7 Best Cribs For Short Moms (And Dads!) | Low Profile Cribs For Petite Parents

The best cribs for short moms must have a low crib railing and an adjustable mattress height. Find out here which low profile cribs would suit your needs.

“If I just get on my toes…rest my body on the railing like this..bend at the hips..now we just gently put the baby in the crib… AAARRGGHGH!”

This is a common struggle among short moms who are finding it hard to put in and take their baby out of the crib.

It may sound hilarious but not so much when you’re the petite parent, stressing out about how to put your baby safely in the crib.

So if you’re looking for a list of the best cribs for short moms, then this article is for you.

These crib recommendations came from parents themselves from various popular parenting groups, forums, and even from parenting bloggers and experts.

I’ve taken note of the crib’s dimensions, particularly of the crib’s height or railings. I’ve also noted other crib features that petite parents will find important in a crib.

But first, let’s justify why short moms need a short crib.

I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.

Is A Short Crib Really Necessary for Short Moms?

Yes, a short crib is necessary for short moms or petite parents. This is because of the potential issues and accidents you might have with a standard crib such as:

  • High chance of dropping your newborn which is dangerous, even if it’s just a short distance – from your arms to the crib mattress
  • Falling in the crib and hurting yourself and your baby
  • Might put a strain on your back and shoulders
  • Using a step stool which might lead to accidents or worse
  • Unintentionally waking up your sleeping baby when putting them down to sleep in the crib

Take note that you’d be bending and putting in and out your kid several times a day. So it’s just better to get a crib that is right for your height, where you can safely and comfortably reach for your baby.

Best Cribs for Short Moms: Quick Comparison Table

This is best viewed on a desktop. Here are the most mentioned, highly recommended best cribs for short moms:

RecommendationsBrandDimensionsMattress
Most Recommended OnlineBabyletto Hudson 3-in-153.625″ x 29.625″ x 34.875″4 adjustable mattress height positions
Babyletto Hudson AlternativeBabyletto Modo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib53.25″L x 3″W x 34.75″H4 adjustable mattress height positions
Cheaper Than Babyletto CribsStorkcraft Hillcrest Fixed Side Convertible Crib54.5″L x 30.75″W x 34″H3 adjustable mattress height positions
Beautiful Mid-Century CribDelta Children Essex54″L x 29.5″W x 34″H3 adjustable mattress height positions
Cheap Yet High QualityIkea Sniglar Crib
Ikea Gulliver Crib
Sniglar – 53 7/8″ L X 29 1/8″ W X 33 1/8″H
Gulliver – 53 1/2″ L X 29 1/2″ W X 32 5/8″ H
2 adjustable mattress height positions
Looks Like an Ikea CribDaVinci Union 4-in-1 Convertible Crib54″L x 30″W x 34″H4 adjustable mattress height positions
Huge But Can Still Work For Short MomsDelta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Crib34.25” D x 54.25” W x 42.25” H3 adjustable mattress height positions
Beautiful Mid-Century Crib

Scroll below for more on these best crib for short moms

7 Best Cribs for Short Moms

Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1

  • Dimensions: 53.75″ x 29.75″ x 35.00″
  • Item Weight: 53 lbs
  • 4 adjustable mattress height positions
  • Can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (with an included toddler bed conversion kit)
  • Usage Limit:
  • Crib – Stop using when child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches
  • Toddler Bed – 50 lbs

The Babyletto Hudson crib is hands down, the most mentioned, highly recommended best crib for short moms. This is highly commended by parents online, popular bloggers and websites. It’s also an Amazon bestseller!

Not only does it look gorgeous, but it’s also convertible and most importantly, its height/ railings measure 35″. Which is a great crib height for petite moms.

Some petite moms (4 ’11’ ‘ to 5’3″) didn’t have a problem with putting in and taking out their kids from this crib. But if you have shorter arms, you might need to remove the crib’s legs to comfortably take in and out your baby.

