The Convertible Crib Advantage

In recent years, the convertible crib has become a popular choice for first time parents as well as parents having their second, third or fourth baby.  Convertible cribs can go from crib to toddler bed to twin bed and finally to a full-sized bed or day bed with just a simple bit of switching-around of the pieces that make up this versatile piece of furniture. 

A bit more expensive than a standard crib, a convertible crib is built to last and generally have better quality construction than a standard crib.

As your baby outgrows his or her crib (and you’ll know when they’re outgrowing it because they’ll climb out!), you can convert the crib into a toddler bed.  A good guideline to use is one the manufacturer suggests, and that is generally that a child weigh no more than 35 pounds when using the crib. 

The “short” sides of the crib usually become the headboard andfoot board of the toddler bed, and now would be the time to install the safety side rails that came with in the conversion kit with your convertible crib

If you have a very active sleeper, you may want to have them sleep on the floor just on the crib mattress for a few days before transitioning them into their new toddler bed.  We did this with our daughter, and it worked out perfectly. 

She got used to not being surrounded on all sides, and we were able to put her to sleep without fear that she’d end up falling out of her toddler bed.  This really eased her into the idea of an off-the-ground toddler bed.

When the time finally comes for a single bed, you’ll need to purchase a new single-sized mattress and bed frame, and the “long” sides of what once was your tiny, little baby’s crib will now become your big boy or girl’s headboard and foot board!

The versatility and longevity of a convertible crib absolutely can’t be beat.  After having two children of my own, I’d highly recommend purchasing a convertible crib to any parent trying to decide between a convertible and a standard crib.