|
Probably the most important pre-purchase decision to make about your crib is whether it will be adapted to future uses or be passed on to a younger sibling as your family grows. If the first option seems more likely to you, then we recommend buying a convertible crib. Convertible Cribs Come in Three Basic Styles:
The obvious advantage of the convertible style is that as your baby grows, the crib will remain useful for years to come. Your initial expense will be a bit higher because of the added cost of a conversion kit and other components, but a convertible crib is an excellent long-term value that will reduce your future furniture expenses. The 4-in-1
|
The product page for each crib specifies which elements are included. If an additional conversion rail kit is needed to convert to a full bed, it should be featured on the same page as the crib (check the accessories featured toward the bottom of the page).
The 3-in-1
If you'd prefer your toddler's first "big kid bed" to be a brand new grownup bed, then a 3-in-1 conversion crib would be a good bed for getting him/her to that point. These cribs convert to toddler beds, most of which use the same mattress size as a crib. When your toddler's outgrown the 3-in-1, you could convert it permanently to a kid's day bed (or pass it on to little sister or brother).
The 2-in-1
Our 2-in-1 convertible cribs from brands such as DaVinci, Child Craft, and Nursery Smart convert to twin beds. They're smaller than 4-in-1 cribs (the dimensions are listed on each crib's page), and thus might be a better choice for smaller nurseries. To get more immediate double duty from your 2-in-1, check out Dream on Me's cribs, which convert to playpens instead of beds.
Crib and Changer Combos
Our baby crib and changer combos not only provide 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 conversion in most cases, but they also offer the compact convenience of a changer incorporated directly into the crib design. These wonderfully space-efficient combos are enhanced with multiple sliding drawers and open shelves for easy access to nappies, wipes, and more.
Mini/Portable Cribs
Portable cribs offer small dimensions, lightweight frames that fold down easily for storage, and locking caster wheels. They're ideal for travel or multi-use rooms, or for moms and dads who want to keep an eye on baby while working throughout the house. Folding cribs are also a good buy for grandparents who want to be prepared for surprise visits from grandbaby and family.
Our Highlighted Brands Include:
Style and Safety Points to Look for
