Space saving cribs are smaller than the standard full sized crib which has a 52" x 28" mattress. Space saving, mini-cribs are ideal for small nurseries and shared bedrooms, in addition to travelling and for occasional use. There are various small models available which might be described as:
- Mini-cribs,
- Pack 'n' Play Play-yards,
- Fold-away or folding cribs,
- Travel and portable cribs.
Can a Portable, Fold-Away or Folding Crib be Used Every Day?
Some cribs are advertised as perfect for occasional use perhaps because they are small, fold-away and are easy to store. They may be portable and light weight for easy travelling. Even those intended for infrequent use and sold in the US, Canada or Europe must still comply with stringent national safety standards to ensure that baby will be safe. The main concerns will be:
- safety of of construction materials,
- designed so baby cannot fall out,
- designed so that baby's head or limbs cannot become trapped.
If a crib is sufficiently safe and sturdy for ocasional use then it will also be safe and robust enough for every day use.
New Mattresses for Folding & Mini Cribs
Crib mattresses are a key source of concern for baby safety, even when using a second hand item it is advisable to buy a new mattress and it is of paramount importance that the mattress is the correct size for the particular model. Safety standards for the US state that when a mattress is pushed hard against one side of the crib there must be a gap of no bigger than one inch on the other side.
The mattress should fit snugly inside the crib and be the correct size. It is not necessary to buy fitted sheets for a mattress, it may be easier to buy flat sheets for a non-standard sized mattress.
Depth is important as well, sStandard mattresses for babies might be up to six inches thick. This is not essential but a very cheap one inch foam mattress might not be good enough for every day use, a good quality mattress of two or three inches will suffice but be sure that the mattress size is correct for the crib, including mattress thickness. Note, if the baby does not move much in the crib the mattress can quickly sag, it could be turned daily to help keep its shape.
What are the Smallest Mini Cribs For Sale?
The smallest cribs are bassinettes but baby will outgrow these within six months. Many fold-away and mini cribs are suitable for toddlers of up to 18 to 24 months.
Wooden folding cribs which look traditional typically take a mattress of 38" x 24", such as the Dream on Me crib in the photograph. The Pack'n'Play type cribs may be a different shape, shorter and wider and they may have a lower age limit. Note, at two years most children will weigh considerably less than 32 lb and be under 3 feet tall.
Space Saving Solutions for Bringing a Baby into a Small Home
Babies and their stuff take up a lot of space but there are various ways that families can save on space with planning. Not just planning the sleeping arrangements but also, for example, the baby changing and eating.
A baby changing station of some sort is essential but it could be a fold-away wall hung unit, an over cot changer witha portable bag of changing stuff, or a very small changing table. Instead of buying a large and bulky highchair some families only use suitable booster seats which come in various shapes and sizes enabling baby to sit in a normal dining chair.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
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