Best Mini Crib

The fact that your child needs a safe place to sleep is non-negotiable, but what do you do if you’re short on space or your child needs to sleep away from home? Mini cribs to the rescue!

These clever products can be a great choice for families in a variety of situations, and just because mini cribs are smaller in size doesn’t mean they’re short on style and smart features.

To help you figure out how to go about your shopping and which option might be the best mini crib for your child, check out our list of helpful tips and in-depth reviews.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Delta Portable Mini Crib
• Dream On Me Addison 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib
• Davinci Kalani 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib and Twin Bed
• Delta Children Emery Mini Convertible Baby Crib with Mattress
• Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib with Wheels
• Dream On Me Violet Mini Crib

Note: There’s a lot more information below but clicking the above links will take you to current prices, further information and customer reviews on Amazon.

What is a Mini Crib?

Precisely as the name would lead you to believe, a mini crib is simply a smaller version of a full-size crib.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has size and safety requirements for both full-size and mini cribs.

A full-size crib must have an interior width of 28 inches and an interior length of 52 3/8 inches, with a 5/8-inch variance for each dimension.

A mini crib can have interior measurements of up to 25 3/8 inches in width and up to 49 3/4 inches in length, but some cribs can be smaller than these upper limits. According to these federal requirements, a mini crib could save you several inches in space.

Mini cribs must meet CPSC safety standards, so they should be just as safe as a full-size crib for appropriately-sized babies.

Why Consider a Mini Crib?

There are several instances in which a mini crib could come in very handy.

You need a secondary bed at someone else’s home

If your child sleeps somewhere other than their own bed, that sleeping area should be just as safe as their primary one. Since taking your child’s full-size crib apart and transporting it is probably not an option, a mini crib could be a perfect solution.

Travel

This is another instance where taking your child’s full-size crib along probably won’t make sense.

Some mini cribs are quite lightweight and fold down compactly enough to fit into a vehicle. Most folding cribs can also hold the support board and a thin pad within the folded frame, so all your crib pieces can stay together.

Room sharing

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby should have their own bed in your bedroom until they are at least six months old. Since a full-size crib can take up a great deal of space, a mini crib could be a great way to safely keep your baby close.

A small nursery

If your child’s bedroom is already short on space, a mini crib can provide a safe sleeping area with less bulk.

A shared nursery

If you have twins or two children close in age, two full-size cribs in one room could present a problem.

Budget restraints

A mini crib typically costs less than a full-size model, so going smaller may be your best bet for a safe sleeping area on a limited nursery budget.

Particularly if you choose a model that can convert to a toddler or a single bed, you could get many years of use from a mini crib. However, if the mini crib you choose doesn’t convert, keep in mind that your child will probably outgrow it more quickly than they would a full-size crib.

Preference

Perhaps you have plenty of room for a full-size crib in your child’s sleeping area, but you don’t see the point of a crib taking up more space than your child actually needs.

Most mini cribs can support a great deal of weight and be a comfortable place for even small toddlers to sleep. A smaller crib could be a great way to free up some extra room for play and exploration.

Mini Crib Features to Look For

Ease of Finding Appropriate Bedding

Full-size cribs must adhere to strict sizing guidelines, so finding bedding for a standard crib is often as easy as picking out the design you like. On the other hand, mini cribs can come in a variety of sizes, so finding a good mini crib mattress and sheets that safely fit your model could take a bit more effort.

Make sure you take accurate measurements of your crib or pay close attention to the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Many mini crib manufacturers also sell compatible mattresses and sheets, and you may have no choice but to purchase all your bedding from the manufacturer if the crib you choose is truly an odd size.

Wheel Lock

A crib with wheels can make your life much easier if you think your baby might need to sleep in different areas of your house from time to time. However, you definitely don’t want to risk your baby rolling away in their crib if they decide to jump or bounce energetically when they wake up.

A wheel lock feature can let you take advantage of the convenience of mobility while also giving you peace of mind that you will find your child exactly where you left them.

Convertibility

When you think of a mini crib, you might assume that they are just for infants and small toddlers. That can certainly be the case with quite a few models, but you might be surprised at what your mini crib can morph into with the proper equipment.

