Last updated on January 5th, 2022 at 10:36 am
The best mini portable cribs in 2022
The crib must stand on wheels to be portable. So having the wheels makes it portable, but is that enough? Not at all! The best mini portable cribs have the whole package.
First of all, their casters must glide smoothly and possess a reliable locking mechanism. For convenience, most of them also fold down. Actually, only one model on our list doesn’t fold down. But because of its unique rocking feature, we think it deserves a place among the best mini portable cribs anyway.
A quality portable mini crib is safe and possesses a minimalist design with a small footprint. In short, it must have a space-saving design! Of course, folding mini cribs must also fold down and set up quickly to be on the top.
Top-rated portable mini cribs:
Portable Mini cribs are becoming more and more popular
Mini cribs are becoming more and more popular. Today’s lifestyle forces us to live in smaller homes and urban lofts. Many young families are limit by space, and a mini crib is a convenient, rational, and safe solution for their little ones. Of course, there are other reasons to choose a mini crib, but the space issue stays the main one.
Although you can purchase a mini convertible crib, most parents decide on a portable version. I think this is a wise decision, especially if you are living in a small apartment. The ability to push the crib away or fold it down when it’s not in use is a great benefit!
I can imagine, the variety of different options can be overwhelming for young parents, so we’ve narrowed it down to a list of the best mini portable cribs in 2022. To help you with your decision, we’ve also added summaries of our reviews and a comparison chart, which you can find at the end of this article.
How we choose our favorites?
We’ve asked parents what portable mini cribs they love the most, then took the top of them they have shared with us and added our research and insight. To identify the best models, we have reviewed features, including wheels and their locking mechanism, folding mechanism, safety, design, etc.
Best-rated portable mini cribs in 2022
Best overall:
Babyletto Origami mini portable crib
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- sturdier, and long-term alternative to bassinets
- a durable crib
- it folds-up small
- casters, with a reliable locking mechanism
- modern design
- available in unique colors
- lightweight
- wheels glide smoothly
- adjustable mattress support: 2 levels
- it meets and even exceeds all safety standards
Runner up:
Dream On Me 3-in-1 folding mini portable crib
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- affordable price
- timless design
- meet or exceed all safety standards
- wheels with locking casters
- quality folding mechanism
- included mattress pad
- adjustable mattress heights
- available in multiple colors
Best budget buy:
Delta Children mini portable crib
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- affordable price
- it doesn’t occupy a lot of space
- it folds up small
- you get a 1,5″ mattress beside the crib
- the included mattress fits into the folded crib
- well built and versatile
- casters run smoothly
- you can adjust the mattress into two heights
- available in several different colors
- a better choice than a bassinet
Best curvy profile:
Orbelle Tian three-level portable crib
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- perfect for urban living
- it has a small footprint
- affordable price
- meet or exceed all safety standards
- wheels with locking casters
- quality folding mechanism
- included mattress pad
- timeless design
- available in multiple colors
Best metal choice:
L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday mini crib
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- durable, metal crib
- wheels with locks
- fold’s down small
- easy to clean and sanitize
- scratch resistant
- non-toxic finish
- safe
- small footprint
Best arched design:
Dream On Me Venice folding portable crib
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- ball-shaped headboard
- folding mechanism
- wheels with locking mechanism
- better than bassinet
- a compact crib
- included mattress pad
- adjustable mattress support
- meets all safety standards
Unique choice:
DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- space saving size
- portable
- wheels with locking mechanism
- unique rocking feature
- included mattress pad
- adjustable mattress support
- meets and exceeds all safety standards
- better bassinet alternative
- wide color selection
- affordable price
Portable Mini crib Reviews
Babyletto Origami mini portable crib Reviw
We were in a dilemma when we had to choose the best of the best. We’ve hesitated between this mini portable crib, and a Dream On Me mini portable crib described below.
There is no doubt both of them deserve to be on the top. However, we had to choose one, and we’ve decided on the Babyletto Origami. Yes, it costs more, but its quality is by far the best. It’s a durable mini crib that will last long. The crib is functional and stylish, and I love its modern design.
Babyletto Origami stands on wheels, which glide very smoothly. We also didn’t notice any problems while moving the crib along the carpet. Its casters glide nicely and don’t linger at all. Because of clean lines and a small footprint, the Origami doesn’t occupy a lot of space and fits through all standard doorways. You can move it effortlessly throughout your home.
