Standard Mini Crib Dimensions (with Pictures)

Stacy Randall
by Stacy Randall

If you’re a new parent with a limited budget or space, a mini crib is a great option for a new baby. This crib can get you through the newborn period, whether moving, traveling, or looking for a bed for the time being. Use this as a guide to choosing the best mini crib for your new baby.

On average, mini cribs range in length from 37 ⅜ inches to 38 ⅝ inches. They range in width from 23 ⅜ inches to 24 ⅝ inches. Typically, mini crib mattresses are 24 inches by 38 inches and 1 to 4 inches thick.

What Is a Mini Crib?

A mini crib is a smaller and less expensive crib for those who live in homes where space is limited. Mini cribs are foldable and portable, so they are a great option when there are multiple sleeping areas for the baby. Mini cribs have high side enclosures like a standard crib to ensure the baby can’t climb out.

Source: Amazon

What’s the Average Size of a Mini Crib?

Mini cribs come in several different sizes, as most are adjustable. They typically range in length from 37 ⅜ inches to 38 ⅝ inches. They range in width from 23 ⅜ inches to 24 ⅝ inches.

Source: Amazon

Their small size makes them great for tight spaces and can be easily folded up and put away when not in use. Due to their smaller size, mini cribs will not fit your child as long as a standard crib. Therefore, be sure to monitor your child’s growth to make sure they still fit comfortably in the crib.

Choosing the Right Mattress for a Crib

Once you’ve picked out the best crib for your baby, it’s time to choose the right mattress. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib with as little space as possible between the mattress and railings. As a rule of thumb, you should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the crib and frame.

Source: Dimensions.com

Crib mattresses come in several different sizes, so there are a few things to consider.

Mini Crib Mattress Dimensions

If you have a mini crib, you will want to purchase a mattress specific to that crib. Unlike standard crib mattresses, mini crib mattresses are not size regulated by the US Government. Because of this, you want to do your due diligence when choosing the right one.

Standard mini crib mattresses are 24 inches wide by 38 inches long. Most mini crib mattresses will fit in your mini crib, but double check as some cribs are more narrow. Mini crib mattresses also come in several different depths, usually 1 to 4 inches.

Standard Crib Mattress Dimensions

Standard crib mattresses are the typical mattress for baby cribs. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, a standard crib mattress should be no more than 6 inches thick. They should measure at least 27 ¼ inches wide and 51 ¼ inches long.

A standard crib mattress will typically fit a standard crib, but you should make sure that it fits properly. There are small variations, so ensure that the mattress is not too big or too small.

Things to Remember When Purchasing a Mini Crib Mattress

When purchasing a mattress for your baby’s crib, always put safety first.

Keep these things in mind when purchasing a crib mattress.

Firmness

As a parent, you’re always concerned with your child’s safety, especially when they are sleeping. To ensure your baby is safe in their crib, make sure that the mattress is firm. The mattress should be firm but comfortable to reduce the risk of suffocation.

To check the firmness of the mattress, see if your baby’s head makes an indention in it. If there is an indention after your baby lies on the mattress, it may be too soft.

Thickness

You should also consider the thickness of the mattress. A crib mattress that is too thick can also pose a risk for suffocation. However, if it’s too thin, your baby will not be comfortable.

A standard mini crib mattress ranges from 1 inch to 4 inches. Always use the recommended mattress thickness based on the mini crib manual.

Fit

As stated before, many cribs range in size. However, you should always pay attention to the shape and size of the crib when purchasing a mattress. In order to provide the safest sleeping environment, the mattress needs to fit snugly inside of the crib.

As a rule of thumb, there should be no more than two fingers width of space between the mattress and the frame. This will reduce the risk of your baby getting trapped.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Mini Crib

Before purchasing a mini crib, you want to look at the pros and cons.

