Crib Overload

tayzav · May 2015

Sorry ahead of time if this is a repost, I searched and didn't see anything with my specific questions.

FTM here and I've been online crib shopping alllllll day and last night. Reviews are all over the place, as are prices, and even which store (Target, Babies R Us, Bed Bath Beyond, JCP, Sears). I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations on name brands, where the best deals are, if a covertable crib is worth it...any information would be super helpful.

Thank you ahead of time.

dogsombrero · May 2015

I have the Graco Lauren for my son (1 yr) so far it's stayed looking nice through 1 across town move and one within house tear down and move. DH has said it is easy to adjust the height on. Both BRU and Walmart carry it but obviously Walmart is cheaper for the exact same crib.

TBH all cribs do the same thing and have the same safety standards it's just a matter of you style and budget.

MargaretC5 · May 2015

We have a delta crib that we got at Burlington Coat Factory (I have the feeling it is a New England chain but I am not sure). It was between $150 and $180, cannot remember exactly. We saw the same crib online for about $300. It has been great and we are planning to move DS out of it this summer so the new baby can use it. It went thru a move without a problem also and DH had no problems adjusting the mattress.
We got one that converts to a toddler bed but not to the full size head board. I figured I might use the toddler bed option and I did not have to buy any extra pieces. I did not see the value in spending extra now when I was not sure if i would use the full size or not. Most of the ones that convert to full size you have to buy extra pieces for also and I heard it is not uncommon for the extra pieces to no longer be available if the crib is discontinued.

ks24119 · May 2015

My parents just bought ours from pottery barn kids. Has one of best ratings on consumer reports.

jasbaby2 · May 2015

We bought a convertible crib (to toddler bed and full bed). I believe the brand is munire (sp?) and I think it cost roughly 800 about 6 years ago. It's a beautiful crib and we are happy with it. However I don't really want a convertible crib this time. Our son chewed on it and now that it's a full size the footboard has teeth marks. I'd prefer to buy a pretty crib that does not convert and when this baby is ready for a bed we will go pick something out.

olga1311 · May 2015

We got a convertible crib that converts into toddler and full bed and i wouldnt have it any other way. Buying another convertible for this LO. I dont get the whole buying a special toddler bed. I'd rather buy one and have it last her through teenage years. A piece of advice if you decide on buying comvertible crib buy the rails to clnvert together with it. A friend dodnt get the rails, crib was discontinued and she was stuck not being able to convert the crib

pink*sheep · May 2015

If you check out the book "baby bargains" (I don't know what edition they are on) it basically breaks down everything you could need or want with consumer ratings and cost breakdown.

rox7777 · May 2015

I bought a Storkcraft convertible yesterday for $75. DS1 had a hand me down from a military friend. We decided on convertible this time because when we transitioned DS from his crib to a regular toddler bed he wouldn't sleep in it. It was a huge waste of money and we ended up putting him in a twin size way earlier than I planned on. Honestly though, the only thing I've ever worried about looking up is whether or not they've been discontinued. Avoid the drop rail, which isn't even an option anymore unless you buy used, and get whatever you like. For me the biggest factors are how sturdy they are and price.

dapoint23 · May 2015

I did really well with my entire nursery set through JCPenney... really good quality

tayzav · May 2015

dapoint23 said:
I did really well with my entire nursery set through JCPenney... really good quality

So far all the ones I really like are at JCP as well. That makes me feel better.

nlmosley · May 2015

We bought an awesome crib from ikea for $100, and then someone gifted is another one (different style). They are both great!

savm11 · May 2015

Not to hijack the post but can anyone recommend a good mini crib as well? We're working with limited space until we move into a bigger home so I'd like to keep my options open but they're so hard to find

tayzav · May 2015

savm11 said:
Not to hijack the post but can anyone recommend a good mini crib as well? We're working with limited space until we move into a bigger home so I'd like to keep my options open but they're so hard to find

Lol steal away I've actually wondered what ppl thought about co-sleepers as well haha. More questions on one post the better.

urby87 · May 2015

tayzav said:

savm11 said:
Not to hijack the post but can anyone recommend a good mini crib as well? We're working with limited space until we move into a bigger home so I'd like to keep my options open but they're so hard to find
Lol steal away I've actually wondered what ppl thought about co-sleepers as well haha. More questions on one post the better.

