Bassinet vs Crib vs Mini Crib : How to Decide?
Every new parents face this dilemma of whether to get a bassinet or crib or a mini crib for their upcoming baby. I was not an exception as I found it extremely hard to decide between them. After hours of research, understanding their features and pros and cons, I came to a conclusion that baby crib would be the best option for me.
Experience of using bassinet
I had placed my order from a local warehouse. Fortunately, the warehouse didn’t get their shipment on time and was unable to deliver the crib. The seller was nice enough to offer me a bassinet that I could use until he delivered my order. It was a cute looking bassinet that didn’t require any complex setup. Considering I got it at the last hour, being able to use the bassinet straight away was a bit relief.
Anxious new parent
Being a new parent, I had developed a lot of anxiety. I wanted to keep an eye on the baby all the time and had an urge to check on him every now and then. The bassinet was easily portable and gave me that flexibility. I was able to carry my newborn baby anywhere around the house with ease. After using the bassinet for around 3 weeks, I got my shipment and started using the crib.
Weighing bassinet vs crib
In the early days, I missed the portability of the bassinet but again the crib felt much safer for my little one. It was strong and durable and had plenty room to hang the rattles and other toys. It took me few hours to assemble the crib. It wasn’t easy and my wife gave me a hand. Bassinet had it advantages but so did the crib. I have listed the features and pros and cons of bassinets, cribs and mini-cribs below hoping it will help other new parents to pick the best option for them.
Contents
Factors to Consider While Deciding Between Cribs, Mini Cribs and Bassinets
Where in the house you want the baby to sleep?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you keep the baby in same room where you sleep. However, you might or might not have enough space in your room for a crib. A crib takes slightly less space than a single bed where as bassinet take almost half of that space. Mini crib, on the other hand, takes slightly more space than that of bassinet. So, the space available in your room could be one deciding factor while choosing between bassinet and crib.
Caring for baby during the night!
During the first few months you will wake up number of times to feed and take care of the baby. You have the urge to look at the baby every time he/she moves or makes small sounds. Having a bassinet will be an advantage as you can place the bassinet right next to your bed. You can do the same with cribs and mini cribs but because of their size it might be bit harder to place them right next to the bed.
Price $$$
Cribs and mini cribs are relatively more expensive compared to bassinets. Also, the blankets and mattress for cribs cost more than that of bassinet. However, cribs and mini cribs last for longer period of time (at least 2 years for mini crib and at least 3 years for cribs). Baby bassinets might be more affordable or cheaper but are only good until the baby is around 4 – 6 months old. After that the bassinet will be small for the baby or won’t be able to withstand the baby’s weight. So, cribs and mini cribs offer a great value for money.
Easily Portable
Bassinets are easily portable. You can place the baby in the bassinet and move him/her to any room with ease and without disturbing their sleep. It will come very handy when you need to clean the room or need to cook something. No matter what you need to do, bassinet gives you that flexibility to keep an eye on your baby all the time.
Best for Travel
Many parents decide to travel with their babies to introduce their newborn to their relatives and close friends. Not every house will have crib or bassinet for the baby to sleep in and it’s very risky to let the baby sleep with the parents. If you are driving then you can easily take bassinets to anywhere you go but it would be impossible or very difficult to take the crib with you.
Better Management of Baby Accessories
Bassinet vs Crib - Pros and Cons
Cribs (Cots)
Pros:
- Lasts much longer and can hold baby weighing as much as 22kg or 50lbs (at least 3 years)
- Spacious! Depending on the type you buy, it will have additional space to store nappies, clothes and other accessories
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble
- Requires more space
- Usually costlier than the bassinet
- Mattress and Sheets are also more expensive
- Very big for newborn babies
Bassinet
Pros:
- Easily portable. Can carry anywhere around the house or outside without much difficulty (around 4 – 6 months)
- Can use right away. No complex assembling involved
- Doesn’t occupy much space in the room
Cons:
- Doesn’t last long as babies grow quickly. It is meant for small babies, usually younger than 4 months
- Can be as costly as the cribs
- Not very spacious to organize baby accessories.
Bassinet vs Mini Crib vs Crib
The differences between bassinet and crib are clearly visible. However, for many parents mini crib might be the best option. In many ways mini crib has size advantage of that of bassinet but lasts much longer.
If you are planning to create a small nursery for your baby then mini crib will fit perfectly in that little space. However, if you have a very spacious nursery then cribs might suit there better and will last even longer. Even if you are considering keeping the baby in your room for as long as possible then mini crib will stand out as a better alternative. Crib will simply make your room more congested.
Mini cribs will also give you a good value for money. Most of them fall between $100 to $300 and last as least 2 years. They might even last till baby is 3 years old, depending on the growth of the baby.
As for travelling parents, bassinet will stand out as the best option as even mini crib is not that easily portable when it comes to travelling. Personally, between bassinet and mini cribs, I would definitely go for mini cribs but then again nothing fits perfectly for newborn like a bassinet. At the end of the day, bassinet is an excellent choice for newborn babies. So, as long as you are not on a strict budget, you might as well get the bassinet for your baby. If not then you can go for cribs or mini cribs which are more durable and last longer.
Creating Safe Sleep Areas for Babies
According to Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, healthcare providers and researchers are still unaware of exact causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There are some instructions that you can follow to reduce the risks of sleep-related infant deaths or SIDS. Where you get a bassinet or a crib, you should ensure that you follow these sets of instructions.
- Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—naps and at night.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved cribExternal, covered by a fitted sheet.
- Keep your baby’s sleep area (for example, a crib or bassinet) in the same room where you sleep until your baby is at least 6 months old, or ideally, until your baby is one year old.
- Keep soft bedding such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and soft toys out of your baby’s sleep area.
- Do not cover your baby’s head or allow your baby to get too hot. Signs your baby may be getting too hot include sweating or his or her chest feels hot.
