The best mini cribs for small spaces in 2023

There are circumstances where a mini crib is a better choice than a full-size crib. But living in a small space is one of the main reasons why parents decide on a mini crib. We have found the best mini cribs for small spaces that are space-efficient but safe and comfortable for your baby. 

Mini Cribs for Small Spaces

Baby’s Little Place Top-Picks

If you live in a small apartment or a modest-size home, you might worry about how to fit a traditional full-size crib into a tiny place. Do not worry. You have an alternative that is as safe and comfortable, a mini crib!

Of course, living in a small space is not the only reason to decide on a mini crib. A mini crib is also an ideal solution for twin rooms, co-sleeping in the parents’ bedroom, shared rooms, grandparents’ or caregivers’ house, etc.

The best mini cribs for small spaces provide comfortable sleeping space for your baby while not taking up much room in your home!

Top 3 mini cribs for small spaces:

Best portable mini crib for small spaces:

Best Mini Cribs For Small Spaces | Best Portable Choice
Babyletto Origami portable mini crib on wheels

A modern and stylish portable mini crib of high quality. It stands on wheels, so you can easily move it from one room to another. Those who do not use it every day will also appreciate its ability to fold down without disassembly.

Best convertible mini crib for small spaces:

Best Mini Cribs For Small Spaces | Best Convertible Choice
DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 convertible mini crib

A smaller version of the popular standard size Kalani convertible crib. All the great features of a full-size crib are combined into a compact mini crib that grows with your baby.

Best storage mini crib for small spaces:

Best Mini Cribs For Small Spaces | Best with Storage
Carter’s by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 convertible mini crib with trundle drawer

A very space-efficient mini crib with an under-crib drawer. While it does not take up much space, it makes use of the one it occupies to perfection. Furthermore, the Colby crib is also convertible, so it grows with your child!

How do we choose our favorite space-saving mini cribs?

First of all, a safe baby’s sleep is our priority! Not the design, appearance, or cool features, but the safety of your child!

Therefore, the process includes a lot of crib and mattress reviews, as well as education about the latest safe sleeping guidelines. Only then do we get a real insight into what a quality product is and what is not as good as you might think at first glance.

Of course, we also include the opinion of those who already have a mini crib. We want to know if the crib fulfills their expectations, which model they love the most, etc.

Mini Cribs for Small Spaces

When looking for a small crib, you can decide between portable and convertible models. Both possess a small footprint, but they differ in their functionality.

Both types have their advantages and disadvantages according to what you need. So let’s take a look into their differences.

The best portable mini cribs for small spaces

Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib with Wheels
Babyletto Origami mini portable crib

A portable mini crib has a minimalistic frame, so it is usually an inch or two smaller than a convertible mini crib. Though, that is not a fact.

Its biggest advantage over the convertible model is its rolling feet. All portable mini cribs stand on wheels, giving you the option to move them around your home. Wheels have a locking mechanism so that the crib does not move when your child is in it.

Another distinctive feature of portable mini cribs is a folding mechanism. Most mini portable cribs fold down without disassembly. That is great for easy storage, especially for those who do not use the crib every day.


The best convertible mini cribs for small spaces

DaVinci Kalani Mini Crib's Convertibility Review
DaVinci Kalani mini crib’s conversions

The convertible cribs’ advantage over portable models is their longer usability.

A convertible mini crib grows with your child! When your child outgrows the crib, it can transit into one or more beds.

Depending on the model you choose, it can convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and/or twin-size bed. However, you have to remember that the mini crib’s toddler bed and daybed are not as big as those of full-size cpnvertible cribs.

The convertible crib’s frame is usually not as minimalistic as the one on portable cribs. Therefore are mini convertible cribs heavier than portable models, but they usually also sustain a heavier weight.


More about Mini Cribs for Small Spaces

Yes, mini cribs are smaller, but don’t underestimate them! Just because they take less space in the room, they are not less comfortable than full-size models.

Their railings are also as high as those on standard size cribs, so they are as safe, and your baby won’t climb out any sooner!

Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 Convertible Mini vs. Full-Size Crib Review
The difference between mini and full-size DaVinci Dolby convertible crib.