I'm sure this is probably a stupid question, but would a mini crib be between a bassinet and a full crib, size-wise? Has anybody used one before, and if so, how did you feel about it?

dapoint23 · May 2015

In terms of the co-sleeper... my son didn't sleep in his crib until 6 months... until then he slept in the arms reach co-sleeper mini and it was awesome ... especially if you're breastfeeding!

hlz128 · May 2015

Commenting on both questions here:
We bought a crib from the px on post for $60 it was a really nice wood one with a mattress included. So any military spouses I'd say check there or if you know a spouse who could buy for you do it!
And for the mini crib we were given a pack n play that came with a mini crib and a changing table that fits inside it and can both be taken out. My sister said she got it at Walmart for like $100. So if you're working with limited space maybe that could work for you as well!

kateliznelsen · May 2015

We have a regular and a mini convertible.

DD1 is now 8 and still has her entire DaVinci set from JCP. They still make the same one, the Emily 4-in-1 convertible. We also have the dresser and changing table. All the pieces still look and feel nice and sturdy, even after several cross town and out of state moves.

DD2 is sharing the same bedroom, so we got her the Emily mini convertible (I think from diapers.com.) When we move in a couple months, DD1 will get new stuff, DD2 will get the larger crib and matching pieces and new baby will get the mini crib and a new dresser and changing table. I would definitely buy another convertible if I had to do it all again, and this brand is mid-priced and has held up well. I like that after so long, they are still making the same model and that it is a nice, updated look that isn't trendy or gender-specific.

elittler · May 2015

urby87 said:

tayzav said:

savm11 said:
Not to hijack the post but can anyone recommend a good mini crib as well? We're working with limited space until we move into a bigger home so I'd like to keep my options open but they're so hard to find
Lol steal away I've actually wondered what ppl thought about co-sleepers as well haha. More questions on one post the better.
I'm sure this is probably a stupid question, but would a mini crib be between a bassinet and a full crib, size-wise? Has anybody used one before, and if so, how did you feel about it?

Mini cribs tend to be twin size headboard and footboards when converted. So it's definitely noticeably smaller than the regular, but if you're going to transition before 2 anyway, it's not a huge problem.

LinMmmm · May 2015

olga1311 said:
We got a convertible crib that converts into toddler and full bed and i wouldnt have it any other way. Buying another convertible for this LO. I dont get the whole buying a special toddler bed. I'd rather buy one and have it last her through teenage years. A piece of advice if you decide on buying comvertible crib buy the rails to clnvert together with it. A friend dodnt get the rails, crib was discontinued and she was stuck not being able to convert the crib

^this would be my vote too. I went with Baby Cache brand I think the name was Essentials Bliss. I really liked the crib and I plan to buy the same brand again (I think this particular model has been discontinued) so I recommend getting the conversion kits at the same time. Also invest in rail covers because once LO can prop themselves up those teething monsters will start chewing your wood. Good luck!

RaisingJulian · May 2015

I got my firsts crib at Walmart for $100 it's dark wood and it's a convertible crib. It lasted for a very long time we're using it for this baby and getting our son a twin bed instead of converting the crib.

Mjstern · May 2015

We have a crib from pottery barn and LOVE it. It transitions to a toddler bed too.

christina4436 · May 2015

I got a storkcraft from kohls online. I work for them. Had good reviews and wood looks nice. Haven't put together yet.

katiedhunter · May 2015

I would recommend not getting a convertible crib. We spent over 350$ on our convertible crib. But before we could convert it our second child was on its way, then same thing now our third is on the way before we got a chance to convert. So in my opinion it's a waste unless your willing to shell out money like that for every kid I guess or if you plan to only have one!

tayzav · May 2015

katiedhunter said:
I would recommend not getting a convertible crib. We spent over 350$ on our convertible crib. But before we could convert it our second child was on its way, then same thing now our third is on the way before we got a chance to convert. So in my opinion it's a waste unless your willing to shell out money like that for every kid I guess or if you plan to only have one!

I was thinking that same thing. This is my first and I know my BF wants to keep our second close to this ones age. I said no sooner than two, but that's still toddler time. Might be easier to buy a new bed and keep the crib. Oi, so much to consider.

christina4436 · May 2015

I feel like you would convert it
Eventually though whether the first kid or 3rd. My sis in law has 3 kids. The oldest got a new bedroom set, middle converted her bed, then 3rd got new convertible crib. Seems most economical to me. You don't really pay extra for it to convert unless you have to buy additional pieces. I got storkcraft which you just convert with those cheap metal rails.

VexyMommy · May 2015

I had a convertible with my first. We got as far as the toddler bed and never ended up switching it to the full size. We had to convert at about 15 months because my daughter is part monkey and part Houdini. She has a bunk bed now that she loves.

