One of the essential items that new parents must consider is a crib. While standard cribs are popular, mini cribs offer unique advantages, especially if you have a limited nursery space or if you value versatility.
Bringing a new baby home is an enjoyable experience filled with planning and excitement, so this article will show you why a mini crib is the best choice. You will also learn how to set it up and the features to look for to choose the best one for your family.
What is a Mini Crib?
In essence, a mini crib is a smaller baby bed than a regular crib. A standard crib size is about 28 inches wide and 52 inches long, while a mini crib is 24 inches wide and 38 inches long. When you do the math, it's roughly four inches shorter and fourteen inches smaller. Every square inch counts and these measurements are significant when you lack a lot of space.
Though it's smaller, a mini crib still offers you a lot of possibilities. Many small cribs, unlike a bassinet, contain more than one level, much like a regular bed. This means that the crib can be lowered to provide the baby safety once your child can sit up or roll over.
A bassinet crib is smaller and only has one level, which is what makes the mini crib different. Usually, mini cribs have two to three levels. There are even times when kids can sleep in one until they're ready to move up to a baby bed.
You can also choose a mini crib instead of a bassinet but still have a crib for when your little one gets bigger. Smaller beds are another option for your baby for as long as possible.
Benefits of Buying a Mini Crib Instead of a Regular Crib
Apart from the apparent space-constrained element, there are other advantages to using a mini crib for your newborn. Here are the benefits you can experience:
Bassinet Alternative
For newborns, a mini crib is excellent, much like a bassinet. Given they are somewhat similar, you most likely wouldn't get both. When choosing between the two, keep in mind that a mini crib is more useful and can last longer than a bassinet. Think of it as a half-step between a bassinet and a crib—it's small enough to fit in most places without much trouble.
Best for Room Sharing
From birth to one year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says babies should share a room with their parents but not a bed. Because of this, you need to make space in your bedroom for one more piece of furniture.
Including a crib in a room with a bed, dresser, and chair could not leave much room. However, a mini crib is 14 inches shorter than a traditional crib, providing an appropriate and safe sleep surface for your baby.
You and your baby can share a room, which may be a tight fit, but there are many good things about it. For starters, it's easier to feed them when they wake up. The second reason is that it's much safer.
Budget-Friendly
Additionally available are less costly tiny cribs than standard cribs. Before you start shopping, you should find out how much you can afford for a nursery. Remember also to get a baby mattress appropriate for the crib when you get one. Plus, you'll need mini crib sheets. You can pick from many cute shapes and colors that will fit the aesthetic you want to achieve.
As you determine the stuff you need, you can set up a sleeping space for your baby without breaking the bank.
Convenient When You Often Visit Family or Friends’ Home
If you frequently visit friends and family, particularly if they reside out of town, keep a mini crib at their home. It will be ideal for the several naps your newborn will take throughout the day.
Consider having a tiny crib and mattress delivered to friends and family's houses when you travel so you don't have to take up space in the van. That makes traveling much easier. If you're staying in a hotel, you might want to pack a portable mini crib. Although many hotels provide cribs as an amenity, the condition varies.
A tiny cot with its mattress and linens may be the ideal solution for ensuring that your child is comfortable and snug when sleeping in a new environment. With this convenience, you may now travel with confidence knowing that your baby has a safe place to sleep aside from home.
Easier To Move
A small crib, often known as a convertible crib, is far more portable than regular cribs. It's lightweight, so you may move it around the house as needed. Many small cribs are on castors and may be wheeled from room to room. This is especially useful in the early months when you want the baby close while you perform some duties during nap time.
Of course, if you do move them about with you, make sure that wherever your child is napping is conducive to a healthy night's sleep or day's nap. With the portability of a tiny crib, you can be right there when they wake up from their nap.
This is especially useful if you have a single-story living area. You may easily move the crib to the living room, kitchen, or bathroom. A small crib eliminates the need for bulky furnishings.
