How Long Can Baby Stay In Mini Crib?

Last Updated on May 31, 2023

When it comes to finding the perfect place for your baby to sleep, you have a lot of options. One option that is becoming more and more popular is the mini crib. Mini cribs are smaller than traditional cribs, but they still offer plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. 

However, there seems to be a lot of confusion about how long can a baby sleep in a mini crib safely. Some people say they are only for newborns, while others claim they can be used until the baby is two years old. So, what’s the truth? How long does a mini crib last or how long can you use mini crib?

That is a question that many parents ask themselves. In this blog post, we will answer how long can a baby stay in a mini crib and also provide some other helpful information about mini cribs! So, keep reading to find out!

how long can you use a mini crib?

How long can baby sleep in mini crib? The fact is that the majority of babies outgrow their mini crib before reaching two years old. When they are between 18 and 24 months old, they will begin using the toddler bed. On the other hand, some children are still not prepared for the change until they are three years old or more.

That is why most standard cribs are built to accommodate children up to three years old. The mini crib age limit is also three years. This means that the mini crib will last until he or she is three years old. That’s why it is a good idea because they require less space compared to a standard one. And are also suitable for you if your child is premature and you want to keep the crib in your bedroom. 

Generally, the mini crib is usually about 38 inches long and 24 inches wide, making it smaller than regular cribs. However, it’s still perfect for your infant.

Short of space? Read our guide to finding cribs for small bedrooms

The great thing is that you can convert the mini crib into a twin bed so that your child can continue to use it as they grow.

“Babies should not sleep on their parents’ sides. It may be quite dangerous. They should use cribs since they are safe for them and provide safe sleep environment,” says Joyce Davis, president of sleep safety nonprofit Keeping Babies Safe.

Can A Newborn Sleep In A Mini Crib?

Yes, a mini crib can be a safe sleep choice for a newborn. It takes up less space compared to the standard crib. So, a mini crib can be easier in a smaller house. They are also more portable than traditional cribs because of their smaller size.

So, if your house is small or there is limited space in your nursery room to accommodate a full-sized crib, a mini crib can be the best alternative.

Is It Worth Buying A Mini Crib?

As we’ve mentioned earlier that if your space is limited and an extra 14 inches of full-size cribs might make a significant difference, and your budget is not that much, a mini crib will be worth the money.

As a parent, we want to assure maximum comfort and security to our infant and also need to balance the income. A mini crib fulfills all the criteria, so it is definitely worth buying one.

However, there are some things you need to take into account while purchasing a mini crib. The first and foremost criterion is the safety of the child.

Make sure that all the sides of the crib are sturdy, and there is no way for your child to get trapped or stuck between the slats.

Also, the mattress should be firm and not too soft to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Another thing to look for while buying mini-cribs is portability. If you often have to travel with your child or move the crib from one room to another, the crib must be easily transported.

Most mini cribs are foldable and have lockable wheels at the bottom. So you can easily move the crib from one room to another room and store it when not in use.

Plus, you can turn most mini cribs into a twin bed that allows you to use it as a twin bed when your baby outgrows it. So, your investment won’t get wasted. 

What Are The Differences Between A Mini Crib And A Standard Crib?

Whether it’s a mini crib or a standard one, both are obliging for parents and cozy for their infants or toddlers. Though they look similar, there is a certain amount of dissimilarity between these two. Here, we’re providing the key differences between a mini crib and a standard crib below:

Size

The most significant difference between mini crib and regular crib is their size. Generally, mini cribs come in about 91.44 to 109.22 centimeters, whereas standard ones are about 134.62 centimeters long.

Both do not differ much in width, as the mini one has 60.96 centimeters wide. On the other hand, the standard one comes in 71.12 centimeters in width.

Talking about the depth of the mattress, the standard one has about 15.24 centimeters deep mattress, whereas the mini one has approximately 2.54 to 15.24 centimeters of depth.

Wheels

If you’re looking for a portable crib that you can easily transport between rooms, the mini cribs are an excellent alternative. It has wheels installed at the bottom. So, it will be a massive help if you have to go around the house to complete your everyday tasks while using a twin bed with wheels.

On the other hand, a standard-size crib does not come with wheels. So, you can’t move it around the house.

Sizes of Sheets And Mattresses

Mini cribs come in various sizes and shapes. So, it might be an excellent option to measure your mini crib before purchasing sheets.

On the other hand, most regular-sized cribs are almost the same, so you won’t have a problem finding standard crib sheets.

Foldability

Most mini cribs are foldable, so it wouldn’t be a hassle if you needed to travel with the crib. 

On the other hand, a standard crib is quite heavy and doesn’t have the option of folding it. So, traveling with it is next to impossible.

Long Time Use

As the standard crib is quite bigger compared to a mini crib, you can use it for a long time for your baby. Plus, you can convert the standard cribs into a toddler bed.

So, when your baby outgrows the crib, you can turn the crib into a toddler bed. You don’t need to buy a whole new bed.

On the other hand, a mini crib doesn’t offer you this feature. When the baby outgrows the mini crib, you have to buy a new toddler bed.

Price

Mini cribs are often much cheaper than standard cribs. You can find a mini crib for as low as $130 on some online markets, whereas a standard crib can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000. If you’re on a tight budget, a mini crib is a great option.

Disadvantages of mini cribs

The benefits of convertible mini cribs are so many to tell. There is hardly any disadvantage of a mini crib. Nonetheless, one thing that can make its user a bit upset is that it’s smaller in size compared to the standard one.

Therefore, the baby seems to grow faster in it, and after about a year, when the baby is one year old, they might not get fit into it. They might outgrow it sooner.

Another thing is that mini cribs don’t come with a changing table, so parents have to purchase one separately.

But overall, a mini crib is an excellent investment for parents with tight space. It is also very affordable and easy to assemble.

Wrapping up:

Thanks for reading the complete guide on how long a baby can stay in a mini crib. To sum up, we just want to say that although mini cribs are typically designed for infant babies, there is no definitive answer as to how long a baby can safely stay in a mini crib.

Ultimately it will depend on the individual child and what makes them comfortable. As always, be sure to consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns. We hope you found this information helpful. Please share it with your friends and family!

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