The downside of this crib’s short walls is that a very curious and active baby can climb out of it. 

One parent mentioned that her twins who were less than 2 years old and are in the 5th heigh percentile were able to easily climb out of it. So they had to modify the mattress height to the lowest setting.

Here’s my Babyletto Hudson Crib Review, if you want to know more.

Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

  • Dimensions: 53.25″ x 30″ x 35″
  • Item Weight: 60 lbs
  • 4 adjustable mattress height positions
  • Can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (with an included toddler bed conversion kit)
  • Usage Limit: Crib- Stop using when a child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches | Toddler Bed: 50 lbs

The Babyletto Modo crib is another Amazon bestseller and is also a popular recommendation from parents.

It kinda looks and functions the same as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 but they have 3 differences – the color, leg angle, and slats.

You can check out my Babyletto Modo vs Hudson Crib Comparison Review here if you want to know more.

But in short, the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 has more color options, its leg angle is slanted and it has a rounded spindle splat or crib railing design.

While the Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib has fewer color options, has a straight leg, and has flat, wide splats or crib railings.

Check out my detailed Babyletto Modo Crib Review here.

Some super petite moms (4’11”) even mentioned that this crib worked better for them. (They also recommended the Storkcraft Hillcrest Fixed Side Convertible Crib but I digress).

Storkcraft Hillcrest Fixed Side Convertible Crib

  • Dimensions: ‎54.5″L x 30.75″W x 34″H
  • Item Weight: 41.2 lbs
  • 3 adjustable mattress height positions
  • Can convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed (safety guardrail for toddler bed, mattress, and conversion kit are all sold separately)
  • Usage Limit: Crib- Stop using when the child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches | Toddler Bed: 50 lbs

The Storkcraft has a sturdy, solid design and reaches up to 34″- a perfect height for short moms (5 feet) to reach in and put back their kid with ease.

It’s actually short enough that some tall parents have complained of bending too low to reach for their kids. Others had an afterthought that their kid might easily climb out of it because of its low railings.

I’m actually a little bit surprised that it’s not the most recommended crib for shorter moms from parents online, given that its crib railings are even shorter than the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1

And it’s way cheaper too!

It doesn’t come with its mattress though so you would need to contact the manufacturer for mattress recommendations.

Related Article: Best Crib Mattresses (Highly Rated by Tons of Parents!)

But if I were a petite mom, I would definitely check this out personally.

Delta Children Essex

  • Dimensions: 54″L x 29.5″W x 34″H
  • 3 adjustable mattress height positions
  • Converts into a toddler bed, daybed and sofa Daybed/Sofa Rail included (Toddler Guardrail sold separately)
  • Usage Limit: Crib- Stop using when the child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches | Toddler Bed – 50 lbs

Petite parents and short moms (5 feet flat height) would love this Pinterest-worthy, mid century style crib!

The crib railings (or slats) are short, making it easy for short mamas to take in and out their babies safely and easily.

You might need a small platform to stand on though if you need to adjust its mattress to the lowest position (especially if you have short arms). Jump here for more crib hacks for short moms.

Its solid pine with natural finish looks great and adds stability with those stylish angled legs. It’s also safety-certified, exceeding ASTM standards, and tested for any harmful stuff.

Related Article: Wood vs Metal Cribs (6 Differences!) Which Is Better?

Ikea Cribs

best-cribs-for-short-moms2
pic from Ikea

Sniglar Crib

  • Dimension: 53 7/8″ L X 29 1/8″ W X 33 1/8″H
  • Max. load: 50 lb
  • Can convert into a toddler bed (comes with conversion kit)
  • 2 adjustable mattress height positions

best cribs for short moms
pic from Ikea

Gulliver Crib

  • Dimension: 53 1/2″ L X 29 1/2″ W X 32 5/8″ H
  • Max. load: 50 lb
  • Can be converted into a toddler bed (comes with conversion kit)
  • 2 adjustable mattress height positions

Ikea cribs are perfect for budget-conscious families who want to save up on space. It’s one of the best cheap cribs out there, that’s safe and highly recommended by a lot of parents and even baby experts.

