Convertible baby cribs are a relatively new innovation on a timeless piece of nursery furniture. More and more companies are offering convertible cribs in their lines of baby products, and many parents are choosing to buy convertible for their baby.
What is a Convertible Crib?
A convertible crib is any infant crib that can be adjusted for another purpose or use. When shopping for convertible cribs, one of these three qualifications usually appear in the product name or description:
- 4-in-1: one of the side rails can be removed for use as a toddler bed or daybed; the stationary rail can be re-purposed as a headboard for a full-size bed
- 3-in-1: side rail is removable for use as a toddler bed or daybed
- 2-in-1: side rail removes to make the crib into a daybed but is not recommended for toddler bed use
Convertible cribs are much like non-convertible cribs in size, shape, and weight. They require assembly and will not fit through a standard-size doorway once fully put together. Buyers usually have the option of buying a convertible crib set with matching crib, dresser, and changing table.
Cost of Convertible Cribs
As with most products, there is a wide range of pricing for baby convertible cribs out there. The brand, style, finish, and design of the crib, as well as the materials used to make the crib, all influence the price.
In general, most convertible cribs start out at around $200. Higher-end, eco-friendly, or designer cribs may cost upwards to $2,000. But within that range a safe, functional, stylish convertible crib can usually be purchased for about $400, not including the mattress or crib bedding.
The average cost of convertible cribs is higher than that of non-convertible cribs, but many parents choose to buy convertible because they see it as an investment for future decades of use. Potentially, a child could use the crib (or at least part of it) from infancy to adulthood.
Pros of Convertible Cribs
Many parents love convertible baby cribs because of:
- Modern styling
- Almost all sleigh style cribs are convertible
- High functionality and versatility
- Ability to use for longer
- Eliminates the need to purchase a toddler bed
Convertible cribs have many advantages and are certainly nice to use. Being able to use the crib as a toddler bed saves storage space and the hassle of completely disassembling it.
Cons of Convertible Cribs
There are some criticisms of convertible cribs, however. Some consumers don't like:
- High up-front cost
- Feeling nickeled-and-dimed; additional hardware or toddler bed safety guardrails may have to be purchased separately
- Can't utilize the convertible feature if they wish to hand crib down to a younger sibling
- Some children may fear that their crib is "broken" when converted to a toddler bed and won't use it
- Even at the lowest mattress setting, some convertible cribs are awfully high off the ground for toddler bed use
Convertible cribs are not right for everyone, so it's best to buy based on individual family situation.
Convertible Cribs vs. Non-Convertible Cribs
If parents are buying nursery furniture for their last or only child, then a convertible crib is a smart way to get more mileage out of their investment. But if a family plans to hand the crib down to future siblings, the convertible feature will not be used and the money would be better spent on a less expensive non-convertible crib.
Safety Regulations for Baby Cribs
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) outlines the following guidelines for purchasing any new or used infant crib:
- No more than 2 3/8" between slats (about the width of soda can)
- No corner posts over 1/16" high where baby's clothes could potentially catch
- No cutouts in headboard or foot board where baby's head could become trapped
- Tightly-fitting mattress with no gap between mattress and crib
Any new crib from a reputable manufacturer should meet these standards, and unless specified otherwise a crib should fit a standard-sized crib mattress safely inside. However, parents need to be diligent about double-checking the safety of their child's crib instead of trusting that manufacturers have followed all the safety guidelines.
Convertible cribs have allowed many families to get more out of their nursery furniture. Convertible cribs stay useful for longer, making the transition from infant crib to toddler bed. As with any baby crib, always remember that safety comes first.
Readers may also be interested in "Best 3-in-1 Travel Systems" and "5 Best Baby Shower Gifts."
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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