
- Convertible to daybed and twin-sized bed
Cons:
- The mini crib seems to scratch easily
- Not portable
Featuring a space-saving design, the Alpha Rocking Mini Crib from DaVinci is a smart addition to your little one’s nursery. The mini crib features removable and locking wheels, making it easy for you to move it from room to room. With the wheels removed, you get a crib that will lull and rock your baby to sleep.
Made of 100 percent sustainable New Zealand wood, this mini crib is definitely sturdy and durable. The wood frame, on the other hand, is CARB II compliant with MDF bard mattress support for safety. Also, this crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified and is screened for 360 VOCs and more than 10,000 chemicals.
It includes a 1-inch waterproof mattress pad and has 3 adjustable mattress height positions. The mini crib is available in various finish including slate white, espresso, natural, ebony black, and rich cherry.
Pros:
- Meets safety standards
- Durable wood
- Various finish
- Removable and lockable wheels
Cons:
- Gets dings and scratches easily
Mini Crib Safety Tips
It is crucial to practice safe sleep once you have a good mini crib. Here are some tips to help you create a safe sleeping environment for your little one.
- GET A FIRM MATTRESS: A firm mattress is the safest mattress for newborns. This is to reduce the risk of rolling and suffocation.
- MAKE SURE THAT CRIB IS EMPTY. Cribs should only contain the mattress and fitted sheet. It should be free of soft toys, loose blankets, and other items.
- PLACE BABY ON THE BACK: Babies placed to sleep on their backs have a lower risk of SIDS. They are also less likely to have their airways blocked than if they are on their stomachs.
- CHECK HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS: Mini cribs have lower height and weight limits than regular cribs. So make sure that you transition your kid to a regular crib or a bed once you hit the limit.
Sweet Dreams
Mini cribs are an excellent solution to save space as well as keeping your little one close to you when sleeping.
There are a style and size that is just right for everyone. Just make sure that whatever model you are looking for fits all the must-haves and that you do not forget to add on any extras such as conversion kits and mattress to make your bundle of joy snoozing comfortably.