Top 8 Best Baby Bassinets
Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
- Main Advantage — With this bassinet, parents can easily keep an eye on the baby at night without having to get up. We have that urge to check on the baby every time he/she makes sound or moves and this bassinet simply lets us do that in an effective way.
- Adjustable Heights — Baby Delight Bedside bassinet has 6 height positions that allow height adjustment to adapt the sleeper height to most adult beds
- Easy Access to Baby — Easily lean over to nurse, comfort or just check on your baby during the night
- Lightweight — The bassinet has light weight and can be be easily moved from room to room.
- Accessories — Comes with a waterproof fitted sheet and a fiber-fill mattress.
- Assembly — This baby bassinet can be assembled easily without any tools.
- Dimensions — 37″ x 22.5″ x 30.75″ / 19 lbs or 8.6 kg
“I received this cute bassinet two days ago and our newborn has already slept in it like a champ. It’s a very simple sturdy design and was extremely easy to put together which any new parent can tell you is a huge boon. It’s a very basic, no frills bed. We originally bought a pack and play that had a bassinet to keep alongside the bed which has been moved to a different room. While I do miss having easy access to its storage compartments, it just wasn’t worth the physical troubles of trying to get the baby in and out of it particularly in the middle of the night. Plus the mesh walls and side door give me easy visibility and access to the baby which makes reaching over to soothe him, or take in and out in the middle of the night awesome.
I really wish I’d had this bassinet when we first brought him home as I was recovering from a cesarean. I was hesitant to purchase initially since there were few reviews, but I’m glad I took a chance. It’s a solid bassinet if you’re looking for a side sleeper with no frills functionality that won’t break the bank.” – Kindle Customer66433677
Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet, Windmill
- Main Advantage — Newborn baby sleep a lot and when they are awake this cute bassinet will keep them engaged and entertained with 30 minutes of calming vibrations, music and sound.
- Lighting — Fisher-Price Soothing Motion Bassinet comes with dual mode lighting. Parents can choose between soothing projection and night light.
- Features — The baby bassinet has optional lock out features which helps to minimize swaying motions. Also it has mesh sides for breath ability and the mobile is designed to easily move to the left or right when placing baby in the bassinet
- Calm and Soothe Baby — The Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet has everything to help soothe and comfort your baby, to ensure both parents and baby get a good night’s rest.
- Dimensions — 22.8 x 5.9 x 40 inches / 20 lbs or 9.07 kg
“Exactly what I was looking for in a bassinet at a great price point! I am a NICU nurse who is very cautious when it comes to safe sleep practices so I searched high and low for a basic bassinet with breathable fabric that had a nice flat mattress, not a fluffy nest. We will be road tripping to the grandparents’ regularly so we also needed something portable. It is easy to assemble and disassemble and would fit easily in the trunk for the drive.
Not sure how convenient it would be for air travel as the mattress does not fold (which makes sense so that the mattress stays flat) and it is sturdy so it’s a little heavier than I anticipated but I still love it. I suppose it might fit in a large suitcase but it would weigh the luggage down. Anyway, it is a great quality, straightforward bassinet that doesn’t cost a ridiculous amount of money. Very happy with our purchase!” – Unknown
Ingenuity Smart and Simple Packable Portable Playard with Changing Table
- Nap, Play and Change — This cute baby bassinet has everything that your baby needs from playtime to nap time. It also includes a dream centre napper, roomy play space and elevated change table.
- Easy to Use and Store — Ingenuity Smart and Simple Baby Bassinet requires no disassembling for storage or travelling. The foldable design collapses in just one motion. You don’t even have to remove the bassinet.
- Features — Wheels make this bassinet easy to move from room to room and auto-lock when not in use. Also, the elevated changing table makes diaper changes more comfortable – no hunching over. You can pivot it out of the way when not in use.
- Breathable Fabrics — DreamComfort fabrics in this bassinet promote airflow to create a cooler space for snoozing.
- Dimensions — 29 x 40 x 28.5 inches / 20 lbs or 9 kg
“I just bought this as I am expecting baby number 6 next month. I was looking for something I could use for an extended time frame (I’ve had bassinets which are pointless to me since they outgrown them in 3 months) and I also had a Gravo Travel Lite Pack N Play, which I loved because I could easily move it around the house since it was more compact. Therefore, those are what I will be comparing this to.
My first impression unpacking this thing was that it was heavy. It came folded up in the travel bag in the box, and I had to turn the box upside down and slide it out. Once I took the pieces out of the bag, I realized the heaviness might be because this product seemed of good quality. I assembled this within about 30 minutes (I did have to reference the instructions) and am impressed with everything, even though it’s bigger than I expected – probably the size of a regular playpen. I don’t know that it’ll roll easily around the house or fit thru the doorways, but I’ll figure out what spot is best and likely leave it there. I love the newborn sleeper section – it is lined with a nice and comfy white plush, and it’s at a slight incline so the baby’s head will be elevated.
It also has a nice little mobile that you can attach with 2 toys for baby to look at. It’s also fairly deep – I don’t think a newborn rolling out will be a concern. The changing portion of this is also great – I like that it’s a nylon type fabric that is wipeable, and although it’s not as deep as the sleeper attachments, it’s deep enough where a baby would have a hard time rolling off. I also really appreciate the organizing unit on the side, and I plan to store diapers, wipes, clothes, and baby toiletries there since it will also be used frequently for changing and dressing.
Of course, the bassinet capability will be perfect for when the baby grows from her newborn stage and will have more room. And of course, the playpen is perfect for a crawling baby who needs some contained playtime. I also want to note that it appears the main playpen area has a zippered removable lining so it can be thrown in the washing machine.” – Cblock
Papablic 2-in-1 Bonni Baby Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
- Stable and Safe — This lightweight bassinet has the structure upgraded making it more stable. This premium bedside bassinet is crafted with the highest quality materials, including a sturdy iron and aluminum frame considering baby’s safety first.