Some of the cribs listed here have the capability to directly convert into a toddler daybed, and most of these models can also function as a twin-size bed with the additional purchase of bedrails and a larger mattress.

If using the same pieces for several years might be a good fit for your family, look for a crib with easy-to-find conversion pieces and a style that you think an older child might like.

Collapsibility

While easy folding probably won’t be a concern for you if you plan to use the mini crib as your child’s primary bed, it could be a real help if you travel frequently or your child spends the night at someone else’s house.

Look for a hinge mechanism that is easy to work but is still sturdy when the crib is open. Additionally, being able to store the support board and mattress pad within the folded crib can make moving it around a bit easier.

Chemical Safety

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the CPSC have issued standards for acceptable levels of potentially harmful chemicals in all full-size and mini cribs, so you can rest assured that whatever crib you choose contains levels that these agencies consider to be safe.

However, some manufacturers choose to go above and beyond by having their products tested by other agencies and earning additional safety certifications. One of these certifications is Greenguard Gold, which involves testing crib materials for over 10,000 chemicals and over 350 volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

If you have concerns about your baby’s chemical exposure while they are using the crib, you may find some extra peace of mind with a Greenguard Gold certified model.

Mini Crib Safety

The basic safety measures for full-size cribs also apply to mini cribs. Even if your child only uses the mini crib occasionally, it is essential to take the time to make sure you set up your crib safely.

No toys, pillows or blankets

Even though a crib with a special blanket or a few stuffed toys may look adorable in photos, any extra items in the crib could be suffocation hazards.

There are some differing opinions about when it is safe for your baby to sleep with a blanket or a stuffed animal, but most experts agree that a light, breathable blanket or a plush toy smaller than the size of your child’s head should be safe after your child’s first birthday.

Snug sheets

The only bedding in your baby’s crib should be a fitted sheet that lies flat and snug on the mattress. The sheet should fit tight enough that you can’t pinch up any slack, and the elasticized corners should reach far enough past the mattress edge to prevent slipping off while your baby sleeps.

No gaps

Your baby’s mattress should fit quite snugly in the crib to prevent your child from getting stuck in a gap. If you have a space wider than two of your fingers, your mattress is too small.

Away from cords

Adjustable window shades with long cords present a strangulation hazard any time they are within your child’s grasp. This can be especially dangerous when your child is in the crib since they have a higher reach. Set up your crib away from any windows with shades, and always secure long cords high up on the wall to keep them out of little hands.

Additionally, electrical cords present the double danger of strangulation and an electric shock. Make sure your child can’t reach any lamp, baby monitor or other electrical cords from the crib or the ground.

Our Choices for the Best Mini Crib

Delta Portable Mini Crib

This crib from Delta Children gives you several convenient options for use at home or away.

The crib’s bottom support has two height settings. Use the higher setting to easily lay your newborn down or use the crib as a changing table, and switch to the lower setting for sleeping and play once your child can start to roll over. Thanks to pre-drilled holes for each height settings, moving the support board from one position to another is easy and does not require any tools.

One of the nicest aspects of this crib is the simple folding process. Each end panel contains a set of hinges that collapse inwards. The rigid support board holds the hinges open while the crib is in use, and collapsing the crib is as easy as removing the support board to let the hinges fold inwards. This crib is fairly lightweight, and the included pad and support board both fit within the folded crib to contain all the pieces you need in one place.

While this crib is certainly sturdy enough for your child to use every day, the included pad is a bit on the thin side, so you’ll probably need to make the additional purchase a more comfortable mattress if you plan to use the crib often.

Four caster-style wheels make it easy to move this crib around the house if you need to, and the crib’s narrow width should fit through most doorways without a problem. One downside is that there is no wheel lock, but you have the option to leave the wheels off during assembly if you want your crib to remain stationary.

Manufacturer’s Specs

• Crib Weight: 34 pounds
• Crib Dimensions: 39 inches long, 25.2 inches wide and 39.5 inches tall
• Wheels: Yes
• Folding: Yes
• Maximum Child Weight Capacity: 50 pounds

Summary

Whether you need a permanent bed for your little one or you are looking for a safe sleeping place while away from home, this crib from Delta Children delivers with solid construction that also travels well.

