Thinking of maximizing space in your bedroom or nursery room?
You might be thinking of some storage and organization solutions and/or you might be considering a smaller sleeping bed for your baby.
If it’s the latter and you can’t make up your mind between a mini crib vs bassinet, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, I’m going to discuss the many uses and differences of a bassinet vs mini crib, as well as their similarities, pros, and cons.
I will also show you a comparison overview of their features, so you can quickly gauge and see each of their strong suits and drawbacks.
Let’s start with the uses and pros and cons of mini crib and figure out how is it different from a standard, regular-sized crib.
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List of Contents
What is a Mini Crib?
A mini crib is a smaller version of a regular-sized crib.
A standard crib measures 52″ long and 28″ wide while a mini crib usually measures 38″ long and 24″ wide, and even as narrow as 19″, depending on the model.
A mini crib also has a special mattress, so you can’t use a regular crib’s mattress in it.
A mini crib with wheels can also be considered as a portable crib. Check out samples of mini cribs below.
Gelato 4-IN-1 Mini Crib
Dream On Me, Edgewood 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib (with Mattress)
Uses of Mini Crib
Mini cribs are convenient for:
- Families on a tight budget
- Living in small apartments or limited space
- Twins sharing a small bedroom
- A dedicated sleeping area at a grandparent’s house
- Another room for baby to stay in, eg. office room, master bedroom
Pros and Cons: Mini Cribs
Mini Crib Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Gorgeous, beautiful designs
- Some have convertible models
Mini Crib Cons
- Not easy to replace its mattress and sheet
- Fewer accessories
- Can only be used for sleeping or napping
What is a Bassinet?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPCS) defines a bassinet as “a small bed designed primarily to provide sleeping accommodations for infants that is supported by freestanding legs, a stationary frame/stand, a wheeled base or a rocking base, or that can swing relative to a stationary base.”
In short, it’s a small bed intended for babies 0 to 4 months old.
Related Article: Co-Sleeper vs Bassinet vs Bedside Bassinet: Which Should You Get?
Some can be easily maneuvered to move beside your bed or even around the house.
Some bassinets have a retractable side. This feature is convenient when the bassinet is beside the bed, as you can easily pat or reach for your baby without having to get up.
A couple of bassinet brands come with entertaining features such as some soothing music and night light, to calm and/ or occupy your baby.
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet
Arm’s Reach Cambria Wooden Bassinet
Papablic 2-in-1 Bonni Baby Bassinet
Uses of Bassinet
Bassinets can be useful for:
- C-section or breastfeeding moms to easily nurse or carry your baby without getting up from your bed
- A short-time, temporary crib alternative
Pros and Cons: Bassinet
Bassinet Pros
- Lightweight and mostly portable
- Comes with affordable options
- Can easily reach for your baby without getting up
Bassinet Cons
- Can only be used for a few months
- Not safe for mobile babies
- Can only be used for sleeping or napping
Mini Crib vs Bassinet: Feature Comparison Table
This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide a mini crib vs bassinet.
| Features | Mini Crib | Bassinet |
|---|---|---|
| Size and shape | Smaller than regular, standard crib | Has various sizes and shape |
| Durable | Yes | Yes but can only accommodate younger babies |
| Longevity | Can use for babies 0 months old up to 2 years old | Can only be used for babies 0 to 4 months |
| Portability | Some comes with wheels | • Comes with wheels • Most are easier to move around than a mini crib |
| Setup | Assembly is similar to a regular, standard crib | Easier to assemble and disassemble than a mini crib |
| Accessories | • Can come with storage, drawers • Can be convertible | • Can come with vibrating and music feature • Some has a canopy |
| Mattress | Has complains of being flimsy and uncomfortable | Has complains of being flimsy and uncomfortable |
| Saves Space | Yes | Yes |
Check out more details and information below on the differences between mini crib vs bassinet
Gelato 4-IN-1 Mini Crib
Dream On Me, Edgewood 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib (with Mattress)
Bassinet vs Mini Crib: Differences
Size
Mini cribs can vary in size and measurements, depending on the model.
Some measure at 37″ to 54″, while some can go as narrow or as wide – from 19″ to 35″. Some can even go high from 33″ to 42″.
Mini cribs in general though have usually a very standard look, similar to a crib but smaller.
Bassinets, on the other hand, come in different sizes, and even shapes.
Some look like a basket/bin organizer, some that look like a vintage wicker basket bassinet.
Other bassinets are oval or round in shape, while some have a modern, minimal look.
Some models come with a canopy. Others have a vibrating feature.
Some are lightweight enough to carry around the house, while others are too heavy to be carried and have to have a permanent position in the house.
All bassinets though can only accommodate babies younger than 4 months.
Once your baby is becoming more mobile, it’s a must to transfer them to more age-appropriate sleeping accommodation, like a crib or pack n play.
Durability
Mini cribs are more durable than a bassinet since they can accommodate older babies and kids up to 2 years old.