- Adjustable Height — The two-in-one Bonni bedside sleeper and bassinet has easy-glide height adjustment with safety auto-locks. 5 positions adjust to fit most adult beds.
- Features — Easily move the bedside bassinet from room to room and keep your baby cozy and close. 4 wheels roll smoothly and are equipped with safety-rated brake locks. Suit for birth to 5 months. Comes with removed fabric and mattress. Two side-pockets keep burp cloths and diapers close by for those unexpected messes. Includes mattress pad, 100% cotton fitted sheet and travel carry bag. Plus, both Bonni and Anio are meeting ASTM and CPSC Standards.
- Breathable Fabrics — Lift open the side wall to position the bedside sleeper at your bed and soothe your baby at night. The bassinet also has soft mesh panels for breathability and visibility.
- Dimensions — 38.2 x 22.3 x 5.5 inches / 24.8 lb or 11.25 kg
“I came back months later because I forgot to write a review, and as a first time mom I LOVED reviews. I give this bassinet 5 stars! I assembled it by myself at 38 weeks pregnant and it was a little confusing at first but if you watch the video and read instructions it’s not impossible. I love how it clips to the side of the bed and is able to roll to living room , ect. It comes with a storage bag so I honestly plan on keeping this even after my daughter is to big and putting in in storage for the next kiddo when that happens, so great investment! I love how one side can pull down so I actually also use this as a changing table that I can sit down at because standing over her to changer her diapers starts to hurt my back. If you think about getting this over other bassinets I would say DO IT. Only thing is it only come with 1 fitted sheet, and most other bassinet sheep fit super tight but still able to squeeze, this is a bigger bassinet, which I love but comes with a small con” – Colby Bernae
Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet - Portable Crib with Lights and Sounds, Falling Leaves
- Lights and Sounds — This parent friendly bassinet for newborn features a calming nightlight and soothing music.
- Adjustable Height — The bedside bassinet has adjustable, removable canopy helps block light to create a serene sleep environment.
- Features — Constructed of beautiful and durable materials, the bassinet features a modern, gender-neutral design that blends with many decors. Large storage basket provides ample storage for all things baby | Locking wheels for easy room-to-room mobility | Includes mattress pad and fitted sheet.
- Dimensions — 21 L x 35.5 D x 45.5 H inches / 10.6 lb or 4.8 kg
“This was a lifesaver, I had a Rock’n’Play that had padding on both sides of the baby’s face, which is a safety risk with a newborn. That was all I had that was small enough to put next to the bed until he’s big enough to sleep in his own room. After two scares of his face turned into the padding, I got on Amazon and found this. It is durable, safe, roomy for the baby, easy to put together and an excellent price! The price was the best part for me, being a stay at home mom with not much money. The wheels also make it easy to move it around and it’s the same height as the bed, so it makes it easier to pull my baby in and out as I need to, during the night. I am able to actually sleep and feel comfortable leaving the room while he’s in this bassinet and not feel like I have to watch him every second. I would highly recommend this to any new parent as a safe, sleeping option while room sharing with their little ones” – Lauren Cooper
Baby Bassinet with Music Box and Wheels for Newborn-Baby-Infant safety portable Bedside Sleeper
- Safe and Versatile — The convertible changing side sleeper portable cribs bassinet is ideal for traveling newborns, infants, toddlers and babies. Safe for car travel, camping, outdoor needs, day and night. It also allows you to easily move it silent anywhere at home with sleek wheels design
- 9 Adjustable Height — This bedside bassinet can adjust to 9 different Height Setting Adjustments for better clear view and strong, sturdy aluminum frame
- Features — A must-have Multi-purpose Baby furniture and round the clock table care with our multi-functional bedside sleeper with our baby cot that provides good air circulation large clearance and deals with double mesh detachable side. It comes with a special comfy, washable mattress along with a halo music box to lull your baby for happiest sleep and light toys for boys & girls to play.
- Dimensions — H39.50 x L35.04 x W28.35 inches / 19.8 lb or 8.98 kg
“I’m so impressed with this bassinet. Very sturdy, well made and easy to assemble bassinet. It took no time to put it together. I love that the colour is very versatile and gentle. You can use this bassinet anywhere in the house. I keep mine by the bed with the side down so I can keep my baby really close at night. However, if you lift the sides, I can see this being used in the living room and around the house to keep baby close while you do other house work. The sound box and mobile are great bonuses to soothe and entertain baby too!
Packaging 5/5:
The bassinet came well packaged. No damage and packed so that the items were well protected. This is important to me because this is a baby product and packaging is important to make sure the item comes in safe and good condition. The bassinet shipped quickly and seamlessly.
Setup 5/5:
Easiest setup for a baby product I’ve ever had! You can set it up in minutes. Directions are clear and easy to interpret. You barely need the directions it is that straightforward. The setup is simple but the bassinet is very sturdy and doesn’t feel like it is going to fail despite the simplicity of the setup. There are a few pieces that just click into place so if you don’t have your hubby around or anyone to help you, you’ll be fine on your own!
Strength/Quality 5/5:
The bassinet is exceptionally made. It feels very strong, sturdy and durable. The legs are metal and the stand is well balanced to make sure the bassinet does not tip or get knocked over. The fabric is strong and well made, seems very high quality! I love how much mesh there is at the sides, it makes me feel even more comfortable knowing the material is breathable. The stitching is strong and the zippers are not cheap quality, overall a very well made bassinet. The grey colour is very subtle and blends in nicely. The mattress is nice and soft, although I would recommend keeping a nice blanket tightly wrapped around to make it even more comfortable.
