| Convertible baby cribs grow with your baby. They | | | | Some manufacturers also make Mini-cribs, which take |
| easily transform from a baby's crib to a toddler's bed | | | | up less space in the nursery but still convert to a |
| or daybed. They can also be made into twin or | | | | twin-sized bed. This size would be perfect for parents |
| full-sized beds with the addition of optional side rails. | | | | who wish to keep their baby in their own room for a |
| Because the convertible crib will remain in your baby's | | | | while. |
| room for years, choosing the right type and style is | | | | Tip #3: Choose the Right Price |
| extremely important. These 4 tips can help. | | | | Convertible cribs are sold in a very wide range of |
| Tip #1: Safety First | | | | prices, from under $200 to well over $1,000. Any new |
| All new baby cribs sold in the US will pass safety | | | | crib will conform to modern safety standards, but |
| standards required by the Consumer Product Safety | | | | different brands may be sturdier than others, and may |
| Commission standards. However, cribs manufactured | | | | have finishes that will last longer. These things are not |
| before 1990 may not conform to the latest safety | | | | always easy to see in a brand new piece of furniture, |
| guidelines. | | | | but may become more evident as you use the crib |
| If you are given a used crib by a relative, or if you | | | | over time. The price itself is not always the best |
| decide to buy a used crib from Craigslist or eBay, | | | | indicator of value. |
| make sure the crib has not been recalled for safety | | | | Tip #4: Choose the Right Style |
| issues. You can do this by going to the Consumer | | | | And now - the fun part. Convertible cribs come in |
| Product Safety Commission's website. | | | | hundreds of different styles and colors. Choosing a |
| If you purchase a new convertible crib, either at your | | | | style that fits with the baby's nursery décor will |
| local furniture store or online, the crib should have a | | | | be easy - but will it also fit into a toddler's bedroom, or |
| Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) | | | | even a teenager's? Are there other pieces of furniture |
| certification. If the crib has a seal of approval from | | | | available that will match? Does the style look right with |
| JPMA, it meets all current safety standards. | | | | the crib bedding that you have in mind? |
| Tip #2: Choose the Right Size | | | | Almost all available cribs are made in colors and |
| If you intend to use the convertible crib after your child | | | | finishes that will stand up over time. Painted cribs are |
| outgrows his or her toddler bed, you will want to make | | | | usually black or white, and wooden finishes are natural |
| sure the crib will convert to the right sized bed with the | | | | blond wood, or cherry, maple or walnut. Most of these |
| optional side rails. Some cribs will convert to twin-sized | | | | finishes can also be mixed or matched with other |
| beds, while others convert to full-sized. Many children's | | | | pieces of bedroom furniture, even if the pieces come |
| bedrooms will not have room for a full-sized bed, plus | | | | from different manufacturers. |
| a dresser, a desk, and other furniture needed by older | | | | I hope these tips have given you some ideas for your |
| children. For this reason, you should look beyond the | | | | new baby's nursery, and will help you choose the |
| style and make sure you will be able to use the crib as | | | | perfect convertible crib for your baby. |
| long as possible. | | | | |