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{Young America Starlight Built to Grow}

Lifetime, 3-in-1, 4-in-1, Built To Grow – What Does It All Mean? Read On To Find Out.

Convertible baby cribs are obviously a great investment. For as little as $100 more than a traditional crib, you can buy a convertible crib that will see your precious munchkin right through to college. The decision to buy one seems like a bit of a no-brainer at first glance. I mean why spend money on a crib, a toddler bed and a full-size bed when you can get all three for the price of one?

Well, believe it or not, there are a few disadvantages to convertible baby cribs, which will be covered further on. But I think the main reason that we don't all rush out and buy one is that the world of convertible cribs is so confusing…

… Lifetime, 3-in-1, 4-in-1, Built To Grow – What does it all mean?




The convertible crib is actually quite a simple concept, confused by the fact that different manufacturers have different names for the same thing! So let's start with the concept and we'll sort out the names later.

There are four stages to a convertible crib:

1. The Baby Crib

{Young America Serenity Built to Grow}

Designed for baby from newborn to around two years of age. (Make that 15 months, if your baby is a climber!)

{Young America Serenity Built to Grow}

2. The Toddler or Transitional Bed

Designed for your adventurous, but still clumsy toddler. The baby crib is converted to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides and replacing it with a toddler conversion rail.

{Young America Serenity Built to Grow}

3. The Day Bed

Designed for your equally adventurous, but slightly more adept preschooler. The toddler bed is converted to a day bed by removing the toddler conversion rail whenever you are brave enough! My seven year old still slips out of bed occasionally! Plenty of pillows on the floor at bedtime are always a good idea!

{Young America Serenity Built to Grow}

4. The Full-size or Double Bed

Designed for your older child, moving towards the age of independence. I know - you don't even want to think about it - neither do I. They grow up way too fast! An additional full bed rail kit is usually required for conversion to a full-size bed.

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There are two types of convertible baby cribs:

• The baby crib that converts to a toddler bed and day bed.
  Generally, if a crib is described as convertible or 2-in-1 convertible, this is what is being referred to.
• The baby crib that converts to a toddler bed and day bed and later a full-size double bed.
  Generally, if a crib is described as 3-in-1 convertible, 4-in-1 convertible, lifetime or built to grow, this is what is being referred to.

Simple right?

Now that the cloud of mystery has been lifted, let's find out whether or not convertible baby cribs are a good idea...

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Convertible Baby Cribs - Convenience for Mom

• Drop-down rails on one side of the crib - Allowing easy access, you can even change or dress your baby in the crib. Remember to look for a one-hand release mechanism. Note that many convertible baby cribs do not have a drop-side as this results in a less stable baby crib.
• An adjustable mattress support - Allowing you to lower the bed as your baby grows (and grows!) Check for strong, preferably metal support. A metal spring support system is best. When baby starts jumping, you don't want any falls.
• Drawers underneath the crib - Allowing for extra, much needed storage space. You can never have too much storage space!
• Rolling casters - Allowing you to move your sleeping baby to a convenient place for you to watch him or her. This can be an enormous stress-reliever for a new Mom. Check for locks on at least two of the casters to prevent unwanted rolling.
• Teething rails - To prevent baby from getting a mouth full of splinters when those first precious teeth start pushing through.

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Bouncy Baby Bonuses of Convertible Baby Cribs

Some babies become VERY attached to their baby cribs. Moving them to a toddler bed, when they learn to climb, can be somewhat stressful to say the least.

Your previously peaceful baby, who used to sleep blissfully through the night, is suddenly waking at all hours. Nighttime chores such as water fetching, blanket tucking, light switching (on and off) become the rule of... well, the night!


Baby thinks up anything and everything that will assure your presence with him for a few more minutes. Your poor little one is experiencing separation anxiety - from his crib!

With a convertible baby crib, this needn't be the case. Make sure your baby is present and watching while you remove one side of the crib and replace it with the toddler guard rail. Show him how to climb in and out by himself, and hopefully you will enjoy many more nights of sleep filled bliss!

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Health Highlights of Convertible Baby Cribs

• There is a 2-in-1, as well as, a 3-in-1 canopy organic crib available.
• Convertible baby cribs are sized for standard mattresses and bedding. Therefore, there is an organic option here too. Synthetic mattresses have been associated with an increased SIDS risk.

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Practical Pluses of Convertible Baby Cribs

Convertible Baby Cribs:

• Are really good value. You can expect to pay around $100 more than for a standard crib of the same brand. In many cases this includes the toddler conversion rails. You will, however, have to pay extra for the full-size bed rails, when you want to convert the day bed into a full-size bed. Most of these cost around $100.
• Are readily available, either from your local outlet store, or online if you prefer a wider selection.
• In some cases come with optional trundle beds or storage boxes to go under the full-size bed.
• Use standard baby crib mattresses and standard baby crib bedding. Again - these are readily available, in a wide variety, at your local outlet or online, with an organic option.

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The Aesthetic Advantage of Convertible Baby Cribs

Convertible Baby Cribs:

• Are available in a variety of styles:
• Sleigh baby cribs
• Jenny Lind baby cribs (spindle cribs)
• The Traditional crib
• The Contemporary crib
• Are available with canopies in a few cases.
• Use standard baby bedding, which is available in abundance. Choose almost any nursery theme or color scheme and you will find a number of bedding options to match.
• Are available in a large variety of finishes, including white, cherry, oak, black and natural.
• Are included in most of the leading brand product lines.
• Are often offered with coordinating changing tables, armoires and dressers.
• Are available from Simplicity for Children as part of a crib 'n changer combo.
• Are available in wood or metal. Bratt décor makes two convertible iron cribs: The Casablanca Premiere and the Venetian Four Poster.

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The Disadvantages of Convertible Baby Cribs

In a nutshell: How do you know what a teenager will want in her bedroom, while she is still kicking around in your belly making you nauseous?

If you have a boy, the issue of bed color and style will probably not be high on his agenda when he hits fourteen. If you have a girl, on the other hand...

Of course, you could take the approach that your children will do as you tell them while they are under your roof. I completely agree. However, I believe the rambling parental maze of the teenage years is not one to be attacked head on, but rather with contemplation and forethought.

If I can avoid the showdown that is likely to result when I tell my teenage daughter what color her bedroom furniture is going to be, I will happily do so.

However, that's just me - I guess she could always paint it - bright pink would be my guess!!











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