Of course, quality casters and space-saving design, are not the only features, which make the Babyletto Origami such a good portable mini crib.
- First of all, Origami’s wheels possess a reliable locking mechanism that keeps the crib in place when the baby is inside.
- And second, when the crib is not in use, you can easily fold it away. Its small profile makes storage simple when folded. Because it folds up so small, you can even take it with you on the go.
Babyletto Origami mini portable crib is a beautiful modern crib, which is available in a wide selection of different colors. From classic non-toxic finishes to unique tones, such as Lagoon or Petal Pink.
To accommodate your growing child, Babbyletto Origami possesses adjustable mattress support. Its mattress sits on a TSCA Compliant MDF board, which folds into the crib when it’s collapsed. You will get a 1″ mattress pad with the crib, but I recommend a thicker mini crib mattress for everyday sleep. If you want to go with Babyletto, you can purchase their Pure Core mini crib mattress for the Origami.
Babyletto Origami is a safe crib that meets and even exceeds all required safety standards set by the government. It meets ASTM International and US CPSC safety standards, it’s finished in non-toxic colors, lead, and phthalate safe, and even GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
GREENGUARD Gold certification ensures that the product doesn’t pollute your indoor air, as it is screened for 360 VOCs and over 10,000 chemicals.
You can find the whole Babyletto Origami portable mini crib review HERE.
Dream On Me 3-in-1 folding mini portable crib Review
Dream On Me 3-in-1 mini portable crib is a few pounds lighter from Babyletto Origami, but with a slightly bigger footprint. Of course, I am talking only about an inch, however, having space issues, sometimes every inch counts. And the best part? The Dream On Me crib is around $100 cheaper than the Origami, which is definitely not neglectable.
Dream On Me has all features that a portable crib needs. It stands on wheels, which glide smoothly. Wheels possess a reliable locking mechanism, which keeps the crib in place when it’s locked down. The crib is also foldable. It has a lightweight, portable frame that folds flat for easy storage.
Like other models on this list, Dream On Me 3-in-1 portable mini crib arrives with an included 1″ mattress pad. Of course, this is not a mattress I would recommend for everyday sleep, but it’s better than nothing. Although you can choose any portable crib mattress that fits snuggly in this crib, I suggest you purchase a Dream On Me mini portable crib mattress, which is a perfect fit and doesn’t cost a lot.
The number 3-in-1 suggests that this is a convertible crib. Dream On Me also stated that the crib easily converts into a changing table or a Playpen. In a way, these are conversions, but not those we are used to on ‘real’ convertible cribs. The number 3-in-1 means three different mattresses ‘ hights, not the transformation into a toddler bed or daybed. So, if this would be a convertible crib, then all cribs with adjustable mattress heights would be too!
Oh, if you like this crib, you can check up Dream On Me 2-in-1 version as well. It’s almost the same, but with only two mattress levels. As I found the mattress adjustments very handy, I prefer a 3-in-1 model. But if that’s not significant to you, you should look into Dream On Me 2-in-1 mini portable crib, as it has even a cheaper price.
You can find the whole Dream On Me 3-in-1 portable mini crib review HERE.
Delta Children mini portable crib Review
Delta Children portable mini crib is almost as good as Dream On Me described above. The only thing that sets it apart from being the best mini portable crib is the lack of a locking mechanism on wheels. This may sound very negative, but in reality, it is not as bad as it looks!
Delta Children portable mini crib is a safe crib, which meets all federal safety standards, but some parents feel more comfortable having casters with locks. Though I totally understand, I think you shouldn’t worry. The crib won’t move with the baby in it. And with a jumping toddler? Yes, it can move, but your toddler will probably outgrow it sooner than he or she will be able to move it anyway.
The lack of a locking mechanism is definitely a disadvantage compared to other portable mini cribs on this list. But it shouldn’t divert you from the purchase. Delta Children’s mini crib is the best-selling portable mini crib with hundreds of positive reviews.
Other than that, is Delta Children an excellent crib for the money you pay. I can easily say that it’s the best cheap mini crib on the market. Its wheels glide smoothly, it has a lightweight frame that fits through standard doorways and a space-saving design.