Features 5/5:
There are several features for this bassinet that I love! The removable side panel is by far my favourite. I love that I can have the bassinet next to my bed and see my baby at night easily. The panel secures out of the way so there is no suffocation hazard. The height adjustment is great too! We have a higher bed so it is nice to be able to bring it level with me in bed. I love the mobile and the sound machine too! It will be great to keep my baby occupied for a few minutes! The noise machine is fantastic for sleeping, my husband snores so it will help the baby stay asleep.
Pros: There are so many pros! This is my second child and I really disliked my first bassinet. With my first, the bassinet could not lower the sides and always made these funny creaky sounds that woke my baby. This one is a game changer, it is lightweight and sturdy, adjustable, has white noise and a mobile. The colour is perfect for any space. It is very functional and has lots of space for my baby. In one of the pictures I put my son’s stuffed toy to show how spacious it is. This by far a better bassinet than the really popular product I had before. So great!
Cons: I can’t really think of any… Maybe it could come in different colours because grey is so universal? Would also be an added bonus to have different things that mobile could be changed out for to keep the baby from getting bored.” – April Young
MiClassic 2 in1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet One-Second Fold Travel Crib Portable Newborn Baby
- Main Advantage — This bassinet helps to soothe the baby when awake and also helps them to fall asleep with its two modes – stationary and rock.
- Travel or Store — MiClassic 2 in 1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet comes with one-second open&fold system which makes this bassinet easy to transport or store. Further it can be folded compactly into included carry bag.
- Features — The baby bassinet is surrounded by breathable mesh and easy for parents to communicate with your baby.
- Dimensions — 37.4 x 23.8 x 11 inches / 18.35 lbs or 8.32 kg
“The bassinet (color: Crystal) is perfect. It has all mesh sides. It is sturdy and easy to assemble. I use it as the everyday bassinet as well as folding it down to bring with us when we are not home. It lightweight enough to move easily (Moms – I move it in the bathroom to grab a quick shower!) The feet of the bassinet fold inward for rocking and prop flat for stationary.
The bassinet is pictured with the MiClassic fitted sheet. I also find mini crib/ oblong bassinet sheets fit as well. The pad is water resistant for easy clean up which is great for my 7 week old little boy who is in between diaper sizes.” – Carolynne
- Entertaining and Soothing — Graco DreamGlider soothes with the same gentle motion you use when cuddling and comforting baby in your nursery glider. Swing reclines with one easy motion so baby can relax.
- Cozy For The Baby — This cute baby bassinet has cozy seat combined with plush body support and a three-position recline that offers optimal comfort for baby.
- Features — Gently lower the swing seat in the bassinet to create a safe and comfortable spot to rest without being disturbed. The swing seat reclines to a rocker with an easy, one-hand motion, giving your baby a safe and comfortable spot to rest without having to be moved from the swing. DuoGlider uses the same gentle motion as your nursery glider to soothe baby, and also features two-speed vibration, six swinging speeds, classical melodies and nature sounds and more to keep baby soothed and comfortable. You can plug it in or use batteries for two convenient options.
- Dimensions — 25 x 28 x 26.5 inches / 22 lbs or 10 kg
“I bought this for my 5th baby and boy do I wish I’d had it for the previous four! It’s a dream bed. My baby is now 3 months old. I often lay her awake in this bed/rocker while I brush my teeth and then find her asleep in just a few minutes. She loves the mobile, the rocking/gliding and the vibration feature. I love that it plugs into the wall (battery swings are not my thing). I bought a traditional crib for my first and all she ever did in it was scream and cry.
Babies don’t like laying on a firm, flat surface, they like to be rocked, swaddled, and slightly at an angle which the swing provides. My only criticism is that the music it plays sounds terrible, but I simply avoid using the music feature. I’m going to be so sad when she is old enough to sit/crawl since it won’t be safe at that point. If you want your baby to ever sleep outside of your arms, this is the swing/bassinet for you. It’s worth every penny.” – ARW
Top 8 Best Mini Cribs
Dream On Me Violet Mini Crib
- Stylish and Sturdy — Made of solid pinewood, this mini crib features gentle, smooth arches and sturdy spade feet. It’s minimalist design allows it to fit in seamlessly with any decor.
- Adjustable Mattress Heights — Designed to accommodate your growing child, this mini crib features a three-position adjustable mattress height setting. Set the mattress at the middle or highest height for your newborn baby.
- Safety First — Dream on Me Violet Mini Crib is available in a range of stunning non-toxic, baby- safe finishes. The crib is rigorously tested and meets or exceeds safety regulatory standards.
- Features — The superbly designed Dream On Me Violet/Piper 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib is a skillfully constructed, highly versatile crib that transitions to a MINI day bed and twin size bed commanding any sleep arrangement as your baby grows. Its beautiful, unique, curvy flow design makes this a first-class choice for any nursery or bedroom decor.
- Dimensions — 42 x 25 x 36 inches / 30 lbs or 13.6 kg
“So, the plan (before our daughter was born) was to buy a SNOO and let our daughter sleep in our room for the first 6 months, then transition to her room in a full-size crib, but life has other plans. She has sleep apnea and has to be on oxygen and a pulse oximeter monitor at night, so she was going to have to stay in our room longer than 6 months, but she outgrew the SNOO. A full size crib wouldn’t fit in our room, so this was our solution.
It’s a really nice little crib – especially for the price. It doesn’t feel flimsy at all, very sturdy material and pretty easy to put together too. The color (espresso) looks good with our bedroom furniture and matches our Graco changing table.