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Dream On Me Addison 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib

One pitfall of a mini crib is the fact that your child is likely to outgrow it sooner than they would a full-size model, but the Addison 4 in 1 Mini from Dream on Me bypasses that issue with a clever convertible design.

The Addison Mini functions as a traditional crib for newborns and infants, and three height settings let you choose the mattress position that is safest for your baby. When your child is ready for a toddler bed, remove the front panel to convert to a small daybed. With the additional purchase of two bedrails and a standard mattress, you can use two of the crib panels to form the headboard and footboard for a single bed.

The back crib panel has a curving edge and is slightly taller than the other panels, giving the Addition Mini a simple but elegant look. Thanks to wide feet and thick corner supports, this crib has a stable design and a sturdy feel.

The Addison Mini includes a thin sleeping pad that should be fine for your child to sleep on from time to time, although you may want to make the additional purchase of a compatible Dream on Me mattress if this crib will be your child’s primary bed.

While the Addison Mini has a straightforward look, the assembly can be a bit difficult. Make sure you read the instructions and understand each step, and set aside plenty of time to complete the set-up.

The Addison Mini has no folding mechanism or easy disassembly, so using it for frequent traveling may prove to be difficult.

Manufacturer’s Specs

• Crib Weight: 34 pounds
• Crib Dimensions: 42 inches long, 25 inches wide and 38 inches tall
• Wheels: No
• Folding: No
• Maximum Child Weight Capacity: 50 pounds

Summary

The Addison Mini crib has a beautifully curved shape that can be a charming addition to your baby’s nursery, your bedside or anywhere else your child needs to sleep, and the convertible feature means one product could meet your child’s sleeping needs for a few years.

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Davinci Kalani 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib and Twin Bed

For a mini crib, the Kalani 4 in 1 Mini from Davinci has the capability to accommodate a surprisingly large child.

The Kalani Mini functions as a typical mini crib with four mattress height settings. When your child is old enough for a toddler bed, remove the front panel to create a low day bed. A partial safety rail is also available from the manufacturer as an additional purchase. Once your child outgrows their toddler bed, purchase the conversion rail kit and an appropriate mattress to set up a twin size bed.

The Kalani Mini has a simple and classic design that should fit in well with a number of nursery decor themes. The wide feet and low base also provide excellent stability.

One of the best aspects of the Kalani Mini is its safety features. This crib exceeds the ASTM/CPSC joint standards for acceptable levels of lead and phthalates, and the crib slats and spindles have a weight threshold that is over 50 pounds greater than the joint standards call for. Additionally, this crib has received the Greenguard Gold certification for indoor air quality.

The Kalani Mini has no wheels, so moving it around the house will probably be a challenge. While this crib could be ideal for setting up in a spare bedroom at a grandparent’s house, it doesn’t have a folding or quick disassembly feature.

Manufacturer’s Specs

• Crib Weight: 38 pounds
• Crib Dimensions: 39.9 inches long, 28.6 inches wide and 38 inches tall
• Wheels: No
• Folding: No
• Maximum Child Weight Capacity: 50 pounds

Summary

The Kalani Mini has all the great looks, safety features and solid construction as the full-size Kalani crib, so you get all the benefits without the extra bulk.

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Delta Children Emery Mini Convertible Baby Crib with Mattress

Another convertible model, the Emery Mini has the potential to meet your child’s sleeping needs for several years.

In crib mode, the Emery Mini has two mattress height settings. The higher setting is around the crib’s midpoint, so it is a bit lower than some other cribs offer. You still should be able to get your newborn in and out of the crib easily, but you will have to lean further forward.
Once your child is ready for a big-kid bed, purchase a set of bedrails and an appropriate mattress from Delta Children, and then use one of the crib side panels to form a headboard for a twin size bed.

The Emery Mini has a stable design that shouldn’t require too much time to assemble, and the simple shape lends itself well to almost any room. One thing to be aware of is the fact that this crib does have exposed hardware. The visible bolt heads are fairly small and unobtrusive, but it’s worth keeping in mind when planning your nursery’s theme.

