Babies Gear and Products The 8 Best Convertible Cribs of 2022 The DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib can be used for years to come By Ashley Ziegler Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 24, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Family articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and family healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Vanessa Nzeh, MD Medically reviewed by Vanessa Nzeh, MD Facebook Twitter Vanessa Nzeh, MD, is an internal medicine and pediatrics physician who is passionate about patient advocacy, the integration of maternal and child health, as well as increasing diversity and inclusion in medical education. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Your baby’s crib is basically the centerpiece of their beautiful nursery, so a lot of time goes into picking the right one. While finding a crib with the perfect aesthetic for your baby's nursery is fun, you also want to consider its safety, functionality, and longevity, which is why convertible cribs are so ideal. Reviewed & Approved The DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is a durable convertible crib with four conversion options to choose from over the years. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib. As far as safety goes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the bars of your baby's crib should be 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid the possibility of injury. While dropside cribs have been banned and taken off the market as per the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2011, this crib style may still be circulating via secondhand sellers and should be avoided due to the suffocation and strangulation hazard. When it comes to finding the right convertible crib, Aubrie DeBear, PsyD., Child Sleep Consultant & Expert for Tommee Tippee’s Spill The Milk Series suggests choosing an option that your baby can stay in for a while. DeBear says "I always encourage parents to try to stick with the crib for as long as possible, especially if the child doesn't have a problem with it. Sometimes parents get excited to move their baby out of the crib and doing so too early can sometimes lead to issues." We carefully looked over age, height, and weight recommendations, crib safety, design, value, and material when reviewing products. Here are the best convertible cribs for every style and budget. Our Top Picks Best Overall: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib at Amazon Best Budget: Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib at Amazon Best Modern: Pottery Barn Mid-Century Convertible Crib at Potterybarnkids.com Best Design: Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib at Amazon Best Mini Crib: Dream On Me Lightweight Folding Portable Mini Crib at Amazon Best 4-in-1: Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib at Amazon Best Changing Table Combo: Sorelle Princeton Elite 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer at Buybuy BABY Best Classic: Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible at Amazon In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso 5 Wayfair View On Amazon View On Wayfair Pros Comes in various colors and finishes Four conversions available Non-toxic paint finish Cons Difficult assembly for some Conversion kits sold separately The DaVinci Kalani 4-In-1 Convertible Crib tops our list because you'll be able to use it for years to come thanks to several conversion options. This convertible crib is available in several different finish/color options and includes four conversions: standard crib (two mattress heights), toddler bed with rail, toddler day bed, and a full-size bed. It’s made from durable New Zealand pine wood with a non-toxic paint finish, making it safe for when your baby begins teething. Probably the best part of all is that given how long a child can use this bed, it is extremely affordable. Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches | Maximum Weight: 50 pounds | Mattress Included: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Conversions: Crib, toddler bed with rail, toddler day bed, and full-size bed | Conversion Kit(s) Included: No Best Budget: Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Budget-friendly Three mattress height settings Four conversions available Cons Paint easily chips for some Overall aesthetics are plain For a budget-friendly crib that will last your child through high school (and maybe beyond), this Graco 4-in-1 design is an excellent choice. It’s made of wood with a non-toxic finish in several color options including white, gray, espresso, and driftwood. When it is set up as a crib, there are three different mattress height settings, so you can lower it down as your baby grows and is able to pull up. The crib also converts into a toddler bed with a railing, a toddler day bed, and a full-size bed. Dimensions: 29.72 x 56.73 x 41.68 inches | Maximum Weight: 50 pounds | Mattress Included: Option available (increased price) | Assembly Required: Yes | Conversions: Crib, toddler bed with rail, toddler day bed, and full-size bed | Conversion Kit(s) Included: No Best Modern: Pottery Barn West Elm x pbk Mid-Century Convertible Crib Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids View On Potterybarnkids.com View On West Elm Pros Modern/sleek design Comes in various colors Cons Conversion kit sold separately This crib is available in white or acorn, both