And it’s perfect as a crib for shorter moms, even at 4’10” and even if you have short arms! The crib railings are so low, you wouldn’t need to stand on your toes or on a platform to comfortably reach for or put in your baby.

They are high-quality, yet affordable cribs that comply with the safety standard of every country they sell in.

It might be a little bit challenging to assemble one (as does all Ikea furniture) and the mattresses and bed linens are not included (sold separately). But it’s value for money as it’s durable, safe, comes with its conversion kit, and can last for years. 

DaVinci Union 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

  • Dimensions: ‎53.5″ L x 30.5″ W x 33.5″ H
  • Item Weight: 30 lbs
  • 4 adjustable mattress height positions
  • Can convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed (toddler kit, crib conversion, and mattress sold separately)
  • Usage Limit: Crib – Stop using when the child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches | Toddler Bed – 50 lbs

This is another highly recommended low profile crib for short moms, for its really low crib railings. 

It’s even lower than the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and the Kendall Low-Profile Convertible Crib and those two can accommodate really short moms, standing at 4’11”.

It’s pretty simple and it kinda reminds me of the Ikea cribs, but I digress. It’s also lightweight enough to move in the bedroom.

There are some complaints though of how hard it is to assemble and its paint chipping away. But overall it’s a great-looking, sturdy crib at a reasonable price.

Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Crib

  • Dimensions: 54.25″ (width) x 42.25″ (height) x 34.75″ (depth)
  • Item Weight: 60 lbs
  • 3 adjustable mattress height positions
  • Can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and full size bed with headboard & footboard (toddler guard rail & crib conversion sold separately)
  • Usage Limit:Crib – Stop using when child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches | Toddler Bed: 50 lbs

The Delta Children Bentley ‘S’ Series 4-in-1 Crib is a beautiful, stylish and award-winning crib that petite parents (5’1″ height and above) can comfortably use.

It can look quite big but some petite parents, moms as short as 5’1″ said they didn’t have a hard time getting their baby in and out of it.

A few have complained though that it has that “new furniture” chemical smell or that their kid’s legs keep getting stuck between the railings. 

But overall, this is a gorgeous, sturdy piece of furniture that’s very durable and can last for years.

Buying Guide: Best Crib for Short Moms

  • Test it out

The most well-intended bloggers (like me!😁) can recommend and list down everything you need to know about the best cribs for short moms. But at the end of the day, you’ll never know how it’ll be until you’ve tested it out.

So I highly recommend going to a store and physically testing out the cribs. 

And by testing, we don’t mean bringing your baby with you and taking them in and out of the crib.

You can just pretend to hold a baby and put something in and out of the crib.

Testing it out and pretending your holding a baby will help you gauge better if a particular crib is suitable for a petite frame and short arms.

Here’s also a tip – if you’re finished testing and you already know what crib to get, look for the exact same model online. They might come at a lower price. If it’s cheaper online, then buy that instead.

You can also ask the store if they have membership (free or low-cost) and if its perks come with a discount and free delivery for the crib.

If they have, join one, and boom, you’ve tested the crib plus you saved some money! (I learned this tip from my hubby, btw.)

  • Crib Height

If you’re at least 5 feet and up then the best crib height or crib railing for you measures at 35″. That should be comfortable enough for you to reach for or put in your baby. 

But if you’re shorter – probably at 4’10” with shorter arms – then a crib height or railing that’s lower than 35″ would be better for your frame.

  • Adjustable Mattress Height

Look for something that has at least 3 to 4 adjustable mattress heights. So you have more options when one of its mattress heights is not working out for you.

Get the dimension when the mattress is adjusted from the lowest position to the top of the rail, as well as the highest position to the top of the rail. See if you’re able to put in your baby gently and comfortably.