Funny thing is, it says you cannot use a mattress that is more than 2 inches thick – but I can’t seem to find a mattress that is less than 3 inches thick, so that’s what I ordered. It might be a typo, fair warning, the instructions are full of typos, which gave my husband and I had a few good laughs putting it together.” – Sabrina
Davinci Alpha Mini Rocking Crib in Ebony with Removable Wheels - Greenguard Gold Certified
- Greenguard Gold Certified — This sturdy mini crib has undergone rigorous scientific testing for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs. It contributes to cleaner indoor air, creating a healthier environment for your baby to sleep, play, and grow
- Space Efficient — A mini crib is a great alternative for smaller spaces (such as parents’ bedroom & smaller apartments) or to store at grandparents’ house to make traveling back and forth easy for the whole family
- Portable — Rolling wheels allow you to move the mini crib around freely and to move aside to clean those hard to reach areas under the crib. Wheels can be locked to keep crib stationary
- Grows with the Baby — The mini crib has 3 adjustable mattress positions that you can lower as your baby begins to sit and stand.
“I love this crib.
Let me tell you why.
1. It fits in doorways, meaning you can move it from the nursery to your room without breaking it down. My baby hated the sleep and play thing that I had planned to use in our room, so I moved this one in our room at night, and back to nursery for naps. Took about 3 mins at night, and 3 mins in the morning.
2. It rocks. Literally. You can rock the baby to sleep which helps them learn to go to sleep without being held. Or when they fuss at night. He is 7 months old, and we still love the rocking feature.
3. Well made. As much as we move it, it is still tight and holding up great.
4. Space saver in shared room. My older two had full size cribs, which seems silly now. They both were climbing out of the crib long before they ever got close to outgrowing it. Babies are small, duh.
5. It is pretty. It doesn’t look like your old school crib.
6. You can lower the mattress REALLY low, like to the floor low. Which is great for my 7 month old who pulls up in it all the time. I don’t think he’ll be able to climb out for a long time.
Things I don’t like:
1. You have to buy an additional mattress because the one that comes with it is only about 1 inch thick. But for this price, not a big deal.” – lcm
Dream On Me 4 in 1 Aden Convertible Mini Crib
- Stylish & Sturdy — Made of solid pinewood, this mini crib features gentle, smooth arches and sturdy spade feet. It’s minimalist design allows it to fit in seamlessly with any decor.
- Adjustable mattress Height — Designed to accommodate your growing child, this crib features a four-position adjustable mattress height setting. Set the mattress at the middle or highest height for your newborn baby.
- Convertible — Mini Crib easily converts into a daybed and twin size bed.
- Safety First — The Aden is available in a range of stunning non-toxic, baby- safe finishes. The crib is rigorously tested and meets or exceeds safety regulatory standards.
- Assembly — This baby mini crib comes with all the tools necessary for assembly.
- Dimensions — 39″ x 28″ x 27″ / 40 lbs or 18.14 kg
“I was skeptical at first but this is the Perfect crib for small spaces. We have a 3 bedroom home, with a 19,15,13 and 11 year old. My husband and I had a surprise baby but loved all the same. But we are definitely running out of room in the house. Our 3 month old is a boy but he is just too little to bunk in with our 13 and 11 year old boys. So he will be in the room with us for a while. We purchased this crib and I am so very glad we did. At first I used it put together like a toddler day bed and just had it pushed up against my bed so I could reach him for easy night time feedings and diaper changes without having to step foot out of my bed.
Now that he is rolling around and sleeping through the night we put the other side on the crib and pushed it against the wall. It looks beautiful and baby sleeps great in it. I wish I would have thought of this was back with my first 4 kids. It is definitely a multitasking item. It saved me from having to buy a bassinet and all the accessories, such as waterproof bassinet sheet and a few sets of regular bassinet sheets because I just used this in place of the bassinet and only had to purchase mattress covers and sheets for one item. Also it’s so much better than using a pack n play because you can hook a good mobile and crib toys too it.
This crib is small enough to fit nicely in my bedroom with a king size bed and also big enough to accommodate my quickly growing little man. I believe the quality is great and it will be with us for years to come. My only suggestion is to buy the 3 inch crib mattress for it because the one it comes with it quite thin. We still get use out of that as well though because we use it for a playmat on the floor since my baby loves to practice rolling over. i have nothing but good things to say about this crib. If you are thinking about buying this crib, just go ahead and get it already. You will not be disappointed!” – MomofFive
DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib | Greenguard Gold Certified
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified — According to the sellers, they have tested this product for over 10,000 chemicals! It helps improve indoor air quality, creating a healthier environment for your baby to sleep, play and grow. DaVinci is one of very few brands that offer this certification
- Space Efficient — This mini crib, because of it’s perfect size, is a great alternative for smaller spaces or to store at grandparents’ house to make traveling back and forth easy for the whole family.
- Adjustable Heights — 4 adjustable mattress positions that you can lower as your baby begins to sit and stand. This mini crib to withstand even the most active babies and toddlers and last through your child’s teen years
- Quality Material — Made of solid sustainable New Zealand pinewood and TSCA compliant engineered wood -only the best for your baby
- Dimensions — 40″ x 28.6″ x 38.1″ / 37 lbs or 16.7 kg
“I don’t know why anyone would want a crib that was bigger than a mini. This will fit my soon to be here baby for a long time! She’ll go from this straight to a big girl full sized bed. Standard sized cribs are too big too bulky and just difficult. I will be recommending not only this brand crib but also mini cribs to all my family and friends expecting.
It’s not my first time putting together a crib. This mini crib was very simple to assemble.you can practically do it yourself in under an hour. Mind you I did have help from my 4 year old so it took us longer than an hour. I try to include her into all of the baby getting ready stuff. One of the last stages where your putting in the mattress support part you’ll need another person to help, just someone to hold it level while the other does the screws.
Quality is amazing there’s not even one nick. It’s in perfect condition and no missing parts. I went with this DaVinci mini crib over the Dream On Me mini crib because the dream on me seemed to have parts missing and bad product quality with this DaVinci brand crib it’s reviews seemed more promising and I am so glad that I chose this mini crib as it is flawless.” – Heidi
Dream On Me Alice 3-in-1 Full Panel Convertible Mini Crib, Olive, Greenguard Gold Certified
- Durable in Every Way — The Alice 3-in-1 Full Panel Convertible Mini Crib grows with your baby as it converts from crib to mini day bed and a twin-size bed (with or without footboard; conversion kit sold separately). It’s also sturdy and made of durable New Zealand Pinewood.
