It's so hard figuring out this whole parenting thing — especially for first-time parents. When it comes to cribs, who even knows what we should be looking for, other than, well, it being a safe and sturdy little space for our sweet little muffins to sleep in?
Well, there are a few things experienced parents will frequently tell first-timers to look for: specifically, a convertible crib is a huge money-saver. They allow for different mattress settings, so that there's less back strain when frequently picking up a new kiddo (especially after a C-section or a trying birth). Leave the mattress at a higher height when the baby is newborn, then once they start standing on their own, the mattress can be lowered to keep them from climbing out!
Some convertible beds can then be converted into a toddler bed with side rails, then into a big-kid bed — even through their teenage years!
Anyone who says they know everything about being a mom is totally kidding themselves. Celeb first-time moms will even admit it's not easy on anyone. For those looking for ways to help out a new mama, consider things that aren't on her registry but that she'll so appreciate. Or, look for other genuinely useful ways to help out a new mom.
A crib is an essential piece of nursery furniture, and it's important to find one that is well made and safe. Take a breath, read through this list of great convertible crib options and choose one that seems like a great fit for the family.
Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
We love the absolute simplicity and grace of this crib. It goes from a crib that offers not one, not two, but three mattress position to a toddler bed, then to a day bed, and finally a full-sized bed with a headboard (with some added parts, of course).
Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib ($200, Amazon)
Audrey Convertible Crib
How gorgeous is this design? We love this crib because it's got so much midcentury modern charm, but also because it's Greenguard-certified, made of sustainably-sourced wood, and has a water-based, child-safe finish.
Audrey Convertible Crib ($700, West Elm)
Rudd 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
This neutral, gray crib is such a beautiful piece in any nursery and for a baby of either gender. This one converts all the way up to a full-sized bed, is super safe, and offers four different mattress positions.
Rudd 5-in-1 Convertible Crib ($220, Wayfair)
Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
This crib is an excellent value at the under-$200 point, and it's Grreenguard Gold certified, so it's a really healthy, safe choice while still being on the more inexpensive side of the spectrum. It's really sturdy and beautiful.
Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib ($180, Wayfair)
Stokke Natural Convertible Sleepi Crib and Toddler Bed
We love the cool oval shape of this crib — and the fact that the adjustable height and lockable wheels mean it's as easy as pie to get kiddo in and out (and move them from room to room, as desired).
Stokke Natural Convertible Sleepi Crib and Toddler Bed ($800, Crate & Barrel)
Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Convertible Crib
This crib is made of extremely sturdy pine, and offers a three-position mattress support. It meets ASTM safety standards, and will convert from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and then a full-sized bed.
Dream On Me Ashton 5 in 1 Convertible Crib ($130, Amazon)
Evolur Julienne 5 in 1 Convertible Crib
Made of kiln-dried hardwood, this extremely elegant crib comes with a beautiful fabric and will turn into a great toddler bed with the conversion kit. The matching dresser is really gorgeous, too. We love the classic curve and the sturdiness.
Evolur Julienne 5 in 1 Convertible Crib ($600, Amazon)
Costzon Baby Convertible Crib Toddler Bed
Made of solid hardwood, this budget-friendly crib is easy to assemble with two people, and is made to last throughout the first years. This bed offers three positions for the mattress and converts until the baby is three years old.
Costzon Baby Convertible Crib Toddler Bed ($129, Amazon)
Davinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
We adore the bright pop of color from this convertible crib! It's Greenguard Gold Certified, so there are no toxic chemicals in its paint or construction, it has four adjustable mattress positions, and is made completely of sustainable New Zealand pine wood.
Davinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ($180, Amazon)
Babyletto Bingo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib & Storage Combo
Another great option with storage, this crib features a bookcase which provides storage for everything from toys to baby books to folded clothing. The toddler conversion kit is included on this one, which accounts for the price. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine and Greenguard Certified Clean Air Finishes.
Babyletto Bingo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and Storage Combo ($550, SimplyBabyFurniture)
Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib
This bed is modern-looking, and the clear slats give it an open feel that lets the baby see more of the room while also blending more easily into the rest of the design. Greenguard Gold Certified and made in a Fair Trade facility.
Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib ($800, Pottery Barn Kids)
Blythe Convertible Crib
This bed is so elegant, with fluted posts, hand-tufted washed linen, and detailed molding. It offers two height options and converts into a toddler bed with the help of a conversion kit, which has to be purchased separately.
Blythe Convertible Crib ($800, Pottery Barn Kids)
Graco Solano 4 in 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer Pebble
If storage space is an issue in the home — or even just the nursery — this is a great choice. With clean, simple lines that will work with most decor styles, the bed offers three mattress heights and will grow all the way to a full-sized bed (with additions). Easy to assemble.
Graco Solano 4 in 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer Pebble ($170, Walmart)
Delta Children Kingswood 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
We love the elegant look of this dark-wood crib, although it also comes in gray or white finishes that may be more appropriate, depending on the color scheme of the nursery. It has three height positions and can convert all the way up to a full-sized bed (with additions).
Delta Children Kingswood 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib ($125, Walmart)
Delta Children Brookside 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The sleigh style of this bed is so cool and kind of magical-looking. We love the fact that when this converts to a full-sized bed, it comes with a footboard and a headboard. Easy to assemble, but parents may want to use their own tools rather than the Allen wrench provided.
Delta Children Brookside 4-in-1 Convertible Crib ($130, Walmart)
Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
What a cool color for a crib, although this same style comes in neutral tones, too! We love the clean lines and that there are three mattress height positions. This one is extremely easy to assemble.
Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib ($140, Overstock.com)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.