Convertible cribs practical? How sleep 2 kids?

cheekyj2002

For those of you with convertible cribs, have you actually been able to take advantage of using them in all three modes (crib, toddler bed, full size)?

I'm trying to understand how practical this benefit is.  I think that it will be at least 3-4 years out before we are able to even use the full size bed feature, and by then, i wonder if the bed will be worn-looking. 

Also, we plan to have a second child about 1.5 - 2 years after the first and are trying to figure out economical sleeping solutions for 2 kids.  I'd like to avoid buying 2 cribs, but I really am unsure of what the best solution is.  Any suggestions?

THANKS!

 

Gherkina

We didn't want a convertible crib but that's all we could find in a wood stain that would match the dresser we're using.  If you don't want to buy another crib down the line, you probably won't be using the convertible features.

Our plan is to only use the crib as a crib.  We already have a twin bed that the baby will transition into when we decide to have another baby.  If the baby isn't ready for a twin bed yet, we'll buy an inexpensive toddler bed for the interim.

Look into prices for twin/toddler beds before you make your decision.  Ours was easy since we already have the next bed lined up so we didn't need anything else but a crib.  It may be cheaper to buy a standard bed than use the convertible features.

As far as it looking worn, I wouldn't worry about that.  Granted, furniture today isn't made like it used to be, it still should be fine for years.

sassyandskinny

We bought a?convertible?with our first almost 5 years ago. ?We have never used it as anything other than a crib. ?When we were excepting our second, our first transitioned into his big boy bed when he was almost three. ?We bought him a bunk bed with a full on the bottom and a twin on the top to go in his own big boy room. ?He has slept in the full size bottom since then. ?Baby #2 is currently one and a half and in the crib in the nursery. If we are blessed with another child down the road, our oldest will move to the top, our middle son will move onto the lower bunk, and our new baby will use the crib in the nursery. ?After 3, we will be done and when that one outgrows the crib, we will sell/donate it and the?matching?dresser and get a new bedroom set for that child. ?Its still in excellent condition, I am just sick of looking at the same one already and I know that a few years from now, I will for sure want something new.

tmp-406157062502221

We bought a convertible crib for DD and used it as a crib and toddler bed. Now that we are pregnant with #2, we had planned on using it for the new baby but found out that there is a recall on it. We gave DD the bedroom set that was in our guest bedroom and plan on buying another convertible crib to use for this little one as a crib, toddler bed and full size bed.

summer2819

I think they are very practical. You said you didnt want to buy another crib for baby #2 but then wouldnt you be buying 1 crib, a bed for baby #1 and then another bed for baby #2? when you could of just bought 2 convertible cribs and were done with it. 

We switched our DS from crib to the converted toddler bed at 14 months and now he will be switched to the full at 2 years 3 months. Not sure why you think 3-4 years before you would switch to a full bed. Couldnt really imagine a 3-4 year old sleeping in a toddler bed. Our DS is 3 feet tall and just about to out grow the length of the toddler bed so its time to switch. 

As for wear and tear of the furniture I guess it would depend on the quality you bought in the first place. Ours has some scratches that can be easily fixed with some wood fix products. 

hamilton.ja

We didn't have the option of a convertible that went to a full in the UK when we bought our crib - the convertibles there just go to a toddler size I think or something like that. So we didn't get one.

I think its just up to you... if you want to just keep using your nursery furniture and then buy "big kid" furniture for the older child it works well - my sister did this. Then in the end for the youngest she just bought a bed and the crib went to the attic.

 

mrstarawalsh

We have a convetible crib for DS. We have used it in all three modes. I would NEVER use it as a crib again for the simple fact that DS chewed the crap out of the side of it. Luckily the headboard was still in tact and it doesn't look any worse for the wear. We liked the convertible so much we bought another one for DD.