When you bring your baby home for the first time as a new parent, one of the most important things you have to arrange is a comfortable and safe place for a baby to sleep.
Buying a baby crib can be a daunting task, as there are so many things to consider such as Color scheme, Theme Layout, Furniture, and also making that decision between mini crib vs regular crib which is the standard size one.
In this article, I am going to tell you everything you need to know about mini cribs and regular (standard full-size) cribs. I am also going to talk more about their differences and when to get a mini crib and crib safety practices you should apply.
What Is A Mini Crib?
A crib is known to be a small bed designed for a baby or a young child. It is also known as the safest place for a child to sleep. This crib is an essential piece of furniture for every household with a newborn baby.
A mini crib is any crib that doesn’t fit the enforced measurements of a standard crib.Not surprisingly, they are often a little to a lot smaller. Mini cribs are also sometimes called portable cribs.
For this reason, it’s very common to see mini cribs that have wheels on the bottom so you can easily move them around a room or into a different part of your house.
The main uses of a mini crib are:
- For small nurseries
- If you’re on a budget
- Fitting two cribs for twins into one room
- Fitting a crib into an older child’s bedroom
- Having a place for baby to sleep at a grandparent’s house
The bottom line is that mini cribs are the smaller versions of full-sized cribs. They may have wheels to move around easily, but for the most part, they resemble and behave the same way as standard cribs.
More so, they can be converted to toddler beds or twin-sized beds as your baby grows, just like regular cribs.
A Mini Crib Vs Regular Crib
In Size
The key difference between a mini crib and standard crib is size, and also the way sizes are standardized between mini and full-size cribs.
- Usually, mini cribs are between the range 36 and 43 inches long while regular (standard) cribs are about 53 inches long.
- Mini cribs can be about the same width as regular (standard) cribs (28 inches), or they can be a tad narrower (around 24 inches).
It is important to remember that mini crib sizes aren’t standardized the way full-sized cribs are. Full-sized cribs MUST adhere to certain size regulations, usually within about half an inch.
Additionally, a mini crib comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Hence, making a better choice especially if you have a very specific need in your nursery due to:
- Its small size
- A weird layout
- The other furniture in the room
Crib Sheets And Bedding
Having known that all full-size cribs have a standard size, it is easier to find sheets and bedding for them.
Mini cribs and their mattresses come in different sizes, so you will have to look for sheets and bedding that are specifically tailored to the size of your crib and the thickness of your crib mattress.
In Wheels
The mini cribs often have wheels for easy movement between rooms. This feature is also available for some full-size models, but it’s a lot less common.
Wheels can be quite convenient when you need to move the crib around, but they may have some drawbacks too.
Firstly, they don’t look great. If the aesthetics of your nursery matter to you, wheels can be kind of ugly.
Secondly, wheels give the crib a little less stability and a little more wobble. The wheel has to be locked for safety, but wheels don’t make for an ideal foundation.
In Weight
The mini cribs are significantly lighter and weigh a lot less than standard cribs. This is due to their sizes and the fact that they are designed to be easily portable.
This feature is helpful especially if you’ll be setting up the crib and moving it around by yourself since the parts are smaller and less bulky.
Read Also: How To Clean A Baby Crib Mattress
When To Get A Mini Crib?
It makes much sense to go with a mini crib other than a regular crib when:
- Your space is severely limited.
- The crib isn’t a full-time sleeping space so keep it like grandma’s, for example.
- You need to fit two cribs in the same room for twins.
- Your budget is strapped and saving every penny helps.
- You want the option of rolling the crib out of the way when not in use.
Pros And Cons Of Mini Cribs
Pros
- Mini cribs are less expensive. When shopping for a crib bear in mind that you’ll pay less for a mini crib than a standard crib.
- Mini cribs are smaller. They are more convenient than standard cribs since they do not take up much space, unlike a standard crib.
- Most mini cribs have wheels which makes them easier to move around the house. Hence, they are more potable.
- Due to their sizes, mini cribs are much easier to carry and assemble than a full-sized or standard crib.
Cons
- Due to their varying sizes of crib mattresses, you might find it difficult to find the sheets and bedding you love.
- Mini cribs are less sturdy and durable. You’ll find it probably just a little less sturdy than its standard counterparts. Mini cribs also tend to be lighter and slightly lower quality builds overall.
- Babies tend to outgrow them quickly, so if you can find a mini crib that converts into a toddler and/or twin bed, Good luck!
- Mini cribs may be cheaper, but they’re not that cheap. Hence, they value worse since it’s often only a little bit more to spring for a full-sized crib that is better built and will last longer.
