Matthew and I have been reviewing, and re-reviewing everything there is to do with cribs. They come in pretty much any shape or size you want these days! You can get round cribs, convertible cribs, non-convertible cribs, heck, some places even suggest all you need is one of those playpen-type things because, how much space does a baby really take up?
So, the real question that we've come down to is: convertible, or non-convertible?
I've done a lot of research on the subject, and have found a lot of really interesting information I never really thought of.
When we first got pregnant, and went out dreamily looking at cribs, the sleigh-style convertibles seemed like the obvious choice. They're so pretty, and seem so practical!
What is a convertible crib? They come in three different choices.
4-in-1 Style
This particular style converts from a crib, to a toddler bed, to a day bed, to a double bed.
3-in-1 Style
This style usually converts from a crib, to a day bed, to a double bed.
2-in-1 Style
This style converts from a crib to a toddler bed.
This seems extremely practical when you're thinking long-term. This type of crib is also the most common one you can find nowadays, as a matter of fact, even Wal Mart does not carry any other style than this. The same goes for Toys R' Us, and Sears. However, when you dig deep into the convertible option, you find out its not as wonderful as you think.
The cons that I've found associated with the convertible style are:
1. High cost
This style of crib is substantially more expensive than the standard style. Convertible cribs retail from about $200, and range all the way up to $2000! If you're looking for an attractive, eco-friendly convertible, you're looking at spending, on average, about $300. Versus the standard, which starts at around $150, unless you can find a great deal.
2. Unsturdy build
Due to the conversion aspect of this style of crib, when you put it together, nothing you do is permanant. A lot of buyers of this product have found that it isn't as sturdy as the build of the standard crib, which gets bolted together, and stays that way. A lot of joints, and screws, and parts, makes for a very difficult time assembling, and then an equally difficult time converting, as well.
3. Takes up a lot of space
This style of crib is quite a bit larger than the standard style, due to the aesthetic aspects. The space consumed by a convertible is comparable to that of a playpen, as opposed to a standard crib. So if you have a small nursery, a convertible may look pretty, but consumes space that can be used by other essential furniture. One more inconvenient aspect to this crib is that, once assembled, it can not fit through a standard-sized door! So you'd better remember to build that thing in the nursery, or you've got a lot of dissassembling ahead of you!
4. Not practical for multiple children
If you are buying this crib for your last child, I can see it being quite practical. However, if you intend to have more after this one, you won't even be able to use the conversion aspect of it until you are finished having children. Unless you intend to buy a new crib for the new baby, and convert this one into a regular bed for the current user. This option is quite costly, and in a lot of situations, it's cheaper to just reuse the same crib, and buy a new regular bed for your toddler.
5. Nickel-and-diming for extra parts
This one's the one that really got me. When you go into depth as to what really comes with a convertible crib, you find that it has the potential to be converted, but you actually have to purchase extra parts seperately in order to convert it! This can be extremely expensive, comparable to buying all new beds for every stage! Especially the 4-in-1's, that claim to convert into a double bed. What they actually mean by this, is that the back piece can be used as a headboard, and the front piece can be used as a footboard, but the rest of the bed ALL has to be purchased! That's including double-sized box spring and mattress, and side pieces. So are you really saving money?
To be fair, their are definitely some pros to the convertible crib as well.
1. Easier transition
When it comes time for baby to move from the crib, to the toddler bed, it is said that its a lot easier because they don't really feel like they're making that big a change. They have the comfort and familiarity of their crib, with the space and symbolism of a big kid bed. However, it has also been said that some toddlers feel that their crib seems "broken" when converted, and don't want to sleep in it. It's also been said that toddlers transition better into being a "big kid" when they aren't still sleeping in their "crib." A lot of parents have benefitted from allowing their new "big kid" to choose their own special bed, as their first "big kid" act.
2. Great long term use for last children
If you are purchasing this crib for your last child, then in the long run, it does in fact save you a little bit of money.
3. Sentimental value
An adult in college that can say that the bed they sleep in is the same one they've slept in their entire lives has great sentimental value. They may even have potential to use this crib for their own children. However, any crib can be "passed down." And a teenager or adult may feel a little bit embarassed or stunted, knowing they are still sleeping in their "crib" when they are 16 years old.
As you can see, I'm a little bit biased, in favour of the non-convertible. Which is a complete turnaround, as originally, I was totally 100% for the convertible. And maybe, one day down the road when I feel as though we're on our "last child" I think I might look into one. But for now, I think the answer for us is the non-convertible.
Now just to sniff out a good deal!
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