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When looking for a baby crib, the wisest thing to do is get a convertible one that will serve its purpose for a long time until your child reaches the age of 4-5 years old. The basic convertible models turn from infant cribs to toddler beds. However, the more complex versions (which can also be more expensive) can be transformed into toddler beds, day beds, and full-size beds. That’s awesome, don’t you think so?!
Below, I have listed some of the best convertible cribs. I’ve done more than that since I wanted this post to be a helpful guide for all new parents out there. So, you’ll also find some tips and tricks on how to find the ideal convertible crib for your little one.
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My Bottom Line Up Front!
My favorite convertible crib is the DaVinci Kalani one due to its wonderful features and high versatility. Moreover, this crib type goes well with a wide range of mattresses, including premium ones made by Newton (the brand I truly trust when it comes to breathable bedding sets for babies and toddlers).
Pair a Newton mattress with one of these beautiful 3-in-1 convertible cribs made by dadada in Italy. Crafted from soft, sustainable wood by skilled artisans, these cribs offer timeless style and more.
Best Convertible Cribs Guide – My Top 7 Choices to Consider
Here are some of the best convertible cribs on the market. I’ve selected them based on their features and popularity, but I have listed them in no particular order.
1. DaVinci Kalani Convertible Crib
The Kalani convertible baby crib is a 4-in-1 product that I love due to its versatility and beautiful design. You can choose from over 5 five different color options, all of which look elegant and wonderful. My personal favorite hue is white, but chestnut also looks cute. Besides different colors, there are also different finishes. So, I’m sure you’ll find a variety that matches your preferences.
Another important feature that I like is the fact that, unlike most convertible cribs that have only two purposes (baby crib and toddler bed), Kalani can be transformed into four different types of bed systems: standard infant crib, a day bed for toddlers, a regular toddler’s bed featuring rails, and the full-size bed version.
On the downside, this product can be a bit tricky to put together. Another aspect that’s bugging me is the fact that their conversion kits must be purchased separately. At first sight, you may consider this a pretty expensive crib, but when you think that you’ll be using it for years to come, the price tag suddenly becomes more buyer-friendly.
2. West Elm Convertible Crib by Pottery Barn
This Pottery Barn convertible baby crib is simply amazing. I love how modern and sleek this crib looks and the fact that it can be bought in different colors. What I like less is the extra money I would have to spend to buy the conversion kit that comes separately. In terms of color choices, acorn and white are my favorite options because they both look absolutely gorgeous.
It would be best to opt for a breathable mattress with an adjustable height. I would also recommend (in case the mattress isn’t waterproof) placing an absorbent mattress pad on top of the bedding so that your little one can enjoy a restful sleep. Once you transform the crib into a toddler’s bed, you will have to use the rail to prevent your child from falling on the floor.
You should know about this product that you can receive it completely assembled and with one mattress included. That’s great and time-saving!
3. Newton Baby Convertible Crib
Newton is mainly known for its crib mattresses and waterproof bed pads. However, the company has also created a limited edition of convertible baby cribs, which according to them, are as safe as their mattresses. The three crib models were designed in collaboration with the Italian brand Dadada.
These products are made from sustainable softwood crafted by experienced artisans. Each of them includes toddler rails that will come in handy when your baby grows and becomes a toddler. I love how simple and timeless the style of these items is. Each Newton crib has a different name; the frame is made of durable beechwood, and the finish is baby-safe.
Just like Newton mattresses, Newton cribs are also Greenguard Gold-certified. You can choose from three available models: Soho, Austin, and Kenton. In terms of colors, there are three options: white and natural, or a mix of these two featured on the same crib.
Pair a Newton mattress with one of these beautiful 3-in-1 convertible cribs made by dadada in Italy. Crafted from soft, sustainable wood by skilled artisans, these cribs offer timeless style and more.
4. Graco Benton Convertible Crib
The Graco baby crib is another great convertible model. This 4-in-1 product is affordable and durable. It will last you till your child becomes a high schooler. It comes with a setting that allows you to adjust the height of the mattress in three different positions. I love that I can choose between five different colors: espresso, white, grey, driftwood, and pebble grey.
It has a traditional and classic style, but, overall, the design looks pretty plain and basic to me. Also, the finishing paint could chip easily in some cases, especially if you’re not careful in handling it. Nevertheless, this item is undoubtedly an excellent choice for a long-lasting, convertible, and budget-friendly crib.
5. Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib
The thing that makes the Babyletto crib stand out is the fact that it comes with an included conversion kit free of charge. For me, that represents a major advantage since you won’t have to spend extra money to get one. In addition, the design is simple and straightforward, while the finish is safe and non-toxic.
Besides including the conversion kit in the package, this baby crib features no less than four mattress height settings. It’s a three-in-one convertible crib but cannot be transformed into a full-size bed. Moreover, it has a pretty high price tag. Whenever I see that a product is available in a wide range of color choices, I’m happy. This one can be bought in the following tones: white, black, espresso, grey, and a few others.
6. Delta Children Emery Crib
The Delta Emery baby crib is a 4-in-1 convertible item with a beautiful design. I like how sturdy its construction is. You can choose from three available colors: white (my favorite), dark chocolate, and grey. This baby convertible crib is very easy to assemble. Still, it’s not as lightweight as other similar cribs (this one weighs almost 60 pounds).
What struck me as unpleasant was how the paint smelled when I first opened the box. I hope that will fade away soon enough. Otherwise, this crib is excellent with its adjustable mattress height, non-toxic finish, and sturdy wood construction. It has a classic look that goes well with numerous furniture styles.
7. Sorelle Princeton Crib and Changer
The Princeton convertible crib and changer made by Sorelle looks luxurious, so no wonder the price is pretty high. However, unlike the other products I’ve listed above, this one comes with a changing table that’s… wait for it… detachable. There are four conversion types available, and this crib’s construction feels durable.
There are three available color choices: white, grey, and espresso. If your nursery furniture has a lighter color, then you should opt for white or grey cribs. On the other hand, if the room furniture is more traditional, then the best choice is the espresso one, which is also the most elegant variety.
It’s a pretty expensive crib, but it comes with a changing table that features three storage drawers. The finish is child-safe, while the sturdy design is made of pine wood.
Best Convertible Cribs Guide – Things to Know Before Finding the Perfect One
Here are the things you should look for when purchasing a new convertible crib for your baby.
Crib Types
Convertible cribs can come in different forms, such as standard full-size ones, portable cribs, and mini cribs. Other options like bassinets are more lightweight and less expensive, but they aren’t convertible. So, you must determine your needs and those of your baby and the purposes you want the crib to have before buying one.
In terms of models and types, there are the following crib options:
- Regular or standard cribs are basic traditional cribs without any extra features. Typically, they’re non-convertible;
- Convertible cribs – the best types of convertible cribs are the ones you can turn into a toddler’s bed, a child’s twin-size bed, and eventually a full-size adult bed;
- Combo cribs – these cribs usually come with a changing table attached to their main construction. So, they serve multiple purposes;
- Portable cribs – these crib models feature wheels for increased portability. Some of them might even fold down to enable easier storage;
- Travel cribs – lightweight cribs should be your to-go solution if you plan to travel a lot. It folds down and becomes very small when you want to put it away. The size of travel cribs is smaller than the one of standard cribs.
Regarding the size, you can choose from the following types of cribs:
- Mini cribs – if your nursery room is small and you don’t have a lot of space, you could opt for a mini crib. However, buying a mattress for this type of crib could be an issue because they aren’t regularized, and they’re harder to find;
- Full-size cribs – these are standard cribs, and they’re more practical, less controversial. You’ll be able to find the perfect mattress a lot easier.
In terms of shape, you can opt from two alternatives:
- Oval cribs – these cribs might look gorgeous and more modern and unconventional, but they’re less practical and more expensive compared to standard cribs;
- Rectangular cribs – most baby cribs have a rectangular shape, and they’re more practical than round or oval cribs. Rectangular models are also more affordable than oval cribs.
Oval and round cribs
Rectangular cribs
Convertible Crib Types
The category of convertible cribs comes with its own subcategories, based on the number of available bed settings:
- 2-in-1 – usually, you can transform these crib types into a toddler’s bed or a daybed, but they don’t become a full-size bed;
- 3-in-1 – most 3-in-1 crib models can also become toddler’s beds as well as twin-size beds or daybeds;
- 4-in-1 – these are the most complex convertible cribs that are also highly versatile. You can go from a standard crib to a toddler’s bed to a full-size adult bed.
Adjustable Mattress Height
An adjustable, breathable, and waterproof mattress is the way to go when it comes to baby cribs. These mattress types are comfy, safe, more durable, quiet, and easier to clean. Also, adjustable mattress features come in handy, especially if you don’t want to develop back pain. Therefore, as your baby grows and develops, you can gradually lower the height of the crib’s mattress.
