Babyletto Maki Full-Size Folding Crib Review: Real-Life Testing & Insights

Originally published November 21, 2019 — Updated January 19, 2026

In this Babyletto Maki full-size folding crib review, I’m sharing our hands-on experience with one of the rare cribs that manages to combine full-size comfort, fold-flat storage, and everyday stability.

We Tested the Babyletto Maki Crib: Why This One Still Stands Out

The Babyletto Maki isn’t just a crib I tested at work — it’s one we’ve had in our family for years, which is why this review feels especially personal. We originally chose it as a secondary crib for my parents’ home, so our children would have a proper, safe place to sleep during overnight visits.

Space was a big factor. While my parents had enough room for a full-size crib, we didn’t want something that would permanently take up space when the kids weren’t there. A mini crib didn’t feel like the right solution either, since children tend to outgrow them much faster. We were looking for something compact, thoughtfully designed, and easy to store — but still comfortable and familiar for a baby or toddler used to sleeping in a standard crib.

The Maki has been on the market for several years now — and in our case, it’s been in my parents’ home for quite some time as well. Because folding cribs often feel temporary or flimsy, that long-term, real-life use mattered to us. After seeing it folded, unfolded, and used repeatedly over the years, I can say firsthand that the Maki still holds up remarkably well compared to newer, more traditional full-size cribs.

I think that long-term reliability is exactly why the Maki has such a loyal following, despite a bit higher price.

What We Liked vs. Areas for Improvement

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick look at how the Babyletto Maki performed in everyday use.

PROS

True full-size crib that folds flat

Smooth, sturdy folding mechanism

Caster wheels roll well across different surfaces, including carpets

Reliable locking mechanism on the caster wheels

Fits a standard crib mattress (no special sizing needed)

Four adjustable mattress positions

Converts to a toddler bed with rail included

Excellent airflow and visibility from all sides

Remains stable and solid even after repeated folding and unfolding

CONS

Limited color options compared to newer Babyletto models

Heavier than simpler full-size folding cribs

Higher price than basic portable cribs

Babyletto is known for its modern crib designs and strong focus on safety, sustainability, and non-toxic materials. Those brand values are especially relevant with the Maki, since folding cribs tend to raise more questions around long-term durability and stability.

Babyletto Maki Crib Review – In-Depth Breakdown

In the sections below, I break down how the Babyletto Maki performs in the areas that matter most to parents — from assembly and safety to durability, portability, and long-term usability.

1. Assembly & Setup

What I liked most about the assembly process was how smooth it felt. Way easier compared to other folding cribs I’ve tested.

Folding baby cribs usually come with extra hinges, moving parts, and alignment issues that make setup feel finicky or frustrating. With the Babyletto Maki, the frame design is logical and well-balanced, so the pieces line up naturally without forcing or constant re-adjustments.

The instructions are mostly pictorial, but the steps follow a clear, logical sequence. Once you understand how the folding frame works, everything clicks into place, and the rest of the setup feels straightforward rather than fussy.

• Time to Assemble: ~40 minutes (with two people)
• Tools Required: Phillips head screwdriver
• Ease of Setup: 8.5/10

💡 Tip: Don’t fully tighten the screws until all frame pieces are in place. Leaving a little flexibility during assembly makes alignment much easier and helps the folding mechanism move smoothly once everything is secured.

2. Safety & Stability

The Maki is heavier than most full-size folding cribs, and in my experience, that extra weight directly contributes to its overall stability. It doesn’t feel light or flimsy like many portable models. Instead, it has a solid, grounded presence that you notice right away in everyday use.

Another important detail with any crib on wheels is the locking mechanism — and this is an area where the Maki performs very well. The locking caster wheels keep the crib firmly in place, with no drifting or unwanted movement once they’re locked, even with an active, bouncing toddler inside.

