Can Any Crib be Converted into a Toddler Bed?

Convertible cribs, also know as 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 cribs, transform into a kid’s bed. However, I’ve found out not all baby cribs have this special power.

It’s not all baby crib that can be converted into a toddler bed. You have to buy a specific kind of crib. Convertible cribs usually come with a conversion kit necessary to transform the crib into a toddler’s bed.

This guide will cover:

• What are convertible cribs?
• Different types of convertible cribs
• How do you turn a crib into a toddler bed?
• Are convertible cribs worth it?
• Takeaway

Are you currently thinking about the type of crib to buy for your baby? You may have many considerations: your baby’s comfort, safety, material and design, color and size, and the price. To give your child the best comfort and convenience for the amount you are willing to pay, I have done research to help you find the one for your baby. 

Seeking for the perfect baby crib, but you’re unsure where to start? Check out this list I created of the best baby cribs to buy.

When it comes to cribs, many parents prefer convertible cribs who want to avoid the hassle of buying another bed soon as their little child grows through the years. You can transform a convertible crib from a standard crib into a toddler bed using the crib conversion kit, commonly included in the convertible crib’s purchase. If not, you may buy a separate conversion kit later on. 

What are Convertible Cribs?

Unlike the standard crib that only has one design and purpose, convertible cribs have more than one. They can be transformed into a bigger bed as your child grows. When buying these types of cribs, they come with a conversion kit, or you can buy them later on. 

There are different types of convertible cribs for you to choose from, depending on how long you may want your child to use them.

Convertible cribs are getting more popular nowadays because of the various designs and evolving improvements made available for parents to choose from. 

Are all cribs convertible?

Since only convertible cribs are transformable, the multi-purpose design of convertible cribs makes it a lot better than the mini cribs standard. You can transform any convertible crib into a toddler bed, a daybed, and a twin-size or full-size bed using the conversion kit.  

But then, if the crib is only a standard crib and not designed to be converted to later stages, you cannot transform it into a toddler bed.

In fact, for safety reasons, transforming a non-converting crib to any other type of bed is strongly discouraged.

What bed size does a crib convert to?

Convertible cribs can be converted to a different variety or combination of bed sizes. It depends on whether it is a 2-in-1, 3-in-1, 4-in-1, or 5-in-1 convertible crib.

In general, there are 4 possible bed sizes for a convertible crib to transform to.

1. Toddler bed – a bed with the same dimension as the crib but with the mattress at the lowest level and a safety rail attached.
2. Daybed – the same size as the toddler bed but without the safety rail.
3. Twin-size bed – with the bed frame attached, it’s slightly bigger with its length extended compared to a daybed
4. Full-size bed – depending on the model, a daybed can either convert to a twin-sized bed or be transformed directly to a full-sized bed that is even bigger or wider.

Of all the bed sizes a crib can convert to, the most popular converting cribs are those that can become a full-size bed.

Different Types of Convertible Cribs

Let’s go into details for each type of convertible crib:

The 2 –in-1 convertible crib

By far the simplest convertible crib model. The 2-in-1 is designed to be converted to a toddler bed. However, its mattress height is not adjustable and is stuck only at the bottom of the crib.

With an extremely limited mattress height, this is not the best choice for infants. You might require a bassinet if you want your newborn baby to sleep near your bed. You can transition your baby to the crib once he’s met the required milestones. Once it’s become easy for him to climb and escape the crib, you can convert it to a toddler bed.

The 3 –in-1 convertible crib

The 3-in-1 is the most popular convertible crib model in the market. It can function as a bassinet for a newborn by adjusting the mattress height to the highest.

It has 3 stages suitable for 3 developmental stages of your kid. Stage 1 is the traditional crib form for a baby still honing his motor skills. Stage 2 is the toddler bed for a slightly older baby but still needs the rail to keep him safe while he sleeps. Finally, stage 3 when it’s safe to remove the guardrail and convert the toddler bed to a daybed.

