The Best Mini Crib for Small Spaces


We’d all love to greet our newborn with a palatial crib in a spacious nursery. The sad reality is if you live in the city or have a small apartment this is just not possible. This leaves many parents worrying about how to fit a crib into a small space.

Fortunately, cribs today come in all shapes and sizes. There are some great portable and mini cribs that are safe, functional and stylish. Most importantly of all, they will make your baby feel right at home in the smallest of apartments and condos.

Best Mini Crib Winners

Out of all the mini cribs we looked at, three stood out. We graded them on size, price, value, sturdiness, safety, popularity, and positive and negative reviews.

Editors Choice
Dream On Me Aiden Mini Crib
Dream On Me Aiden Mini Crib
Best Value
Delta Portable Mini Crib
Delta Portable Mini Crib
Most Modern
Dream On Me Edgwood Mini Crib
Dream On Me Edgwood Mini Crib

What is a Mini Crib?

Mini cribs are just as they sound, a crib that is smaller than your typical crib. Some come on wheels as well since they’re often used at the bedside of the mom and the wheels help move it out of the way when getting in or out of bed.

What are the benefits of a mini crib?

There are two primary benefits to a mini crib versus a standard sized crib. 

  1. Space saving: some nursery’s are small or tight on space once you pack it with all the furniture and gear a baby requires. While you could fit a full sized crib in there, many times a mini crib makes the room so much more manueverable.
  2. Room sharing: If you’re not a bassinet-then-crib type of parent, a mini crib may just be what you’re looking for. If you get a mini crib with wheels, they work great in place of a bassinet allowing you to keep baby next to the bed. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), they recommend for the first six months that baby sleep in the same room as the parent. Once they get old enough to be in their own nursery, you can still use the mini crib.

Why You Should Consider One

I believe there are mainly three reasons to get a mini crib.

  • Cramped room: As mentioned above, space saving is the top reason to get a mini crib. It’s amazing how much stuff a newborn needs!
  • Twins or multiple kids: Again, if space isn’t a problem with one child, it may become a problem with two. A mini crib is a god send for those parents that have 2 or more babies still in cribs.
  • To keep them close: Mini cribs often come with wheels and they’re sized to fit through most standard sized door frames. This makes it easy to keep them close while they’re sleeping in the living room, kitchen, or other rooms in the house so you can still get stuff done.

The 5 Best Mini Crib To Consider

We picked out the 18 best mini cribs we could find on the market and built a short list of the Top 5 we like. After a great deal of research, here’s our winners this year.

Dream On Me Aiden Mini Crib Review

Dream On Me Aiden Mini Crib
  • Colors: 7
  • Material: New Zealand Pinewood
  • Convertible: Yes, 4-in-1
  • Wheels: No
  • Safety: JPMA, CPSC, ASTM
  • Baby Weight: 6-40 lbs
  • Max Baby Height: 37 inches

Dream On Me Aiden Mini Crib is our Editors Choice for two years in a row. It’s a solid crib, beautiful, and if you like the style, look no further as this is the best crib for you!

 

The Aiden is this years Editors Choice Award Winner. It’s a great mini crib from Dream on Me. It’s a really compact crib which only takes up 2′ by 3′ of floor space. This makes it one of the best cribs for small spaces.

The Aiden Mini Crib also grows with your baby as it converts to a toddler bed and then a twin size bed (rails not included). This is good news as most mini cribs only last until one year old.

Another big plus is it’s made from solid pine wood and not the flimsy particle boarding that most modern cribs have.

A lot of mini cribs only have two adjustable mattress heights, too. The “Aiden” has three so you can use it with newborns. This removes the need to buy a bassinet and helps save money.

As with a lot of small baby cribs, there is a 1” mattress included. Many parents find it too flimsy and we suggest buying the Dream On Me portable mattress Not having wheels is a drawback, but it’s lightweight and easy to move around.

For the price , the Aiden Mini Crib definitely punches well above its weight.

