How Long Can my Baby sleep in a Mini Crib?
Did you know that the standard crib size in Europe is closer to a mini crib size in the USA?
Maybe our expectations of how much room a baby needs for sleeping are impacted by our supersized culture!
I live in a small house, with a small budget, but I really wanted to put my third baby in something prettier and more comfortable than a pack n’ play. I was also interested in a crib I can roll from room to room since we use our space to the max and my baby naps in whatever room is currently free.
I really didn’t want to waste money on a mini crib if I wouldn’t be getting much use out of it.
That led me to research, just how long can my baby sleep in a mini crib?
Table of Contents
How Big is a Mini Crib vs a Regular Crib?
The biggest difference between standard and mini cribs is the length.
| Standard Crib | 28” wide | 52” long |
| Mini Crib | 25” wide | 39” long |
You can save at least 38% more floor space by using a mini crib!
There are non standard mini crib options for unique spaces, check out this article I wrote comparing the top mini cribs on the market if you need an even smaller option!
How Long Can my Baby Sleep in a Mini Crib?
For various reasons, climbing, height, potty training etc, most parents transition out of a mini crib around 18-24 months. But if your babies are smaller (and not prone to climbing!) you can get away with even longer!
It’s time to move your baby or toddler out of their mini crib when:
✔️ They start trying to climb out.
✔️ They seem cramped or uncomfortable.
✔️ They exceed height and weight limits: 35” tall (about 3ft) or 50 lbs (double check recommendations for individual cribs)
According to growth charts, the average little boy will reach 35” tall at 2.5 years old, while the average little girl doesn’t reach that height until closer to 3 years old!
Most of the time weight doesn’t even come into the equation, since most children don’t exceed the 50 lb weight limit until after 7 years old.
On average, most parents using a standard crib transition to a toddler bed between 18 months and 3 years old—which means you very well may get the same amount of use from a mini crib as a standard crib, all while saving space and money!
Mattress Height
All the above is based on the lowest mattress setting, which can bear the most amount of weight. As a reminder, be sure to lower your mattress as needed to stay within safety recommendations!
Mattress Height Weight Limits
| Highest Setting | newborn to 3-4 months | 15-20lbs |
| Middle Setting | 4-8 months | 30-35lbs |
| Lowest Setting | 8+ months | 40-50lbs |
There you have it! I hope this has answered the question of how long can my baby sleep in a mini crib!
You should be able to use a mini crib until 18-24 months, and perhaps longer if you have smaller children not inclined to climbing!
To me, especially since I have girls on the smaller side, it’s a no brainer to go with a mini crib! I love that they’re more affordable and look so cute and cozy!
We’re getting ready to have our 3rd little girl 3 and under in a 1,000 square foot house. Even with trying to keep our stuff fairly minimal, I need every bit of floor space I can get!
Are you considering using a mini crib for your baby? If so, I’d love to hear in the comments what factors are influencing your decision!