  • Removable Legs

Surprise, surprise, there are cribs where you can literally remove the crib’s legs/ feet!

Cribs like the Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib comes with that feature, which is probably the best solution there is for the best cribs for short moms

Some parents have refrained from using the legs of Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 so they can have a lower crib. But apparently, that’s not safe, according to Babyletto’s customer service. They said not using the legs in assembling their crib will compromise its structure and might be dangerous to use.

Related Article: 9 Best Babyletto Crib Dupes That’s Cheaper! (Except #1 and #9)

Those are the top features to consider when looking for a low profile crib or the best crib for a petite mom. But remember to also check its other features.

Other Features to Consider For the Best Baby Cribs for Short Moms

  • Size

Think about your available space and how the crib would fit in it. Would you still have enough room to move around comfortably?

There are mini cribs that can fit in smaller rooms or apartments. (Check out my review here of mini cribs for small spaces)

Or you can also opt for bassinets for small spaces – which are more portable than cribs. But if space is not an issue, then a convertible crib, combo, or standard-sized will do fine.

  • Safety

Does it meet the usual safety standard in your country? Is it compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)? 

  • Longevity and Usage

Do you want to get a crib that can last longer than the baby phase?

If that’s the case, then there are durable, convertible cribs that can turn into a toddler bed, daybed, and even a full-sized bed, making them last for years! Some can also be transformed into a twin-size bed. 

Some also come with features and accessories that can make taking care of a newborn easier. Such as a diaper changing table, and or those cribs with storage/ drawers.

  • Mattress and Sheets

If the crib comes with its mattress, then that would be less of a hassle for you. (Crib mattresses should at least be between 51 ⅝ to 53 inches in length and 27 ¼ to 28 inches in width.)

But some cribs don’t include mattresses. In this case, you need to check their website or contact the manufacturer or the shop where you bought it from, for mattress recommendations. 

Related Article: Best Crib Mattresses (Highly Rated by Tons of Parents!)

It’s better to get advice straight from the horse’s mouth, rather than asking for opinions and looking around for a mattress that might not fit well.

An ill-fitting mattress (and also sheets!) can be a safety hazard so always make sure you’re getting the proper one. (Remember to also follow the baby safe sleep guidelines.)

Check out some of the best organic baby crib sheets here, if you’re keen.

  • Design

A crib’s color or design can be a low priority when looking for a low profile crib but it can make or break the look of your room. 

So consider also the crib design, especially if you’re very picky with furniture and interior decorations.

  • Wheels

Some cribs come with wheels, making them a tad portable. You can move it around the room with less difficulty, when you need to renovate or do some spring cleaning.

It’s a low, almost non-priority but can be a helpful feature.

  • If Partner is Okay with It

Last but not the least, consider your partner’s needs as well.

Some tall spouses might be okay with bending down a lot. But others might have a back issue and would prefer to get a tall crib.

So talk it over with your partners first. Let them know the potential issues or hazards you might face with a crib that doesn’t suit your petite frame (nor short arms for that matter.)

If they’re not willing to get a short crib, then just ask them nicely to make a safe and sturdy platform for you to stand on. Tell them you need one, to safely reach in and take out your kid from the crib.

What Is The Shortest Crib?

The shortest or most low profile crib in this list is the Ikea Guilliver crib, measuring at 53 1/2″ L X 29 1/2″ W X 32 5/8″ H.

It’s a pretty decent crib that comes with 2 adjutable mattress position at an affordable price.

Crib Alternatives/ Crib Hacks for Short Moms (or Dads)

You can also opt to use these other crib alternatives below if the recommended cribs above don’t suit you. 

Mini Crib

Some can go as low as 33″ making it comfortable for short moms to bend and put in and out their baby. Check out here the differences between a crib vs mini crib.

