What is a 3-in-1 convertible crib?
A convertible crib is a crib’s type, which grows with your child. But there are also subtypes of convertible cribs that differ regarding the number of their conversions.
The number in a convertible crib’s name tells you into how many bigger beds it can convert. So, what is a 3-in-1 convertible crib? A 3-in-1 convertible crib is a crib type, which can transform into two different beds.
However, not all 3-in-1 baby cribs convert into the same beds. Their types of conversions depend on the brand and also differ from model to model. While most of them transit into a toddler bed and daybed, there are also 3-in-1 convertible cribs, which skip a toddler bed phase. Such cribs convert into a daybed, twin bed, or even a full-size adult bed.
A 3-in-1 crib converts into two beds
You are buying a first bed for your baby. Although it’s nice to know that you can use it longer, you should focus mostly on the crib. Of course, that just my opinion, but babies are the most vulnerable, so pay the most attention to the safety and construction of the crib. If there is everything OK, probably all is good with the following stages too.
All 3-in-1 convertible cribs convert into two bigger beds. But as I said, the type of those beds differs from model to model. However, the most common conversions are a toddler bed and daybed.
With models that skip a toddler bed and converts directly into a daybed and later into a full-size adult bed, you avoid the possible additional costs for a toddler bed safety guardrail. But you will have to buy a full-size conversion kit for the final conversion.
However, a toddler bed doesn’t necessarily require a safety guardrail, as it can be without it as well. Read carefully if your preferred model has a toddler safety rail, and if you need to buy it separately!
Note! Babyletto’s 3-in-1 convertible cribs are one of the best and most popular cribs. Their models convert into a toddler bed and a daybed. Cribs might seem more expensive, but they have everything you need from a crib to the daybed included in the price.
Toddler bed
As I already mentioned above, there are toddler beds with or without a safety guardrail.
For those without safety, guardrail conversion is done by removing the front rail of the crib and placing the mattress into the lowest position.
Some parents are completely fine with that arrangement, while others want more security for their child. If you are among them, you need to pick up a model with a toddler safety guardrail!
But be careful! It is not the fact you will get it with the crib, and you might have to buy it separately!
Daybed
If you have a model with toddler safety guardrail, the conversion into a daybed requires two steps. First, you have to remove the safety guardrail. And second, you need to raise the mattress into a higher position.
If your toddler bed doesn’t have a safety guardrail, the conversion into a daybed is done just by raising the mattress into a higher position.
Adult bed
If your 3-in-1 baby crib skips one of the previous phases and converts into a full-size bed, you need to buy a full-bed conversion kit. The conversion kit includes a large bed frame and a mattress pad. Of course, you need a bigger mattress too.
As you see, you have to make a few extra purchases for the final conversion. That applies to all 3-in-1 models, of all brands, with the full-size conversion!
Things to consider when buying a 3-in-1 convertible crib
- what are the available conversion for the certain model
- if your preferred crib converts into a toddler bed, does it have an optional safety guardrail
- if it does, is it included, or you need to buy it separately
- if your model converts into an adult bed: where you can buy a conversion kit and how much does it cost
Baby’s Little Place tips:
If your toddler bed doesn’t have a safety guardrail included in the price, buy it at the same time as the crib! Why?
- When it’s time for the conversion into a toddler bed, you will have it at hand.
- Sometimes it’s not on the stock when parents need it. That would cause unnecessary problems for you.
- If you buy the whole package at once, you might get a discount!
Unique 3-in-1 convertible cribs
There are few slightly different 3-in-1 convertible cribs.
- portable 3-in-1 convertible cribs
- acrylic 3-in-1 convertible cribs
- 3-in-1 combo cribs
1. What is a Portable 3-in-1 convertible crib?
Of course, the portability is not the same as the portability of travel cribs, but they stand on wheels, so you can easily move them around your home. Some, like Babyletto Maki, can even fold down when they are not in use.
2. What is an acrylic 3-in-1 convertible crib?
These are modern looking cribs that usually cost a lot. While a whole crib can be acrylic, I prefer those where only parts of the crib are acrylic. Such a unit looks more comfortable and warm and also costs less.
3. What is a 3-in-1 combo crib?
A combo crib is a convertible crib with an attached changing table. Most combo cribs convert into three beds, so they belong amongst 4-in-1 convertible cribs. But there are few mini combo cribs, like Dream On Me Casco, that are classified as 3-in-1 convertible cribs.
Safety of 3-in-1 convertible crib
All new cribs must pass rigorous testing and meet the required safety standards set by the government! So, if you are buying a new 3-in-1 convertible crib, it should be safe. If you decide on a used crib, check-up if it meets the required safety standards.
There are also a few other safety risks you have to consider before you decide! You can find them in our article about new crib safety standards.
You can also check if the particular model experienced any safety issues and was recalled. You can check it on the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) site.
Other Types of convertible cribs are:
- 2-in-1 convertible cribs: a baby crib + one bed
- 4-in-1 convertible cribs: a baby crib + three beds
There are even 5-in-1 models, but they don’t differ much from 4-in-1 cribs. The only difference is the last conversion, where you can choose if you want an adult bed with or without a footboard.
What is a 3-in-1 convertible crib? It is a baby crib, which can convert into two beds. Such crib grows with your child from infant to teenage or even more.