Conversion Kits
Some (unfortunately, very few of them) convertible cribs come with the conversion kit included. Most of them, however, require you to purchase the kit separately. Nevertheless, you should buy the conversion kit together with the crib to prepare for when you have to transition from a baby crib to a toddler’s bed.
Buying the kit right away saves you from the risk of not finding the model’s kit anymore since crib models could get outdated or replaced. Hence, you won’t have the necessary hardware available for the conversion.
Storage Options
It’s best to find convertible cribs that have plenty of storage spaces where you can keep all the essential items such as diapers, wipes, pads, and sheets. If you don’t have a lot of space in the nursery, you could opt for a crib with drawers at the bottom, while larger rooms can easily accommodate side drawers right under the area that’s used as a changing table.
Safety
The crib you’re about to purchase should meet all the safety requirements established by the federal authorities. It should check all those safety standards. Moreover, avoid placing blankets or any other bedding items that could become suffocation hazards.
High-Quality Materials
Premium and child-friendly materials are something important to consider. Please, make sure the crib features safe paint with non-toxic finishes and durable wood or another natural material. It’s best to opt for safety-certified convertible cribs.
Design and Functionality
It would help if you also kept an eye on the product’s overall design. The crib must be functional, versatile, and practical, besides looking cute or beautiful. Perhaps, it would be good to choose a timeless design that grows together with your little one. Some of you might opt for a trendy crib model or, on the contrary, would like a retro or even vintage crib design.
The looks of the crib are important, but make sure it’s also pretty lightweight and portable, especially if you want to move it around the room.
Value
Will you receive some extra accessories with your crib or not? How valuable is the package? Some of these products include conversion kits, while others come with crib mattresses or crib pads. Unfortunately, many other models and brands require you to purchase all these items separately, which will translate into spending more money.
How to Prepare the Crib
- Buy and use firm and tight-fitting crib mattresses;
- Keep the inside of the crib as bare and simple as possible, without any plush toys, blankets, and other items that could become suffocation dangers;
- Before placing your baby inside the crib, check the structure, making sure it doesn’t have any broken or loose parts or missing components;
- Place the crib in a steady and safe spot, away from windows or drapes;
- The safest sleeping position for your infant is on their back;
- Avoid sleeping next to your baby. According to experts, sleeping in the same room as your infant is great, but co-sleeping on the same bed or surface is something you’d want to avoid.
To Summarize
To make sure you find the ideal convertible crib for your little one, you must determine the space you have for the crib, establish a budget, pay attention to the product’s features and see which of those are the most important to you, and choose a crib that’s comfy but safe for your child.
FAQs
Question: How Much Money Should You Spend on a Convertible Crib?
Answer: From what I’ve seen during my research, most parents aren’t willing to spend more than a maximum of $300 on a convertible baby crib. It’s true that you can find a perfect crib under this price tag, but the best convertible cribs that meet all your needs and safety requirements are more expensive than that.
Question: How Do You Choose a Safe Baby Crib?
Answer: Avoid buying second-hand cribs. Choose new cribs that have received all the necessary safety certifications. As long as they meet the safety standards regulated by the federal authorities, a crib becomes good and worthy of your consideration.
Question: Are Convertible Baby Cribs Safe?
Answer: Yes, they’re safe as long as you, as the caregiver, follow these simple guidelines (the safety ABC when it comes to your child’s sleep:
• Place your baby on his or her back when sleeping;
• Make sure your infant sleeps alone and avoid snuggling in next to him or her;
• Use a safe and certified crib purchased from a reliable vendor.
Question: When Should You Transform Your Baby’s Crib into a Toddler’s Bed?
Answer: It all depends on how quickly your baby develops. It’s up to you to decide when your child is safer in a toddler’s bed than in a crib. You could also ask for your pediatrician’s advice to make sure you avoid any potential mistakes. Most experts say you should convert the crib when your little one can stand up and climb the crib’s edges or when he or she is 35 inches tall.
Best Convertible Cribs Guide – Final Thoughts
I know that choosing the best crib that converts into a toddler’s bed can be daunting with so many different models available out there. But, you should know one thing: the most important to consider is safety. As long as your baby is safe and comfortable in the crib, the product already serves its essential purpose.
Only then you can start thinking about other features such as colors, models, shape, size, extra functions, and more. I genuinely hope my guide has helped you by reducing some of the stress and frustrations associated with searching for a high-quality baby crib.
Pair a Newton mattress with one of these beautiful 3-in-1 convertible cribs made by dadada in Italy. Crafted from soft, sustainable wood by skilled artisans, these cribs offer timeless style and more.
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