Our Babyletto Maki has always been used with the caster wheels attached, since that flexibility was the main reason we chose it in the first place. For this updated review, though, I also tested the crib without the casters. I am happy to say, the Maki feels just as solid as a traditional stationary crib.

When it comes to safety standards and materials, everything is spot on. I really appreciate Babyletto’s approach. The Maki is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it has been tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs to help keep indoor air cleaner. Combined with its non-toxic, lead- and phthalate-safe finish and wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, this is a crib I felt truly comfortable using from day one.

• Safety Standards: Exceeds ASTM International & U.S. CPSC safety standards
• Safety Certification: GREENGUARD Gold Certified
• Stability: 9/10 (Very stable, even with wheels attached)

3. Durability & Build Quality

We’ve been using the Babyletto Maki in our family for years, and it’s held up very well through repeated folding and unfolding. The crib still feels sturdy and stable, even though New Zealand pine is a softer wood. That hasn’t been an issue for safety, but over time it has picked up a few small dents — for example, when a toddler accidentally hit the frame with a wooden toy.

The finish can also get minor chips or scratches. Since the crib uses a safe, non-toxic paint rather than a hard industrial coating, this is pretty normal and something you’ll see with most brands that prioritize baby-safe finishes.

Overall, this is a full-size folding crib that’s clearly built for long-term use, not just a temporary setup.

• Material: Solid New Zealand pine wood + TSCA-compliant engineered wood mattress support
• Durability Rating: 8.5/10

📝 Keep in mind: The crib’s core structure is built to last, but taking a few extra minutes during assembly to properly align and tighten hardware can help prevent long-term wear.

4. Folding Mechanism Review

The folding mechanism on the Babyletto Maki is simple and similar to what you’ll see on other full-size folding cribs. There’s nothing overly complex about the design, which I actually see as a plus — fewer moving parts usually mean fewer issues over time.

While working on this review, I took another close look at the folding mechanism. Even after years of use, the hinges and locking points are still in good shape. Nothing feels loose or unstable when the crib is fully opened and locked in place.

At my parents’ house, the Maki isn’t folded and unfolded every day. Sometimes it stays set up for longer stretches, and other times it’s folded away for weeks. That feels like exactly how this mechanism is meant to be used.

If the crib were folded daily, it likely wouldn’t last as long as it has for us over several years and multiple children. For typical use — set up when needed, stored when space matters — it should easily hold up for one child.

Folded Dimensions:

• Folded (without casters/wheels): 53.5″ L × 7.2″ W × 35″ H
• Folded (with casters installed): 53.5″ L × 7.2″ W × 37.25″ H

5. Portability Review

With the wheels attached, the Babyletto Maki is easy to move and feels well-balanced, not tippy or awkward. Even though it’s a full-size crib, it rolls smoothly across hard floors. Several grandparents (including my parents) and other parents in our community have no trouble moving it from room to room on their own, which says a lot for a crib of this size.

What I really like is that you’re not locked into using it as a mobile crib. If you no longer needed to move it around as much, removing the casters turned it into a solid, stationary crib with no wobbling.

• Portability Rating: 9/10

6. Mattress Fit & Height Adjustability

The Babyletto Maki fits a standard crib mattress, and the fit is snug on all sides with no gaps. Even though this is a folding crib, mattress compatibility feels no different than with a traditional full-size crib.

It offers four mattress height positions, which is more than many folding cribs provide. The higher settings are helpful during the newborn stage, while the lower positions add safety once your baby starts sitting, pulling up, and standing.

Instead of a wire spring frame, the Maki uses a solid wood mattress support. This makes sense for a folding crib and helps everything fold cleanly into the frame. Airflow is slightly more limited than with wire supports, so pairing it with a breathable crib mattress is a good ide

• Mattress Fit: Standard crib mattress
• Recommended Crib Mattress: Babyletto Pure Core Crib Mattress with Hybrid Quilted Waterproof Cover or Newton Wovenaire baby crib mattress
• Adjustable Mattress Height: 4 levels

💡 Tip: If you plan to use the Maki through the toddler bed stage, a dual-sided crib mattress is a practical choice.

