Best Convertible Cribs

For new parents, there are countless decisions that you have to make when it comes to your child. From choosing the right diapers to whether or not to breastfeed or use formula, parents have a lot of things to decide on. One of the most important decisions you can make for your baby is where he or she sleeps. Some parents opt for co-sleeping, while others prefer a crib. There is no one right answer, and it may just depend on how your child acts during the night. Regardless, eventually your kids will need to sleep on their own, so most new parents choose to have their baby sleep in a crib.

Once you’ve decided to crib your baby, however, then comes a whole new assortment of choices, especially regarding which type of crib is best. For my money, however, a convertible crib is the best option since it is specifically designed to grow with your child. I know how much kids can become attached to things they have while growing up, so having a single bed that will stay with them all through adolescence is a fantastic idea.

Today I’ll show you some of the best convertible cribs you can buy, as well as give you tips on what to look for so that you know you’re getting a great deal.

How to Choose the Best Convertible Crib

When it comes to picking out the best convertible crib, you want to make sure that it’s cost-effective, will transform into whatever you need it to be, and is built to last for decades. The entire point of these types of cribs is that they are supposed to last your kid through childhood, so if it’s not built to withstand years of repeated use, then don’t even bother. That being said, here are the top factors to consider when picking out the right convertible crib for your baby.

Safety

As with all products that are made for children, you want to make sure that the crib meets all health and safety standards. Since convertible cribs are designed to let the sides down, you want to make sure that they can’t accidentally drop down while your baby is inside. In the US, it’s illegal for convertible cribs to allow for drop down sides, so you shouldn’t have to worry about it unless you buy one second-hand.

Also, most convertible cribs are either painted or treated with some kind of wood finish. Check to make sure that it’s certified free of all harmful chemicals or toxic elements.

Versatility

When looking at a convertible crib, you’ll notice that they are all labeled as a 3-in-1, 4-in-1 or some other denomination. What this number means is the amount of different positions you can put the crib in, so the higher the number, the more versatile the unit is overall.

At first, you may think that cribs with a higher conversion count (four in one, for example) would automatically be better, but if you don’t really need all four conversions, then you may be paying for extra stuff that’s not necessary. Typically speaking, a convertible crib will turn into a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-size bed. Some of the lesser models may not turn into a full-size bed, however, so keep that in mind.

Price

One of the best reasons to get a convertible crib is that you can save money in the long run by consolidating all of your child’s sleep furniture into one unit. That being said, however, you want to make sure that you buy a model that’s both cost-effective and durable. The higher the price tag does not always mean a better built crib, and if you get one too cheap, it probably won’t last as long as it should.

Overall, a decent convertible crib should cost around two hundred dollars, but some models can get into the mid $300 range, and cheaper models can cost about $150 or less. To ensure that you’re getting a good deal, look at customer reviews from people who have owned that particular model for multiple years if possible so that you can find out if there are any issues you should plan on down the road. That being said, all of the cribs on this list are highly rated and come with strong recommendations from a wide range of owners.

Design

One thing that you should keep in mind about convertible baby cribs is how they look. Since this piece of furniture will be in your house for years to come, you don’t want something that will look outdated in a couple years, nor do you want something that clashes with your child’s tastes. Remember, this will turn into a bed for your kid once he or she has started sleeping alone, so the bed will have to match the tone that your child picks for his or her room.

For the most part, convertible cribs come in natural wood colors and have a traditional slat design for the sides. If you get a model that converts to a full-size bed, one of the sides will become the headboard while the rest will be taken off to allow for a larger mattress.

Conversion Kit

Depending on the model and brand you choose for your crib, you may or may not need to get a conversion kit to adapt it into its various forms. Some cribs allow you to switch between toddler and day beds with just a quick fix, whereas others have a little more intensive conversion process.

If you do need a conversion kit, I would advise getting that along with the crib, even if you don’t plan on using it right away. Buying them together means that you don’t have to worry about getting a kit later on, and you know that the equipment will be compatible with your exact crib.

Final Verdict

Although most of these convertible cribs have a lot of the same features, two that stand out from the pack are the Stork Craft and the DaVinci models. I have always had great experiences with Stork Craft products, and I believe that that brand knows how to build furniture for children better than most. I also like the fact that the Stork Craft is a four-in-one model, meaning it should last for your entire child’s adolescence.

As for the DaVinci crib, I like that the company has taken the time and effort to ensure that the crib is as safe as possible so that you can put your mind at ease. Most furniture manufacturers just like to meet the bare minimum of health and safety requirements to save on overall costs, but DaVinci takes pride in making sure that all of its products are top-rated for safety.

Overall, however, I would highly recommend any of the cribs on this list, and you and your child are sure to love any model you choose for years to come.