Choosing a crib can feel overwhelming because, like all things baby, there are so many options and lots of opinions. Do you go with a budget option like the very popular Ikea crib or splurge on a Babyletto or Nestig crib? Then you discover there are two different sizes of cribs, Mini and Standard. I have owned and used both with my babies, and in this post, I hope to help you decide which option is right for your family! I will also share some of my favorite cribs across different budgets!
Mini cribs were not even on my radar when I had my first, and I honestly felt like they were silly. Why would someone want a small crib that their baby will outgrow more quickly? Fast forward a few years and 3 kids later, I suddenly found myself in a home we had outgrown and not enough space for another crib. I had a choice: use a travel crib again (we did this for my second for naps in our room) or buy a mini crib. I ultimately decided on a mini crib, and I instantly understood the draw. We LOVED that crib, and it was everything we needed it to be, but now she is two and has almost outgrown it. So what do you do? First, let’s break down the pros and cons of each.
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What Is a Mini Crib?
A mini crib is a smaller version of a standard crib, designed for families living in small spaces. Mini cribs are especially popular in apartments, shared rooms, nurseries that double as offices, and for parents who want something more compact once their baby has outgrown the bassinet and don’t want to use a travel crib or pack-and-play.
Did you know many mini cribs are similarly sized to travel cribs, so you can actually use the same sheets on your travel crib as you can on a mini crib? These are some of my favorite mini crib sheets!
Mini Cribs usually have height adjustment, just like cribs, and different styles to pick from. Many include a mattress, though it tends to be thinner. If you decide to buy your own, make sure it fits snugly. I bought his Graco Crib and the Newton Mini Crib Mattress, but they didn’t fit snugly, so I had to replace the mattress with this organic cotton one. This is because mini crib sizes are not regulated in the same way standard cribs are.
The biggest downside to mini cribs is that your baby may outgrow them before he or she is ready to transition out of one. For reference, the image above has my 24-month-old daughter, who is 58% for height in the crib.
Pros of a Mini Crib
- Great for small spaces
- Uses a real crib mattress (provides more comfort over most pack-n-plays/travel cribs)
- Often has adjustable mattress heights, which many travel cribs don’t (easier on parents’ backs during the early days)
- Can be more affordable
- Provides a cozy space for small babies
Cons of a Mini Crib
- Baby may outgrow it sooner (around age 2)
- Mini crib mattresses and sheets are less universal
What Is a Standard Crib?
A standard crib is what most people picture when they think of a nursery (it was for me). It’s the traditional, full-size crib designed to last from infancy through the toddler years (and sometimes even convert to a twin or full bed). We got the Ikea crib for my first baby and loved it. It was a great low-tox option that all the moms on Instagram were talking about. Standard cribs are regulated, so you don’t have to worry about mattress and sheet compatibility.
Is a convertible crib worth it?
Depends. If you hope to have multiple babies back-to-back, it may not be necessary, as you will move one baby into the crib as the next one moves on to a twin or floor bed. However, if you are on your last baby or only plan to have one, the benefits of a crib that grows with your baby can be nice. The toddler bed option is great because it keeps the familiarity of the crib as they enter the next stage of development.
In my opinion, the conversion to a twin or full bed is less essential. Babies are rough on cribs, and if you get a paint picker (like my third) or a chewer, your beautiful headboard or footboard may not be something you want to use as your child grows.
Pros of a Standard Crib
- Long-term use — often from birth to toddlerhood
- Standard mattress and sheet sizes (easy to shop for)
- Wide variety of styles and price points
- Often convertible into a toddler bed, daybed, or even a twin/full bed
Cons of a Standard Crib
- Takes up significantly more space
- Can dominate a small nursery
- Not always practical for apartments or shared rooms
Mini Crib vs Standard Crib: Key Differences & Size
| Feature | Mini Crib | Standard Crib |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Generally 24″ x 38″ | Regulated, usually 28″ x 52″ |
| Best For | Small spaces, shared rooms | Dedicated nurseries |
| Longevity | Shorter-term | Long-term |
| Mattress Size | Less common | Universal |
| Visual Impact | Lightweight & minimal | Statement nursery piece |
Which Did I Prefer as a Mom of 3?
So in the end, we decided to put my third baby in a standard crib that converts to a toddler bed, since she outgrew her mini crib. But this is VERY unique to our situation. She is very much our baby and loves her crib and high chair. My oldest was already ready to move on from these things at this age. The important thing to remember is that you have options.
When space was tight, or we were sharing rooms, a mini crib was the clear winner. It gave my baby a nicer sleep setup without taking over the entire room. I liked the look of a crib over a travel crib, and it also made middle-of-the-night wakeups feel easier when everything was within arm’s reach.
When we had the space and wanted something that would grow with our baby, the standard crib made more sense. Fewer transitions, easier bedding replacements, and something that felt more permanent.
If you’re deciding between the two, ask yourself:
- How much space do we realistically have?
- Do we plan to move in the next year or two?
- Do we want one crib to last as long as possible?
- Will the baby be sharing a room?
Want a mix of both? If you are willing to splurge, we are seeing more and more brands offering convertible cribs that start out as portable mini cribs and then grow into standard cribs and beyond. Here are some examples (click on the photos for the links):
Best Mini Cribs
Best Budget Mini Crib – Graco Teddi Mini Crib
Best Mid-Range Mini Crib – Jenny Lind Mini Crib
Best High-End Mini Crib – Nestig or Babyletto Mini Crib
The mattress really depends on the crib. I can confirm that the Newton Mini Crib Mattress (code EMILY35 to save) does not fit on the Graco Teddi (I got this one instead), but the Newton Mini Crib mattress would work on the Babyletto.
Best Standard Cribs
Best Budget Crib – Ikea or Graco
Best Mid-Range Crib – Soho
Best High-End Crib – Namesake, Babyletto, Nestig, or Pottery Barn.
Crib Mattresses are easier to find for standard cribs. On the budget end, I have used this one from Graco. Popular mattresses include Newton (EMILY35 to save), Avocado, and Naturepedic.
Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong choice here — just the right one for your family. Much like choosing a stroller, it’s about finding what fits your daily life, not necessarily what all your friends are doing.
If you’re overwhelmed, that’s completely normal. I’ve been there three times, and every setup looked a little different. The good news? Babies are wonderfully adaptable! I hope this post helped make your decision a little easier.
If you have not already, check out my videos on YouTube of the best high chairs, travel strollers, best diaper bags, and more. Come also follow along on Instagram and TikTok, where I share daily life and new products I am trying.
