When parents are shopping for a baby crib, a convertible model often gets their attention. No doubt a convertible crib may cost you a little more than a standard crib, but you can get years of use out of it. Typically, a child will need to be moved out of the crib and onto a toddler bed by the time he or she is two to three years of age. Some parents even make the crib to bed transition for their toddlers when they are only about 18 months old due to the risk of them climbing or falling out of the crib.
So, many parents naturally want to lengthen the use of the crib for the money that they have paid. If you have the same thinking and is leaning towards the idea of getting a convertible crib, then the following are some details that you should know.
Conversion Kit
Many convertible cribs need additional parts or a conversion kit which you have to buy separately. Sometimes, parents look at the crib advertised and think it can automatically convert to a bed without the need for more parts. This is where you need to be careful when evaluating the cost of the crib. Some models do have the parts included in the purchase price but many require you to buy them separately.
Therefore, when you see a convertible crib selling at a particular price, don’t jump for joy yet. Read the specifications and what items are included in the package. Some of these additional parts can be costly and for the price of those parts, you may well be able to buy a brand new toddler bed rather than converting a two-year old crib.
What Do You Want It To Convert To
Before you buy a convertible crib, you also need to be aware of what you want. Not all convertible cribs are the same. Some can convert to a toddler bed and day bed only. Some can convert all the way to a full-sized bed. A few can convert to a day bed but not a toddler bed. In short, there are different kinds of models out there that convert to different types of bed.
Therefore, when you buy a convertible crib, you have to decide how you want to utilize it for the next few years. If you want a crib that can change into a full-sized bed, it makes more sense to buy a good quality one. You certainly don't want your child to sleep on a flimsy and rickety bed and the only way to avoid this is to buy a crib that is solid and sturdy to start with.
Buy Popular Models
The dilemma of a getting a convertible crib is always when to buy the conversion kit. For instance, if you purchase a crib that can convert all the way to a full-sized bed, do you buy the parts required for the conversion at the same time? Because your baby would only need a bed two years down the road, you may just decide to delay buying the parts until they are needed. But two years from now, would you be able to get the parts required?
On the other hand, if you buy the conversion kit at the same time that you buy your crib, what happens if you find that it isn't sturdy enough for your toddler? You would have wasted your money on the kit and yet need to spend to get a brand new bed.
The lesson being, if you want to buy a convertible crib, choose a reputable brand and a popular model. This way, you minimize the risk of a poor quality bed or the model being taken out of the market that you can no longer get the parts.
Conclusion
A convertible crib can certainly be a worthy investment. That is provided you know what you want from the outset, buy the right crib and do your sums correctly. Otherwise, you will end up spending more on a convertible crib but not getting its full benefits.
If you are buying a baby crib, find out if a convertible crib really works out to be cheaper in the long run at www.babycrib-toddlerbed.com. If you can save some money, why not, right?
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