Pack N Play

They are great crib alternatives and some can go as low as 29″. Other models have a bassinet attachment, making it useful for short mamas to reach their babies. Click here to compare the mini crib vs pack n play.

Floor Bed

You can also just skip the crib altogether and just have a floor bed. Just remember to follow safety practices about sleeping on a floor bed.

Related Article: Transitioning to a Montessori Floor Bed: For Tired Moms With Cheeky Toddlers

Aerobic Fitness Step

Or you can also try one clever crib hack to make yourself taller – using an aerobic fitness step!

Using an aerobic fitness step is safer than a step tool. Because one – it’s sturdier and more stable, because of its wide base and it’s designed to be pushed down at different angles. Two – it has an adjustable height, letting you choose how high or low you can go to reach in and take out your kid comfortably.

Some parents have tried to elevate the height of the mattress or hack the crib’s legs but that’s not really recommended for safety reasons. So please don’t try doing that on your crib.

FAQ on Best Cribs for Short Moms

Are short cribs for short moms necessary?

Yes, for safety reasons. It’s safer to put a newborn in and out of the crib, without having to stand on an unstable platform like a step stool or without getting anxious about how to do it gently and properly.

How do you put a baby in a short crib?

Assuming there is in the crib (only a mattress), here’s you gently and safety put your baby in a crib:

• Cradle your baby’s head+neck and buttocks.
• Stand close to the crib as much as possible.
• Lower your baby gently and let his/her feet touch the mattress first. Then gently lower their head.
• Lay down one hand on their tummy and see if they’re stirring.
• If they’re fast asleep, slowly back up and leave the room.

A low profile crib or short crib with a 35″ crib railing is short enough for a petite mom to put in their baby comfortably and safely. 

But if it’s still not enough, we highly recommend using an aerobic fitness step, as it’s more stable and sturdier than a regular step stool.
Read more crib hacks for short moms here.

How do I get my baby out of a low crib?

  • Stand close to the crib. Bend with your hips, not your back. Reach out and cradle their head and neck first then their buttocks. Lift your baby and place him/ her against your chest. Adjust how you hold them accordingly.
  • What is a low profile crib?

    A low-profile crib is also known as a short crib, as it allows easy access to your child in a fixed-sided design.

    How do you add height to a crib?

    It’s not recommended to alter the crib’s material or height, as it may compromise its structure and safety.

    Tips on Making Baby Sleep in a Short Crib

    • Make them sleep longer

    There are certain ways to make a baby sleep longer, especially at night. Check out a lot of actionable tips and tricks here to help your newborn sleep longer.

    • Use the Eat Play Sleep routine

    The Eat Play Sleep routine is a habit where you feed your baby first when they wake up from their nap or night time sleep, then do some newborn activities, go out, etc. then after that, you put them to bed.

    This routine trains your baby to sleep without having to be nursed or fed with a bottle. Check out how to implement the Eat Play Sleep routine here.

    • Use Shush Pat Method

    The Shush Pat method is a gentler sleep training technique, that introduces your baby to the concept of sleeping independently. It’s a very calming and relaxing technique, more so than other more popular sleep training methods like CIO or Ferber.

    Takeaway on Best Cribs For Short Moms

    If you want to see the cribs personally, try googling baby shops that carry your preferred model. Call them first and ask if touching the crib model is permitted, given the unusual circumstances that we have right now. 

    Remember to check how adjustable the mattress height is and how comfortably low the crib railings are. Doing just those 2 things would be enough to help you choose the best crib for short moms.

    If you want to look for other crib alternatives, check out this article here.

    • Dimensions: 53.75″ x 29.75″ x 35.00″
    • Item Weight: 53 lbs
    • 4 adjustable mattress height positions
    • Can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (with an included toddler bed conversion kit)
    • Usage Limit:
    • Crib – Stop using when child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches
    • Toddler Bed – 50 lbs

    I hope this guide on the best cribs for short moms was helpful. You might want to check out our other articles, such as:

    Julie