of which are absolutely gorgeous. When it’s set up as a crib, it has two mattress height options so that you can keep your baby safe as it grows. When it’s time for your baby to move to a toddler bed, you can purchase the crib’s conversion kit to turn it into a toddler bed with rails. You also have the option of purchasing this crib with one of two mattresses and having the crib delivered and assembled, or you can assemble it yourself. Dimensions: 30.5 x 54.5 x 40 inches | Maximum Weight: Not Listed | Mattress Included: Optional (two mattress choices, increased price) | Assembly Required: Yes | Conversions: Crib, toddler bed with rails | Conversion Kit(s) Included: No The 10 Best Mattresses for Kids of 2022 Best Design: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit 5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Potterybarnkids.com Pros Four mattress height settings Non-toxic stain finish Conversion kit included Cons Does not convert to full-sized bed Expensive This crib is modern, sleek, and available in several neutral colors, including white, grey, black, and more. It is made from New Zealand pine wood and covered in a safe, non-toxic stain, and converts from a crib to a toddler bed with railing to a toddler day bed. When it’s set up as a crib, it has four different mattress heights so that you can slowly lower your baby as it gets bigger. Finally, while this crib is on the pricier end, the toddler bed conversion kits are included in the purchase. Dimensions: 53.63 x 29.63 x 34.88 inches | Maximum Weight: 50 pounds | Mattress Included: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Conversions: Crib, toddler bed with rail, toddler day bed | Conversion Kit(s) Included: Yes Best Mini Crib: Dream On Me Lightweight Folding Portable Mini Crib Source: Dream On Me View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Lockable wheels on the bottom Folds flat for easy storage/transport Mattress is included Cons Lower weight limit Only two mattress heights Families that travel with babies will benefit from this small, lightweight crib that has two mattress heights so it can be set up as a portable bed or a playpen. It’s made from solid pine and has lockable wheels on the bottom, so you can easily move it to where you need it to be in the house. When it’s not in use, the crib folds flat for easy storage and transport. The best part? The mattress is included. Dimensions: 40 x 26 x 38 inches | Maximum Weight: 31.5 pounds | Mattress Included: Yes | Assembly Required: Yes | Conversions: Crib and playpen | Conversion Kit(s) Included: N/A The 8 Best Baby Cribs of 2022 Best 4-in-1: Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib Courtesy of Delta Children View On Amazon View On Wayfair Pros Sturdy construction Comes in various colors Easy assembly Cons Weighs nearly 60 pounds May have strong paint smell upon opening Available in three colors, this crib offers three mattress heights before converting into a toddler bed with a railing, a toddler day bed, and a full-size bed. It’s made from durable wood and covered with a non-toxic finish. In addition to its sturdy construction, it also has a classic design that will look great in your child’s room when they’re an infant as well as once they become teens. Dimensions: 58.5 x 33.25 x 6.75 inches | Maximum Weight: 50 pounds | Mattress Included: Optional (higher price) | Assembly Required: Yes | Conversions: Crib, toddler bed with rail, toddler day bed, full-size bed | Conversion Kit(s) Included: Daybed rail included (toddler rail and full-size conversion kit sold separately) Best Changing Table Combo: Sorelle Princeton Elite 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer Courtesy of Sorelle View On Buybuy BABY Pros Changing table is detachable Four conversions available Sturdy construction Cons Expensive Some colors may appear different in person With this crib, you also get a changing table with three drawers that can be detached and used as a nightstand later when your child is older. The piece is made from sturdy pine wood with a non-toxic finish in either white, grey, or black. With conversion kits, this crib can also be set up as a toddler bed with railing, a toddler day bed, and ultimately a full-size bed, giving it several years of longevity. Dimensions: 72 x 34.5 x 45.5 inches | Maximum Weight: Not Listed | Mattress Included: No | Assembly Required: Optional | Conversions: Crib, toddler bed with rail, toddler day bed, full-size bed | Conversion Kit(s) Included: No The Best Crib Mattresses for Sweet Dreams Best Classic: Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible Courtesy of Dream On Me View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Five conversions available Four mattress height settings as a crib Comes in various colors Cons Toddler rail sold separately Difficult assembly for some This crib has more than six color options including the classics like white, grey, and espresso, as well as “aqua sky” and “royal blue.” When it’s set up as a crib, it has four mattress height settings so that it can slowly grow with your child. Once your child is big enough, you can convert this crib into a toddler bed with a railing, a toddler day bed, and a full-size bed with conversion kits. Dimensions: 53 x 29 x 39 inches | Maximum Weight: 50 pounds | Mattress Included: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Conversions: Crib, toddler bed with rail, toddler day bed, full-size bed | Conversion Kit(s) Included: