Mini crib

A mini crib is a scaled-down version of a standard crib, usually around 24 by 38 inches instead of the standard 28 by 52 inches. That smaller footprint is the main reason parents in apartments, studios and shared bedrooms choose one over a full-size crib. Most mini cribs still meet the same federal safety standards as full-size cribs, so the size difference is about space, not safety rules.

Because the frame is smaller, a mini crib works well tucked into a closet nook, a bedroom corner or even alongside a parent's bed. Many models fold flat for storage or travel, and some sit on wheels so you can move the crib between rooms during the day. The tradeoff is that a mini crib mattress is a different size than a standard crib mattress, and most babies outgrow the mini crib frame sooner than they would a full-size one.

When shopping, check the exact mattress size the crib takes, since mini crib mattresses are not interchangeable with standard or portable crib mattresses. Look for a snug fit between mattress and frame with no gaps wide enough to catch a limb. A common mistake is buying a mini crib mattress from a different brand than the crib and assuming it will fit, or planning to use the crib well past the manufacturer's listed weight or height limit.