The 4 –in-1 convertible crib

This high-end convertible crib model has become the market norm today. Compared to the 3-in-1 crib, a 4-in-1 convertible crib has an additional configuration. Stage 4 is the twin-sized bed.

If you want a crib that will grow alongside your kid and live through his teenage years, a 4-in-1 convertible crib is your best pick.

It does require a more complicated process of converting compared to the others, though. Part of its conversion kit is the bed frame that will replace the original spring frame used from the previous conversion stages.

It’s more expensive, but a lot of parents are satisfied with the investment.

The 5 –in-1 convertible crib

Just when you thought crib manufacturers have run out of tricks, 5-in-1 convertible cribs have an addition to the features of the 4-in-1. But don’t get too excited.

Stage 5 is when you remove the footboard. That’s it.

See, I told you not to get too excited. But it makes perfect sense. As your kid grows taller, the footboard might get in the way of his feet while he sleeps. Or you can keep the footboard on if it has a beautiful design or for a place to put his jacket on.

How do you turn a crib into a toddler bed?

Use the conversion kit to transform your little one’s crib into a toddler bed.

The most important part of this task is consulting the instruction manual that came with the product (make sure you keep it for future reference). You’re also going to need a couple of basic tools such as an Allen wrench and a screwdriver.

If you’ve lost the manual for some reason, no worries, this task is straightforward to do. You don’t need a carpenter for a husband to complete it:

1. Remove the stationary side of the crib by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place.
2. If the spring frame is not yet set to the lowest, you can lower it down by unscrewing the bolts and washers. Use the same bolts and washers to secure the lowered frame.
3. Attach the safety rail where the stationary side originally was.
4. There’s no number 4. Just put the mattress back, and you’re done!

Important reminder: For missing parts, contact the manufacturer for replacement. Try not to improvise on your kid’s bed.

Toddler bed conversion kit

Most likely, this kit came with the convertible crib you’ve bought, or if you’re still planning to buy one, make sure that the set is sold together. You don’t want to be hunting down a conversion kit from different stores a couple of years later because the manufacturer has stopped making them.

Universal crib conversion kit

If you didn’t buy the conversion kit for your baby’s crib, there’s a chance that you won’t be able to find one after a few years. In such a situation, a universal crib conversion kit might be able to help you.

Notice the word ‘might,’ there have been parents disappointed by conversion kits that were advertised as ‘universal’ but somehow failed to live up to that expectation.

The best remedy here is to get an exact measurement of your baby’s crib and find a conversion kit that matches the color of the crib and the dimension.

Is a toddler bed conversion kit necessary?

A conversion kit for a toddler bed is a guardrail you’ll have to attach in place of the higher crib side. It functions as, well, a rail to help prevent your toddler from waking up after bonking against the floor. It is necessary if you have a wiggler of a sleeping toddler. The distance between the mattress’s surface and the cold, indifferent floor will make sure to leave a noticeable and achy mark.

Are convertible cribs worth it?

Convertible cribs can be a worthy investment if you have a clear plan for the future. You’ll be able to reap its value the longer your kid uses it. This is most especially true for 4-in-1 cribs that you can convert to a full-sized bed and be used up to teenage years or even beyond that.

An issue arises for families who plan to have more than one baby. Passing the crib down to the next younger kid prevents the crib from being converted, defeating the purpose of being a convertible crib.

The important consideration here is your willingness to spend more for a crib that each of your kids will be using for the years to come, possibly until high school or college. Emphasize the word ‘each.’

If you have more than one child, and you’re willing to pay more for each convertible crib for each child, then the answer stays the same. Convertible cribs will be worth it as years go by since each of your kids can make the most of its value for the longest time you’d allow.

Takeaway

Convertible cribs have become the popular choice for parents today, and for a good reason. They are considered an investment with benefits their kids will enjoy for years to come.

Once you’ve weighed down your options and current situation, you know that purchasing long-lasting furniture for your nursery is only the best and reasonable choice.