Aside from that, it has a more durable and solid material, made usually of wood and/or metal, making it stronger and heavier.
Some even come with their storage compartment, drawers, and even a changing table!
Although there are some bassinet models that are high quality and can even be used for the next baby, like the Arm’s Reach Cambria Wooden.
Longevity
Mini cribs can be used from newborn up to 2 years of age, provided that your child still wants to stay in it and is not attempting to climb out.
While bassinets are only intended for babies aged 0 to 4 months.
Some mini crib models can even be converted into a toddler bed, making it more long-lasting than a bassinet.
Portability
Most bassinets are easy to move and carry around because of their wheels and lightweight material.
There are some though that’s an exception in general, they are more portable than a mini crib.
Some can even be brought for travel or vacations!
Some mini crib models also come with wheels and can be folded when not in use.
But, compared to a bassinet, it’s not as easy to maneuver around the house.
Setup
Assembling a mini crib is similar to how you’d assemble a regular, standard crib.
So it might take some time, depending on how experienced you are with assembling furniture.
Mini cribs are also, mostly a permanent fixture in the house since it can be quite tedious to disassemble it every time.
Bassinets, on the other hand, are easier to assemble and disassemble, when needed.
Some models can also easily be packed up for travel or a family vacation. You can even bring one every time you’re visiting the grandparents and other relatives.
Accessories
Mini cribs don’t have a variety of accessories compared to a crib.
But some do come with shelves, drawers, and even a toy mobile.
Some models are also convertible and can even be turned into a toddler bed.
Bassinets don’t come with many accessories either.
Some do have their canopy, others come with a toy mobile and a vibrating feature and music.
But in general, bassinets are mostly bare and are only intended for sleeping, not for entertaining a baby.
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet
Arm’s Reach Cambria Wooden Bassinet
Papablic 2-in-1 Bonni Baby Bassinet
Mini Crib vs Bassinet: Similarities
Mattress
A mini crib’s mattress is similar to that of a standard crib, only smaller.
Bassinets also have a special mattress that follows its shape.
Related Article: Best Crib Mattresses (Highly Rated by Tons of Parents!)
These items have different-sized mattresses but most parents agree that both are not comfortable.
The mattresses for both are either too hard, too flimsy, or too thin for the baby.
Most would resort to buying a separate mattress, especially for the mini crib.
I would advise though to ask for some mattress recommendations from the manufacturer. And to also do some thorough measurement and research, before purchasing a separate mattress.
Mattresses that are not compatible with either the mini-crib or bassinet can cause serious harm or worse, to your baby.
Space-Savers
Both the mini crib and bassinet don’t take up that much space in the room because of their small frames.
Gelato 4-IN-1 Mini Crib
Dream On Me, Edgewood 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib (with Mattress)
FAQ: Bassinet vs Mini Crib
Is a bassinet or mini crib better?
In terms of longevity, the mini crib is better, as kids up to 2 years old can use it and some models can even be converted into a toddler bed.
The bassinet can be great too for breastfeeding moms, as you can easily move it next to your bed so you can easily reach and carry your baby without having to get up from your bed.
Can I use a mini crib instead of a bassinet?
Yes, you can, especially if you prefer a more durable and permanent fixture in your baby’s room.
Can a newborn sleep in a mini crib?
Yes, as long as you follow the safe sleeping practices, a newborn would be fine to sleep in a mini crib.
How long can a baby stay in a mini crib?
It depends on the manufacturer’s recommendation, as they refer to the height and weight of the child, instead of the age.
Some parents though use it for their 2 years old but of course, that depends on how safe it is for them and if they’re not attempting to climb out of it.
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet
Arm’s Reach Cambria Wooden Bassinet
Papablic 2-in-1 Bonni Baby Bassinet
Which One Should You Get – Bassinet or Mini Crib?
Your baby can easily outgrow a bassinet within months, so if you want to save and get your money’s worth on a baby bed, I’d recommend getting a mini crib instead.
However, a bassinet can be useful especially during the early days of breastfeeding or when you’re still recovering from your C-section.
There are bassinets that can automatically rock to comfort your baby, or that can be swiveled right on your bed, so you don’t have to get up every time to nurse or carry your baby.
There’s tons of different types – a bassinet for tall beds, a bassinet more suitable for reflux babies and more!
If you have the budget for it, I’d say go for a bassinet for breastfeeding purposes then transition your kid to a regular-sized crib when they get bigger.
Quick Tip If You’re Undecided Between a Mini Crib or Bassinet
If you can’t still choose between the two, another option is to get a second-hand bassinet and mini crib!
That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds at a cheaper price.
I hope this mini crib vs bassinet comparison review has been helpful in your decision.
If you like this guide, make sure to check out other related articles such as 7 Best Mini Cribs for Small Spaces, Mini Crib vs Pack n Play, Bassinet vs Pack N Play and How To Get A Newborn To Sleep In A Bassinet.
