Mini Crib Vs Crib: Know Which one to choose for your baby!

As a new parent who is trying to decide between mini crib vs crib, we understand your anxiety. It is often frustrating to choose between things, right? 

As a new parent, you are just starting your journey with your kid. While you know it is a whole new journey, you strive to do everything for your kid, with perfection. But having so many options for everything makes it even more complicated, right? 

One of those toughest choices is choosing a crib because it’s going to be a small world for your kid during his infant days. You might wonder whether you should use a mini crib or a regular crib.

So, to wipe off your doubt, here we are writing an in-depth article on mini cribs vs. standard cribs.

What is a Mini Crib?

A mini crib as the name suggests is a smaller model of a regular crib. Mini cribs are perfect for petite places, apartments, and budget pregnancies. It is portable and travel-friendly. 

Mini cribs vs cribs size are different. Mini crib measurements are usually 28 inches wide and 39 inches long. While regular cribs are 54.25 inches wide and 42.25 inches long. It’s like, you can save almost 26 inches with a mini crib! 

What is a Regular Crib?

A crib or regular or standard crib is where babies spend their early childhood. Regular cribs are huge compared to mini cribs. They are usually costly, and difficult to move and maintain. 

Before deciding whether to invest in a mini crib or a standard crib, we recommend you first analyze your place. The difference between mini crib vs. crib dimensions is very high. If you have a huge space and a great budget, you can opt for a regular crib, but if you don’t have a large place, its better to go with the mini crib. 

What is the difference between a mini crib and a regular crib?

Let us quickly see the comparison of mini crib vs crib, crib vs mini crib, and mini crib vs regular crib.

Pros and Cons of Mini Crib

Mini cribs are compact and can be ideal for portability. From keeping your kid close to your bed to taking them to word-tour, with a mini crib, you can do it like a breeze. However, mini cribs can not be used for the long term and have some major issues compared to regular cribs.

Having said that, here are other major pros and cons of a mini crib. 

Pros

1. Budget Friendly: Mini crib is best for budget-conscious parents. Price starts from $100 and can go up to $150. 
2. Travel-friendly: Travel-loving parents can carry the mini crib easily while enjoying their trips.
3. Small-space friendly: If you are in a small or shared space or an apartment, mini cribs can be easy to save space and compact. 
4. Mattress of your choice: You can buy a mattress according to your baby’s requirements.
5. Stay close to your kid: You can easily drag the mini crib to your bedside to stay close to your kid. 

Cons

1. No standardized size: Mini crib doesn’t follow standardized size. So finding a mattress can be hard. 
2. Limited lifespan: As soon as your baby outgrows the mini crib, you will have to buy a large one or move your baby to bed. There are high chance that this sudden change in their bedding can affect their sleep cycle. 
3. Limited Space: Your kid as they grow, will find it hard to fit inside the mini crib. The storage inside is less compared to a regular crib. 

Pros and Cons of Standard Crib

Regular oR Standard Cribs can be heavy and costly but that also comes with a lot of advantages. From giving a safe sleeping environment to your kid to providing storage space, regular cribs are ideal for a long-term bedding option.

Here are some pros and cons of a regular crib. 

Pros

1. Safety: Regular cribs compared to mimic ribs follow standardized instructions provided by the law. Thus it will help in avoiding injuries and have sturdy and safe railings. 
2. Longevity: Regular cribs can be a one-time investment and last longer. You can easily convert it into a toddler bed, twin-sized bed, or daybed. 
3. Customization: It is easier to customize a standard crib than a mini crib. 
4. Standard Size: It will be easy to purchase a mattress as they follow the same standard size. 

Cons

1. Space taking: A regular crib is so big that it takes a huge amount of space. If you are not going to take the crib anywhere or you have huge space, you can opt for a regular crib. 
2. Heavy: The regular crib is too heavy to move. It is not portable or travel-friendly. 
3. Costly: In the battle of mini crib vs. regular crib, regular crib loses when it comes to cost-effectiveness. Since it is heavy and comes long term, it is more on a high-budget side. To give you an idea, the price may start from $150 and can range up to $350 and more. 

