If you’re curious about what size is a crib mattress, it will depend on whether it’s standard or mini. This guide will explain the difference between these sizes to help you select the best one for your child. Much like other mattress types, even crib mattresses are offered in different dimensions.
It’s useful to familiarize yourself with mattress sizing because it will benefit you when shopping or making a new one. Perhaps you’re cutting foam, or you’re looking for the crib itself. Nonetheless, it’s a simple topic to tackle, and you should know everything by the end of this article.
How Big Is A Crib Mattress?
Standard crib mattress
As mentioned earlier, there are different sizes for crib mattresses. But if you want to find out what dimensions to expect for a regular crib mattress, the standard size is around 27 and 1/4 inches wide and 51 and ¼ inches long. The standard size crib mattress is also 6 inches thick, and the Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends these dimensions.
You can expect that a standard-sized crib mattress will fit a standard-sized crib. However, it’s also possible to notice some difference in the fitting since the crib can be smaller or larger, depending on the brand. Some useful measurements to account for is the crib being smaller than 28 by 52 and ⅜ inches, or it can ⅝ of an inch more extensive than the typical crib size.
Remember these variations from the regulated measurements when shopping for a crib and a crib mattress. You want the right fitting between the two as getting something too big or too small will be unsafe. Getting a large gap between the crib and mattress or having the mattress overfilling the crib is never ideal.
Mini crib mattress
Besides the standard-sized crib mattress, there is a smaller size called mini. It measures 24 inches wide and 38 inches long, which is ideal for smaller cribs. However, there are no regulations for mini crib mattresses, so that the sizes will vary from every manufacturer,
As with shopping for a standard crib mattress, you must check both sizes of your crib and mattress to ensure that they have the perfect fit. For example, your crib mattress might have a depth that won’t work well with your crib’s size. A useful tip is to always select the mini crib with the same dimension as your crib mattress.
Are there other crib mattress sizes available?
Since there are other crib sizes and shapes, you can expect different sizes for crib mattresses. However, expect more variations with shaped crib mattresses, unlike standard crib mattresses. It’s also common for these so-called shaped crib mattresses to already come with the crib you bought.
Regardless of the crib and mattress you get, the tip mentioned previously applies to all. Get the size that is the same with your crib. Never get a mattress that is too big or too small, and always aim for a snug fit without spaces around the edges.
Is A Crib Mattress The Same Size As A Twin?
A twin mattress will not have the same dimensions as a crib mattress. Instead, a toddler mattress will have the same size as a crib mattress. As for a twin mattress, you can find it in standard, short, and XL.
A standard twin mattress measures 38 inches long and 75 inches wide. Of course, the shorter version will be smaller, but the sizes vary since it’s unregulated. If you want something bigger, a twin XL mattress would be best for teenagers because it’s a narrower version of queen and king mattresses.
Does The Crib Mattress Fit A Toddler Bed?
A toddler mattress and a crib mattress usually have the same dimensions. Therefore, a crib mattress can fit a toddler bed. However, twin beds will be longer than toddler beds, with the latter serving as the transitional bed from a crib to a regular one.
What Is The Difference Between A Crib And Toddler Bed?
A toddler bed is what you can use for your little one to transition from a crib to a regular bed. It’s the safe option for kids before using a bed because it is close to the ground but still encourages them to climb in and out themselves. Think of the toddler bed as an upgraded version of a crib, where you can also use a crib mattress.
When should my child use a toddler bed?
You can transition your little one to a toddler bed when he is around 18 months old. Some parents also do this around 24 months. Nonetheless, it’s best to transition when your child can climb out of the crib.
There is no weight limit for a toddler bed, but you have to check the age and weight recommendations of the one you’re using. The mattress may also become too short for your child. Consider moving to a twin bed when your child turns 6 or 7 years old.
Conclusion
Shopping for your little one’s mattress is easy, but there are some pointers to remember. For example, what size is a crib mattress? The standard and regularized one is around 27 and 1/4 inches wide and 51 and ¼ inches long. However, there are variations from different brands to fit various cribs.
Since mini mattresses and shaped mattresses are not regulated, you can expect deviations with the dimensions to expect. You must always check if the mattress you’re getting fits snugly with your crib for your little one’s safety.