Best Cribs for Short Moms – Low Profile Cribs for Petite Parents

Finding a crib for short moms can be a real struggle. We’ve rounded up the best!

Best Choice

Best overall

The Best on a Budget

Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

The Babyletto Hudson

Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib


As a short mom myself, I understand the struggle is all-too-real when it comes to finding suitable cribs for short moms.

I’m 5 feet tall, and the top of my hip bone – where I bend from when leaning over our baby’s crib – sits at about 34.5″. Cribs that are 35″ or even 36″ tall are okay for me, but cribs that are any taller get a bit awkward. Even worse, tall cribs could affect safety, increasing the risk of dropping my baby, and increasing the temptation to use an unsafe work-around, such as a step stool.

For the sake of this article, we’ve defined cribs for short moms as those that stand 36″ tall or less. In our experience, cribs that are 36″ tall (or shorter) should would work for a mom that’s 5′ 1″ or so, without resorting to a step stool.

If you’re shorter than 5 feet, I recommend you start your search with The Union crib, which is the shortest crib on our list, standing at 33.5” tall. At this height, it should still work for super petite moms and parents who are 4 foot 10 or 4 foot 11.

If 33.5” still sounds too tall, you could also look at getting a pack n’ play approved for overnight sleep, especially if you have an older baby. Our daughter has regularly slept in the Phil & Teds Traveler from 4 months old, and the Babybjorn Travel Crib Light from 1 year old, and both have been workable for me as a short mom (I use the zip down side with the Traveler, but am able to get our daughter out of the Babybjorn, which is 25.5″ tall, from the top). Not exactly the fanciest crib solution, but it works.

If you are short on space as well as stature, you should also consider our list of the best small cribs for small spaces.

We came up with our list of the best cribs for short moms by considering a number of different cribs. The following cribs made our “best of” list – each for different reasons:


Best Overall Crib for Short Moms: Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

We give the Babyletto Modo a rating of 5/5 stars

The Best Overall

Simple, attractive, and GREENGUARD certified are the main terms that describe this gem. The Modo is 34.75” high, making it comfortable for moms around 4 foot 11 and taller.

There are a lot of great cribs for short moms out there, but we recommend the Babyletto Modo crib as the best overall. The Babyletto Modo crib may not be perfect, but it comes pretty close. Add to that, it looks good, with a sleek, mid-century modern look.

Not only does it have one of the best non-toxic certifications available, it’s built with safety and sturdiness in mind. The Modo takes some of the best qualities from the other cribs for short moms on this list, and incorporates them into one visually beautiful package. It will grow along with your child for many years, and will be easy for petite moms to use throughout the newborn and baby stages.

This crib measures 53.13” L x 28.88” W x 34.75” H and can take mattresses up to 51.625” L x 27.25” W. It weighs 59.52 pounds and the slats are able to withstand 135 pounds.

There are four mattress height options and all hardware is safely hidden. This crib is Greenguard Gold certified and has been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and 360 VOCs. Babyletto cribs meet strong safety standards, and Greenguard certification means this is one of the best non-toxic cribs on the market.

An included kit allows conversion to both a toddler bed (with toddler rail) and daybed. The New Zealand pine construction will keep your child cozy until they’re 35 pounds (or can stand) as a baby, and up to 50 pounds as a toddler.

Past reviewers mention the Newton Baby breathable crib mattress fits well with the Modo. Babyletto also sells a Pure Core mattress that works.

Runner Up: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

We give the Babyletto Hudson 5/5 rating

The Runner Up

The Babyletto Hudson Crib is a beautiful alternative to the Modo, featuring high-visibility spindle slats and full GREENGUARD Gold certification.

Babyletto’s Modo may be the best crib overall, but we know some parents want better visibility than regular slats can provide. The Hudson is a slightly larger alternative, coming in at 53.625” L x 29.625” W x 34.875” H, but weighs slightly less at 54 lbs assembled. As with the Modo, the Hudson can fit mattresses up to 51.625”L x 27.25”W x 6” thick.

What sets this model apart is the use of rounded spindles instead of wide spats. This gives great visibility while the New Zealand pine construction still has a 135 lbs pressure resistance. Included is a conversion kit to create a 50 lbs capacity toddler bed and daybed. Begin converting when your baby can climb or is 35” tall.

Best for Petite Moms on a Budget: Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

We give the Union Crib 4/5 stars

Best on a Budget

When you want an attractive, bare-bones crib with room to grow, the Union 3-in-1 is easily the best budget choice. The Union is 33.5” tall, making it the shortest crib on our list – a perfect choice for the shortest of short moms who don’t want to resort to a step stool.

The Union crib is made by Million Dollar Baby, the same company that makes Davinci, Babyletto, and more. It shares all the same quality standards the brand is famous for, and is an impressively cheap crib to boot!