Why do people buy mini cribs?

There are a lot of options when it comes to mini cribs. You have metal, wood, and other material mini cribs. But people buy mini cribs not only because of that. Here we have listed a few reasons why people buy mini cribs: 

1. Small Space: Mini cribs can save up to 14 inches of space from your limited space. 
2. Travel-friendly: It is easy to take mini cribs from one place to another. It is easy, lightweight, compact, and easy to relocate. 
3. Cost-saving: Mini cribs are economical compared to standard cribs.
4. Multiple Children: In a household with multiple children and a small physical space, mini cribs can be more comfortable and offer a peaceful sleeping experience for newborns. 
5. Various designs: Mini cribs come in various styles, designs, and materials. Parents with aesthetic craze can have multiple options to satiate their aesthetic hunger.
6. Easy to assemble: Not everyone likes to spend hours assembling the crib. Mini cribs are easy to assemble. It might take only 30 to 40 minutes to assemble the crib. 

What to look for in a mini crib?

If you are choosing a mini crib (after the battle of mini crib vs. crib), the following are important things to keep in mind before buying. 

1. Safety Standards: Make sure you are purchasing cribs that meet the safety standards provided by law. 
2. Size and Space: The mini crib should save space and also fit nicely into your space. Make sure it is right in size. 
3. Budget: Look for a mini crib that also fits your budget but doesn’t lack quality or sturdiness. 
4. Mattress: The mattress size matters in mini cribs. The mattress should be tight and fit into the mini crib. The kid should feel snuggly and comfy inside the crib. 
5. Convertible Options: Not many mini cribs can be convertible. There are only a few mini cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybeds, and twin-sized beds. Look for the features that you need in the future. 

6. Assembly and maintenance: Always make sure you are choosing mini cribs that are easy to assemble. When it comes to cribs vs. mini cribs, mini cribs always win in the assembling section. Make sure you are buying a mini crib that has a detailed instruction manual. 
7. Style and Design: If you are looking for an elegant or classy look, look for mini cribs that perfectly match your vision for a nursery. Many mini cribs have beautiful designs, colors, and styles. 
8. Reviews: Word of mouth can never go wrong. Look at what your colleagues are purchasing. Ask their recommendations for mini cribs and go for it.

How long can a baby sleep in a mini crib?

Honestly, it depends on your baby!

The sleep duration or cycle varies from one baby to another. The other main factor is the growth of the baby. 

The mini crib is suitable for babies aged between 12 to 18 months and safe for a baby whose weight is nearly 45 pounds (or 20 Kg). There are times when they can outgrow even before 18 months. So, make sure you are monitoring your baby’s weight, sleeping position, and comfort while they sleep. As the baby grows, they require a huge space for comfortable snuggling. 

Mini cribs that offer convertible options like toddler beds, daybeds, and twin-sized beds can come to use even after 18 months, so it’s important to invest your money wisely.

Conclusion

Trying to choose between a mini crib and vs. crib can be a mind-bending process. Especially as a new parent who is trying to figure things out on their own. If you have less budget and space, choose mini cribs. But if budget is not a constraint and you have bigger space opt for regular cribs.

 As we wrap up, we hope there is clarity in your mind on what to buy to give an amazing sleep experience to your newborn. If you have any further questions or insights to share, we’d love to hear from you in the comments. 

Frequently asked questions

1. What’s the difference between a crib and a mini crib?

A crib is generally in a standardized size while a mini crib is a smaller version of it. Mini cribs are perfect for small nurseries, travel-friendly, and portable. 

2. Are mini cribs safe for newborns?

Yes. Mini cribs and regular cribs both are safe for newborns. Just like standard cribs, mini cribs are also made with safety standards in mind. 

3. Does a mini crib fit a regular crib mattress?

No, mini cribs are smaller than regular cribs. That also means the mini crib won’t fit a regular crib mattress. Regular crib mattresses are larger and can be uncomfortable for the baby. It is recommended to buy a mattress tailored for the crib size.