Pros

  • Beautiful Design
  • Very Sturdy
  • Uses only 2′ by 3′ floorspace
  • Adjustable 3 Mattress Position
  • Solid Pine Wood
  • Easy Assembly with all tools included
  • Narrow enough to be slid through small doorways
  • Low Profile so easier to reach baby

Cons

  • Not easy to adjust the mattress level

Delta Portable Mini Crib Review

Delta Portable Mini Crib
  • Colors: 5
  • Material: Select hardwood
  • Convertible: No
  • Wheels: Yes
  • Safety: JPMA, CPSC, ASTM
  • Baby Weight: 5 – 35 lbs
  • Max Baby Height: not specified

The Delta Children Portable Mini Crib is this years winner for Best Value. It’s the least expensive mini crib on this list and even comes on wheels. Terrific functionality and portability. 

This is not the kind of crib you’ll pass on to the grandchildren, but it will last for your kids and perform well. If you’re on a budget, this is a great option. We understand, there’s a lot of stuff to buy with a newborn, so this can be a wise choice for many parents.

The Delta Portable Mini Crib is 35% smaller than standard cribs, so it’s a real space saver.

It also has lots of great features apart from its small stature. It folds and has wheels so you can save a lot of space. You can also move the crib easily from room to room which is a feature many parents love. Being nice and compact it will easily fit through narrow doorways and hallways.

The 2 position mattress transforms the crib into a bassinet, playpen and changer. Unlike similar designs, the front gate can move up and down. It locks in both positions so it’s easy and safe to move your baby in and out of. This also allows you to used the crib as a changing table if need be.

Delta provide a free 1” crib mattress but many parents are ditching it in favor of the Dream on Me 3” mattress . You can still get good use of the mattress as a play mat.

If you’re looking for an affordable crib, this is the one for you. It’s also great if you have a small apartment or condo.

Due to its low price , it’s great for leaving at the Grandparent’s, too.

Pros

  • 35% smaller than standard cribs
  • Easy-to-Assemble
  • Lightweight yet sturdy
  • Collapsible
  • Has large wheels suitable for floors and carpets
  • Versatile. Can be used as a bassinet and changing table
  • 1” Mattress Included
  • Low price

Cons

  • Doesn’t convert to toddler bed

Dream On Me Edgwood Mini Crib

Dream On Me Edgwood Mini Crib
  • Colors: 7
  • Material: Not specified
  • Convertible: Yes, 4-in-1
  • Wheels: No
  • Safety: JPMA, CPSC, ASTM
  • Baby Weight:  Max 50 lbs
  • Max Baby Height: 37 inches

The Edgewood Mini Crib is our personal favorite, since we love modern style. It’s super popular, loved by many, and while it is modern, it can fit in with many decors depending on the color you select to blend it in the background, versus making it pop and stand out. 

This is the crib we’d buy based on our personal taste. If you’re not so much into modern, our Editors Choice, DOM Aden Mini Crib, would be our other recommendation.

The Edgwood mini crib is this years Most Modern Award Winner. It’s a solid crib, well built, backed by the Dream On Me company, and we absolutely love the modern style.

The style is a bit modern without much flair. I personally like this style, but if you’re into victorian or classical furniture, it may be too boring for you. The color choices are great though. 

I couldn’t find what kind of what it uses, but it appears to be fairly soft solid wood. Paint chipping or flaking off is a common complaint. 

The size is great for a sidecar crib, where you can drop one side and put the crib right next to your bed. 

Like the other cribs on this list, it comes with the obligatory 1″ or so thick mattress. I highly recommend getting a “real” mattress for your baby. Something like the Dream On Me, 2-in-1 Breathable, Two-Sided 3″ Portable Crib Mattress.  

Dream On Me Addison Mini Crib

Dream On Me Addison Mini Crib
  • Colors: 7
  • Material: New Zealand Pinewood
  • Convertible: Yes, 4-in-1
  • Wheels: No
  • Safety: JPMA, CPSC, ASTM
  • Baby Weight: 6.5 – 34 lbs
  • Max Baby Height: 36 inches

The DOM Addison is a traditional style mini crib that will appeal to many parents with that sort of flair. Being from Dream On Me, it’s a solid crib, very popular model, and will make any household proud to own one of these. 

While the crib didn’t win any awards this year, it did make our top 5 and should be seriously considered. To me, it comes down to the style. If you love the look, I’d wholeheartedly recommend buying it. 

The Addison mini crib is a beautiful crib and is our “Smallest Mini Crib” Award Winner. It comes in 7 beautiful colors and the style is broadly liked. 

