Baby's Best Fit: Regular or Convertible Crib to Toddler Bed

Whether you're upgrading your toddler's car seat to a booster, moving to a double stroller, or trying bigger clothes, it seems like there's always a new necessity for your growing family. One of those necessities: your little one's bed. 

Your child will spend so much time in their crib, making memories, dreaming, and getting much-needed rest. With such an important place in your child’s life, their bed needs to match the speedy growth they go through, not to mention your style.

Parents often have to decide between buying a new children's bed upon each transition or buying a single convertible bed that adapts to their child's growth. If you're wondering which choice will work for your family, learn about our favorite options and how you can find one to best fit your needs.

Buying New as Baby Grows

Some parents choose to buy new furniture as their baby grows rather than selecting adjustable options. Families with multiple kiddos might prefer to buy new because they can reuse furniture as the younger children grow into what the oldest sibling has outgrown. Not only is this practice economical, younger siblings often love "moving up" into their older brother's or sister's toddler bed or twin bed.

However, because there are so many phases your little ones will go through, buying new furniture for each transition can be expensive and time-consuming. Imagine doing the research to find a safe, affordable, and high-quality piece of furniture every few years! On top of juggling young children, it can be another hassle you don't need. Instead, choosing convertible beds can take the pressure off and make bedtime less stressful during those delicate transitional periods for your little one.

Convertible Beds

The features your child needs when they're young change almost as fast as their favorite foods. Infants and little ones need changing tables, bassinets, and bed rails, but your older child only needs a toddler bed or a twin bed and some cozy sheets.

Making sure you have the right furniture on hand helps ease transitions and save on baby expenses. But with that, there are tons of options for you to choose from. Explore some of the modern and customizable children's furniture you can find to fit your family's needs.

Removable Features

Making sure your child feels safe is one of the most critical parts of bedtime. Sleeping with a favorite stuffed animal or drifting off to starry night lights or ocean sounds can make bedtime a little easier, but the right frame can also help. Removable features like guardrails, toddler rails, or a pillowy headboard or footboard can make a standard toddler or twin bed feel secure like a crib. If your child is transitioning from a crib to a big-kid bed, adding items like these can make it more comfortable until they feel safe in their new digs.

Convertible Cribs

Convertible cribs come in different sizes and shapes to meet your family's needs. With adjustable mattress positions, you can get years of use out of a durable crib made to last.

• 3-in-1 Convertible Crib: Getting a 3-in-1 crib means you can use the same piece from the time your child is an infant until they grow big enough for a toddler bed and daybed.
• 4-in-1 Convertible Crib: A 4-in-1 convertible baby crib transitions from a standard crib to a toddler bed with guardrails, a daybed, or a regular-sized bed.
• 5-in-1 Convertible Crib: These cribs transition from full-sized crib to toddler bed with safety rail, day bed, sofa, and full bed.
• 6-in-1 Convertible Crib: A 6-in-1 offers every option of a 5-in-1 with the additional facility to use as a full-sized bed with or without a footboard. 

Whatever model you decide on, read up on whether you'll need to buy additional tools or mattresses. Some kids' beds come with toddler bed conversion kits or differently-sized crib mattresses included, while others require you to to buy those items  separately.

How to Choose the Right Crib for Your Family

Whatever you decide - standard crib or convertible - you'll need to look at the other features, style, quality, and safety of your future crib.

Safety Standards

Safety is your first priority when it comes to your little one. When deciding on a new crib for the sweetest slumber, make sure you investigate its safety certifications. All cribs must be made according to standards from the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). You'll also find Greenguard Gold Certified cribs that identify them as safe from specific chemical emissions.

Functionality

Finding a crib that matches your family's needs means looking for one that will help you in the tricky transition periods your child will go through. From mini cribs that can be quickly stored when your child outgrows them to cribs with adjustable mattress heights, your choice should make life easier. Along with that, the functionality of your crib doesn't only include its ability to grow with your little sprout. You can also find cribs that offer additional features, like add-on changers, removable slats, side drawers, and hidden storage.

Style

If you select a convertible crib, the piece will rest in your child's room for years. That means the style you pick should be timeless. Explore which colors best fit your home, from dark espressos to bright pine woods. Decide between clean-lined mid-century styles and intricate traditional designs, acrylics, and metals. At fawn&forest, you'll discover a collection of unique convertible crib styles to fit the peace of your child's room. Find cribs from brands like Babyletto, DaVinci Baby, Oeuf, and more, each made with high-quality materials like New Zealand pine, non-toxic finishes, and offering clean lines to match your personal style.

Finding an Heirloom Bed for an Heirloom Baby from fawn&forest

Your child's bed is an important space for cuddles, stories, and special moments. The right nursery furniture can make your baby’s room a sanctuary they'll feel comfortable and safe in well past their infancy. Whether you're interested in convertible or non-convertible options, at fawn&forest, you’ll find a selection of sleek, sustainable, and durable beds to pass down from generation to generation.