- Convenient and Safe — The Mini Crib comes with a low-to-floor design, a compact build, included assembly tools, and a 3-position mattress support system (twin size rail and bed frame sold separately).
- Safety First — The Alice Convertible Crib is JPMA certified, and meets or exceeds all safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. It’s also tested for lead and other toxic elements.
- Dimensions — 39.5” L x 28” W x 39” H / 35 lbs or 15.8 kg
“I was skeptical at first but this is the Perfect mini crib for small spaces. We have a 3 bedroom home, with a 19,15,13 and 11 year old. My husband and I had a surprise baby💙 but loved all the same. But we are definitely running out of room in the house. Our 3 month old is a boy but he is just too little to bunk in with our 13 and 11 year old boys. So he will be in the room with us for a while. We purchased this crib and I am so very glad we did. At first I used it put together like a toddler day bed and just had it pushed up against my bed so I could reach him for easy night time feedings and diaper changes without having to step foot out of my bed. Now that he is rolling around and sleeping through the night we put the other side on the crib and pushed it against the wall. It looks beautiful and baby sleeps great in it. I wish I would have thought of this was back with my first 4 kids.
It is definitely a multitasking item. It saved me from having to buy a bassinet and all the accessories, such as waterproof bassinet sheet and a few sets of regular bassinet sheets because I just used this in place of the bassinet and only had to purchase mattress covers and sheets for one item. Also it’s so much better than using a pack n play because you can hook a good mobile and crib toys too it. And this crib is small enough to fit nicely in my bedroom with a king size bed and also big enough to accommodate my quickly growing little man. I believe the quality is great and it will be with us for years to come. My only suggestion is to buy the 3 inch crib mattress for it because the one it comes with it quite thin. We still get use out of that as well though because we use it for a playmat on the floor since my baby loves to practice rolling over. I have nothing but good things to say about this mini crib. If you are thinking about buying this crib, just go ahead and get it already. You will not be disappointed!” – MommyOfFive
DaVinci Dylan Folding Portable 3-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib and Twin Bed in Grey, Greenguard Gold Certified
- Greenguard Gold Certified — This beautiful mini crib has undergone rigorous scientific testing for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs. It contributes to cleaner indoor air, creating a healthier environment for your baby to sleep, play, and grow
- Space Efficient — It’s perfect size makes it a great alternative leaving more space in the room for other baby products.
- Portable — Rolling wheels allow you to move the mini crib freely around the house. You can also lock the wheels and preventing it from moving making it a safer options for the newborns.
- Baby’s Safety First — With this safe mini crib you can say goodbye to toxic chemicals! Finished in a non-toxic multi-step painting process and lead and phthalate safe
“This is the PERFECT mini crib. Perfect size, sturdiness, super easy to assemble, and our daughter LOVES it.
So, we have very limited space, so the size of this mini crib is PERFECT. We keep a blow up mattress at the foot of our bed for when our son wants to sleep in our room instead of his, when he is scared. We also have a baby swing in our room, where our daughter did most of her sleeping for the first year of life, and still will nap sometimes. (she always liked to be on the move, even when sleeping.)
Well, at close to a year, that just was not working anymore, she wouldn’t sleep in bed with us like our son had when he was a baby (she thought it was play time haha). We needed a safe place for her to sleep in our room, and if she wanted to roll around or stand she could safely do that.
The problem was, most cribs were way too big for our space. We tried a few different options and none worked.
Except this one.
This is the PERFECT size.
But it is also VERY sturdy….even on the wheels it comes with. The wheels are optional, and we debated on using them for fear it would take away from sturdiness. Well, we used them and it still feels extremely sturdy. And I am SO glad it comes on wheels bc we wheel it around to different spots through the day for naps, and then at night for bedtime. We even wheeled it out into the living room when she first got in it after we assembled and she didn’t want to get out lol. (It will fit through doors).
What is even better is this crib can fold up if needed. That is awesome.
My daughter is now almost 15 months and we have the bottom set to the second to lowest notch that it goes and my daughter can stand up yet not fall or climb out. And I can reach in and pick her up and put her back in easily multiple times through the night, which is a very important requirement for me, as she still nurses multiple times through the night.
The slats seem perfect with zero risk of her legs or arms getting stuck, which was something I was worried about.
We had tried different sleeping arrangements before getting this mini crib, with no success. So i was worried this would not stick either. But my daughter loved it from minute one and sleeps so well in it. There is plenty of room for her to stretch out and roll over if she wants. And when she doesn’t want to sleep, she can safely roll around or stand.
It is also surprisingly beautiful, in my opinion, and very high quality construction, which is a huge plus.
The last thing I will add is that we did NOT use the mattress it came with. The mattress it comes with is more like a mattress pad. We purchased is this Wonder Dream Mini Crib Mattress, also on Amazon.
We LOVE this mattress. It is soft yet firm….perfect for a baby. No toxic smell. Our daughter sleeps SOOO well on it!
And we got these mini crib sheets and they are so soft and fit perfectly!!!” – Alexis
Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Crib with Mattress
- Ideal Choice — With its sophisticated blend of functionality, convenience and safety, the Portable Folding Crib is the ideal choice for the modern, on-the-go family. It’s space-saving, lightweight design makes it perfect for use in smaller nurseries or as a travel crib.
- Travel & Storage — Offering incredible convenience, this innovative mini crib sports a compact fold that enables easy travel and storage, while its four wheels enable you to easily keep baby close by as you move from room-to room of your home.
