So there you are, baby bump and all, and you can finally set up the nursery that you’ve been dreaming of. But where to start? The obvious choice is the crib - after all, the crib is the focal point of the nursery (aside from your little bundle, of course).
You’ll have all sorts of advice coming at you from all directions, but like so many other things, baby furniture has come a long way since your parents shopped for it. Cribs are no exception. There are as many styles and colours as you could want, but one option stands out from the rest: the convertible crib.
Sometimes called a 3-in-1, a 4-in-1, or a lifetime crib, these baby beds grow with your child, beginning as a crib, then converting into a toddler bed (with rail), a toddler daybed (without rail), and finally, a full-size (double) bed.
Your baby may not need a crib for as long as you think. If yours is a “long” baby or a child who likes to sleep like a starfish, she may be ready for a toddler or “big” girl bed sooner rather than later. Then it’s off to storage for the crib. But if you choose a convertible crib, you’ll be set whenever your little one is ready to make the switch.
Some points to consider:
- Convertible cribs are more expensive at the outset than traditional cribs, but after the initial investment, you won’t have to buy another bed for your child until he leaves for college.
- If you choose a convertible crib, it’s wise to purchase the entire set, including the rails. Should the model ever be discontinued, you’ll have the right rails in the right finish on hand when you need them.
- Not all convertible cribs can be turned back into a crib, so if you want your children to inherit the piece, look for a model that does.