The crib has a quality folding mechanism and folds down really small. Folding and setting the crib is quick and hassle-free. It has an included 1″ mattress pad and adjustable two-level mattress support.
You can store the included mattress and a mattress board in the folded crib, which is Delta Children’s advantage over other mini portable cribs.
Delta Children’s portable mini crib is the cheapest model on this list. Comparing its affordable price, with quality and available features, you will get the most for the least money.
You can find the whole Delta Children’s portable mini crib review HERE.
Orbelle Tian three-level portable crib Review
Orbelle Tian is a little less known mini portable crib, especially compared to other mini portable cribs on this list. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a quality crib, which can offer a lot.
The Orbelle Baby is a U.S. manufacturer, which was founded in 1991. Their cribs are mostly known throughout the United States and Canada, but they are becoming more known elsewhere too.
The Orbelle Tian is a curvy designed crib, which is available in five non-toxic finishes: French white, cherry, espresso, natural, and white. The crib stands on wheels whit a reliable locking mechanism. When casters are not locked down, they glide smoothly, even on the carpet. That, in combination with a minimalist design and lightweight frame, enables easy movement around the home.
Orbelle Tian can fold down when it’s not in use. It has a quality folding mechanism, allowing easy and quick folding and setting the crib up.
It has an included mattress pad, which is in my opinion, not enough. The quality of all mattress pads you get with portable mini cribs is more or less the same. Those are thin mini-mattress pads, which are not as comfortable as ‘real’ crib mattresses. So, compared to other mini portable cribs, this is not a disadvantage for the Orbelle Tian three-level portable crib. However, I would buy a thicker portable mattress for the crib.
Orbelle Trading mini crib has three-level adjustable mattress support. The top level is suitable for a newborn, the middle level for babies until 4 months old, and the lowest for older babies and toddlers.
The same as Dream On Me for their 3-in-1 portable mini crib, Orbelle claims the Tian is a convertible crib. But as it doesn’t grow with your child (into a toddler bed, daybed, etc.), I wouldn’t call it a convertible. Orbelle’s so-called conversions are just different mattress’ hights.
- the highest level for newborn – a changing table
- the middle level – a crib
- the lowest level – a Playpen
Other than a strange name, everything else on this crib is great. It meets all safety standards and holds all features for portability.
You can find the whole Orbelle Tian three-level portable mini crib review HERE.
L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday mini crib Review
L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday mini crib is our choice for the best portable metal model. I admit I like others more. But, not because they would have better features, but because I prefer the wooden look.
So, as I said, L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday holds all needed features for portability. The crib stands on wheels that glide smoothly, and don’t linger at all. It has a reliable locking mechanism, which keeps the crib in place when needed.
L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday crib’s portability is not tied only to its rolling feet. The crib can also fold down, making it easier to transport and store in small spaces. The folding mechanism is not usual for metal cribs, but it’s a very convenient and desirable feature, which puts L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday on top between mini metal cribs.
L.A. Baby mini crib weighs a few pounds more than wooden models. That’s because of the metal, which is heavier than wood. But it’s not too heavy, and you can also push it around when it’s folded.
The crib doesn’t have adjustable mattress support, which is quite a disadvantage compared to other models on this list. But on the other hand, is included mini portable mattress thicker, of better quality, and more comfortable than others.
L.A. Baby mini crib is a simple-looking metal crib, with a typical metal cribs’ design. The only thing I don’t like about the crib is its blue bumpers on wheels. Luckily these are just foam bumpers, which protect the other furniture from damages when you move the crib. I don’t think they are needed, especially if you are using the crib at home. As it is so sturdy and durable, it is frequently used in daycares, where they move it around a lot. I can see why they need these bumpers, but you don’t need to install them at home. Anyway, L.A. Baby needs to change bumpers’ color to white!
L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday mini portable crib is a very durable model. From the cribs on this list, it will surely last the longest. The metal is more durable than wood, the crib is scratch-resistant, and you can easily clean it if needed. It is not just a good crib for home use, but one of the best choices for caregivers and daycares!
You can find the whole L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday mini portable crib review HERE.
Dream On Me Venice folding portable crib Review
Dream On Me Venice is a little different from other portable cribs on this list. It has an arched design, which is way more common for full-size cribs. Such design is rare on mini cribs, let alone on mini portable cribs.