No The 8 Best Toddler Pillows to Help Your Child Sleep Comfortably Final Verdict The DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib (view on Amazon) ranks highest on our list because of its timeless design, multiple conversions, various color options, and quality materials. It’s designed to last your baby from infancy until they move out of the house at a very reasonable price. What to Look for When Buying a Convertible Crib Safety As with all baby products, safety is the first thing to look for when purchasing a crib for your baby. For the safest sleep environment, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says parents should look for a crib with bars spaced no more than 2.37 inches apart with more than 26 inches of bar space above the crib mattress when it’s sitting at its highest point and free of any decorative carvings or cut-outs that could be hazardous to a curious baby. If the crib converts into a toddler bed, child sleep consultant Aubrie DeBear, PsyD., tells Verywell Family it should sit low to the ground “to prevent an injury if [the child] happens to fall out.” If the crib can convert into a toddler bed with a rail, which many of them do, Dr. DeBear says that is even better for injury prevention. Conversion Options Convertible cribs are very popular, but not all of them offer the same conversion options. Consider which conversions will work best for your family. If you plan to have young kids close together, then you may just need a crib with multiple mattress height options, or if this is your last child then a 4-in-1 may be ideal so that it’s the only bed you’ll need to buy for them. While convertible cribs are convenient, they may cost you a little extra upfront, depending on the type or brand you choose, and any additional pieces that are needed. Typically, not all conversion kits are sold with a crib and must be purchased individually. Overall, a convertible crib may save you money over time, but you will have to pay extra for conversion kits that are sold separately. Materials and Durability Since your baby will inevitably start chewing on the crib’s railing, make sure you’re getting one made of materials that are free of toxins. Also, look for a crib with high-quality paint or stain that won’t chip over time so that you can get as much use out of the bed as possible. Finally, the crib should be securely assembled without wiggling or making a lot of noise when your child moves around in it. It's possible that your baby will climb out of their crib at some point, so you want the crib to be durable, strong, and one you can reuse if needed down the road. Design and Functionality In addition to conversion options, you also want to consider the crib’s overall design. If it’s made to grow with your child, is the design trendy or something timeless that will still look good a decade from now? Does the design work for your lifestyle and/or the room that it’s in? Do you want one with wheels so that you can move it around easily? While the crib’s overall look is the most fun thing to consider, you also want to be sure its design meets all of your needs. If you have a small room to work with, you'll want a crib that fits in the space without it being too big. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a regular crib and a convertible crib? A standard crib is designed to be just that—a crib. Typically, standard cribs allow you to raise the mattress up for younger babies and set it lower once the baby is old enough to pull up on the railing. Besides having the option to raise or lower the mattress, regular cribs do not offer any other conversions. In addition to the regular crib features, a convertible crib also allows parents the option to take off the front panel and turn the crib into a toddler bed. Some convertible cribs also come with attachments (or they’re sold separately) that allow you to add a small rail to the toddler bed to keep your child from rolling out of bed and/or parts to convert the crib into a standard full-size bed frame. When should I convert the crib to a toddler bed? There is no specific age when a child is ready to transition into a toddler bed. It usually has to do with their development and/or their size. Dr. DeBear says parents should consider “whether your child is safer in or out of the crib” before making the move. “Is your child climbing out of the crib? It's probably time to move them. Is your child developmentally ready to understand the concept of staying in their bed? If not, it's probably best to keep them in the crib,” she says. However, your child’s size also plays a role in this decision. The AAP suggests parents move their child to another bed once they reach 35 inches tall or once the height of the crib’s railing measures about 0.75 of your child’s height, which is usually about nipple level. If you do not feel like your child is developmentally ready for a toddler bed at that point, you should discuss alternatives with your pediatrician. Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products, including convertible cribs. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include expert advice, age appropriateness, and user reviews. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cpsc issues warning on drop-side cribs; 32 fatalities in drop-side cribs in last 9 years. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Choosing a crib. HealthyChildren.org. Make baby’s room safe: parent checklist. HealthyChildren.org.