- Adjustable Heights — Designed to adapt to your growing baby’s needs, this multi-functional mini crib features a 2-position mattress support that can be lowered to accommodate your baby’s growth. Start at the higher setting and lower the mattress height as your little one begins to sit or stand.
- Dimensions — 39″ x 25″ x 37.25″ / 35 lbs or 15.87 kg
“We love this crib! It was super easy to put together for my husband. Our little one is not ready for a full size crib yet, so we transitioned him from a bassinet to this mini crib at 4 months old while he is still in our bedroom. The crib is compact and fits right by our king size bed. The wheels make it portable and so easy to move around. We currently have it in the upper position and will lower once our son is a little older. As other reviewers mentioned, the 1” mattress pad that comes with the crib is useless for the better word, but I don’t think that should take away a star from the quality of the crib.
Delta recommends a 2″ mini crib mattress, which are not too common. If anyone needs a recommendation, I personally purchased a 2 inch LA Baby 2 mattress, which perfectly fits this crib and is great quality for the price. Please note that we bought the grey color and out of the box it had a bit of a paint smell, but that quickly disappeared in a couple of days and is expected with painted wood, which is not a big deal. Overall this is a great quality sturdy little crib!” – LesMizSaigon
Dream On Me Addison 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib
- Stylish and Sturdy — Made of solid pinewood, this mini crib features gentle, smooth arches and sturdy spade feet. It’s minimalist design allows it to fit in seamlessly with any decor and makes it one of the best mini cribs available out there.
- Adjustable Mattress Heights — Designed to accommodate your growing child, this mini crib features a three-position adjustable mattress height setting. Set the mattress at the middle or highest height for your newborn baby. This flexible mini crib also provides 3 position mattress support system.
- Safety First — The Addison is available in a range of stunning non-toxic, baby- safe finishes. The crib is rigorously tested and meets or exceeds safety regulatory standards.
- Elegant Design — The Dream On Me Addison is a elegantly designed yet exceptionally functional convertible Mini crib. This crib can grow right alongside your baby. When baby out grows the mini crib it easily converts into a MINI daybed and twin size bed (rails sold separately for twin bed). This cute mini crib comes in several desirable finishes.
- Dimensions — 42 x 25 x 36 inches / 30 lbs or 13.6 kg
“Perfect for our small apartment. I was disappointed to see how HUGE cribs are these days. This is the perfect addition to our small nursery, and will work for a child well over 1 year old, depending on how much of a climber she is! We plan to go straight from this mini crib, to daybed, to twin bed with this great little crib. Exactly as pictured, fairly easy to assemble. Adjustable mattress heights. All at a great price! Would highly recommend!” – Lo
Top 6 Best Baby Cribs
Essex 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
- Grows with the baby — Crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed and sofa Daybed/Sofa Rail; Toddler Guardrail features stylish angled legs in solid pine with a natural finish
- Adjustable Height — With adjustable mattress heights, the Crib will keep your baby safe and comfortable in a bed that will grow with them. This convertible, adjustable, versatile baby bed can last your child a lifetime.
- Perfect Baby Crib — With an assortment of modern finishes, Essex baby cribs coordinate with any nursery décor. It also meets all the safety standards set by ASTM giving new parents a
- Dimensions — 54”L x 29.5”D x 34”H
“I bought this for my grandson. I was a bit nervous because it was inexpensive and I did not want to sacrifice quality. I thought I would have to return it but to my surprise it was durable, looks gorgeous and fairly easy to assemble. Now he is 5 months old and still zero complaints for this crib. It is very study, easy to adjust the mattress and looks great- no paint chipping, dents nothing. I am glad I purchased this crib and I was able to purchase some higher priced items for him without spending an arm and let on a crib. Very good value and I would highly recommend this product without hesitation.” – Lori
Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Fixed Side Convertible Crib and Changer
- Convertible Design — The Storkcraft Portofino Fixed Side Convertible Crib converts easily from crib to toddler bed/day bed & even full bed! This versatile baby crib will provide your child with a comfortable place to sleep from infancy through adolescence.
- Adjustable mattress Height — With adjustable mattress heights, the Storkcraft Portofino Convertible Crib will keep your baby safe and comfortable in a bed that will grow with them. This convertible, adjustable, versatile baby bed can last your child a lifetime.
- Perfect Baby Crib — With an assortment of modern finishes, Storkcraft baby cribs coordinate with any nursery décor. A Storkcraft crib is rated one of the best baby cribs by many parents. It could be the only bed you’ll ever to purchase for your child, as they convert to multiple stages to grow with your child.
- Dimensions — 71 x 32.5 x 43 inches
“Perfect for our small apartment. I was disappointed to see how HUGE cribs are these days. This is the perfect addition to our small nursery, and will work for a child well over 1 year old, depending on how much of a climber she is! We plan to go straight from this mini crib, to daybed, to twin bed with this great little crib. Exactly as pictured, fairly easy to assemble. Adjustable mattress heights. All at a great price! Would highly recommend!” – Lo
Dream On Me, Carson Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib
- Safety First — Dream On Me, Carson Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib features a stationary (non drop side) rail design which provides the utmost in product safety. It also comes with teething rails, dual hooded and safety locking wheels
- Beautiful Addition — Dream On Me, Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib 675, is a beautiful addition to any nursery.
- Grows with the Baby — When your baby outgrows the crib, simply convert this baby crib into a toddler day bed and watch your youngster light up at the idea of graduating to a big kid bed.
- Easy Storing — You can simply fold flat this baby crib using the patented folding system and store, No disassembly involved
- Dimensions — 54 x 31 x 40 inches. Weight: 36 lbs or 16.5 kg
“I haven’t been able to put the crib to use yet as I’m only 6 months pregnant so this review is based off of my first impressions. If something changes in the future, I’ll be sure to update as necessary.