Great For Smaller Spaces
Before you go shopping for a crib, measure the space where your baby will sleep. This brings the question: do you have a full room to dedicate to your baby? Even if you do, do you intend to share a room with your child in the beginning?
If you have to set up your baby's sleeping area in a corner of your bedroom or office, or if there isn't much room in their nursery, a compact crib could be precisely what you need. Mini cribs are especially popular among city inhabitants because apartments can be so small.
Ideal For Newborns
Your precious infant won't take up much space, but all of their baby necessities will. To be honest, they won't require a large sleep surface at first, thus having a mini crib allows you to keep that small.
Because your baby will not be rolling about or sitting up anytime soon, choosing a smaller sleep surface, such as a little crib, is an entirely safe option. Furthermore, if your baby begins to reach milestones earlier than intended, bear in mind that certain small cribs have adjustable bases that may be lowered to keep them secure.
If your mini crib cannot be lowered to a safe level due to your child's recent activities, you will need to switch to a crib. However, for the first few months, a standard-sized crib may feel too big for your new baby and may even overwhelm them. A small crib makes your baby feel safe and secure as if they were in the womb.
Safe Sleep Option For Multiples
Small cribs are a great fit for your babies whether you have twins, triplets, or another set of multiples. Mini cribs help when you have several babies in one room. Consider this: conserving 14 inches in length on one crib equals 28 inches of space for two cribs.
If you have multiples, your hands are already full. Isn't it easier to have everyone in one room? This will make it easy to synchronize schedules.
Stores Away Easily
Some mini cribs are portable and foldable. These are a good option for traveling or entertaining guests. It's portable and easy to store when you have visitors and your baby isn't napping.
This is also an excellent choice for grandma's house or any other location you usually visit. Your family members will appreciate having an easy sleep setup for a baby that they may keep on hand for an unexpected sleepover.
Important Features to Check When Buying a New Crib
Now that you have the things you can experience by having a mini crib for your baby, here are the essential features you should not miss when buying.
Accessories
When settling on a mini crib, consider all of the accessories available, such as sheets and mattresses. Standard-sized cribs are more popular, therefore there is a greater range of accessories. Of course, there are still several good items you can add to your baby's mini crib if you widen your search and options.
Adjustability
When selecting a mini crib, one important factor to consider is if the foundation can be changed as the baby develops. If it can, you'll be able to use the little crib for a long time.
A convertible mini crib allows you to lower the crib base whenever your baby reaches a new milestone, such as turning over, sitting up, or standing in the crib. Look for tiny cribs that offer the most adaptability.
If the small crib is not adjustable, it is unlikely to endure more than 6 months. This is an important decision because you will undoubtedly need an additional full-size crib to take over baby duty.
Availability or Timing
Because you have no control over when your little one will make their grand arrival, you should check the availability of your preferred small cot. These cribs are supposed to be used right away, so make sure you have yours in your preferred room and set up by then.
Search for a model either expected to be available far before your due date or now in stock. If it isn't, be sure you have a backup strategy ready should the time prove problematic.
Comfort
Your baby's crib and mattress should be both practical and pleasant. You don't want to use something just because it fits in your area only to realize later that it is uncomfortable for your kid and keeps them awake.
Longevity
Take a look at your baby and learn about your genes. If either you or your partner are tall, your child will probably be as well. Your baby will more likely outgrow their mini crib before reaching the developmental milestone for a toddler bed.
All of your space- and money-saving plans go out the window because you'll have to buy a standard-sized crib after all. If your baby is destined to grow tall, you may decide not to take the chance and instead opt for a crib.
Material
Once your baby can pull up or sit up, they may gnaw on the crib's edge. For this reason, you should ensure that the crib is chemical-free. Consider the paint (you'll want non-toxic, water-based paint or a food-grade oil finish) and the wood utilized.