Because of such design, is this crib the best choice for those who like curvy cribs with arched backsides, but don’t have enough space for a standard full-size model.
Of course, this mini crib offers more than an arch. You get a curvy crib without sacrificing portability. The crib has everything a quality portable crib should have. It stands on wheels with a reliable locking mechanism and even folds down.
Wheels are actually optional, so if you don’t need them, you can leave the Venice crib without them. That way, you will have a stationary crib, which you can also fold down if needed. Dream On Me Venice has a quality folding system, which allows collapsing or setting back in a moment. But it’s sturdy even with the wheels on. If you lock them down, the crib won’t move!
As I already said, the Dream On Me Venice weighs more than most mini portable cribs. It weighs 46,5 lbs, which is not a lot more than Babyletto Origami. However, it is quite different compared to Dream On Me 3-in-1 mini portable crib or Delta’s Children model that weighs only 32 pounds.
You will get a 1″ mattress pad with the crib. As I have pointed out many times before, this is not the mattress a baby would use every day. I recommend you think about buying a quality mini portable crib mattress. The chosen mattress must fit snuggly in the crib and shouldn’t be too thick as well. For this crib, I recommend their Dream On Me portable mattress, which is a quality and affordable baby crib mattress.
Dream On Me Venice has a patented mattress adjustment mechanism. You can set the mattress into three different levels, starting with the highest for a newborn.
The crib also meets all required safety standards, it is lead and phthalate safe, eco-friendly, and finished in three non-toxic finishes.
You can find the whole Dream On Me Venice mini portable crib review HERE.
DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib Review
DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib is not the same as other cribs on this list. It has a space-saving design and stands on wheels, so it is a portable model. But it doesn’t fold down!
Wheels glide smoothly and possess a reliable locking mechanism to keep the crib stationary. The wooden frame is light and fits through standard doorways. As such, the DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib can either stand on a place as a co-sleeper in your bedroom or effortlessly move around your home to keep the baby close.
By removing the wheels, the Alpha gets a whole new function, which is, by the way, very cool. It becomes a rocking crib! Gentle rocking movements comforts babies and nurse them into sleep. Of course, you can retain it in place too. It has rocking stops, which will hold it in a sturdy standstill if needed.
So again, the DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib has two main features.
- With wheels on it’s a portable mini crib.
- With wheels off, it is a rocking mini crib.
DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib meets and exceeds all safety standards. It is a safe crib, without dropping sides. The crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified, so it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals and pollute the indoor air. It is lead and phthalate safe and finished in 6 different non-toxic colors.
It is a charming mini crib that will last from newborn to beyond 18 months. The Alpha crib has adjustable mattress support. You can set the mattress into three heights. Start with the highest level for a newborn and gradually lower it down with a child’s growth.
You get a basic 1″ mattress pad with the crib. It’s good for occasional sleep, but not for every day. So, the same as the included mattresses of other portable mini cribs. The DaVinci doesn’t hide that (which I love about them), so they recommend their Deluxe mini crib mattress. Of course, you can choose any other mini crib mattress that fits snugly in the crib.
The best portable mini cribs side-by-side
| MINI PORTABLE CRIB | SIZE* | WEIGHT | WHEELS WITH LOCKS | FOLDING | INCLUDED MATTRESS | BACK ON DETAILS |
| Babyletto Origami | 38,6″L x 25,4″W (7″) x 36″H | 44 lbs | YES | YES | 1″ |  |
| Dream On Me 3-in-1 model | 41″L x 26″W (6″) x 40″H | 32 lbs | YES | YES | 1″ |  |
| Delta Children | 39″L x 25″W (6,5″) x 37,8″H | 32 lbs | NO | YES | 1,5″ |  |
| Orbelle Tian | 40″L x 25″W (6″) x 39″H | 33 lbs | YES | YES | 1″ |  |
| L.A. Baby Deluxe Holiday | 39″L x 25″W (6″) x 38″H | 45 lbs | YES | YES | 3″ |  |
| Dream On Me Venice | 42″L x 26″W (7″) x 37″H | 46,5 lbs | YES | YES | 1″ |  |
| DaVinci Alpha | 39″L x 26″W x 35″H | 26 lbs | YES | NO | 1″ |  |
*the stated width in the brackets is the width of the folded crib
Important features of portable mini cribs
The space-saving design
While is the size of full-size cribs determined by law, is the mini cribs’ size not regulated by the government. So any baby crib that is smaller than a full-size crib is defined as a mini crib. Because of that, finding a snuggle-fit mini crib mattress could be a problem. However, in most cases, the inner mini cribs’ dimensions are around 38″ (96,52cm) by 24″ (60,96cm). And most mini crib mattresses on the market correspond to those measurements.