7. Convertibility & Ease of Transitions

One of the things I like most about the Babyletto Maki is that it’s not just a folding crib, but also converts to a toddler bed. That combination is rare, and it’s what makes the Maki stand out compared to other full-size folding cribs.

The crib comes with a toddler bed conversion kit, which is rare for classic convertible cribs, let alone a folding portable crib. Conversion is straightforward: remove the front rail, lower the mattress, and attach the toddler guardrail. In my experience, it takes about 15–20 minutes and is easier with two people.

This crib isn’t meant to be switched back and forth constantly. It works best for the big milestones — crib for the first 1–2 years, then toddler bed after that.

• Conversion Modes: Crib → Toddler Bed
• All Parts Included: Yes (toddler rail included)
• Ease of Conversion: Moderate
• Convertibility Rating: 8/10

For most families, one major conversion is all you’ll need — and that’s exactly what the Maki is built for.

8. Design & Aesthetics

The Babyletto Maki has a clean, modern look that’s minimalist but also practical. Its slim frame fits through most standard doorways, which makes moving it on the caster wheels much easier — it never feels bulky or awkward.

All four sides have open wood slats, giving the crib an airy feel, better visibility, and good airflow around the mattress. The slats are sturdy and tested to hold up to 135 lbs, well within safety standards.

Overall, the Maki works equally well in the center of a nursery or pushed against a wall — functional, simple, and thoughtfully designed.

• Aesthetic: Modern, minimalist
• Style: Clean lines, open slat design
• Available Finishes: White, Washed Natural, Honey, Light Sage

9. Price & Value for Money

The Babyletto Maki is definitely on the premium side, costing around $449–$499 depending on the finish. Basic folding cribs, like those from Dream On Me, are often $199–$258, so the Maki is roughly 2–2.5× more expensive.

That said, it’s one of the few full-size folding cribs that also converts to a toddler bed, has solid wood construction, and comes with the conversion kit. For families who plan to use all its features, the price is justified.

• Price: Premium ($449 – $499, depending on the chosen finish)
• Value for Money: 8/10

→ Check current price of the Babyletto Maki

Warranty: Babyletto backs the Maki with a 1-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship — reassuring if anything unusual happens during the first year.

FAQs

Babyletto Maki vs. Other Full-Size Portable Cribs

During our research, testing, and conversations with parents who use portable cribs, one thing became very clear: most full-size folding cribs focus on short-term convenience, not long-term use.

Many popular options on the market fold flat and include wheels, making them great for small spaces or grandparents’ homes. However, the vast majority stop at the crib stage and don’t convert into a toddler bed.

On the flip side, some beautiful convertible cribs do grow with your child — but they don’t fold, which limits their usefulness in homes where storage and flexibility matter.

This is where the Babyletto Maki truly stands out. It’s one of the very few full-size cribs that combines fold-flat storage, removable wheels, and toddler bed convertibility in a single design.

👉 If you want to know more about this topic, you can read this article: Full-Size Folding Cribs: Which One Should You Choose

Final Thoughts: Is the Babyletto Maki Worth It?

The Babyletto Maki stands out as one of the most thoughtfully designed full-size folding cribs on the market. It manages to do something that many portable cribs struggle with — offer flexibility and storage convenience without feeling temporary or flimsy.

It’s not the cheapest option, and it’s not meant to be folded and unfolded every single day. But if you’re looking for a full-size crib that can move when needed, store away when space matters, and transition into a toddler bed later on, the Maki delivers on that promise.

For grandparents’ homes, shared spaces, apartments, or families who value long-term usability over short-term convenience, the Babyletto Maki is a smart, well-built investment that grows with your child — without forcing compromises on safety or comfort.