Need Convertible Crib Help Please?

Mrs_M_in_VA

My husband and I recently bought this crib which does not include a conversion kit.  I called BRU to see how much the conversion kit was and it?s $160 for the bed rails and $89 for the toddler guard rail.  The way I perceived this was that I would essentially need to pay $89 to convert the crib to a toddler bed and then another $160 to make it a full sized bed.  This sounded absolutely crazy to me so I asked if that was typical.  The BRU rep explained that the pricing was very typical and that most convertible cribs don?t include the conversion kit.  She further explained, which I GREATLY appreciated because I?m sure she didn?t have to,  that I didn?t really need the $160 bed rails because any metal bed frame would work since the rails are hidden on all beds anyhow once the bedding is on.  She then explained that the crib could be set up as a toddler bed but just without the toddler guard rail (much like a daybed).  She said that once you lower the crib down to it?s lowest setting it?s very close to the floor so most people opt to not buy the guard rail.

 

This made me feel a ton better but I?m just wondering why I couldn?t find this info elsewhere and if it?s actually true.  Does this sound pretty accurate or was the BRU rep blowing smoke up my tooshie?

 

Thanks in advance!

scrh2010

Yep that sounds like what I've been hearing, though I haven't heard of the bed rails being so expensive... but I could have just been mistaken. 4-way convertible cribs like that can just be 3-way by not using the side rail Though I don't know about the "any old bed frame" being used thing so I would probably do more research (like call the manufacturer) first

LolaCook

I also have a Baby Cache crib...but a different style.  By looking at the headboard and footboard during assembly, I also wondered about standard rails.  All standard rails that I know of have the thin slats that slide into slits in the headboard and footboard.  It looks like my crib would require nuts and bolts, and therefore, I ordered the conversion kit for the full size bed.  We are going to skip the toddler bed phase. 

Before you hold off on ordering the rails, I would make sure that you can use standard rails.  I have heard of too many people that waited and now the manufacturer has discontinued the style and no longer make the rails.

I agree, it is a scam just to get us to spend more money.  But it is better to spend now than to be stuck with an expensive crib that can no longer be converted.

princesscm99

We have a Munire crib (who makes Baby Cache) and the conversion kit for it was right under $200, so I guess that's pretty common for them.

I was also told that they made the hardware connections specifically so that you couldn't buy universal rails.

Not sure if it's true or not because honestly, I was running out of steam researching every little thing.

We just bought the kit.

saturdaynightdoubletree

Sounds about right - conversion kits are expensive. Regular bed frame will work with most, if not all, convertible cribs. And if you convert to toddler bed and don't feel comfortable without the rail, you could always buy a plastic one separate... way cheaper, and can also be used when you transition to the twin/double later on.

Mrs_M_in_VA

Thanks for the advice everyone!  I think I'll try to see if the metal rails work before I set up the crib completely.