Best Mini Cribs for Small Spaces

reviewed mark Medically Reviewed by Micah Resnick, M.D., F.A.A.P.  on March 30, 2023
best mini cribs

Babies might be little, but they come with a lot of stuff that can quickly feel like it’s overtaking your home. Everything piles up quickly, so it’s important to save space however you can, and that’s where something like a mini crib can be helpful. 

Whether you’re looking to furnish a  small nursery, make room for two babies to sleep in the same room or need something that’s suited for room sharing, this more compact option could be the right fit for your family. Read on to find out everything you need to know about choosing the right crib for small spaces that will work for you and your little one, as well as our picks for the best mini cribs out there. 

How we chose the best mini cribs

  • Per guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Protection and Safety Commission (CPSC), all of the cribs on this list:

    • Meet the safe sleep guidelines and are certified by the CPSC. 

    • Have at least two adjustable mattress height levels so you can lower it as your child grows to prevent her from climbing out of the crib. 

  • We spoke to two parents on the What to Expect editorial team who have four children between them and have tested some of the mini cribs on this list.

  • We used feedback from What to Expect community members to see what mini cribs were frequently mentioned and had the most positive feedback. We specifically looked for cribs that caregivers loved because they were easy to set up and adjust. We also prioritized cribs that had convertible options to get the most value.

Other factors consider when buying mini cribs

Aside from safety and positive feedback, there are other qualities to think about when deciding which mini crib is best for your family. 

  • Adjustability: Although we ensured that all of our picks have adjustable mattress heights, some have more options than others. By purchasing a crib with multiple height options, your child won’t be able to climb out as soon and you’ll get more use out of it. Additionally, more height options might make the crib more comfortable for you to use. To get more time out of your mini crib, you may want to look for ones that can be converted to toddler beds. 

  • Mobility: Most regular cribs stay put once they’re assembled, but one of the biggest advantages of mini cribs is that they are designed to be more portable. Some include wheels so you can simply roll the crib from the nursery into your room, especially if you choose to let baby sleep in her room during the day but in yours at night. Others are foldable, which can be useful if you use the mini crib as an additional sleeping option in another room of your home or to keep at the home of a family member’s baby visits often.

  • Ease of assembly: Because mini cribs are smaller, many are easier to set assemble. If you’re looking for a foldable crib that you plan on using infrequently (such as while visiting a relative), you’ll want to consider one that’s easy to fold and unfold.

  • Materials: Sturdy solid wood is widely considered the best material to use for a crib, as it is more durable than metal. If you plan on converting your mini crib to a toddler bed, you’ll want to look for a wooden option because it’ll get much more wear and tear than a crib you use for a couple of years.

  • Price: One reason parents turn to mini cribs is because they’re often cheaper than full-sized options. Mini cribs average around $200, however, you can find options for less (about $150) or more ($300). Decide what your budget is and go from there. 

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

A mini crib is really just a smaller version of a regular crib. A standard-sized crib is usually about 28 inches wide by 52 inches long, but mini cribs are usually 38 inches long (they can also be smaller in width, although this varies). They take up less space, are easier to move, and are usually more budget-friendly.

You’ll want to keep in mind that baby might grow out of a mini crib more quickly than a regular one because of the size. It’s also more difficult to find a mini crib with converting option, preventing you from using it as baby grows.

How long can a baby stay in a mini crib?

Although the age can vary depending on the size of the baby, most babies will stay in a mini crib until they are one or two years old. Mini cribs are shorter in length than a standard-sized crib, so babies may size out of them faster. Just like with any crib, once babies are tall enough to climb out of the mini crib, it’s time to transition them to either a bigger crib or a toddler bed

Here, the best mini cribs for small spaces.

Why Trust Us?

Best Convertible Mini Crib

Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

Best Mini Cribs - Dream on Me Aden Mini Crib
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$200
See Now Target
Target
$200
See Now Walmart
Walmart
$183
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Registry List:
Pros: Lightweight, convertible, Greenguard Gold Certified
Cons: Doesn’t fold or roll

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

A stylish and functional pick, the Dream On Me Aden mini crib grows with your baby through basically every transition with its 4-in-1 design. It goes from a mini crib to a daybed (which is great for babies who size out of a crib but aren’t quite ready for a big kid bed), a twin bed with a footboard, or a twin bed without a footboard. The cribs mattress can also be adjusted through three different levels. This, paired with the fairly high height and weight limit, means baby can use it for a longer amount of time. 

