Has anyone ever bought a convertible crib--the kind that transforms from a crib, to a toddler bed, then a full-sized bed? Are they worth the extra money? I'll pay for a good-quality one if I know it will last, but I don't want to waste my money on something hoping it will last 18 years only to have it fall apart when the child is out of diapers. Any guidance? Thanks.

Stacie

I have had 2 friends buy them. We bought a traditional crib. My first friend has her 4 year old daughter in the actual bed now and it works fine and seems sturdy enough. But she doesn't have any other kiddos. My other friend never got to use it for a bed because they had a second baby and needed a crib. Maybe they will get to use it for their new son but I know they are wanting to try for a girl so it will probably stay a crib again. They bought a regular bed for their older son.

That's why we just bought a crib. We had our second baby before our first son was out of the crib (2 years apart). So it made better financial sense to just have one crib and buy a separate bed. My oldest is in his bed and my youngest (age 2) is still in the crib but we are going to transition him out soon.

But if you are only having one child or spacing them out enough that you can buy a second crib or convertible bed when the time comes, it may be a good option.

We have a convertable crib that is very nice. We were looking to buy one new (and had decided that we wanted to go the convert. route) and then someone we know told us they were selling one so we ended up getting the whole bedroom set (convert. crib, dresser, changing table/dresser, baby mattress, full size mattress and frame for when you convert it to a big bed) for only $175! The furniture was in great shape so it was definitely a deal. We've used it for our DD and have another baby due end of Jan. that will eventually use it also.

The only "problem" I found is that I have no idea how to make it into a toddler bed! I guess you could just take off the front panel but then the bed wouldn't have anything to keep the baby from rolling out and even at the lowest setting it's still pretty high for her to get in and out on her own w/o falling. I'm not sure if, perhaps, I just "dont get it" (which is quite possible LOL) but I've stared at it for a while trying ot figureout how you make it into the toddler bed. DD is almost 2 years so we are about at that point.....ANYBODY HAVE ANY TIPS?

So, back to your original question, I think it's a great investment. If you are planning to purchase a crib anyways, I would go for a nice convert. crib. I think so many of the cribs out there are over priced but there are some good convert. cribs at Babies R Us that are reasonable.

Have a blessed day!

Julie

Thanks for the input! I think we will plan to "splurge" for the convertible crib. Julie, if we get one, I'll share the directions for how to turn it into a toddler bed. I think from what I've seen, you do just take off the side that slides up and down and move the mattress to the lowest setting. I envision it to look more like a mini-daybed. But I'll share the directions when we get them.

I am due January 21, but our daughter came 5 weeks early, and I wasn't even considered high-risk like I am this time. We're praying hubbie makes it home from overseas in time for the birth, but the Lord is in charge of all that.

Thanks again!

Stacie

Stacie -

Yeah, that was what I was figuring too: a type of day-bed for toddlers. But the part I don't understand is that it's still really high! Even with the matress at the lowest setting, I'd still be worried she'd roll right out. My DD is a rough sleeper!

I'm due Jan. 23! We are expecting a boy. I have a feeling I'll go early too, due to some complications we've had. But you never know.

I hope that you have a healthy pregnancy. Welcome ot the Dollar Stretcher!

Have a blessed day! 

Julie

Hi ... If you know the maker of your bed, you could call/email them and ask for instructions. My grandbaby is only 9 months, so we haven't tried the conversion yet - we bought our on sale, made of good wood. I do not know if it will really make it 18 years, but even 5-6  years would make me happy.

we brought one for my DS who is 10 now never made it beyond crb he got out of the crib and we had brought a set of twin bed when we redid the house we were planning on fostering more kids ... the crib is now being used by my Grandson PJ .. we have a new Grand daughter she due the 25 of December , and two due in March and one due in April so I am pretty sure it will be a while before we use the bed as more that a crib ..  

Due to space issues we had bought 2 converter  cribs right before the twins were born.  I am hoping to get them to the daybed point and have that be comfortable for them until they are 6 years of age.  Before I have to decide what to do about seperate bedrooms.  I bought mine from Wal-Mart the Simplicity brand for 119.00 a piece they have a storage drawer under the bed which is really nice for extra storage and the quality seems fine.  I have had no problems with them.

We have a converter crib.  It just converts to toddler bed from crib, doesn't go to full size bed, but I think those complete ones are really great!

I love the coverter/toddler bed.  DS slept in that bed until he was 3 1/2 and would have been quite comfy and happy to stay there for a good while longer (maybe until he was even 5) but DD was coming so he is now in a twin and she is in the crib/toddler bed for the forseeable future . . . unless we were to have another or she outgrows it (age 5?).  It made a great transition bed, especially for DS who was quite attached to his crib, never once tried to climb out and slept in it as a crib until he was almost 3.  He liked it as a toddler bed.  It has two wood sides that go on in place of the crib walls and with the mattress low, the sides go up a few inches higher than the mattress.  He never fell out of it (though he's fallen out of his twin a couple of times!).

An added bonus to having a conertible crib is that if your bedding and decor isn't too babyish, you can then use it for years.  If DD does stay in the toddler bed until she is 5, the sheets, quilt, etc will still look really cute and not like she is in a nursery still.  Since you're using the same mattress you end up getting a lot of wear from your bedding, room decor, etc.

Hopefully though, DD won't be able to stay in her bed until she is 5 though . . . I would love to have another baby at some point.  Fingers crossed, maybe someday!

Hi Jennylyn,

I hadn't thought about using the bedding beyond babyhood--another bonus! We are planning a jungle theme for his room, so I think that would work into toddlerhood and preschool years.

Thanks!