Most parents decide on a mini crib because of space issues. So it’s a good idea to have a mini crib with a minimalist design that takes up as little space as possible. Most mini cribs are space-efficient, without unnecessary bulky frames.
Rolling feet
A portable crib must stand on wheels. Its wheels must glide nicely on all flor types, including the carpet. Most portable cribs hold a reliable locking mechanism, which keeps the crib sturdy in place when locked down.
The wheels on some mini portable cribs don’t lock, but those cribs meet all required safety standards anyway. That’s because they do not move when your baby is in the crib. Since these are mini portable cribs, they won’t last as long as full-size models. Your child can use full-size models way longer, so when he gets bigger, he could move the crib. So, while full-size portable cribs must have a locking mechanism, mini cribs don’t need it to meet safety standards.
Casters must be included in the package, but some mini portable cribs can be with or without them. They are optional, and you don’t need to install them if you don’t need them.
Folding mechanism
Not all mini portable cribs fold down, but most of them do. The folding mechanism must be quality-made. When the crib is in use, it shouldn’t open by accident. It must hold the crib firmly together! However, when you want to fold the crib, it must work flawlessly. The process should not be difficult, and it shouldn’t take much time.
A folded crib must take up as little space as possible! For the best models, the mattress board is also stored in the folded crib. Sometimes you can fold in even an included mattress pad. Of course, it is desirable that the wheels work when the crib is folded too.
Safety
The mini portable crib must be safe, like any other crib! All cribs on the market must meet the required safety standards set by the government. And the best mini portable cribs on our list meet and even exceed all of them!
All cribs went to rigorous testing to meet ASTM and CPCS safety standards. Cribs are without toxic materials, and some of them are even GREENGUARD Gold certified.
- CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) is an independent agency of the US government. The CPSC seeks to promote products’ safety by addressing “unreasonable risks” of injury, doing research into product-related illness and injury, and developing CPSC safety standards.
- ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is a standard organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.
- GREENGUARD Gold Certification ensures that the product doesn’t pollute indoor air and meets some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air.
All mini portable cribs are finished with non-toxic paint. They are lead and phthalate safe and don’t have drop-sides, which are banned since 2011.
Who should buy a portable mini crib?
- Everyone with space issues.
- Those who would like to use it around the house in different rooms of their home.
- Parents who want to co-sleep with their baby. The American Pediatric Association recommends co-sleeping for the first six months, and a crib is the best place for this. Placing the crib next to your bed is the safest solution for co-sleep. Of course, many of us don’t have enough room for a standard crib, and a mini portable crib is a perfect solution.
- Buy a portable mini crib instead of a standard bassinet. A mini portable crib is a more long-term solution for keeping your baby closeby as you sleep. Lots of time even cost less than a bassinet, which you can use only for the first six months.
- A portable mini crib is an excellent decision for the grandparents’ home. Grandparents should pic a model that also folds down. When the crib is not in use, they can simply fold it down and store it away until another use.
- Durable, scratch-resistant portable metal mini cribs, such as the L.A. Baby Delux Holiday crib, are perfect for daycares. They are sturdy and will last long!
Mini portable cribs vs. full-size portable cribs
Mini portable cribs have smaller dimensions, but the same features as standard size models. As they are lighter and smaller, they fit through all doorways, and you can move them around your home effortlessly. I would say mini models have better portability than full-size portable cribs, but your child will outgrow them sooner.
Even further, the best mini portable cribs fold down pretty small. Because of this, combined with their lightweight and smaller size, some of them even fit into car trunks. In theory, you can take such a crib with you wherever you go. But, of course, this is not a travel crib or Pack ‘N Play.
Full-size and mini crib’s portability is primarily bound to the home. And this is where the smaller dimensions of mini models come to the fore even more. While a mini portable cribs fit through all doorways, you could have problems with standard-size models.