Should you decide on a mini or standard size crib?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on what crib’s features you need, and most of all, your available space.

You can choose from the same features, but it is the truth that babies outgrow mini cribs sooner. After all, they are smaller.

However, most mini cribs are suitable, at least until the baby’s second year.

If you are facing space issues and a standard size baby crib doesn’t fit into your home, you can choose between three options, a mini crib, a Pack ‘N Play, or a baby bassinet.

All of them are considered safe for your baby, but a mini crib is the best choice. It is more stylish, stable, and comfortable than a Pack ‘N Play and a more long-term alternative to a baby bassinet!

But think twice before your decision if you have enough room for a full-size crib and you only like the appearance of a mini cribStandard-size baby cribs last longer, so purchasing one of them is a more rational decision.

A small crib offers the same features as a full-size crib. It is a perfect solution for small spaces, tiny nurseries, a better alternative to bassinets, excellent for co-sleeping in the parent’s bedroom or sleepovers in the grandparents’ home.

Mini Crib vs. Full-Size Crib – the difference in size:

How much smaller must be the footprint of a mini crib to be defined as a mini model? From an inch to ten inches and more….let me explain.

The internal dimensions of standard, full-size baby cribs are defined by law. The same goes for full-size crib matresses. That is great because any full-size crib mattress fits into any full-size crib.

U.S. regulations define:

  • standard size crib is a baby crib with the following measurements: 52 3⁄8 ± 5⁄8 inches in length by 28 ± 5⁄8 inches in width
  • standard crib mattress is a baby crib mattress with the following measurements: at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches thick

On the contrary, the measurements of mini cribs are not regulated. So any baby crib that is smaller than a full-size crib is defined as a mini crib. Mini cribs can be of numerous sizes and shapes.

However, in most cases, their inner dimensions are around 38″ (96,52cm) by 24″ (60,96cm). That is great, as most mini crib mattresses correspond to these measurements and fit snuggly into most mini cribs.

Why would you buy a mini crib?

  1. Because a traditional, full-size crib doesn’t fit well in your apartment or nursery.
  2. As you like the idea of co-sleeping with your baby, and you want to practice the safest option, which is room-sharing, not bed-sharing.
  3. You intend to move the crib from room to room. In such a case, portable mini cribs on wheels are a perfect solution for you.
  4. Your baby will spend a lot of time at grandma’s house, so you need a secondary crib, which will fold up easily.
  5. You need a baby crib only for a napping time. Then choose a portable folding mini crib.
  6. You are a minimalist, so you don’t want a big bulky crib. If you like them, why not? Mini cribs are as safe as standard-size cribs.
  7. Mini cribs are a suitable solution for shared rooms or if you have twins.

How long can babies sleep in the mini crib?

Most babies can use a mini crib until they reach 18 to 24 months, but mostly it depends on how fast they grow and their development level.

The weight limit for a mini crib is usually 40 lbs. However, children tend to grow to a height that no longer matches the length of the mini crib before reaching the weight limit.

Toddlers have to stop using a mini crib when they start climbing or reach 35 inches, whichever comes first. When this happens, it’s time to transit into a larger bed or for the conversion if you have a convertible model.

Mini Crib needs a Mini Mattress

Lots of mini cribs come with a 1″ mattress pad, but if your baby uses the crib every day, you should buy a thicker crib mattress. Check up the crib’s inner dimensions and purchase the mattress that fits snuggly into the crib.

Used to, it was hard to find a fitting mini crib mattress of proper firmness for a baby. However, with the rising popularity of mini cribs, the mini mattress market has also grown significantly.

You can pick from many different small crib mattresses, bedding, rail protectors, and crib skirts.

RELATED: Baby crib mattress size


Mini cribs are created specifically for small spaces!

Today’s lifestyle forces families to live in cities, in smaller apartments, urban lofts, etc. Therefore, the demand for quality and functional mini cribs has been increasing over the last few years.

Fortunately, big baby crib brands noticed the space limitations of young parents and have started to focus on mini cribs too.

Manufacturers are now more focused on mini cribs, so their market has grown significantly. That provides a variety of different mini cribs, which is excellent!

