7 Best Mini Cribs for Small Spaces (Save Money and Room!)

The best mini cribs for small spaces are a more practical crib alternative, better than a bassinet as you can use it longer than a few months.

But which ones are suitable for a cramped room? Which ones are convertible? Which ones have other features like wheels, drawers, etc.?

In this article, you’ll get to know mini cribs that are highly recommended by parents from popular online forums. Some here are also commended by other parenting experts. 

Without further adieu, let’s start with a quick comparison feature of the best mini cribs for small rooms below.

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.

In a hurry? We recommend…

These 3 mini cribs for small spaces are great for the following reasons:

Most popular recommendation amongst parents and also convertible!

Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

Also popular recommendation and is, foldable and has wheels

Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib

Feature Comparison Table: Best Mini Cribs for Small Spaces 

This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide on the mini cribs listed here.

Mini CribsDimensionAdjustable Mattress LevelExtra Features
Babyletto Gelato39.75″L x 26″W x 35″H2Convertible
Storkcraft27.52″L x 43.39″W x 41.57″H3Convertible, with mattress
Babyletto Origami39.2″L x 25.7″W x 36’H2Foldable, with wheels
Davinci Autumn42.5″L x 26.6’W x 44″H4Convertible
Noni Mini Crib43″L x 28″W x 35″H3Foldable
DaVinci Dylan40.25″L x 25.25″W x 41″H4Foldable, with wheels
Carter’s by DaVinci Colby40.6″ x 25.6″ x 34.6″4Convertible, with drawer

Best Mini Cribs for Small Spaces 

Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

Dimensions: 39.75″L x 26″W x 35″H

The Babyletto Gelato is one of the most highly recommended mini cribs in popular parenting forums for many good reasons.

One is because of its very small footprint. 

One mom even shared that their Babyletto Gelato mini crib fits perfectly in their master closet-turned-nursery!

Another reason is its safe, durable, and non-toxic materials. 

It carries a Greenguard Gold certification and is made of sustainably sourced solid New Zealand pine wood. It’s finished with a non-toxic multi-step painting process. Plus its mattress support is TSCA-compliant engineered wood.

All these ensure a sturdy, safe, and non-toxic sleeping environment for your little one.

The Babyletto Gelato also has 2 adjustable mattress levels, to accommodate your growing baby. 

The mattress height level could be improved, as according to some parents, they still strain a bit to put their babies down.

Still, it’s easy to assemble and can be converted to a toddler bed, a daybed, and even a twin bed, using a separate conversion kit! 

Making it a practical choice for sensible families.

Storkcraft Petal 5-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib with Mattress

‎Dimensions: 27.52″L x 43.39″W x 41.57″H

The Storkcraft is a JPMA-certified mini crib, made with sustainable New Zealand pine wood and has actually won some awards!

It’s a proud recipient of the 2022 Women’s Choice Award for 9 out of 10 Customer Recommended Baby & Kids Furniture.

It also carries the Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Seal of Approval for nursery and children’s furniture.

This mini crib can convert to a daybed and twin-size bed with a headboard & optional footboard, all using a conversion kit that’s sold separately.

It’s the only one on this list that comes with a bonus mattress, that’s apparently hard and thin, according to some parents. 

Which is better and safer than a thick, soft one, especially when it’s for a newborn or younger baby!

The 2.75-inch mattress has a water-resistant outer cover and is also JPMA Certified.

Its footprint is slightly bigger than the popular Babyletto and few customers have complained about its crappy instruction manual.

But overall it’s a beautiful, easy-to-assemble mini crib that has 3 adjustable mattress level options, that’s worth the money.

Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib

Dimensions: 39.2″L x 25.7″W x 36’H

This mini crib is a popular choice amongst baby experts and is also mentioned a lot by parents from popular online forums.

It not only has a small footprint to fit a tiny room and tight spaces, but it also comes with a foldable frame and removable, locking caster wheels!

This means that you can store this when you need some more space. 

Take note that you will still need tools to fold this and it doesn’t come with a latch or anything similar to quickly fold and unfold it.

Plus you can move it around the house when you need to get things done out of the nursery room, while still keeping your baby close!

It has 2 adjustable mattress height levels, plus its Greenguard Gold and ASTM certified!

It’s made with sustainable New Zealand pine wood with a non-toxic finishing and TSCA Compliant wood mattress support. 

I almost didn’t put this on my list as it has some worrying complaints about its low-quality caster wheels and even the legs breaking off.

But I guess that’s a minor hiccup in their manufacturing process, which I hope won’t be duplicated in a lot of their other mini cribs!

Davinci Autumn 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

Dimensions: 42.5″L x 26.6’W x 44″H

This mini crib is also another highly mentioned item in some popular online parenting forums.