Reviewers seem to love how sturdy and solid it is, although a few noted that it was missing parts when it arrived, and that it took about an hour or longer to put together. 

Height limit: 50 pounds

Weight limit: 37 inches

Weight: 20 pounds 

Dimensions: 39L x 28W x 38H inches

Community Reviews

"I have twins and bought mini cribs-- love them! And they turn into toddler beds, then 2 sides make headboard/footboard for twin beds. The Dream on Me brand, Aden is the design we got. Very affordable, bought ours from WalMart."

- DF368

"We got mini cribs. Our nursery is small, and they fit perfect. I really like them, and they are convertible like a regular sized crib. Also, mine were only 140 each! So two minis cost almost less than one. So if we don't want to use them later on down the road, we won't feel like our wallets hurt too bad. Dream on me Aden 4 in 1 convertible cribs on Amazon are great!"

- Ripley426

Most Portable Mini Crib

Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib

Best Cribs for Small Spaces - Babyletto Origami Mini Crib
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$299
See Now buybuyBaby
buybuyBaby
$300
See Now Target
Target
$300
See Now pottery_barn_kids
pottery barn kids
$299
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Registry List:
Pros: Rolls, folds flat, GreenGuard Gold Certified
Cons: Pricey, not convertible

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Mobility is key with this Babyletto Origami mini crib. It comes with removable wheels that make it easy to move around as needed. It also folds nearly flat when you’re not using it, so it’s easy to tuck away even if you’re short on storage space. Plus, it’s made with sustainable New Zealand pine, so you can feel good about the materials used and know that the crib should be sturdy and strong. It’s also GreenGuard Gold Certified, which means that it’s been rigorously tested for VOCs and unhealthy chemical emissions.

Robin Hilmantel, Senior Director, Editorial Strategy and Growth at What to Expect, used this mini crib for both of her sons. For her second son, she used it instead of a bassinet in her tiny New York City apartment. “The wheels made it super-easy to move from place to place — something we did often since we were using it in our bedroom in a smaller apartment and would have to wheel it in and out of the way, depending on the time of day,” she says. “I also love that it's an aesthetically pleasing option.”

If longevity is important to you, Babyletto’s origami crib may not be for you; it’s only recommended for use up until your baby reaches 35 inches tall. It’s also worth noting that it’s on the more expensive side as well. 

All that said, reviewers rave about the attractive style, multiple color options and how sturdy the crib feels. 

Height limit: 35 inches

Weight: 49.6 pounds

Dimensions: 39.2L x 25.7W x 36H inches

Community Reviews

"I have one in black. I love it since it is so small but my LO hardly uses it because we co-sleep. However, it is great for a small space and because of the wheels, it is easy to move around. I bought the dream on me 3inch mattress and it fits perfectly."

- jayda27

"We had a Babyletto Origami with my first baby, loved it, sold it when she got too big, then just rebought another used one for this baby. I especially love that it folds up, and has wheels."

- barre4baby

Best Adjustable Mini Crib

DaVinci Dylan Folding Portable 3-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

Best Mini Cribs - DaVinci Dylan Folding Mini Crib
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$159
See Now buybuyBaby
buybuyBaby
$160
See Now Target
Target
$160
See Now Wayfair
Wayfair
$159
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Registry List:
Pros: Convertible, lightweight, folds flat, rolls, GreenGuard Gold certified
Cons: Instructions may not be easy to follow

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

There’s a lot to love about this DaVinci mini crib: it’s an inexpensive option that is packed with features. Most notably, it has four easy-to-adjust mattress heights, which parents say increases the longevity, further stretching their dollar. This crib also converts into a twin bed, so you can comfortably use it from birth through their toddler years and beyond.

What’s more,  it can fold up for storage if needed and it comes with removable wheels if you want to easily move it between rooms. Although most of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, reviewers do note that the instructions on how to assemble this crib aren’t the easiest to follow. Otherwise, parents love that it feels like it’s great quality. It’s also worth pointing out that, at 25 pounds, this is one of the lighter options out there. 

Height limit: 35 inches

Weight limit: 45 pounds

Weight: 25 pounds 

Dimensions: 40.35L x 25.08W x 40.9H inches 

Community Reviews

"I have a DaVinci mini crib which turned out to be way nicer than I expected for the money."