It’s made of sustainable New Zealand pinewood, which is one of the best wood choices for cribs in this price range.

As we’ve mentioned several times with other cribs, one of the biggest complaints about this crib is that the included mattress is terrible. Think of the included mattress as a mattress support. Buying an additional mattress 3″ – 5″ thick is a must in my opinion. I recommend a 3″ mattress so the climb out height is higher and safer for the child. 

Dream On Me Violet Mini Crib

Dream On Me Violet Mini Crib
  • Colors: 7
  • Material: Pinewood
  • Convertible: Yes, 4-in-2
  • Wheels: No
  • Safety: JPMA, CPSC, ASTM
  • Baby Weight: Max 35 lbs
  • Max Baby Height: 36 inches

The DOM Violet mini crib is another traditional styled crib that made our Top 5. Although this style is more of a sleigh bed look. It’s yummy. 

This is one of those cribs you can select a color that makes it “pop” in your nursery, and have it as an anchor and centerpiece of the room. 

While it didn’t win any awards this year from us, it did make the Top 5 and a crib we’d wholeheartedly recomend if the style is one you absolutely love. 

The DOM Violet mini crib is a gorgeous crib with a very likeable style. I used to be a fan of this style and it would have matched alot of my house furniture. But I am an odd-ball as I now like everything mid-century modern. But I think my taste is in the minority and this Violet crib is definitely liked by the majority.

The things most liked about this crib are:

  • Easy to put together and assemble
  • Adorable, cute, and small crib
  • Perfect for grandparents house
  • Can be configured as a sidecar

The complaints mainly center around chipping or peeling paint. It’s a common complaint with any crib made of pinewood, which is a fairly soft wood. But overall, the only other major complaint is with the screws and hardware, but that too is a common complaint of any crib. 

Overall, we really like the Violet. If the style puts a huge smile on your face, this would be the crib to get!


Previous Mini Crib Winners

Bloom Alma Mini Urban Crib Review

Bloom Urban Mini is one of the more stylish small cribs on the market. It really earns the tag “mini” because at just 36.5” wide, it’s smaller than a pack n play! This makes it perfect for apartments, condos and rooms with small spaces.

One particularly great thing about the Alma Mini is you can use it like a bassinet. It’s large, lockable wheels allow you to move it right up to the side of your bed. You can also wheel it from room to room. It would get stuck as it’s compact size can fit through narrow doorways and cramped hallways without a hitch.

As well as having wheels, the Bloom Alma is also a collapsible crib. It’s really easy to fold up and transport. This makes it a real space saver when your little one’s awake. You can also put it in the trunk and take it with you to the grandparents!

The only real downside to this one is the price. It’s more than twice the price of other mini baby cribs. And that’s just for the “Frame”, the mattress and sheets need to be purchased separately.

However, this is perhaps the best portable crib on the market. And it’s collapsible too. If these two features are important to you, it’s probably worth the extra money.

Pros

  • The Alma Mini is a very compact crib. It can still accommodate an infant until they are 35” (around 1-year-old).
  • Crib with Wheels Can be wheeled from room to room. Fits through tight doorways and hallways.
  • Collapsible
  • Easy to fold, and just 10” wide folded.
  • You won’t need to worry about your pets knocking it over.
  • The mattress can be on two different levels. On the lower level, your infant can sit-up safely.
  • Comes in 5 stylish all wood designs.
  • No Assembly Required Just attach the lockable wheels and it’s ready for action!

Cons

  • Heavier than other small cribs At 60 lbs, it’s on the heavy side.
  • Though it wheels easily and is hard to knock over.

Child Craft London Convertible Mini Crib Review

Child Craft London Mini is another great small crib. At 43.3” long, it’s around 9” shorter than a standard sized crib. This makes it ideal for when space is at a premium (such as with twins What I really like about this model is it has a wire spring base. Most modern designs have a flimsy board under the mattress to provide support. Over time, the wood can warp and is not responsive to a baby’s position.

Wire spring bases were popular around 30 years ago. They were probably phased out due to cost issues. So, it’s nice to see Child Craft bringing them back.

The Bloom Alma is also a convertible mini crib. It converts to a twin bed so it will grow with your baby. Meaning you can use it for longer and get good value for money.

