While some people prefer co-sleeping to cribs or bassinets, there are risks connected to co-sleeping. SIDS is a common problem among babies and it is your responsibility as a parent to reduce the risk.
Bassinets tend to serve for only a few months, while a standard crib is considered too big to be used for babies. In that case, mini cribs come into play.
IKEA, one of the world’s top producers of furniture is known for making cribs. However, does IKEA make mini cribs? This is what we shall look at in this article.
Related: Do IKEA crib sheets fit in regular cribs? (Find out)
Table of Contents
Does IKEA Sell Mini Cribs?
At the time of writing this piece, IKEA doesn’t sell mini cribs. The company focuses on making standard cribs that tend to last for years before transitioning to a twin bed.
However, if you believe you are technical enough, you may want to do some hacking by converting a regular crib to a mini crib. I came across a person that converted the IKEA Gulliver crib into a mini crib.
If you must buy a mini crib, other brands sell small cribs on Amazon. Come to think of it, why would you need to get a mini crib? Can’t a regular crib serve better than a mini crib? Let’s take a look at both cribs.
Recommended article: Will IKEA crib fit in a car?
Cribs Vs. Mini Cribs
I have seen a couple of friends talk about why would anyone want to buy a mini crib. Are bassinets not there to serve for the first 6 months or so? After using the bassinets for a few months, why can’t you just transition to a standard crib?
Well, everyone has a reason for doing something. Why others may not see the reason for a mini crib, it could be the perfect thing some parents need.
Below are the reasons some parents consider getting a mini crib for their kids.
It Saves Cost
Instead of buying an expensive bassinet that will be used for about 6 months, a mini crib can do the work for a longer period. With a mini crib, your baby can use it until he/she is about 2 years old.
Also, a small crib is less expensive than a regular crib.
Mini Cribs Occupy A Little Space In Homes
If you have limited space in your home, going for the mini crib would be a good option to consider. These small cribs are portable, durable, and easily fit in homes, no matter how small the space is.
Easier To Store
Most of the mini cribs out there are foldable, which means they are easier to store and transport. If you are visiting your grandparents and your little one has outgrown his/her bassinets, a mini crib is a good option to carry along.
While there are good sides to having a mini crib, you should consider the disadvantages also.
Below are some of the reasons why a mini crib may not be the best option.
Babies Outgrow Mini Crib Quickly
Typically, a baby of around 2 years old will start outgrowing the mini crib. This means you’ll start making arrangements to get a toddler bed.
However, with a regular crib, you can use it for both infants and toddlers. A standard crib has almost the same size as a toddler bed, and a standard crib has a maximum weight limit of up to 50 lb.
Mini Cribs Are Not The Standard Size
Small cribs are made by different companies, and for that reason, they are not all the same size. Therefore, you must be sure of what you are looking for to find the right mini crib for your baby.
Also, since the mattresses for these small cribs are not standard, you may have a hard time finding the perfect mattress for the crib. You wouldn’t want to use a mattress that is not snugly fitted because of CIDS.
Related: Are IKEA cribs good? (Quick facts)
Getting An IKEA Standard Crib In Place Of A Mini Crib
Since IKEA doesn’t produce mini cribs (as at the time of writing this article), you may want to opt for a regular IKEA crib if space is not an issue.
IKEA has some of the most portable and most affordable cribs out there that can be used for a long time before transitioning to a twin bed. Some IKEA cribs include the Sniglar, Sundvik, Gulliver, etc.
If you don’t want to use a bassinet in the first few months after birth, you can start immediately with a crib. Although I prefer a smaller sleeping environment in the first few months, there is no harm in using a crib from age 0.
Just make sure the crib is free from any soft item that may lead to suffocation. Also, IKEA cribs and other brands of cribs have 2 to 3 height settings to make sleeping safe for kids.
Final Thoughts
Although IKEA doesn’t make mini cribs, there are other good brands you can get on Amazon or any online store. Brands like Dream On Me, Babyletto, DaVinci, etc. do have some pretty decent mini cribs.
If space is not an issue, you can get a regular crib and use it for your little one from age 0 to about 6 years. Most standard crib mattresses are made with two different sides – the firm side is for infants while the soft side is for toddlers.
I hope this article gives you some clues on what decision to take as regards getting a mini crib.