Crib Safety Practices
Even if you have the perfect crib or mini crib there are safety practices you must not forget to apply. Some of these safety practices are as follows:
- There should not be any large toys or stuffed animals in the crib; this is because your little one can use the toys to climb over the rail. Pillows, bulky comforters, and heavy blankets are not recommended because your baby can suffocate under them.
- Do not position your crib near windows where there is direct sunlight. Make sure that there are no strings from blinds or curtains that can wrap around your little one’s neck.
- When your little one gets to 3-feet tall, you should introduce him into a normal bed but you are worried about him falling off the bed, consider introducing him to a bed with a mattress on the floor. However, if your baby’s crib can be converted into a bed, then it should be time to do so.
- You should be aware that babies don’t require that extra support in the form of rolled blankets, commercial devices, or anything else to keep them on their back. Such things only clutter up the crib and can pose a threat to your baby.
- Always examine the condition of your baby’s crib before use, even if you bought them new from the store. Follow all the directions in the manual for proper assembly, and double-check that there isn’t any damage that will cause the bed to break.
- Consider where to position your baby crib in your house before shopping for it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention newborns should sleep in the same room as the parents but in a separate sleeping space. Supposing your bedroom is not large enough then it could be difficult to fit a crib along with your bed. This is where a mini crib would be perfect for the first few months until you can move the baby to a separate room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Crib Vs Regular Crib
Are Mini Cribs Big Enough?
A mini crib is certainly big enough for a baby, but you have to keep in mind that your baby will outgrow it sooner than a regular crib.
How Much Smaller Is A Mini Crib?
Unlike standard cribs, mini crib’s dimensions are not regulated by law. Therefore, any crib smaller than a standard size crib is a mini crib.
However, most mini cribs have dimensions 38″ by 24″, so they are 14″ shorter and 4″ narrower form standard cribs. While in heights, mini cribs have the same height as full-size standard cribs.
How Long Can My Baby Use A Mini Crib?
This is dependent on the mini crib’s design, its dimensions, and the size of your baby. While most babies use a mini crib till one and a half years, some babies may outgrow it when they are one, and others still sleep in it after their second birthday.
However, if you decide on a convertible mini crib, your baby will be able to use its bigger beds for several years.
Can I Use Regular Crib Sheets On A Mini Crib?
The answer is no, I strongly advise you don’t use regular crib sheets on a mini crib. In theory, you can use them, but that wouldn’t be safe for your baby.
Stuffing the rest of the regular sheet under the mini mattress is an improvised solution, which could pose a potential threat to your baby.
Crib sheets must be perfectly fit snugly to ensure the safety of your baby. A fitted crib sheet prevents suffocation and lowers the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
In contrast, if you have an unusual mini crib, finding a proper crib sheet might be a little bit harder. You may have to order the bedding from the manufacturer. Hence, this will limit your choice for patterns and colors and will cost more as well.
Mini Crib Weight Limit?
The weight limit for mini cribs is not standardized. Every baby grows at a different speed, so it is better to pay close attention to your baby’s height, not weight.
Many manufacturers recommend that your baby should stop using a mini crib when he or she begins to climb or reaches 35” in height. These are also CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines.
After their tests, mini cribs hold up to 45 lbs or even more. For instance, a mini crib can easily hold up the weight of 39″ children, who can with such height, can easily climb out of the crib. That is why it is important to pay close attention to the child’s height lots than the weight!
Nevertheless, if there is a weight limit, it is specified by the manufacturer and labeled on the box or the crib itself.
Are All Mini Cribs The Same Size?
All mini cribs are not of the same size. Any crib that is smaller than a standard size crib is classified as a mini crib.
The size of a mini crib is not regulated by the law. On the contrary, because of the convenience, the majority of mini crib measure around 38″ by 24″.
Are Mini Cribs The Same Size As Pack ‘N Play?
No, the size of the mini crib is not the same as the size of Pack ‘N Play. These two are both available in different dimensions and shapes. So, this depends on a certain model of a mini crib or Pack ‘N Play.
Read Also: When To Put Baby in Bouncer
Conclusion
Now you’ve known everything about mini crib vs regular crib. Remember that both the crib and the mini crib are safe to sleep choices for your little one.
Therefore, whether you choose to buy a full size or a mini crib depends on your exact situation.
If there’s not much space in your house and you are on a budget, a mini crib may come in handy. On the other hand, babies tend to outgrow them quickly. So, getting a convertible mini crib may be an option, but it is going to be more expensive.
In regards to this, you might want to consider buying a full-size crib that is better built and will last longer.
Finally, whichever crib you choose to buy for your little one, remember to always check if it meets the CPSC and ASTM safety standards. We would like to hear your suggestions, also if you have any questions kindly drop them in the comment section below.