Hardwoods such as walnut, oak, birch, and maple are preferable since they require less glue during manufacturing. Manufactured woods, such as plywood and MDF, require more glue and hence contain more potentially dangerous chemicals. Hardwoods are also more durable, as small cribs built of 100% wood tend to last longer. However, they are generally more expensive.
You should also search for a different label for this safety feature: the GREENGUARD Gold certification. This accreditation indicates that the materials used adhere to the highest environmental safety standards.
In terms of certificates, look for cribs labeled as Fair Trade or Forest Stewardship Council certified. A fair trade certification suggests that the people who build the crib receive fair wages and hours together with safe working conditions.
The accreditation of the Forest Stewardship Council shows that the wood your crib was made from came from sustainably run forests. Selecting a small crib that satisfies these several certifications will let your child and you breathe freely.
Portability
When your kid is a newborn, you should always keep a tight check on them, especially if you don't have a baby monitor. That's why portability is essential when buying your child's bed.
If you frequently move from one area to another, you might want to consider getting a tiny crib on wheels that you can easily transport about your home. Mini cribs may fit through doorways, whereas normal cribs must be disassembled.
Price
Mini cribs come at a variety of price rates. To make sure your child is safe and happy in their new little crib, you want to pick one with all the features you like and built of premium materials. Budgeting for a mini crib should include all the basics, like the linens and mattress.
Safety Standards
To ensure your baby's crib meets or exceeds safety standards, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) seal. The product satisfies American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) guidelines and has been evaluated by an independent laboratory, claims the JPMA certification seal.
Size
Measure your space then consider the cribs and crib mattress's measurements. The measurements of the crib mattress have to match those of the crib; otherwise, your baby could have an unsafe sleeping surface. Also, consider the sheet size. A conventional crib sheet does not fit a mini crib mattress.
How to Set Up a Mini Crib
Building a mini crib calls for numerous crucial actions to guarantee the comfort and safety of your child. This guide should assist you through the process:
1. Choose the Right Location
Select a safe and convenient location for your mini crib. Make sure the crib is away from windows, blinds, curtains, and cables if you want accidents avoided. Also, keep your infant away from radiators, heaters, and anything else that could create too much heat for their comfort as they sleep.
2. Unpack and Inspect
Unpack the crib and cross all parts against the instruction booklet to make sure nothing is missing or damaged before beginning the assembly. To become acquainted with the process, carefully go over the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
3. Assemble the Crib
Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use the tools included or recommended in the manual. To prevent any structural flaws, make sure every fastener—including screws and bolts—is tightly secured. Once assembled, gently shake the crib to check for stability. It should feel solid and not wobble.
4. Install the Mattress
Use a firm, snug-fitting mattress manufactured especially for a mini crib. A well-fitting mattress closes any openings where your infant can become caught. Set the mattress to the appropriate height. Higher settings are useful for newborns to reduce strain on your back, while lower settings are safer as your baby starts to sit or stand.
5. Ensure Safety
Check the sides of the mattress and the crib for any more than two-finger gaps. Also, clear the crib of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and bumper pads to reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Tightly fitted crib sheets designed for compact cribs can help to avoid loose bedding that might also create suffocating risks.
6. Regular Maintenance
Check the crib often for broken parts, loose screws, or bolts. Address any issues immediately to maintain safety. To keep the crib neat and hygienic, often wipe it off with a moist towel and mild soap. Steer clear of strong chemicals that can compromise the crib's finish. Rotate the mattress often to guarantee equal wear and increase its lifetime.
Buy the Best Mini Crib for Your Baby
Picking the right crib is a big decision that will affect the quality of your baby's sleep. The ideal mini crib should offer convenience and functionality, making it an excellent purchase for any new parent. For instance, you can look for budget-friendly mini cribs with reliable built to guarantee the safety and comfort of your baby.
Buy the best mini crib for your child today! With a good-quality crib, you can make the nursery a safe and loving place for your little one to sleep.