One gripe is the somewhat misleading statement that this crib includes a mattress. While the pad that comes with the crib is a bit thicker than those offered by other models, it still doesn’t really qualify as a true mattress that your child can comfortably sleep on every night. Fortunately, several true mattresses are compatible with this crib, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good one.

Manufacturer’s Specs

• Crib Weight: 40 pounds
• Crib Dimensions: 41.25 inches long, 25.75 inches wide and 38.25 tall
• Wheels: No
• Folding: No
• Maximum Child Weight Capacity: 50 pounds

Summary

The Emery Mini has a simple, classic look and sturdy construction, and this crib can give your family several years of use.

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Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib with Wheels

If you prefer a crib that looks a little less childlike but still offers several convenient features, the Origami from Babyletto could be a great choice.

With its squared-off slats and wide, flat top rail and spindles, the Origami has a cool, almost industrial look that should fit right in with modern home decor elements.

Even though it looks a bit more grown-up than some other cribs, the Origami is still very baby-friendly. Two mattress height positions let you choose the one that is appropriate for your growing child’s needs, and the materials have earned the Greenguard Gold certification for indoor air purity.

This aptly-named crib has both external and internal hinges that allow the side panels to collapse inwards, so folding the crib down is quick and easy. Since the Origami folds compactly, you should be able to slide the collapsed crib into a closet or other small storage area. However, this crib weighs several pounds more than some other folding models, so plan to use a little bit more muscle strength if you plan to travel with the Origami.

Four swiveling, caster-style wheels let you easily move the Origami to whatever space you choose, and each wheel has a push-down lock to keep your crib firmly in place no matter how much your child may jump or roll around in it.

Manufacturer’s Specs

• Crib Weight: 44 pounds
• Crib Dimensions: 39.2 inches long, 25.7 inches wide and 36 inches tall
• Wheels: Yes
• Folding: Yes
• Maximum Child Weight Capacity: Not specified; the manufacturer recommends a child height limit of 35 inches

Summary

The Origami boasts a modern shape, rigorous chemical testing and smoothly swiveling wheels that turn any area of the house into a sleeping area. A quick folding mechanism also makes storing and traveling with your crib a breeze.

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Dream On Me Violet Mini Crib

With its gently curving spindles and side rails, this crib has a dreamy feel that can be a charming addition to your baby’s nursery.

The Violet Mini has a convertible design that lets you use the crib in one of three different configurations. In crib mode, three mattress height settings are perfect for newborns, infants and young toddlers. Once your child is ready for a bit more freedom, remove the front panel to create a low toddler daybed. With the additional purchase of bedrails and an appropriate mattress, use the curved panels to create a unique headboard and footboard for a twin bed.

This crib has a very elegant and dreamy shape, so it’s a bit of a surprise that there are quite a few exposed bolt heads. Fortunately, they are a fairly close match to the crib’s overall color and shouldn’t be too noticeable.

While this crib doesn’t fold for transport, it is the lightest option on this list by several pounds. However, keep in mind that its lightweight design also means the Violet Mini has a lower child weight capacity in the crib and daybed configurations.

Manufacturer’s Specs

• Crib Weight: 30 pounds
• Crib Dimensions: 42 inches long, 25 inches wide and 36 inches tall
• Wheels: No
• Folding: No
• Maximum Child Weight Capacity: 35 pounds

Summary

The Violet Mini has a lovely, interesting shape that can add some whimsy to your child’s sleeping area, and the convertible design gives you several bed options as your child grows.

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Conclusion

As it turns out, bigger may not always be better. A mini crib can be a surprisingly multi-functional item, and they can be a perfect choice for use at home or away.

Choosing the best mini crib for your child will depend on how you plan to use it. For frequent travel, a folding option that is easier to pack is ideal. If you plan to use the mini crib as your child’s primary bed or a regular sleeping area at someone else’s home, a simple design with a fixed structure can meet your needs well. Finally, convertible models can be a smart option if you like the idea of being able to use various parts of the crib for several years.

Did you use a mini crib? What was your experience like? Do you have any other crib recommendations? Share your thoughts in the comments!