It’s slightly longer and taller than the Babyletto Gelato but it’s still small enough to fit in a small space, without overcrowding the room.

You can actually use the tall back frame as a deterrent for a daredevil toddler who’s trying to climb out of their mini crib!

Related Article: How to Keep Baby’s Legs From Getting Stuck in Crib (9 Tricks and Solutions)

The Davinci Autumn mini crib also carries a Greenguard Gold certification and is made of solid sustainable New Zealand pinewood and TSCA-compliant engineered wood.

This makes it a non-toxic, durable crib that’s certified safe for babies and even newborns.

It might be slightly bigger but it does have 4 adjustable mattress positions. 

This means you can put your newborn to a higher level, for easy access.

So it will be easier for you to reach them, especially if you’re a petite mom or if you had C-section.

Most parents find this easy to assemble, although some find the instructions a bit confusing.

Nevertheless, you can convert this into a toddler bed, daybed, and even a twin-size bed with a separate conversion kit, extending its usefulness to your family.

Noni Mini Crib

Dimensions: 43″L x 28″W x 35″H

Luxurious cribs can be somewhat indulgent but hey if you have the money for it and if you like it, don’t feel guilty and just get it!

So if you’re looking for something fancy, there’s the Noni mini crib for you.

It’s not as popular as the other mini cribs (nor as cheap), but it’s a uniquely and beautifully crafted, non-toxic mini crib that comes in 7 gorgeous colors.

It’s handmade in the US using sustainable FSC Certified Baltic Birch plywood and has been thoroughly tested and approved for US safety standards.

What’s great about the Noni is that it can be folded without any tools or hardware!

You can easily assemble it and store it when you need the extra space. Or fold it up for traveling, to see the in-laws on the weekends.

It’s just pieces of wood, sliding together to form an innovative yet sturdy, stunning piece of furniture. 

It also has 3 adjustable mattress positions, making it convenient to accommodate your growing child.

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

Dimensions: 40.25″L x 25.25″W x 41″H

This is another foldable, rolling crib but unlike the Babyletto Origami, it can be converted into a twin bed using a separately purchased conversion kit! 

It has some mixed reviews about how hard it is to roll the wheels on wood or even carpet. 

But most parents find it effortless to wheel the DaVinci Dylan from one room to another.

It’s also easy to fold by unscrewing it and using certain tools. 

Some didn’t find it easy to assemble as the instructions were confusing but most parents didn’t have any trouble putting it together.

You can easily keep them in the closet or tuck them under the bed, according to some parents.

It also has 4 adjustable mattress positions that can be lowered to accommodate your growing baby.

Plus it’s Greenguard Gold certified, finished in a non-toxic multi-step painting process, and includes a 1″ waterproof pad.

Carter’s by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib with Trundle Drawer

Dimensions: 40.6″ x 25.6″ x 34.6″

Another Greenguard Gold certified DaVinci crib, this one is also made of solid sustainable New Zealand pinewood and TSCA compliant engineered wood, ensuring its made of high-quality materials.

It has 4 adjustable mattress level heights, giving you more options to lower the crib to fit your growing baby in it safely.

Plus it’s easy to assemble and it can be converted to a mini toddler bed, daybed, and twin-size bed using a separately purchased conversion kit.

It’s not that different from the other 4-in-1 mini cribs on this list but what makes it stand out is that it has a bottom drawer!

Which apparently is not only for storage but you can also put another mini crib mattress in it, according to Million Dollar Baby Co.! 

Some parents find the drawer extra useful, as they can keep extra sleep sacks, crib sheets, baby clothes, and a whole lot of other things, giving you more space in the room.

Others find it flimsy and quite tricky to open, especially when the crib is on a carpeted area.

Some parents also complained of molds forming in the drawer and ruining the items inside.

Most didn’t have any issue with the drawer but I would advise cleaning out the drawer first before using it. 

Any items that you want to place inside the drawer, make sure to wrap or put them in a plastic container or something similar as well, before keeping them in the drawer.

What Features To Look Out For In A Mini Crib

Size 

Check out the dimensions and measure the allotted space in your room or the nursery room, to see if it will really fit.

Safe

Check if the crib comes with safety certificates such as ASTM or JPMA certified, has the Greenguard Gold certificate, etc.

Double down as well on how sturdy and safe it is by thoroughly checking every nook and corner of the crib, especially the interiors.

Give it a little shake, as if an active toddler is inside it.

Make sure there’s no splinter, nails, or anything sharp sticking out of it, especially inside the mini crib.

Adjustable Mattress Level

See how high or low the mattress can go. 

A higher crib mattress is helpful for those with back pains or a C-section mama, as it requires less bending down to access your baby.

