How Long Can My Baby Use a Portable Crib?

In the first months after my kid was born, I realize we’re using the portable crib a lot. Then I wonder when she will outgrow her travel bed. Here’s what I found!

With most portable cribs, the age limit is 3 years old. However, age is not the only limitation, as you should also consider the weight and height of your child. Moreover, the kinds of portable cribs you’re kid is sleeping in also need to be considered.

When I become a parent, everything was new and exciting. I’ve read all the books and blogs to make sure I was prepared. Like all parents, I presumed this would be easy, and my baby would sleep anywhere. 

NOPE! Now, sleep is more precious than gold. 

Plus, the portable crib has become the second be for my child. I use it in the living room, in the home office, in the backyard, and at my friend’s houses.

This article will cover one of your options for a peaceful sleep – the portable crib.

This article will cover:

1. What is a portable crib?
2. How long can my baby sleep in a mini crib?
3. How long can my baby sleep in a playpen?
4. How long can my baby sleep in a pack n play?
5. How long can my baby sleep in a bassinet?
6. Conclusion

What is a portable crib?

A portable crib is just that – portable. Most portable cribs you will find on the market are light-weight, quick to fold, and, my personal favorite, easy to clean. 

The great thing about modern-day portable cribs is that they are built for comfort and support, so your little one will sleep safely and soundly wherever you choose to use the crib. 

When searching for a portable crib, you may see them referred to as a travel crib or a mini crib. Essentially all are smaller than a standard crib and can be moved places. 

Why is a portable crib helpful?

Portable cribs are a great cost saver – and trust me, save anywhere you can as having children is expensive! 

You can purchase a portable crib for as low as $100, depending on the features you want in a crib and how long (or how many children) you think you will need it for. As with most purchases, the more features, the more expensive, so really think about your needs, both long and short term, before purchasing. 

Should you get a portable crib?

You may be on the fence about purchasing a portable crib but consider if the following relate to you:

You live in a small home or apartment – Mini cribs are smaller yet still stylish and safe, so why take up more room than you need to with a traditional crib. 

You want to room share with your baby – More and more studies of the benefits of co-sleeping or room sharing are being done. This may be something you want to consider before purchasing a full-size crib. A portable or mini crib can neatly fit into your bedroom without the need of sacrificing too much space. Having your baby in the same room as you for the first few months allows you to attend to them when they need you. 

You have multiple children in one room – You may be lucky enough to have been blessed with twins or triplets or maybe have had your children close in age. Whatever the reason, mini cribs are the perfect choice when needing to sleep with your children in the same space. The room won’t feel as crowded, and they can grow with your children. Another benefit is the portability, especially if one child is unwell or the crib needs to be moved out of the room temporarily. 

Your child is lucky enough to have grandparents nearby – Easy to fold and easy to transport. A portable crib is a great way for your baby to have precious bonding time with their grandparents but still sleeping in their safe space. This also applies if you visit friends or family and also want to stay the night too. 

Remember, if your child has a restful sleep, so will you!

Portable crib alternatives

As mentioned before, you may see a portable crib referred to as a travel crib or a mini crib. In addition to these, there are other forms of safe sleeping options on the market. Some are:

• Bassinets
• Co-sleeper bassinets
• Baby box
• Pack n Play

To make the decision-making process easier for you, I have put together some Frequently Asked Questions below. 

Mini crib vs. pack n play dimensions

While the mini crib and pack n play are smaller than a standard-size crib, a Pack n Play is bigger than a mini crib. A Pack n Play measures approximately 40 inches long and around 28 inches wide, while a mini crib measures around 38 inches by 24 inches. (measurements accurate as of September 3, 2020). 

How long can my baby sleep in a mini crib?

When considering a mini crib, think about how long you would need the item for and for how many kids. Some mini cribs can convert to a toddler’s bed. After you can put them right back with a slight adjustment, ready for your second or third child. 

Each crib option comes with its own set of guidelines for how long a child can use it. This can be based both on the child’s age and the weight of the child. 

A Pack n Play for a young, wiggly baby has a risk of collapsing inwards onto the child. When this occurs is dependent on the child. They may be heavier than the average recommendation. 

Is my baby too big for a mini crib?

Each crib comes with specific guidelines about its safety, following the Consumer Product Safety Commission. As children can vary outside of the recommended age, height, and weight, you need to consider this and what is right for your child as a parent. 

Some children may begin attempting to climb out of their crib before the recommended time to move them out of the crib. Consider this and the child’s height before considering the weight, as these products are stress-tested for a lot more than the average weight of a child using a crib. 

How long can my baby sleep in a travel crib?

Most travel cribs can be used for up to 3 years. Still, check with the individual product recommendations for height and weight limits.

If you travel or visit friends a lot, you may be considering going straight to purchasing a travel crib only. However, like all cribs, a recommended and well-fitted mattress is the key to this safe sleeping option. 

How long can my baby sleep in a playpen?

Most playpens on the market can be used from newborn until 3 years old however it is up to the parent to monitor the safe use. 

Once children can climb out, therefore possibly tipping the playpen, then the child should not be using one anymore. Also, check for sturdiness and safety based on current safety standards if you are gifted or purchase a used playpen. 

How long can my baby sleep in a pack n play?

Like the other portable cribs we have mentioned, each product will come with a recommended safety guideline but speaking from a parent’s point of view, this is just that. My daughter was smaller than all the “guidelines,” but boy, could she climb! We could never use a Pack n Play once she could stand, as she was a mover! 

That being said, the safety standards agree that with an appropriately fitting mattress. Pack n Play’s are great for naps, overnight sleeping, and playing until the child is too tall and/or can climb out. On most current safety standards, the recommended height is 35 inches and weighing less than 30 pounds. 

How long can my baby sleep in a bassinet?

The transition of a baby from a bassinet to a crib usually occurs between 3-6 months. Some bassinets such as a Moses basket can sleep babies up to 6 months old, so you may find when the baby starts rolling and moving that their sleep becomes disrupted, and you will need to transition them earlier than you planned. 

Traditionally, a bassinet is for newborns and is often placed in the same room as the parents from day one. Usually, a baby will “grow out” of a bassinet developmentally before reaching the recommended weight maximum for safe sleeping. 

Conclusion

There are so many portable crib options out there, all with their own limitation, as you have read. However, what stands out with each crib, is that your baby must be safe at all times as well as being comfortable. 

As a parent, you will never know if the choice you make at the time is the right choice. And guaranteed you will second, third (and fourth) guess yourself with every decision. The best thing you can do is look at what is right for you, your baby, and your family, and you WILL get it right every time.