In the case of our crib yes - we've got a Graco & they pretty much say you just take the drop-side off and call it a toddler bed - I think that's just a cop-out to get more people to buy their cribs and we won't be using it that way (heck - we may be returning it if it's recalled tomorrow...). The toddler beds I've looked at are lower to the ground.
Re: Question about Toddler Beds
Braydon 1.23.09