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A convertible crib is a crib that turns into a toddler bed, then a daybed, and on many models a full or double bed. "4-in-1" or "5-in-1" counts those stages, including the crib itself. The catch is that the later stages often need parts that are sold separately, such as a toddler gate or bed rails, and the double bed stage needs a bigger mattress. Before you buy, ask which parts come in the box and which you'd buy later.
The stages, and what each one needs
| Stage | What changes | What you might need |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | The full crib, with the mattress support usually adjustable in height | A crib mattress that fits |
| Toddler bed | The front side comes off and a low gate or rail goes on, with the mattress support usually at its lowest position | A toddler gate or rail made for your model; the same crib mattress |
| Daybed | The front side comes off with no rail, like a couch-style bed | Usually nothing extra; the same crib mattress |
| Full or double bed | The crib's headboard and sometimes footboard become the ends of a bigger bed | Bed rails made for your model, a larger mattress, and a bunky board or box spring; some models offer a separate low footboard |
The count depends on how the brand lists its stages. A double bed with the crib's end as the footboard and a double bed with a separate low footboard may count as two. The names aren't standard across brands, so check the list of stages for the exact model.
What to ask before you buy
- Which conversion parts come in the box? On some models, the toddler gate and the bed rails are included; on others, they're sold separately.
- What are the part numbers for my crib? Conversion parts are made for a specific crib model, and often a specific finish. Note the model number and finish name when you buy.
- Will the parts still be available later? You might not need the bed rails for several years. If you're sure you'll use the bed stage, buying the rails with the crib means the finish matches and you're not hunting for them later.
- Does the bed stage fit my room? As an example, the Natart Kyoto double bed conversion rails ($389.99 to $399) are 75 inches long and take a standard 54-inch double mattress with a bunky board or box spring. A double bed takes much more floor space than the crib did.
Convertible or standard crib?
A convertible crib makes sense if you'd like the same furniture to stay in the room for years, and you're happy to buy a toddler gate, rails and a bigger mattress along the way. Natart's convertible models include the Taylor 5-in-1 ($1,318.99) and the Como 4-in-1 ($1,438.99).
A standard crib makes sense if you'd rather choose a separate bed later, or you plan to pass the crib to a second baby while your older child moves to a bed. Natart's island cribs, such as the Palo Island Crib ($1,098.99), are standard cribs. Our Palo Island vs convertible crib comparison sets the two side by side.
Prices are in CAD and were current when we wrote this. If a second baby is likely, a convertible crib in use as a toddler bed can't be the baby's crib at the same time; our second baby checklist covers how families plan for that.
When to convert
Health Canada says a child should stop using a crib once they're taller than 90 cm (about 35 in) or can climb out, whichever comes first. That's when the toddler bed stage comes in. Our guide to moving from a crib to a toddler bed covers how to make the switch.
Converting safely
- Use only the manufacturer's parts for your model. Health Canada says crib repairs should use parts from the original manufacturer, and broken parts should never be fixed with tape, wire or rope.
- Keep the instructions, or note where to find them online. If you've lost them, contact the manufacturer for a copy and for any missing parts.
- Check the mattress fit at every stage that uses the crib mattress. Push it against the sides; Health Canada says there shouldn't be a gap of more than 3 cm (1 3/16 in). Our crib mattress guide covers what to look for.
- Tighten the hardware after each conversion and check it every so often. Don't use a crib or bed with loose or missing parts.
Want to see the conversion parts in person? Call our Richmond, Burnaby or Ottawa store ahead of your visit to ask which cribs we have on the floor, and bring your crib's model number if you already own one. You can also browse all our cribs online.