The Union has a classic design and can be converted into both a toddler bed and daybed. The toddler rail is sold separately.

This crib measures 53.5”L x 30.5”W x 33.5”H, and weighs only 36.5 pounds when assembled.

As far as cribs go, this one is fairly bare-bones, although it is JPMA-certified and made of sturdy New Zealand Pine. As with many cribs, it doesn’t come with a mattress. You may use any standard crib mattress up to 51 ⅝”L x 27 ¼”W and up to 6” thick.

There are four mattress height positions so the crib can grow with your child, and plenty of colors to choose from, including some really fun, non-traditional options.

Most Stylish: Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

We give the Babyletto Lolly 5/5 stars

A Stylish Choice for short moms

The Lolly has a two-tone finish and rounded features, making it the most stylish alternative to the Modo

You’ve probably noticed the trend by now, and this third Babyletto entry is also a worthy chart-topper. It measures 53.625”L x 30.25”W x 35.25”H and weighs only 50lbs. It’s slightly taller than the Hudson, but has the same visibility and slat strength.

What makes the Lolly worthy of its own position in this list is its stylish design. It shares the hidden fittings and GREENGUARD Gold certification of its siblings, but the spindles retain a natural wood finish to show off the New Zealand pine’s beauty. As a result, the Lolly has a wonderful two-tone appearance. The feet are tapered and all edges are gently rounded to further add to its wonderful aesthetic appeal.

Award Winner: Storkcraft Hillcrest 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

We give the Storkcraft Hillcrest 5/5 stars

2018 Women’s Choice Award Winner

This former Women’s Choice Awards winner is an excellent addition to any nursery and will grow with your child.

The Hillcrest is built using a blend of composites and high-quality pine. It measures 54.5”L x 30.75”W x 34”H and weighs 41.2 lbs once assembled. This crib is JPMA-certified and meets or exceeds all ASTM and CPSC standards, making a good choice for a composite crib.

You’ll feel at ease with the high visibility these thin slats provide. The crib will fit any standard mattress and has three height settings to best fit your baby – until they reach 35 inches or are able to climb. At that point, the crib converts into a toddler bed (a guard rail is available but sold separately). It further converts into a daybed and a full bed using a metal frame kit.

The Best Convertible Mini Crib For Short Moms: Dream on Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

We give the Aden 4/5 stars

The Best Convertible Mini Crib

People living in small apartments will love this 4-in-1 mini crib, which converts into a twin-sized bed.

This crib sits low to the ground and has four mattress heights, allowing the front rail to be stationary without making it difficult to reach your baby. It measures a cozy 39”L x 23”W x 36”H to fit tight apartment spaces or small bedrooms. The crib uses New Zealand pine and meets all applicable ASTM and CPSC standards.

You may either purchase the Dream on Me portable crib mattress or any mattress measuring 38.5”L x 24”W x 3”H to avoid gaps. Once your baby is able to climb, the crib converts into a mini toddler bed/daybed that can hold up to 40 pounds. A Hollywood-style twin mattress and bed frame will attach to the front and back rails, forming a sturdy twin-sized bed.

Best Portable Mini Crib for Short Moms: Babyletto Origami Mini Crib

We give the Origami 5/5 stars

Best Portable Mini Crib

Nothing compares to a top-quality crib that’s portable and saves space! The Origami gives you both, and does it with style. Standing 36″ tall, this is suitable for short parents, too!

The Origami gives you everything you’ve come to expect from Babyletto. Its simple, classic look is complemented by the rich New Zealand pine and TSCA compliant MDF construction.  The crib is fully GREENGUARD Gold certified and meets both ASTM and CPSC safety standards.

This mini crib is perfect for small spaces, measuring 39.2”L x 25.7”W x 36”H and weighing 49.6 lbs when fully assembled. Any US mini crib mattress up to 5” thick should fit the frame. While there are only two adjustable mattress positions, the crib makes up for this by being fully collapsible for storage or travel. Four casters further add to the Origami’s mobility, making this one of the most portable mini cribs for short moms on the market.

Best Cribs for Short Moms Buying Guide

If you’re a short mom or dad, you’re probably used to the fact that many things in life aren’t designed for people of shorter statures.

Thankfully, every crib in this list is designed to make a short mom’s life just a bit easier – at least when it comes to picking up and putting down your baby in his or her crib without the help of a step stool.

In our view, parents who are five feet tall should look for a crib that’s no taller than 36 inches. If in doubt, measure the height from the floor to the top of your hip bone / waist (where you bend over from), and compare that to the height of the crib you’re considering.

Are Special Cribs for Short Moms Really Necessary?

In a word, yes. Crib height is both a safety and comfort issue for short moms and dads.