A mattress that has more mattress-level options is also great to have so it can better suit a growing child.

Convertible Design

It’s best to go with a mini crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed or even a twin bed, later on, giving you more bang for your buck.

Foldable

It’s not a need but having a foldable mini crib can give you more space. You can easily keep it in the closet or the bed and just take it out when you need it.

Wheels

A portable mini crib that can be easily moved from one room to another is ideal to have.

Included Mattress

If you can get a mini crib with a suitable and safe mattress, then you have one less thing to worry about!

Mini Crib Alternatives

Pack n Plays

They’re the best alternative to a mini crib.

They’re more or less the same size, but they can be used as a “baby jail”, travel crib, and a playpen!

It’s also safer for hyperactive toddlers, who are attempting to climb out of it as it’s much lower to the ground.

Floor Mattress

This is another great option to have. Instead of a crib or any other crib alternatives, you can just use this right from the start and save so much on space and furniture.

Just make sure to put in a fully baby-proofed room with a baby gate, especially when your little one is more mobile

And to have paddings on the floor. So your baby won’t get hurt if they roll out of it.

Co-Sleeping or Bed Sharing

It’s a controversial and risky option but if you know what you’re doing and you’ve thoroughly researched co-sleeping safe practices, then go for it. 

Do what you think is best for your family.

FAQ on Mini Cribs

How long can a baby stay in a mini crib?

Typically, a baby can stay in a mini crib until they’re 2 years old or until they’re attempting to climb out of it.
If that happens, it’s highly recommended and safer to switch them out of the mini crib.

Are mini cribs a good idea?

Yes, mini cribs are a good idea as they can save you a lot of space. Especially if you have twins, you have a small nursery room or you’re planning to share your bedroom with your babies.

What are the differences between full-size cribs and mini cribs?

The differences between full-size cribs and mini cribs lie in their footprint, mattress, and sheets. Which is smaller than a regular crib.
There’s also their longevity, which is dependent on your kid’s height and temperament.

Are portable mini cribs safe?

Yes, portable mini cribs are safe, as long as it’s made durable and won’t break down easily.

Helpful Tips on Using the Mini Cribs for Small Rooms

• Manage expectations

Mini cribs can be used longer than a bassinet but it is still smaller than a crib.

Some babies can fit in it for 2 years. Others for at least 18 months. 

But some, especially babies in the higher percentile, can only stay in it for less than that. Other parents have even mentioned their babies outgrowing their mini cribs after only 9 months!

There’s also the issue of babies being naturally wriggly sleepers.

They can move around a lot even when they’re sleeping. 

Which could lead to them banging their head and limbs in the mini crib.

So manage your expectations about mini cribs. 

They’re great space savers, but their money’s worth will still depend on your kid’s growth and temperament.

• A mattress pad isn’t a mattress

Some mini cribs will include a mattress pad but that’s a completely different thing from a mattress.

A mattress pad protects the mattress from leaks and moisture. It’s not a comfortable mattress that your baby can use, so you still need to look for a suitable mattress.

Brands will usually recommend a mattress that can fit in their mini cribs, so check those out first before doing further research.

• Pack n play sheets 

A lot of parents have mentioned using pack n play sheets for their mini cribs, especially for the Babyletto brand. 

So if you find yourself in a bind, lacking dry, clean mattress sheets, then maybe a pack n play will work for you, temporarily.

• Test it thoroughly

The best way to do that is to go to a physical store and touch, shake, open, and basically just try out the crib. 

But if that’s not possible, pay attention at least to the shop’s return/ refund policy before getting your preferred mini crib.

Hopefully, the crib you’re getting won’t trap your little one’s legs but if ever that happens, here are some tips on what to do if your baby’s legs are stuck between the crib’s railings.

• Help your baby sleep

You can do so by using a gentle sleeping method such as the Shush Pat Method or by going through this checklist on how to help your little one sleep longer and better at night.

Final Thoughts on the Best Mini Cribs for Small Spaces 

The Babyletto cribs are really quite popular and are highly recommended by parents online. 

I would personally check it out first in the store to see how it fares, especially if you’re choosing the Origami. 

See how its wheels glide on any floor, whether carpeted or wooden.

Other than that, these mini cribs are a great crib alternative if you don’t have the space for a regular one.

It’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to make full use of it as a mini crib (not as a converted bed). Especially when you have a daredevil toddler who’s starting to climb out of it.

But a crib doesn’t also assure you of that. 

I should know, I stopped using mine when my cheeky monkey started climbing out of it when she turned one!

I hope this article has been useful in pinning down the best mini crib for your family.

If you like this guide, then make sure to check out Mini Crib vs Bassinet, and Mini Crib vs Pack n Play.

Julie