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Decoding Convertible Cribs: Are They Worth the Investment?

January 20, 2024

Last Update 11/15/24

The Evolution of Cribs

400 years ago (around 1620), the first baby cribs were created. Its design was resembled a food trough that tried to prevent baby from falling off or climbing out. Since then, there were small or big improvements every few decades. But in term of child safety, it had a long way to go.

In 1973, for the first time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a set of federal standards for crib safety. In which many crib safety details were mentioned. And 30 years later (late 1990’s), finally the first convertible cribs were born.

Understanding Convertible Cribs

So what is a convertible crib? A convertible crib is a type of baby crib that can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, full bed, and sometimes even additional configurations as your child grows. Most cribs that convert from a crib all the way to a full bed are considered 4-in-1 cribs - some cribs have as many configurations as 6-in-1! At Newborn Nursery Furniture, most cribs we carry are 3-in-1 convertible cribs and 4-in-1 convertible cribs.

Advantages of Convertible Cribs

A convertible crib is a great investment for parents to get the most out of their baby furniture. Instead of buying additional bed for each stage of your child, you can purchase a convertible crib with conversion kits (for example toddler guard rail, and full bed conversion kit) that can transform the baby crib into a day bed, toddler bed, and even a full bed. This helps with the transition smoothly since your kid is already familiar with the crib.

Another advantage of a convertible crib is its practicality and space efficiency. Convertible cribs save space. If you don’t have enough space for a specific crib type, a convertible crib is a good choice for you. A convertible crib saves space and money since it converts from a crib to a toddler and full bed, meaning you won’t have to store the previous bed. A convertible crib is also usually made with quality materials, making it a durable and long-lasting piece of furniture in your home.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Of course everything has two sides. A few things need to be concerned when purchasing a convertible crib. The first thing is higher initial cost. Since all the conversion kits are sold separately, the total expense can end up being higher than the cost of buying a traditional crib. Our recommendation is purchasing the conversion kits together with the conversion crib. That way, if the model is discontinued, you won’t have to spend a lot of time and money to find the pieces you need to extend the life of your kid’s crib. Another drawback is the limitation on style and design compare to traditional cribs.

Tips for Choosing a Convertible Crib

Quality and safety are always the first priority when buying a baby crib. As of 2011, all cribs must meet certain baby crib safety standards set by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You can learn more about it here. There are also some certifications that are recommended to have, for example JPMA seal and Greenguard Gold seal. Cribs with these two certifications are considered to be safer.
Checking for quality construction and materials. For example, cribs made with solid wood are durable, sturdy, and comfortable.
Ensuring the crib aligns with desired growth stages and evaluating ease of conversion. There are many choices, like 3-in-1 convertible cribs, and 4-in-1 convertible cribs. Choose the convertible crib that meets your need.

Alternative Option for Bed Transitions

If you don’t buy the idea of convertible cribs, it is totally fine. You can always go with a traditional crib and buy a toddler bed once your kid grows up.

Conclusion

Although choosing what kind of crib entirely depends on your situation, a convertible crib is definitely worth to invest for its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and long-term value. It will cover your child from infancy to toddlerhood and beyond. If you need help with buying a convertible crib, Newborn Nursery Furniture is always here to help.