From the names alone you can see that the most distinct difference between a standard crib and a mini crib is that the mini crib is smaller. Both have features that make them unique. For example, a mini crib is sometimes called a portable crib. So when you’re on vacation or going to grandma’s house, you can easily take a portable crib with you, depending on the style. Because a mini crib is smaller than a standard size crib, some parents choose mini cribs because of limited space or because the cost is lower than a standard crib – smaller size, smaller price. However, I know parents that have used both types of cribs. One reason parents choose a standard crib is because it’s more traditional and versatile. Today, many standard cribs are designed to transform into a toddler bed as the child grows up. This is helpful since cribs can be expensive, so when your child can no longer sleep in the crib – voila – you’re all set! When you are ready to switch from a crib to a bed, here are some useful tips from one of our past blogs: How to Transition Your Toddler into a Bed.
Since standard and mini cribs are different sizes, you need the right accessories to fit them. For example, a standard crib mattress is 28-inches wide and 52-inches long. A mini crib mattress is 24-inches wide and 38-inches long. You will not be able to use a standard crib sheet on a mini crib, and vice versa. However, Carousel Designs offers bedding to fit both – standard crib and mini crib mattresses. Did you know that mini crib mattresses come in different depths? Well Carousel Designs offers ALL their portable crib sheets in two different depths. For the thinner portable crib mattress, you can use the 1 – 4″ depth, and for the thicker portable crib mattress, similar in depth to a standard crib mattress, you can select the 5 – 6″ depth. Simply select the depth you need from the drop down option on the portable crib sheet of your choosing. Whether you have a standard crib or a mini crib, Carousel Designs offers bedding collections for both. As your child grows up, we can even provide the coordinating toddler bedding so you can keep the nursery décor you worked so hard on.
Most of the baby bedding products we offer can be completely customized and personalized. We want you to be completely satisfied with your choices, so our customer service team is here to help. Do you have a mini crib? What do you use it for – home, travel? Buying a too-small mattress is one of the biggest mistakes new bed-buyers make. Couples who've been sleeping on a "double", also known as a full size mattress, since they got married may think they have enough room, until they learn that each person has only as much sleeping space as a baby's crib! U.S. regulations define a full-size crib as one whose interior dimensions are 28 ± 5⁄8 inches (71 ± 1.6 centimeters) in width and 52 3⁄8 ± 5⁄8 inches (133 ± 1.6 centimeters) in length.* Non-full-size cribs may be larger or smaller, but must be rigid and must not have meshCompact and portable cribs are often 26¼ inches by 39½ inches. The standard full-size crib mattress is 27¼ inches by 52 inches, and the crib 30 inches by 54 inches.
Voluntary standards set by the ASTM and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Assn. require that the openings between slats be no greater than 2⅜ inches, so that babies' heads can’t be caught. The cornerposts also may not rise more than 1/16 inch above the side unless they rise at least 16 inches; a baby could hang by catching clothing on protruding posts. Safety standards for cribs assume a child less than 35 inches high, and under the age of 2. If cribs are used for taller or older babies, the babies run the risk of falling out. Cribs should not be placed near dangling window cords (to avoid hanging). should not be improvised out of plastic film (to avoid suffocation). Loose teething rails should be replaced. Crib sheets are 28 inches by 52 inches (because nowadays they are usually fitted sheets), and crib blankets, about 45 inches by 60 inches. The 30 inches by 54 inches size was established , but at that time a larger size, 40 inches by 60 inches, was also sold.†
*The actual language allows a bit more tolerance: "Within a range of ± 5.1 cm (± 2 in.) of the following interior dimensions: The interior dimensions shall be 71 ± 1.6 cm (28 ± 5⁄8 in.) wide as measured between the innermost surfaces of the crib sides and 133 ± 1.6 cm (52 3⁄8 ± 5⁄8 in.) long as measured between the innermost surfaces of the crib end panels, slats, rods, or spindles. Both measurements are to be made at the level of the mattress support spring in each of its adjustable positions and no more than 5 cm (2 in.) from the crib corner posts or from the first spindle to the corresponding point of the first spindle at the other end of the crib." † Montgomery Ward catalog. The Consumer Products Safety Commission has a valuable website on crib 16 CFR Parts 1219, 1220, 1500, et al. Full-Size Baby Cribs and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs: Safety Standards; Third Party Testing for Certain Children’s Products;