I'm seriously considering a mini crib for this one that switches from the crib to a twin size bed and skips the toddler bed. It makes more sense to me to buy the mesh rails for each side or to place the bed next to a wall than to convert the bed multiple times.

mag9812 · May 2015

pink*sheep said: If you check out the book "baby bargains" (I don't know what edition they are on) it basically breaks down everything you could need or want with consumer ratings and cost breakdown.

This. I have found this book so helpful on everything baby, especially being a FTM!

We just ordered our nursery furniture from Babies 'R Us and got a convertible crib (to toddler to full-size bed) by the brand Baby Cache. They ranked well on safety and we liked the way it will look in our nursery.

ddkistler · May 2015

Minicribs! Do it! Regular cribs are HUGE.

olga1311 · May 2015

katiedhunter said:
I would recommend not getting a convertible crib. We spent over 350$ on our convertible crib. But before we could convert it our second child was on its way, then same thing now our third is on the way before we got a chance to convert. So in my opinion it's a waste unless your willing to shell out money like that for every kid I guess or if you plan to only have one!

But even if you get a convertible for each kid its still cheaper in the long run. It will be more expensive to get 3 different beds for them not to mention the hassle. LO2 will be 26 months younger then DD and i plan on getting another convertible for this one as well

olga1311 · May 2015

Also you can find convertible cribs for 180-230 bucks on amazon. a friend got one and loves it

dsty1213 · May 2015

We are on baby number 3. We have only purchased one convertible crib. We love it but unfortunately it was discontinued a few years ago. We used the crib and then toddler bed then moved my DD to a big girl room when she was 2 and my son was born. He has used the same crib, toddler bed, and then up to full sized bed and then will actually move to a queen here soon bc his room will also be our guest room when people come. Now, we will transition it back to a crib for baby #3. Like one PP, both my kids were climbers so we moved them to the toddler bed around 16 months. We just put a baby gate at the door so I knew they weren't up walking around. However, amazingly, neither of them ever got out of bed (I know I'll be pushing my luck with this one haha). The only thing that we did buy was a new crib mattress for each one as there was some research to link used mattresses with SIDS. We just put the old mattress under the full sized bed and they sleep on them when we have guests over or for family sleepovers in our room. Good luck, it can be very overwhelming bc there are so many options and we all want what is best for our babies. However, at the end of the day, it's just a bed and will not have long lasting impact on your baby's wellbeing. So, relax and enjoy decorating!!!

Bootsie81 · May 2015

We got both kids a convertible crib and used it for a toddler bed but we won't be using it as a full sized bed. We're going to have to get bunk beds instead because they're going to have to share a room. Both of our cribs came from amazon and we've been happy with them for the most part. The finish seems to scrape off of my daughters easily but it's very sturdy and was easy to put together (It's davinci brand.)

And as far as mini cribs, my 3 year old still sleeps in a mini crib at my MILs house when we go there to visit. It's definitely small for her, and she can climb in and out of it, but she sleeps fine in it.

Jeenyus · May 2015

I bought the Babyletto Mercer for the nursery (3 in 1, with a storage drawer underneath). I also bought the Alma Mini Crib to use in our bedroom in place of a bassinet. Our home is on the smaller side (700 sq ft), and I like that the Alma folds up and can be stored with minimal space needed after baby transfers to the crib. They are both on the pricier side, but I have been stalking Kijiji and the Facebook buy and sell groups in my city and got them in like new condition for a very decent price (under $350 for both).

magnolia0212 · May 2015

katiedhunter said:
I would recommend not getting a convertible crib. We spent over 350$ on our convertible crib. But before we could convert it our second child was on its way, then same thing now our third is on the way before we got a chance to convert. So in my opinion it's a waste unless your willing to shell out money like that for every kid I guess or if you plan to only have one!

This is exactly why I didn't get a convertible with my first. I got the crib I really wanted instead. I don't think most of them look that nice when they are converted anyways. My DD will be going straight to a twin with temporary rails in the very near future. New baby will go in her crib.

Lsager424 · May 2015

We found a crib that we loved through Pottery Barn Kids. While it was beautiful, it seemed to be on the expensive side to me. https://www.potterybarnkids.com/m/products/emery-crib/?pkey=bcribs&isx=0.541
After doing some googling, I was able to find a crib from Walmart that looks exactly the same, has great reviews, and is less then half the price. While we haven't received it yet, I am confident that it will work well for us! While I was initially hesitant to order online, customer reviews really helped to sway me. Good luck!

https://mobile.walmart.com/ip/15529734?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222228000629038&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=40341325712&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78298155992&veh=sem

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