Source: Amazon

Pros of a Mini Crib

There can be several advantages to purchasing a mini crib. They are easier to move, pack, and reposition than standard cribs. Their size also allows them to fit more easily into homes with limited space or store away when not in use.

Mini cribs are ideal for newborns as they are proportionate to their size. Plus, mini cribs are less expensive than larger options.

Cons of a Mini Crib

As with most things, mini cribs have disadvantages. Your baby will outgrow a mini crib sooner than they would outgrow a standard-size crib. Because of this, it will be necessary to purchase a larger crib eventually.

Other Types of Cribs

Cribs are the centerpoint of any nursery, and they come in several different styles.

Here are the most popular types of cribs.

Standard Crib

The standard crib is the most traditional and recognizable type of crib. It can comfortably fit your child for the first 18 to 24 months. Standard cribs are more expensive, but they last a long time, so they have a good value.

Standard cribs range in length from 51 ⅜ inches to 52 ⅝ inches. They range in width from 27 ⅜ inches to 28 ⅝ inches. However, the size of the nursery will ultimately determine the size crib you choose.

Co-Sleeping Cots

Co-sleeping cots are an ideal crib for newborns. A co-sleeping cot has handrails on three sides of the crib, with one uncovered side facing the mother’s bed. A co-sleeping cot typically features a system that attaches to the mother’s bed.

This crib ensures that the baby doesn’t miss out on necessary contact with the mother, and the mother doesn’t sacrifice rest. Co-sleeping cots are smaller in size because they’re intended for babies newborn to 6 months.

The co-sleeping cot has a length of 37.4 inches, a width of 22.8 inches, and a height of 13.9 inches. From the floor to the base of the bassinet, you can adjust the height from 17.52 inches to 25.39 inches.

Functional Crib

A functional crib is one of the most coveted traditional crib alternatives. These functional cribs have drawers, cabinets, or other features. Furthermore, these cribs are a good option when you’re looking to save space and increase storage.

For example, the Graco Benton Crib and Changer has an attached changing table, drawers, and shelves. It features a height of 41.9 inches, length of 73.2 inches, and width of 29.8 inches. Finally, the changing table has a height of 32.6 inches, length of 17.5 inches, and width of 30.1 inches.

Folding Crib

A folding crib is ideal when traveling as you can fold it down for easier transport. These cribs feature reinforced poles that you can assemble and disassemble easily. Folding cribs come in several different sizes.

For example, the Dream on Me 2-in-1 folding crib is 54 inches long, 31 inches wide, and 46 inches tall.

Convertible Crib

Convertible cribs come in several different sizes and styles. Convertible cribs are traditional cribs that can convert from a crib to a toddler bed, day bed, and full-size bed.

The Colby 4-in-1 Convertible Crib has a height of 35.5 inches and a length of 55.8 inches. The crib has a width of 29.8 inches.


Related Questions

How long can a baby stay in a mini crib?

As your baby grows, monitor how they fit in the mini crib. On average, your baby should use it until the crib is too small for the baby’s proportions and weight capacity. The maximum capacity a mini crib can support is 45 pounds, although the average is 20 to 40 pounds.If you notice that your baby has become more active or if they frequently bump into the sides, consider upgrading. Investing in a larger crib is necessary once your baby has reached 6 months old. Also, pay attention to when your baby starts to pull themselves up as it might be necessary to lower the mattress.  These alternatives to crib bumpers are worth looking at.


How much does a crib cost?

Cribs vary in price based on brand, size, and quality. Cribs typically cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000. However, you can find quality options in the $200 to $500 price range. If you want to spend under $125, a mini crib is your best option. However, you can also settle for a pack-n-play as they work fine for newborns and infants and last a long time.If you want to spend $125 to $400, you have many options. When purchasing a crib, remember to order a conversion kit if it doesn’t come with the crib. They may be an additional charge, but it will save you money in the long run instead of purchasing another bed.

Stacy Randall
Stacy Randall

Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.

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