Using a step stool to put your baby down or pick him or her up is dangerous, especially at night. Dropping an infant even from a short distance could prove fatal, and it’s easier to trip or fall if a step stool is involved.

Getting a crib that’s an appropriate height for short moms and dads will reduce the risk of accidents. A shorter crib will also result in less strain on your back, which is especially important when you’re healing after childbirth and as your baby puts on weight.

Short moms in particular might be tempted to buy a crib with a drop side. Our advice? Just say no.

Drop side cribs are actually banned in the US because they come along with massive safety concerns. In fact, they’re no longer allowed to be made, sold or donated in the US.

Instead of hunting for an unsafe used drop-side crib, choose from one of the cribs for short moms on this list.

Features to Look For When Considering Cribs for Short Moms

Beyond crib height considerations, there are some other important things to watch out for. Pay attention to any recent recalls. If an older version of the crib was recalled, find out why and whether the issue was properly addressed for the current version.

Consider space restrictions for your nursery and purchase a crib that will fit. You need to be able to get to your baby quickly when needed, so make sure you have enough clearance. Mini cribs like the Origami are great for smaller apartments, while full-size cribs are best for more spacious nurseries.

Mobility and visibility are two other prime concerns. You want a clear view of your baby (and your baby will want a clear view of you) wherever you’re at in the room. Additionally, a crib with locking castors means you can wheel the crib around to keep it in the same room, allow for easy movement when cleaning, or even wheel it into a different space for naps in those early days.

Avoid buying composite woods if possible. Composite may be cheaper and have comparable strength, but they’re usually full of chemicals from manufacturing. Pay attention to potential allergens and ensure the crib mattress you use is firm to meet safe sleep guidelines. All paint or varnish used should also be phthalate safe and non-toxic, as your baby might put their mouth on the rails and slats as they get older and more adventurous.

Finally, pay attention to how well the mattress fits. Many models leave clearance between the mattress and slats.  This is a potential safety hazard, so you will want to find a mattress that fits snug – generally speaking, there should be less than two fingers width of space between the mattress and the crib.

Certifications to Look For When Looking for Cribs for Short Moms

Babies spend a massive amount of time in their cribs, making safety a major concern when shopping for your baby’s crib and crib mattress. Knowing some of the safety accreditations and acronyms will help you choose the best option for your baby.

ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) operates in more than 110 countries to improve safety in a wide range of products and practices, including child and infant products. An ASTM certified product has been extensively tested for safety, and this includes ASTM certified cribs.

Another certification to watch out for is CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). Involved in monitoring a wide range of products, the CPSC tracks product recalls and reports of unsafe products. You can sleep easier at night with a CPSC-certified product, knowing it has been extensively tested to ensure safety. All cribs sold in the US need to meet CPSC regulations.

JPMA (Junior Products Manufacturers Association) tests child products at an independent lab to ensure they meet or exceed all applicable safety standards. Products with this certification are already ASTM and CPSC compliant. This certification is voluntary and designed primarily to aid parents in choosing safe products.

GREENGUARD is the another big name you should keep an eye out for. Part of UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories), this certification measures emissions, such as VOCs, from products. To get GREENGUARD certification, a product must be tested and found to be free of toxic emissions. GREENGUARD Gold is the next level, requiring a product to be tested clear of over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs. Having a GREENGUARD Gold certified product, such as any of Babyletto’s cribs, means better indoor air quality in your baby’s nursery.

Short-Term or Long-Term?

Your budget may restrict what choices are available. As it’s ill-advised to use hand-me-down cribs, you may prefer to invest in a convertible model, which can convert from crib to toddler bed, and sometimes to full-size bed as well.

Convertible cribs usually contain only some of the parts needed for conversion, thus you will need to purchase a conversion kit separately. We recommend purchasing the conversion kit at the same time as you purchase the crib, just in case the manufacturer stops making your crib model.

In a few cases, such as the Hillcrest, the crib can even last your child into adulthood. In other cases, it will only convert far enough to last a few years.

Take these factors into consideration when choosing whether or not to buy a convertible model.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great cribs for short moms out there, but our favorite is the Babyletto Modo, followed closely by Babyletto Hudson. For super short moms, the Union is the shortest crib on our list.

The Modo is GREEENGUARD Gold certified, has comparable visibility to the other cribs in our list, and sits right in the middle of the other full-size cribs on our list.

Unlike the Union, the Modo hides its hardware, making the crib look like one piece. It also has equal height sides, making it easier to access baby from all sides. The Modo’s feet are also wider than the other cribs we’ve listed. This ensures  they won’t break if the crib is bumped frequently or pulled along the floor to clean. It has three mattress height option, which is average for this size of crib. While other cribs are similar, the Modo offers an impressive array of features, which is why it gets our final vote.

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