- imamelia

"For the bedroom, we bought the DaVinci Dylan 3-in-1 Folding Convertible Mini Crib. It’s good for us because it’s on wheels so we can move it between the living room and bedroom pretty easily. The pros for us is that it’s foldable (so easy to store away when not in use), has wheels (so easily moved), and I like that it’s green guard certified (so hopefully less toxic than some others)."

- JuneB

Best Budget Mini Crib

Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Crib

Best Mini Cribs - Delta Children Folding Mini Crib
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$140
See Now Target
Target
$170
See Now Walmart
Walmart
$140
See Now Wayfair
Wayfair
$133
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Registry List:
Pros: Inexpensive, folds flat, rolls
Cons: Included mini mattress is small and uncomfortable

Why We Love It

This classic Delta Children mini crib can be found for less than $140, making it a budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to spend a lot. It has some great features as well: It folds flat when not in use and has wheels that make it portable. It’s also available in several colors, all made of sturdy pinewood so it will last as baby grows. With the two height adjustments, the crib can be modified as baby begins to sit and stand.

Jamison Hermann, Senior Video Producer at What to Expect, appreciated the convenience of this folding mini crib when using it for his daughter Elena while staying with family for an extended period in 2020. “Elena was about 6 months at the time and it was great to have a safe sleep space for her that could be stored away easily when our visit was over,” he says. “Assembly is pretty easy if you've put together IKEA furniture before, and folding and unfolding is very simple. Having three height options is nice, too, so you can keep using it as your baby grows.”

In addition to the affordable price, parents love that it’s compact and easy to put together and adjust. Some pointed out, however, that the wheels don’t roll very smoothly, and that the highest setting of the mattress isn’t very high.

Weight limit: 35 pounds

Weight: 34 pounds 

Dimensions: 25L x 39W x 38H inches 

Best Mini Crib with Mattress

Delta Children Emery Mini Convertible Baby Crib with Mattress

Best Cribs for Small Spaces - Delta Children Emery Mini Convertible Baby Crib with Mattress
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$176
See Now Target
Target
$170
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Registry List:
Pros: Convertible, hypoallergenic mattress included
Cons: Doesn’t roll or fold

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

This Delta Children mini crib is made of 100-percent non-toxic, sustainable New Zealand pine, so it’s built to last. This is especially nice since you canconvert the crib into a twin bed once your child is big enough. Although this isn’t the only mini crib that comes with a mattress, the Delta Children Emery comes with a 2.75-inch mattress that’s much thicker and more comfortable than the 15-inch pads you typically find.  You’ll want to note that some reviewers said their babies found it uncomfortable as they got older, so you might need to opt for a different mattress for your toddler.

In addition to raving about the low price, parents also loved the super easy setup because it has just nine pieces to assemble.

Height limit: 38 inches

Weight limit: 50 pounds

Weight: 38.2 pounds 

Dimensions: 41.25L x 25.75W x 38.25H inches

Community Reviews

"We have the Delta Emery and it has vent great! Still using it as a toddler bed at 3!"

- tan76

Best Mini Crib with Storage

Dream On Me Jayden 4-in-1 Mini Convertible Crib

Best Mini Cribs - Dream On Me Jayden Mini Crib
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$400
See Now Target
Target
$430
See Now Walmart
Walmart
$330
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Registry List:
Pros: Includes storage and changing area, convertible, high height and weight limits
Cons: Pricey, not portable

Why We Love It

The Dream On Me Jayden is bigger than most other mini cribs, but that’s because it includes helpful storage space. (But since you use it as a two-in-one furniture piece, it still saves on space.) The crib has three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted from crib to mini day bed to toddler bed, so it really grows with your little one. Plus, it has a higher height and weight limit than most other mini cribs, so you can get a ton of use out of it.

The storage section features three roomy drawers for clothes or changing supplies, as well as a changing pad on top with a strap. Parents love how convenient the entire set up is, especially for nurseries lacking space for large dressers or other storage pieces. However, some reviewers complained that putting it together was difficult. It’s also worth pointing out that at 65 pounds, this is pretty heavy and obviously not a portable option.

Height limit: 41 inches

Weight limit: 50 pounds

Weight: 65 pounds

Dimensions: 56L x 30W x 41H