Mini Crib vs Bassinet: A Complete Guide For New Parents

Expectant parents can be overwhelmed with the amount of baby products available for their little one’s first bed. A mini crib or bassinet might be the right answer, but how do you choose?

We’ll answer your questions about the differences between bassinets and mini cribs, and the pros and cons of each. Follow our buying guide to help you decide which baby bed is right for your family.

Choosing a safe sleep space is an important part of preparing for your baby’s arrival. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends safety standards that state newborn babies should sleep in their own bed, but in the same room as mom and dad for at least the first six months of their lives.

This makes it possible to respond to your baby’s needs quickly throughout the night and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Bassinets and mini cribs are both safe sleep options for newborns, but you’ll want to consider your preferences and your family’s specific needs, including …

• Space: For smaller spaces, a bassinet works best. Mini cribs are slightly bigger but still work well in small rooms.
  
  

• Budget: Bassinets typically offer a lower up-front cost but will require you to purchase a standard crib in a few months.
  
  

• Portability: Bassinets are light and can easily be moved around your home. Mini cribs are often on wheels and can be moved, but they can be awkward to maneuver and too heavy to carry up and down stairs.
  
  

• Longevity: A bassinet is a temporary sleep space for the first few months after giving birth. A mini crib can be used for your child’s first year or longer.

Both types of baby beds are great options depending on your needs. New parents sharing a small room with their little one may opt for a bassinet to keep their baby close in the early days. 

A mini crib is a smaller version of a  traditional crib . Most mini cribs are 24 inches wide by 38 inches long, and feature locking wheels for easy movement and safe stability. Your baby may sleep in a mini crib from the newborn stage into the toddler years, depending on their height and weight.

Mini cribs generally have a maximum weight limit of around 50 pounds, but each model will be different, so always check the manufacturer's guidelines.

Nurture& has created a 3-in-1 convertible mini crib that allows you to customize your baby’s bed for every stage of early childhood. The Milan Crib seamlessly transitions from mini crib to full-size crib to toddler bed with style and comfort at each step.

A bassinet is a baby bed smaller than both a regular crib and a mini crib . These are ideal first beds for small newborn babies. They can fit easily at your bedside or in other rooms of your home so your baby is always in sight.

Bassinets have a lower weight limit than mini cribs maxing out at about 15-20 pounds. This means your little one will only sleep in the bassinet for the first 3 to 6 months before they need a new bed.

At first glance, a mini crib and bassinet may look similar, but there are key differences to consider when deciding which one is best for you and your baby.

Both of these baby beds are smaller than a full crib , but when you’re living in a small space every inch matters.

• A bassinet might be about 18 inches wide and 30 inches long, but bassinet sizes can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Check the dimensions for each model before you make your purchase and keep in mind that a fitted bassinet sheet will also need to be specific to that size.

• A mini crib is larger than a bassinet at about 6 inches wider and 8 inches longer giving your baby more room to stretch out. Mini crib sizing standards are not as closely regulated as those of full-size cribs, so be sure to check the dimensions closely to purchase the correct size mini crib mattress and crib sheets.

When you compare the costs, consider your current budget and what you’ll need to spend in the future.

• Bassinets are less expensive with many options in the $40-$150 price range. While the initial cost is cheaper, you’ll need to replace it with a larger baby crib in a few months.

• Mini cribs are more costly upfront, usually $150 or more depending on the features and convertible options of specific models. Your baby might be able to safely sleep in the mini crib for a year or two.

Either bed may complement your home aesthetic or nursery theme, though they each are notable for their different looks.

• A bassinet may be available in various colors with a simple design. Many are small cradles with breathable mesh sides held up by post supports with or without wheels.
  
  

• A mini crib closely resembles the style of a regular crib and is often a better match with other nursery furniture.

If you plan to keep your bassinet or mini crib for more babies in the future, consider the most durable choice or use it only for daytime naps to preserve its integrity.

• Bassinets are lightweight and less strong because they are meant to hold small babies.
  
  

• Mini cribs are sturdier and built to withstand the movements of an older baby.

Different models of bassinets and mini cribs offer multiple features that may be important to your preferences.

• Bassinets can be stationary or rocking, they may have a vibration or music selection, and some have a canopy cover on the top. The height of the bassinet may be adjustable.
  
  

• Mini cribs may come with conversion options that create a full-size crib or toddler bed. They usually have adjustable mattress heights like a traditional crib.

• They take up less floor area than a regular crib, making them perfect for parents with limited space.

• Some models are easy to move on wheels, can fold up, or are easily disassembled.

• They have a longer lifespan than a bassinet.

• You don’t have to worry about making the bassinet-to-crib transition with a young baby.

• They offer adjustable mattress heights.

• Some can convert to a toddler bed once your child is ready.

• Babies will outgrow a mini crib sooner than a full-size crib.

• They require a specific mini crib mattress and fitted sheets that are not as commonly available as a standard crib mattress and sheets.

• Assembly may be more involved and take more time than putting together a bassinet.

• They are light and easy to move from room to room.

• The smaller size is ideal for keeping a bassinet at your bedside.

• The elevated height of the cradle is helpful to sleepy parents during nighttime feedings and moms lifting their babies during a c-section recovery.

• It is a short-term sleep solution. Usually lasting just 3-6 months or until your baby’s size and development make it no longer safe to use.

• The small size can restrict your baby’s movements, and they may not sleep well when they touch the sides of the bassinet.

• Purchasing a bassinet a few months before buying a crib may not be in your family’s budget.

• They serve one purpose and do not convert into larger furniture.

Yes! Mini cribs and bassinets are both safe places for newborns to sleep. Be sure to only use the bed as how it was intended and follow the safety guidelines recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), like laying your baby to sleep on a firm, flat surface covered by a fitted sheet and nothing else in the bed.

The essential difference is the longevity of each baby bed. The bassinet will be used for the first few months after birth, after which your growing baby will need a larger bed. 

On the other hand, a mini crib can be used in the first few months after birth and the first year or two of toddlerhood.

This answer depends on the needs and budget of each family. It could be beneficial to have both if you live in a large house and want a mini crib upstairs and a bassinet downstairs. You may wish both if you travel often and want one bed that stays home and one that travels with you. 

Some parents may prefer to start with a bassinet and transition to a mini crib after a few months. Others may choose a mini crib as soon as their baby is born and eliminate the need for a bassinet. You get to decide what works best for your family.

A bassinet is fairly easy to assemble and generally requires less hardware and tools if any are needed at all. A mini crib can take more time and effort depending on the model or you may be able to have it delivered fully assembled.

Nurture& is here to help you create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your bundle of joy with nursery furniture made for parents, by parents. Explore our cribs to get started or scroll through our Journal for answers to all your questions!