A couple of nights ago, I was doing the dishes when my two-year-old daughter surprised me in the kitchen. With her brother already asleep and her father glued to the TV, I think it’s pretty safe to say that Julia climbed out of the crib on her own. I hadn’t expected her to be ready for a big girl bed just yet, but especially with the second child, these moments can sneak up on you. For that very reason and in the interest of saving both time and money, I highly recommend choosing a convertible crib that easily transforms from a baby crib into a toddler bed. There are plenty of options out there; here are a few of my favorites:
Babyletto Mercer 3-In-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Rail
This contemporary-style crib (pictured) is made from sustainably harvested wood and comes in three non-toxic finishes: espresso, gloss white, or a striking combination of both. Four mattress positions and a drawer lend convenience, and it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing a side. What really stands out is the additional safety rail that can be added to keep kids from rolling out.
$399, amazon.com
Available in a variety of colors, this classically designed crib is constructed from beautiful solid wood and features a mattress height that is easily adjustable for newborns, crawlers and standers. When toddlers are ready, the side can be removed so they can get in and out on their own. A bonus for parents is the large storage drawer below the crib.
$495, bellini.com
As expected with an Ikea product, the Gulliver is affordable, functional, and attractive. The mattress can be lowered as your child grows, and once he or she is big enough, a side can be removed to turn it into a toddler bed. You can choose from two finishes: natural birch and white.
$99 (white), $129 (natural birch); ikea.com
Shorter than many other cribs, the Robin is convenient for height-challenged parents, yet the mattress can still be adjusted so that little ones can’t climb out. Eco-conscious moms and dads will appreciate that it’s constructed from sustainably-harvested wood with a safe and natural water-based finish. Narrow slats give it an airy feel, and an available conversion kit replaces one of the sides with a rail guarding the head and feet.
$590, oeufnyc.com
Starting as a circular bassinet small enough to squeeze next to Mom and Dad’s bed, this modern and environmentally friendly sleep system converts into an oval crib, toddler bed (up to 3 years), and big kid bed (up to 10 years). In bassinet and crib form, it’s narrow enough to easily roll through doorways and features four different height positions that can be adjusted as children start sitting up and climbing. One side can be removed to turn it into a toddler bed and a conversion kit is available to lengthen it to a Junior Bed for older children, providing for a total of four incarnations.
$1,100, stokke.com