You can pick from various sizes and shapes, choose between features, and find many quality mini crib mattresses. But the broader selection also brings a more difficult decision, so I hope our guides, such as the best mini cribs for small spaces, help you in your final decision.

Thank you for reading my article! I hope it was helpful to you. If you have any questions, please leave them below. I will respond as soon as possible!

    8 thoughts on “The best mini cribs for small spaces in 2023”

    1. Thank you so much for sharing with us such a beautiful article .You must have appreciated that you wrote an article so beautiful for kids .I am very worried about my baby sleeping and so always looking for an article where I can find some mini cribs that will be very comfortable and the kids will feel comfortable. And through your article I am my favorite mini
        I found the crib .I liked the MINI CONVERTIBLE CRIB AND CHANGER cribs a lot .But since it is so light, I am very worried about the quality of sleep here .What can we do in the future to get rid of this quality issue that will be very comfortable? Although it is quite nice and attractive to look at .If I like visiting the link, I will definitely buy it .

      1. Baby's Little Place

        Hello, Shanta!

        Thank you for your kind words. I think there is nothing to worry about the lightweight of mini cribs. Best mini cribs are designed to be lightweight, but sturdy and steady at the same time.

        Best mini cribs on our list also pass rigorous testing to meet all safety standards. Actually, they even exceed them.

        If you don’t feel comfortable using such mini crib anyway, you can look into full-size convertible cribs with changing table.

        Regards, Baby’s Little Place

    2. Many thanks to you for giving us such a beautiful article and a beautiful product for my baby through you. I was always worried about my baby and wanted to buy a safe mini crib for him. Which would be very comfortable for him. When I read your article about the best mini cribs, I saw a mini crib I want to buy and I want to share my experience with you very soon.

      1. Baby's Little Place

        Hi!

        We hope you and your baby are pleased with your choice of the mini crib. Let us know which one you have chosen and what are your experiences with it.

        Regards, Baby’s Little Place

    3. Thank you so much for the awesome review!  There are so many different cribs you have talked about on here it is hard to pick just one out that I would like to buy for my little boy! I really like the DaVinci Alpha Mini Rocking Crib, and I know he would too because he loves being rocked!  I personally do not know a lot about cribs and certifications.  What does it mean that this one is Greenguard Gold Certified?  Is there a process it has to go through to get that?  

      1. Hello! 

        DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib is such a cute mini crib. Of course, it is not the best mini crib because it is cute, but because it offers a lot for a reasonable price, it has many useful features, and it is safe.

        GREENGUARD Gold Certification is a voluntary third-party program that tests for over 10,000 chemicals and 360 VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

        GREENGUARD Gold certified cribs meet some of the world’s most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards. As such, they don’t pollute indoor air and reduce the risk of chemical exposure. In short, cribs are completely non-toxic, and there is no off-gassing.

        The certification also ensures that products are safe for sensitive

        individuals, like elderly people or babies, and acceptable for use in environments like schools and healthcare facilities.

        Regards, Ines

    4. So we are trying to figure out the best crib to put at grandmas from time to time that baby will actually sleep and be comfortable in, since he is a light sleeper and I worry about the quality of sleep he gets there. I am wondering if we should get a mini crib or a pack and play for him. Which one might be more comfortable?

      1. Hi!

        If he is a light-sleeper, I would decide for a mini crib. It is much more stable than a pack and play. Also, don’t forget to pick a quality mini crib mattress with the crib. The mattress has a big impact on quality of baby sleep! It should be firm and fit perfectly into the mini crib.
        Mini cribs are such a convenient choice for small space or grandmas house like you mention.
        If grandma doesn’t have enough room to keep the crib constantly in the same place, you can still pick a portable mini crib, like Babyletto Origami. It has wheels and folding mechanism for easy storage, without any disassembly.
        If there is enough room, I would decide for a convertible mini crib, as it will grow with your child. I would pick mini combo crib, like Dream On Me Jayden, as in the last conversion detached changing table becomes a nightstand. Your child will have a little kingdom at grandmas house. 🙂 If you have enough space to place a combo mini crib there, for a longer period of time, in mine opinion it is the best mini crib for small space you can choose. 

        Thank you for your interest!

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