There are about 4 different types of cribs –
- standard
- multipurpose
- round,
- and convertible
– with one unifying factor: they both come with grilled sides complete with small soft bars that prevent the baby from rolling and falling out of the sleeping compartment.
Convertible cribs, or baby cribs for that matter, are bought for small children between 1 and 6 years.
Standard design permits for conversion of the crib to a twin bed to accommodate the growing child.
More often than not, convertible cribs are bought to retain the décor and look of the bedroom of the child.
One of the hardest choices you could face or has probably faced already entails choosing between a convertible crib and the regular toddler bed.
So, Is It Worth It To Buy A Convertible Crib?
The straight answer is “yes.”
Though most buyers tend to go for the traditional crib almost by default, it has been found that they tend to change their minds after comparing the prices between the traditional crib and the convertible type. Buyers realize they can easily obtain a decent convertible crib for about the same price as its traditional counterpart and vice-versa depending on an array of factors including style, brand, and detail work.
Seven Reasons To Purchase A Convertible Crib
Here are the real reasons why it would make sense to buy one:
1. They are Cost-Effective
Although convertible cribs, the best of all the cribs, costs slightly more than other types, buying one can save you a decent amount of money in the long run.
Convertible cribs are highly efficient and will keep delivering the service until your child approaches teenage. You don’t need to buy another bed for the entire time.
Convertible cribs are designed to grow with the child from infancy all the way to the teenage level.
Buying a standard crib would be a regrettable waste because these cribs are mainly designed to accommodate children between the ages of 1 and 2 years, beyond which you’ll need to buy a larger unit.
2. Ample Sleeping Space
If you compare convertible cribs to standard cribs, you will notice a considerable difference in the size of the sleeping space – the former comes with more space for your toddler than the latter.
Better yet, you can adjust the mattress on the convertible crib as the baby grows, meaning you can keep up with the child’s changing bedding tastes (if they have a taste at all).
3. Environmentally Friendly
Anything that can be used for a very long time without requiring replacement or maintenance is considered to be environmentally friendly because it exerts less pressure on the extraction of natural resources.
Because convertible cribs are designed to deliver service until your child approaches teenage, it belongs to a small group of the so-called “green” or eco-friendly products, perhaps not entirely.
4. Perfect for Crawling Babies
Do you have a crawling baby at home? It is never too late to buy a convertible crib.
If you didn’t buy it earlier and your baby has started to crawl, this probably the right time to get one.
Crawling babies can be problematic and may easily crawl and fall out of the traditional crib if they stay in the compartment unchecked for a long time.
Small children that crawl up the railing of old cribs need to be supplied with new convertible cribs to reduce the likelihood of falling.
5. Perfect If You Are Just Starting a Family
If you are just getting started in your family-making journey, a convertible crib is the most economical and practical option for you.
As a young family with a small child or few more toddlers, you will use the crib for the first during the “crib-stage,” then convert it into a toddler bed when the toddler gets a little older.
Cribs are more appealing when allowed to operate as a full-size bed.
Also, if you consider the fact that your children will eventually require a bed somewhere along the way as they grow up, a convertible crib becomes the most viable option you can choose.
As a first-time parent, you don’t have a lot of chances to do guesswork.
You want your child to sleep in a safe enclosure that removes the risk to fall over, and one that is spacious enough for the child to roll safely when you are not looking.
Fortunately, you have 3 options of convertible cribs to choose from –
- 2-in-1 piece
- 3-in-1 piece
- 4-in-1 piece.
6. Can Be Set Up by Just Anybody
Another plausible quality of convertible cribs is that they are designed in such a way that anyone can assemble the units or set them up easily with little or no assistance.
This is an important quality worth checking out because the person setting up the unit could be disabled, pregnant, or even recovering from mobility injuries.
The other crib options aren’t easy to set up, especially when you consider the rigid design that doesn’t permit changes on the stricture of the body.
7. Impressively Durable
Convertible cribs have improved in style options and durability over the years.
Perhaps the most recent improvement found in most of the current models is the treatment practice used in the preparation of softwoods that end up on these cribs.
The result is a better and more durable softwood that makes long-lasting and good-looking cribs.
Also, a significant part of the convertible cribs you will see in the store are products manufactured from durable materials like pinewood.
This helps make sure that they stay in great working conditions after many years of service.
They are also manufactured from non-toxic materials that guarantee utmost safety for the baby.
Related: Is It Safe to Put a Crib in A Closet?
Three Convertible Crib Shopping Considerations
Here are a few things to bear in mind when choosing a convertible crib:
1. Curved vs. Straight Cribs
Remember that the rear of the crib will serve as the headboard of the full-sized bed used by your child.
Don’t hesitate to inquire what the conversion of the crib looks like.
Next, make up your mind between curved and straight headboards and also whether either option should be tufted, paneled, intricately detailed, etc.
2. Style, Color, And Texture
These three should be evaluated together because they collectively influence the looks and aesthetics of the crib.
There are so many color styles, and texture choices in the market.
Choose a combination that will rhyme with the décor in your child’s room.
3. Conversion Options
Everything doesn’t end at the conversion part.
You still have more choices to make.
You can buy a conversion kit that will permit you to utilize the crib’s front rail as the footboard.
You can also opt to use a strong metal frame to provide the support the mattress and box spring needs.
Conclusion
Convertible cribs have risen to the popularity of the last few decades to become one of the must-haves in a child’s bedroom for many families.
Are they worth it?
Yes, and there are several different reasons for that.
Firstly, you are going to pay slightly more upfront but the impressive durability will return the value of your money.
Secondly, because they are long-lasting, they add less strain on the extraction of natural resources – they can be regarded as environmentally friendly in that sense.
Another great thing is that they are designed in such a way that anyone can assemble the units or set them up easily with little or no assistance.