Another big plus this is a low profile crib. After my assisted delivery, I realized just how painful it is grabbing a baby from a crib. This model is slightly lower. 5-foot tall mothers have commented on how easy this makes things.

Pros

  • Sturdy wooden construction
  • Wire spring base to provide better mattress support
  • Low Profile so easier after CS / assisted deliveries
  • Easy to Assemble in 20 – 30 minutes
  • Two-position adjustable mattress height
  • Converts to toddler bed with additional toddler rails
  • 3” Mattress Included Free.

Cons

  • No Wheels

DaVinci Emily Mini-Crib Review

DaVinci makes stunning cribs. Their Emily Mini Crib is another example of their stylish yet functional designs. At just 38” by 28” by 28” it’s a perfect crib for small spaces.

What really sets this design apart is it has three adjustable mattress levels. Most small cribs have just the two. The highest level allows your newborn to be at eye level so you don’t need a bassinet.

The Davinci Emily can be used up to 50lbs. This is a bit longer than other mini cribs so you get more bang for your buck. Parents have reported their toddlers sleeping using this one until they’re two years old. As always, it depends on the size and inclination of your baby!

If this had wheels or could fold it would be the perfect crib for apartments and condos. It is relatively light, so many parents are scooting it from one room to another without problems.

its low price , the Davinci Emily could well be the best mini crib for the money!

Pros

  • Can be used up to 50lbs
  • Low profile for easy reach
  • 3 Easily Adjustable Mattress Levels
  • Non-Toxic
  • 1” waterproof changing pad included
  • Converts to Twin Bed (rails not included)
  • Budget Price

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a mattress
  • No Wheels

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How to choose a mini crib

    Size: The first thing to consider when shopping for a mini crib is if the crib will fit your space. Check the measurements of the crib and see how it’ll fit in the place that you want it today and in the future. This is important if you plan to use it in place of a bassinet and in the future when you’ll place it in a nursery.
    Safety: Make sure the crib is certified by CPSC and ASTM. There’s all sort of metrics they must pass, but don’t worry about it, if they have these certifications, feel confident the crib is safe. If they also have JPMA certification, that’s a bonus.
    Wheels: If you want to have it mobile, make sure it has wheels. Also measure the width of your door frames to make sure the crib you choose will fit.

  2. hat’s the Difference Between a Travel Crib and a Mini-Crib?

    A travel crib is mainly used as a temporary or seldom used type of crib. I wouldn’t recommend one as your primary crib. But they’re great for portability and packing. On the other hand, a mini crib, while small in size, isn’t very portable outside of a residence and definitely isn’t designed to fold up and pack small.

  3. How Long Can a Baby Use a Crib/Mini-Crib?

    It depends on how fast your baby grows. As a general guideline, up to 12 months of age is common for most mini cribs. Several parents have mentioned they were able to use it up to 2 years old. If you get one that is convertible into a daybed or a toddler bed, you can re-purpose the mini crib into other configurations and extend the use you get out of it and save some money along the way to.

  4. How Thick Is a Mini-Crib Mattress?

    Mini crib mattresses come in varying thicknesses. I recommend picking a mini-crib mattress from the same manufacturer of the crib. Most of them have recommendations. They tend to fit better, have less gaps, and other fitment issue’s that lessens these concerns especially if you buy it online.


Summary

I’m a huge fan of mini cribs. They’re not just great for twins, but super helpful in small bedrooms that are typical in new home builds that are sized 10′ x 10′ or so. 

It’s surprising how much furniture you need to stick in a room such as a changing table, a rocker so mom can nurse comfortably or dad can rock the baby to sleep, diaper genie (don’t get me started on this thing), and on and on and on. 

Although we had 5 winners that made the cut this year, I recommend selecting one of the Top 3 winners below.

Editors Choice
Dream On Me Aiden Mini Crib
Dream On Me Aiden Mini Crib
Best Value
Delta Portable Mini Crib
Delta Portable Mini Crib
Most Modern
Dream On Me Edgwood Mini Crib
Dream On Me Edgwood Mini Crib

Be sure to check out our pages on crib mattresses and baby pillows that won’t cause flat head.


We have more helpful articles on Newborns