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When you're expecting twins, you're also expecting all of the extra accessories that come with having two babies at once.
Having two of almost everything (if you want an exhaustive list, check out ours) will take up a lot of space in your home.
One thing you might consider when planning out your babies' nursery is whether you want full-sized cribs or compact cribs.
Why choose a mini crib?
Mini cribs can be space-savers in a room that threatens to be overtaken by all of the gear your twins will require and accumulate.
When you're trying to fit two cribs, a dresser, a bookshelf, a change table, a rocking or reading chair, and oh-so-much more into one room, every inch counts.
If you get creative about it, you can implement strategic space-saving furniture that cuts down on clutter.
For example, when we had our twins, we found a versatile piece that doubled up as a change table and dresser in one. Three-and-a-half years later, this piece of furniture is still just as useful without stealing very much real estate in their shared bedroom.
Another way to maximize the space you have to work with is by opting for mini cribs instead of standard-sized cribs for your babies.
Mini cribs, which are sometimes called portable or convertible cribs (though always check the dimensions, as some cribs are full-sized and just happen to also be convertible and are therefore also labeled as convertible) are approximately 24 or 25 inches wide by about 38 inches long, where your standard cribs will measure up around 28 inches wide by about 52 inches long.
Because they're smaller than traditional cribs, mini ones can be a more affordable option when you're outfitting a nursery with double the gear.
Because they're smaller than traditional cribs, mini ones can be a more affordable option when you're outfitting a nursery with double the gear.
And because compact cribs can be used longer than the bassinets that are used for the first few months with your newborns (primarily, in terms of weight, but also in terms of how many levels there are to accommodate their height), they're a bit more versatile and appealing, in that you don't have to buy two items for one purpose.
Mini cribs can be used by your bed in the early days and can then be moved into your twins' nursery when they're ready to move into their own (read: but not really their own because it's still shared) room.
These are both strong selling features if you're expecting twins or higher-order multiples.
And they really can be moved with ease, as most mini cribs are lighter because they're smaller AND they have wheels (with locks, for your children's safety and security) for simple portability.
Some compact cribs even fold up, so if you're planning to get some for use at grandma and grandpa's, their daycare, or on-the-go if you do a lot of traveling, they can be set up quickly when in need and then tucked out of the way for storage when they're not in use.
Another angle to consider is the options you'll have as your babies grow. A lot of mini cribs have multiple levels (usually two or three), much like your standard cribs do. So, as your dynamic duo mark off their milestones—sitting up, rolling over, attempting to blow the popsicle stand—you will likely still have the option to lower their crib to a level that is safe for your children.
When it's time to switch your little ones to big kid beds, will you have a choice to convert your mini crib into a toddler bed? And if so, do you need to invest in a conversion kit or toddler safety rails while they're still in stock? Or will you want to ditch the mini crib and upgrade to, say, two twin beds for your two twins who need beds?
3 space-saving mini cribs for your mini multiples
If you're looking to save some scratch or some space in what you anticipate to be a narrow nursery, here are three space-saving mini cribs that will give you room to breathe (even if the twins who're growing in their mama-to-be's belly don't give you the same courtesy).
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1. Edgewood 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Baby Crib with Mattress Pad by Dream On Me
Mini, But Ready to Grow
This is the Edgewood 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Baby Crib by Dream on Me. This portable crib is made of solid pine and measures 38 inches long by 25 inches wide by 33 inches high. It grows with your child, starting as a mini crib, and then converting to a mini daybed and then a twin bed with bed rails that are sold separately (for a kid up to 50 pounds). This crib comes with a standard one-inch mattress pad and features a three-position, adjustable mattress height setting. It's both Greenguard Gold- and JPMA-Certified and is available in three colors: Cool Grey, Olive, and White.
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2. Compact Folding Mini Crib & Mattress by Foundations
Contemporary & Foldable
This durable, contemporary crib is made from solid wood and meets or exceeds CPSC and ASTM standards. The included InfaPure foam mattress is three inches thick and is designed to fit the crib's compact dimensions, following safe sleep standards. This mini crib also has four commercial-grade casters (two that lock to secure it safely in place), for easy moving around your home (or, say, a hotel or daycare). It measures 40 by 25 by 35 inches tall and has a space-saving, foldable design, so it can be stored out of the way when it's not in use (say, at grandma and grandpa's), folding down compactly to 40 inches long by 13.5 inches wide by 35 inches tall. This model comes in five different finishes: Cherry, Ebony, Grey, Natural, and White.
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3. Wave Mini Crib in Color by Nestig
Bright, Bold Color
This is the Wave Crib in Color by Nestig. Its sleek and modern design was inspired by the movement of the ocean. Popular with parents of multiples because it's made to grow with your baby, this three-in-one crib starts out as a mini crib (from zero to six months of age) and can convert to a full crib (for littles up to 35 inches in height), and, later, a toddler bed (for kids from 15 up to 50 pounds). It's Greenguard Gold Certified and is available in four bold colors to complement any nursery's aesthetic: Grove, Bluejay, Cherry, and Midnight.
Double-check dimensions
If you decide to opt for mini cribs instead of standard-sized cribs, be careful when purchasing necessary accessories, like the mattress and waterproof mattress protectors, crib sheets, etc.
Double-check the dimensions to confirm you're actually buying things that will fit your compact crib.
And, of course, make sure whatever items you're buying fit the correct shape of crib, if you choose to go with an oval crib over a rectangular one.
When you're trying to cram two cribs, a change table, a dresser, a bookshelf, a rocking or reading chair, and more into your twins' nursery, mini cribs can be major space-savers.
They're a space-saving piece of furniture that can make things feel roomier, which counts for a lot, when you consider how much time you'll be spending in their room over the first few years.
Mini cribs are portable and compact, making them a nice option if you're planning on moving them around a lot or using them in tight quarters. They're also smaller—and usually more cost-effective—than standard cribs, which can be a significant factor to consider when you're expecting to outfit a nursery with double the baby gear.
Did you have mini cribs for your twins? Would you recommend them to other parents expecting multiples? Let us know in the Comments section below or connect with us on Instagram to share your thoughts!
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