Your baby's due date is fast approaching, and you're working on furnishing the nursery in a hurry. A baby's nursery needs many things—one of the most important being a comfortable crib where they can rest their heads after a tiring day of learning and playing.
When it comes to choosing a crib for your baby's nursery, you have a surprising number of options. What color do you want the crib to be? Are you looking for a chic, modern style, or something more modest and traditional? Do you need any extra features, like removable legs or under-crib storage?
But before you can decide on these things, you first need to choose whether you want a standard crib or a mini crib. Both types of cribs have their perks, but which one is better for your personal situation? Choosing the right crib for you and your baby is essential. To help you make an informed decision, here's everything you need to know about mini cribs vs. standard cribs.
According to US law, all standard cribs need to be 28 x 52 inches and have a side height (the distance between the top of the mattress support and the lowest point of the top rail) of at least 26 inches.
Compared to mini cribs, standard cribs are larger and more expensive. However, they make up for their bulk and cost in other areas. For one, standard cribs are much sturdier than mini cribs. This means they can accommodate much heavier and older kids than mini cribs. Standard cribs have a weight limit of 50 pounds, whereas mini cribs can usually only handle half of that.
Another benefit of standard cribs is that they're much more convertible. You can convert some mini cribs into daybeds or twin beds, but you can't convert them into toddler beds or full beds like you can with some standard cribs. So, if you want a crib that grows with your child, standard is the way to go!
The final benefit of standard cribs is that many models come with built-in storage. Mini cribs are too small to offer ample storage, but some standard cribs offer enough storage space to double as a dresser!
Standard cribs have, as the name implies, a standard size. On the other hand, the size of mini cribs isn't standardized. Most mini cribs are 38 x 24 inches with a side height of 20 inches, but they can be both smaller or bigger than that. As long as a crib is smaller than the standard 28 x 52 inches, it's considered a mini crib. Keep in mind that the lack of standardization with mini cribs can make it hard to find a mattress and bedding that fit!
The biggest advantage mini cribs have over standard cribs is their versatility. Because mini cribs are much smaller than standard cribs, they're ideal for parents who don't have a lot of space to spare. Renters rejoice, because these compact cribs can fit in even the smallest apartments! And because most mini cribs are foldable, you can put them away when you're not using them. Don't forget about the caster wheels attached to most mini cribs, which allow you to freely wheel them around the home. This means you can keep your baby with you wherever you go without needing to carry it in your arms or in a sling.
Mini cribs also come in a wide variety of shapes. Standard cribs come in the classic rectangular shape, which is convenient, but also a tad boring. If you want a more interesting look for your baby's nursery, then mini cribs may interest you. You can get mini cribs that are round, oval, octagonal, and more.
Now that you know everything you need to know about mini cribs vs. standard cribs, you're probably wondering, "How do I choose which one I should get?" Standard size cribs tend to be the better option, since their durability means they last much longer, but there are several circumstances in which a mini crib is the superior choice, including the following.
If you live in a rental or just don't have enough room in your home, mini cribs are major space savers. You can fit these small cribs in small spaces and store them during the day.
Many new parents feel anxious about leaving their baby in the nursery alone. If you want to keep your baby within reach, consider a mini crib that you can fit snugly beside your bed. Mini cribs are also sturdier than bassinets, which makes them a safer option for your bedside buddy.
Or any other number of babies? Cribs take up a lot of space. Even if you have a spacious nursery, having more than one standard-size crib can clutter it up. So, if you have twins, triplets, or more, you may want to use mini cribs to save precious space.
Have your baby's grandparents or other caregivers volunteered to help with childcare? If so, they'll want to have a crib in their own home for when baby comes to visit. Mini cribs are a great option for the homes of grandparents and other occasional caregivers because they're small, storable, and affordable.
If you plan on having your baby share a room with their older sibling, using a mini crib is a great way to keep their shared room looking neat and uncluttered.
Convinced that a mini crib is right for you and your baby? We know that finding bedding for these tiny cribs can be hard, which is why we sell mini crib mattress sheets in fun and whimsical patterns. Our sheets are made from soft and easily washable brushed microfiber, and thanks to the elastic bottom, they fit securely on most mini cribs.
And if the bedding isn't all you need to finish your nursery, why not take a look at all the other nursery decor we have to offer? From play mats to mobiles to storage cubes, we have everything you need to create your dream nursery.
