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Parent’s Guide to Mini Crib Dimensions

A mini crib is the heart of any compact nursery or small home. And that’s why dimensions are essential. Because buying a crib is not a small decision. But how important can dimensions be? Let’s find out.

Cribs are the most expensive and equally useful pieces in your nursery. It’s where your child will visit their land of dreams and create their vivid imagination. As costly as they might be, cribs are essential for your child’s well-being and so can’t be compromised on.

While looking for an ideal baby bed, the first thing that I looked at was the crib dimensions. They range from full-size cribs to mini cribs. There is just a lot to choose from. However, if you have a smaller nursery and wish to save some extra space like me, mini cribs should be on your shopping list.

What Is A Mini Crib?

Also referred to as portable cribs, mini cribs are shrunken versions of the standard crib. If you have a tight living space and a limited area to experiment with, mini cribs can be your saviors. They are a fantastic alternative to regular larger cribs.

Most of them are lightweight and designed on wheels to be moved from one corner of the house to another with ease. To add to the list of benefits, they are foldable and take little space in your storage closet.

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The only variation between standard cribs and these are the mini crib dimensions. Such baby beds are also quite affordable and don’t end up drilling a hole through your pocket. If you have no nursery or a smaller home, mini cribs come to your rescue.

Mini cribs are of particular importance while traveling or visiting relatives. Their convenient foldable design helps me in carrying them on our journeys. So next time you visit grandma’s place, you wouldn’t have to be worried about where your bundle of joy would sleep.

They won’t be able to fit your child in for a longer time like the standard cribs. You will still monitor your child’s growth and eventually look for a bigger bed once they grow out of their cribs.

Mini Crib Dimensions

Mini Crib Vs. Regular Crib Dimensions

Unlike a standard crib, which measures around 51 3/8″ – 52 5/8″ L x 27 3/8″ – 28 5/8″ with a traditional style and design, mini crib dimensions are much smaller — 37 3/8″ – 38 5/8″ L x 23 3/8″ – 24 5/8″ W.

The portable cribs are designed to give your little ones a safe sleeping space for a few months. You can use a regular crib for around the first 24 months of a child’s life. But mini cribs have to be upgraded once baby activity enhances.

Mini Crib Vs. Standard Crib Mattress Dimensions

Even the mattress size for a mini crib is much smaller. A standard crib has a mattress size of around 52″ L x 27″ W, usually around 5″ to 6″ thick. The size reduces to 38″ L x 24″ W, with the thickness around 3″ to 4″ high for a mini crib.

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However, these mini crib dimensions are just average as the size can vary from brand to brand. There are many options available in the market to choose from, and they share one thing in common — they go easy on your wallets.

Mini Crib — Advantages and Disadvantages

Of course, having a smaller crib is an excellent idea if you have limited space inside your house or a tight area to adjust your baby’s things in. But every coin has two sides. As advantageous as it may seem, mini cribs have certain disadvantages too.

I have compiled this section to show you the pros and cons of having a mini crib over a standard crib. This will make your selection process smoother and more manageable.

Advantages

  • Portability — Mini cribs are much easier to carry around due to their compact design and lightweight. They can be put easily in the boot of your car to make traveling with your baby convenient.
  • Versatility — Mini cribs offer versatility in design as you can convert many of them into daybeds, toddler beds, etc. With multiple benefits from a single piece of furniture, mini cribs are the highlight of any small nursery.
  • Wheels — You are more likely to find wheels on a mini crib than on a standard one. Since it is designed to be moved around, wheels are a bonus that makes transportation quite convenient.
  • Lightweight and Compact design — The lightweight design of mini cribs allows you to move them easily. They take up lesser space which allows you to play around with the aesthetic of your child’s room.
  • Easy Assembly — Since the entire piece is much lighter, the assembly, too, is much easier than a standard crib. It is a single-person job and can be set up by anyone. It hardly takes some minutes to get the mini crib together.
  • Budget — Mini cribs are designed to keep your pockets intact. They are much cheaper than the regular cribs. You get all the advantages of a larger crib at the cost of a mini crib.
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Disadvantages

  • It is difficult to find the right mattress — The varying smaller size of mini cribs means that having bedding and mattress of your choice could be a tedious task. You might end up either compromising on the size or design. I suggest you do the latter.
  • Wheels — Yes, that’s right. Wheels can both be an advantage or a disadvantage. They provide mobility, but a crib with wheels is much less sturdy than the one with wheels. If the wheels don’t come with brakes, your crib would never be steady in one place.
  • Sturdiness and Durability — You will find that most mini cribs are not as strong as regular cribs. If you are getting a crib at a slashed price, there will be changes in the material used. They are not heavy-duty, and so they can’t withstand too much pressure.
  • Outgrowing Babies — You will see that your children grow up too fast. They become toddlers in the blink of an eye. With a mini crib, babies end up outgrowing it within the first few months. Babies are ready for a bigger bed rather quickly, and the old one becomes of no use.

When Should I Use A Mini Crib?

Not all people need a mini crib. Some are ready to pay some extra bucks and arrange some additional space to get a standard crib. But how to know you don’t fall into the category of those “some”?

You should go for a mini crib over a standard crib if:

  • You have no nursery or limited space at your home, making it quite tight for a standard crib to fit.
  • The crib is not exactly where your child would sleep all the time. For example, while traveling, a mini crib is your best buddy as it wouldn’t take much space.
  • Your space is compact, and you need to put in more than one bed in the same room. This is done for twins or more children who share the same room.
  • You want a crib that can be folded, rolled, or stored away conveniently once it is not in use. It can be easily kept in storage and used again when required.
  • You are really tight on your budget and can’t afford a standard crib at that time.
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If any of these “ifs” is true, it will make sense for you to buy a mini crib for your little angel. This way, you can give your child the comfort they need in their early months until they outgrow it and need a new crib.

It’s A Wrap!

That covers almost everything that you need to know about a mini crib vs. regular crib debate. All the cribs are similar in function, but with the change in size, many other things associated with the crib also change.

A mini crib is a perfect solution for new parents like me with a tight space, budget, and time to look after their baby. If you are a traveler, a mini crib is ideal for you to look after your kids. All in all, a mini crib is a practical solution for every parent with limited everything. After all, there is nothing more peaceful than watching your child have the best nap ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When Do I Upgrade From A Mini Crib?

Most mini cribs are designed to take weight up to 45 pounds. Once your baby is close to that, you must consider an upgrade. Also, if your child starts showing a lot of movement, it is a good indicator that they need a bigger bed.

2. Can Regular Crib Sheets Be Used On A Mini Crib?

No. One must not do that. Loose sheets and extra bedding can be dangerous for your child and can cause suffocation. So, for a mini crib, the sheets must have a snug fit with the mattress. The top sheet must be breathable, with an extra sheet kept handy at all times.

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