There may be circumstances when a convertible crib is simply not the best option. These modern wonders are considered to be lifesavers by those who used them for several years when their baby was little and then easily converted them into a toddler bed.
However, there are parents who have reported that they were unprepared when another baby arrived and needed a bed before they ever had a chance to exercise the convertible feature. These facts would indicate that the best time to buy a convertible crib is when you are planning no more babies.
ARE CONVERTIBLE CRIBS MORE EXPENSIVE? Yes, they are slightly more expensive than standard cribs but for the initial investment you will get many years of use. In fact, the beds that convert into a full size bed could last a lifetime and nobody will be the wiser that it started out in your baby boy or girl’s nursery.
WILL A STANDARD BABY CRIB MATTRESS FIT? There is no need for a custom mattress. Convertible baby beds were manufactured to accomidate standard size mattresses and nursery bedding sets. Of course, you will need to buy a full size mattress when you are ready for the final conversion to full size.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN TO CONVERT the CRIB? Have no fear that your little monkey will let you know when it’s time to start the transformation from baby bed to toddler bed. The time to exercise the advantages to a convertible crib is when your baby starts climbing on the side rails. Grab the manual, the necessary tools and get to work before baby has a nasty fall while scaling the crib rails. There is no reason for you to fear that baby will fall out of the bed after the transition as one side of the crib is replaced with a conversion rail that will keep your little one from rolling off the mattress onto the floor.
ARE ALL CONVERTIBLE CRIBS THE SAME? No, there are several different types. There are:
2 in 1 convertible baby beds that convert first into a toddler bed and then into a day bed
3 in 1 convertible baby beds that transition from toddler bed to a day bed and then on to a full size double bed.
DROP SIDE OR NOT? Mothers love the convenience of crib with drop sides with an easy one hand release. However, at the time of this article there have been recalls that have raised concerns regarding the safety of drop-side baby beds. Until improvements are made, stationary sides may be best.
PROS AND CONS There are very few if any drawbacks or disadvantages of convertible baby beds with stationary sides other than the ones that we stated in the first paragraph of our convertible crib review. The primary advantage of a convertible bed over a traditional model is that it is possible to get three beds for the price of one.
THE NAMES OF THE BEST, TOP-RATED BRANDS in CONVERTIBLE CRIBS? I could list the names of the cribs that are rated the best in Consumer reviews, but they change every season. It might be best to subscribe to one of the popular sites and get current recommendations. My favorites are:
Consumer Reports – The crib reviews are available with a paid subscription only
Epinions – This site used to be one of my first stops when looking for the best products for a discount price, but for some reason the activity has fallen off drastically in some categories. I still stop by, but with less results than I once enjoyed.
Consumersearch.com - Their results differ from Consumer Reports so you may want to take the names and models of each organization’s top-rated convertible cribs and check them out for yourself
