Mini Crib VS Full Size Crib – Comparison Guide

There are so many things to think about when you become a parent. Baby proofing your house becomes a priority along with finding the right crib for your little one.

However, just heading out and picking up the first crib you see is not recommended. You need to consider the size and comfort of the crib, so your baby can sleep safely and soundly.

Full-size cribs are usually more expensive than mini cribs, but they typically offer better quality and safety features. They also come in different sizes ranging from 30 inches to 54 inches wide.

The most common widths include: 30 inches, 32 inches, 36 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, 48 inches, 50 inches and 52 inches.

If you have a smaller space, then a 30-inch crib will be perfect for you. It’s easy to move around, and it can fit into small spaces.

A full-size crib, on the other hand, offers a larger sleeping area that can accommodate bigger babies. This type of crib often comes with an extra mattress and some additional accessories like rails and headboards.

With this in mind, let’s take a deeper look into mini and full-size cribs. We’ll explore what these cribs are, including the pros and cons of both, so you can make an educated decision on what is best for your little one.

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What Is A Mini Crib?

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This has the aesthetic appeal of a full sized crib and converts into twins later on. But it is way more convenient in cramped spaces and is better suited for tighter budgets!

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What Is A Full Size Crib?

The full-sized crib is the standard crib. These cribs are usually found in nurseries and can be purchased in stores and various online retailers such as Amazon. Full-size cribs are ideal for larger children to help them sleep more comfortably.

Mini cribs can be far too cramped for larger babies and, therefore, they will not get comfortable. That is when standard sized cribs come into the equation. Luckily, there are many to choose from!

Full-size crib beds are usually made with wood frames and metal bars. They are sturdy enough to handle heavier weights without breaking down.

Moreover, full-size crib mattresses are usually thicker than those of mini cribs, but this isn’t the case for every model.

And, as we discussed above, full size cribs are typically more expensive than smaller versions. However, you tend to get more for your money with regular sized cribs as well as sturdier constructions.

Pros & Cons Of Mini Cribs

When deciding on what size crib to get, you should consider the pros and cons of each. Let’s start by looking at mini cribs.

Mini cribs are great for babies who need less space than a standard sized crib. However, if you’re looking for something bigger, the mini crib isn’t going to cut it. They make sense for some families and situations but not for everyone.

Pros

Mini cribs are cheaper than standard cribs because they take up less space and are easier to move around.

It goes without saying that mini cribs are much smaller than standard sized cribs. This means they take up less room making them ideal for smaller spaces such as apartments and are far more convenient.

Thanks to their small stature, mini cribs are more portable and often come with fitted on wheels. This means you can easily move the crib from room to room or move it when needed.

Mini cribs are also easier to assemble. You don’t need a team or many tools. Just one person can usually assemble a mini crib in a matter of minutes.

Cons

Mini cribs are generally not as strong or sturdy as full-size cribs. Full size cribs are generally made out of higher quality materials and are more durable.

It can be hard to find the right mattress size for these cribs.

Babies grow quickly and will soon outgrow a mini crib. Thankfully, some models convert into a toddler or twin bed for this very reason.

Pros And Cons Of Full Size Cribs

Pros

Full-size cribs are the ultimate choice for parents who want a safe place for their baby to sleep. They are extremely sturdy and can withstand heavy weight without breaking.

These cribs are perfect for larger kids who need more space than the average mini crib. Full size cribs allow for your baby to stretch out and become more comfortable if they are a little bigger.

Full-size crib mattresses tend to be thicker than mini cribs. This makes them more suitable for large bodies and provide more support for your baby’s back.

Full-size cribs are often built with a better quality of materials. They are usually built with wooden frames and metal bars. This makes them stronger and more stable than mini cribs.

Cons

Full size cribs are typically more expensive than mini cribs so are not ideal for those on a tight budget.

You can not move full size cribs around as easily as mini cribs. Although some have wheels, they can be too heavy and large to move from room to room when required.

You’ll obviously need more space for a full size crib, so they are not the best option for smaller rooms.

Mini Cribs VS Full Size Cribs: Safety Standards

Mini cribs are safe, but, in the past, they have not been considered as safe as standard full size cribs. Standard cribs are generally safer because, well, they have more safety features. However, all cribs need to meet safety standards these days.

Since 2008, a ban was put into place by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) to stop manufacturers from making drop down cribs, because there have been too many accidents.

Before this, cribs were allowed to be made from poor quality and flimsy materials. All cribs must meet the same safety standards. The old type of wood used to make cribs was very weak and easily broken.

Now, the newer types of wood and other materials are stronger and more resistant to breakage. Also, the screws and bolts are much tougher than before.

Cribs have to be built with durable and strong hardware to support heavier weights than ever before. This has helped to reduce the risk of accidents due to hardware failure.

Types Of Cribs

There are numerous types of cribs on the market today. Here are some examples, so you can consider which is best suited for your infant:

Standard Cribs

These are the most common and most available types. They are made out of wood or metal and are typically very durable and sturdy. Thankfully, it’s easy to find a mattress size for standard cribs.

Mini Cribs

As we now know, mini cribs are as the name suggests. They are extremely convenient for moving around in tighter spaces, but your child will probably outgrow them pretty quickly.
Shaped cribs

Unlike standard and mini cribs that have rectangular shapes, shaped cribs come with hexagonal, circular, and other shapes. These are unique models and can really transform a room. They are also great for fitting into oddly shaped rooms if required.

In Summary

It all comes down to personal preference and the size of your infant, but we hope this article has helped you decide what size crib is best for your precious little one.