Anyways, the crib is relatively easy to put together. At 5 months pregnant I was able to whip it together in no time. It does come with optional wheels that I decided I did not want to use. The structure seems sturdy enough and so far I’m confident in its ablitity to handle daily use with an infant/toddler.
The color really is a pure white, it’s very beautiful. That said there was one tiny knick in the wood, about the size of my pinky, on one of the sides. The paint was still there it was just indented a bit. That isn’t a big deal to me at all so it doesn’t hinder my review but I thought I should mention it.
What I really like is that it comes with attached teething guards! How awesome is that? My old crib from my 5 year old didn’t not have one and I mean some areas looked like a wood chuck got a hold of it! lol So, I’m excited about that feature.
All in all, loving the crib and happy about my purchase! – Unknown
Delta Children Archer Solid Panel 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
- Convertible Design — Delta Children Archer Crib easily converts from a baby crib to a toddler bed, daybed and full size bed with headboard & footboard.
- Adjustable mattress Height — The 3 position mattress height adjustment on this crib allows you to lower the mattress as your baby begins to sit or stand
- Built To Last & Easy Assembly — This reliable baby crib has strong and sturdy wood construction which helps create a dream nursery where you’ll spend plenty of Mommy and Me/Daddy and Me time. Further, the assembly is quite simple and doesn’t take a lot of your previous time.
- Safety First — This crib is JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC & ASTM; Tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards
- Dimensions — 55.75 x 30.50 x 43.75 Inches. Weight: 68 lbs or 30.84 kg
“Luckily we scored this crib while it was on sale for an unbeatable price and I was immediately happy with my decision. Assembly took about an hour and is manageable by yourself. The wood is very nice and appears sturdy and of good quality. The paint is quite thick but after airing out for a day, it is pretty much gone.
The look is perfect. I love the ‘headboard‘ piece and the look of it!
The color is more of a medium to light grey as shown in the last picture.
UPDATE after two years (20 months of daily use) – still in love with this crib and it looks as good as the day I assembled it. No chips, cracks or other wear from daily use! Love this crib and will likely buy another for #2!” – MamaLaus
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
- Convertible Design — Easily transitions as your baby grows from crib to toddler bed and daybed, with an included toddler bed conversion kit; Eco-Conscious Design: Eco-friendly baby cribs as it is made with solid New Zealand pine wood, one of the most sustainable and renewable woods ava.
- Mid-Century Modern Style — The best-selling Hudson’s iconic turned-out foot, rounded spindle design, and open modern silhouette make it a versatile choice for any modern nursery. Also, the hidden hardware construction in this baby crib eliminates visible screws on the furniture exterior for a polished, clean look.
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs known to pollute indoor air, the Hudson meets the rigorous chemical emissions standards of UL, a global independent safety science company.
- Grows with the Baby — Low-profile design to easily put newborns to rest. 4 adjustable mattress positions included so you can lower the mattress height as babe learns to sit and stand.
- Dimensions — 54 x 29.8 x 35 inches. Weight: 54 lbs or 24.5 kg
“I love this crib so much! I put it together very quickly by myself and it looks amazing. It’s very modern, which is why I wanted this one. It’s not as expensive as the others and it’s totally worth it. I do wish I could turn it into a twin bed like other cribs, but it’ll work with any future babies and toddlers that I will have too. I have actually taken off one of the sides and put it next to my bed so I don’t have to get up when my baby wakes up.
That has been very helpful! And taking a slat off didn’t take long at all! The directions are very clear and it was delivered quickly and in great condition. I’m obsessed. If you want something modern and cute and you want to spend a little more money then get this! It was a little pricey for me but this was the one thing I wanted to splurge on.” – MissChellyFish
Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer
- 4-In-1 Design — The Graco Solano Convertible Crib converts easily from crib to toddler bed/day bed & even full bed (bed frame & mattress not included)! With a changing table and shelves attached, it’s everything you need to keep your little one cozy & dry.
- Adjustable Mattress Height — With 3 adjustable mattress heights, the Graco Solano Convertible Crib will keep your baby safe and comfortable in a bed that grows with them through adulthood. This convertible, adjustable bed can last your child a lifetime.
- Grows with the Baby — With an assortment of modern finishes, Graco baby cribs coordinate with any nursery décor. A Graco convertible crib could be the only bed you’ll ever to purchase for your child, as they convert to multiple sizes to grow with your child.
- Space-Saving Storage Drawer — This baby crib combines classic looks with the added convenience of a space-saving storage drawer, allowing you to conveniently store and organize your most important nursery essentials.
- Dimensions — 55.9 x 29.7 x 41.6 inches. Weight: 61.3 lbs or 27.8 kg
“The Graco Solano crib is just beautiful. We bought this crib for our daughter and her first child. We, as grandparents, were elected to put this crib together. Thought this should be fairly easy but there’s no written directions, only pictures like cavemen to follow and they aren’t very clear in their direction. Needless to say, the crib installation took longer than expected because we had to reverse our actions according to the drawing and actually go with our own knowledge.
Everything came together except when we finally made home we realized we had installed the drawer that is included with the Graco Solano crib, backwards. We returned the next day and flipped the crib end pieces so that the drawer was actually at the front of the crib instead of the rear. The crib looks beautiful.” – Cindy
There are no strict rules to guide you whether to get a bassinet or a crib or a mini crib. If you are not on a strict budget and don’t have any space issues then you might as well get a bassinet and then a crib when the baby outgrows the bassinet. However, if you have to decide on one, go for bassinet if you have space issues in your room and don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up a crib at this moment.
Bassinets are easily portable and this feature will come very handy while moving the baby into different rooms of the house. However, you don’t have any space issues and want to setup everything right away then crib might be the best option for you. It might be bit costly but the cribs with additional drawers to store baby accessories will come very handy. If you are undecided then you can always go with the middle or neutral option – a mini crib.
