Convertible cribs are also sometimes called stationary cribs. They are designed to grow and adapt with your baby by converting into larger beds as the baby grows to a toddler. Some of them have drawers or changing stations built into the crib; others do not.
Of course, a convertible crib does not guarantee that your child won’t grow faster than the crib can convert, but in general, they are a good way to prepare for the future.
Portable cribs, also known as mini cribs, are designed to be more compact so as to move easier. They often have wheels and will generally fold for easy transport. These are ideal for parents who frequently move their crib from the nursery to the parent’s room, a grandparents house, or for travel purposes.

Picking one convertible crib that stands out from all the rest of them is no easy task. However, we feel that the Delta Children 4-in-1 is the best combination of value and function. Consider some of the highlights.
There are dozens, if not hundreds of different makes and models of the convertible crib. Wading through all of that can be daunting, especially for first-time parents. We’ve created this guide to help you find smart choices without all the shopping around, providing you with all the information you need to make a good purchase for your new arrival.
If you are interested in information regarding portable cribs, we have a guide for that as well.
Things to Consider
Not all convertible cribs are the same. Far from it, in fact! There are three-in-one, four-in-one and five-in-one models. Some have built-in drawers, changing stations and other features. With so many different things to remember, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Versatility
The number one reason to buy a convertible crib is that of its ability to transform from a crib into something else. Pay attention to the different possible conversions a convertible crib can make.
2. Additional Accessories
On the flip side of versatility is the fact that convertible cribs don’t always include the conversion rails or mattresses needed to make the conversion. It’s up to you how much of a difference that makes.
3. Size
It’s important for you to figure out how much room you’ll have in your nursery and what furniture and accessories you intend to keep in theirs. Will you need a drawer and a changing station? A bin for her toys? Know how much room you have before you order the crib.
4. Design
There is a lot of aesthetic differences between different cribs. Some of them are more decorative than others. They also come in several colors, such as espresso and white. Consider what styles and colors would fit in best with your nursery. Also, remember that it’s easier to paint a white crib than a brown one.
5. Price
Unfortunately, so many things in life come down to how much we can afford. If you have a modest budget, it may not be a good idea to push it too far. By the same token, the crib is going to be your child’s bed for his formative years. It’s not something you want to skimp on.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best Convertible Baby Cribs
Products | Features |
---|---|
EDITOR’S PICK
4.6 765+ 765+ |
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at Amazon
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MOST REVIEWED
4.3 1,050+ 1050+ |
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at Amazon
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TOP PICK
4.3 1,905+ 1905+ |
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at Amazon
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BUDGET PICK
4.5 1,300+ 1300+ |
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at Amazon
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BUDGET PICK
4.5 880+ 880+ |
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at Amazon
|
Picking one convertible crib that stands out from all the rest of them is no easy task. However, we feel that the Delta Children 4-in-1 is the best combination of value and function. Consider some of the highlights.
Under $150
Dream On Me, Carson Classic 3 in 1
Features
- Measures 53 L x 33 W x 35 H
- Two-in-one conversion
- Weighs 36 pounds
Dream On Me is one of the biggest names in affordable cribs. As such, this classic two-in-one convertible crib is the first of three of their cribs we recommend.
This is a very nice crib for the price, and it comes in four attractive finishes such as cherry wood. It comes with removable locking wheels, and it has three different mattress support levels to suit your baby’s development. The style is simple but attractive, and at just 36 pounds, this is a very lightweight crib.
However, there is one thing that is misleading. The Amazon page for this crib describes it as a three-in-one crib, but it is only a two-in-one. It converts to a toddler day bed but makes no other conversions.
Dream On Me 4 in 1 Aden Convertible Mini Crib
Features
- Measures 39 L x 23 W x 36 H
- Four-in-one conversion
- Weighs 20 pounds
I promised you more Dream On Me cribs, and I wasn’t lying. This attractive crib converts from a mini crib into a toddler daybed and eventually into a twin-size bed (with or without the foot board). Bedding and the twin size frame are not included but are available for purchase separately.
One of the reasons convertible cribs are so popular is because they grow with your child on their journey to adulthood. This convertible crib features three different height settings before finally resting on the floor when your toddler is ready for it. Eight different finishes are available, and this crib weighs a surprisingly light 20 pounds.
If you’re looking for a convertible crib on a budget, this is probably your best bet. It’s slightly more expensive than the last Dream On Me, but I think it’s worth it.
Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible
Features
- Measures 54.5 L x 35 W x 38 H
- Five-in-one conversion
- Weighs 51.5 pounds
Our third and final Dream On Me entry, this model converts from a crib to a daybed, toddler bed, and full-size twin bed, with or without the foot board. The bed frame and mattress are not included. The toddler and full-size rails are also sold separately.
This is a lot like the last Dream On Me model. It offers one further layer of conversion but in most other respects is very similar. This isn’t a bad thing, however. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I do wish they included all the railings, however.
I understand that this is designed as a budget crib, but I wouldn’t mind paying for them now and not have to worry about hunting for them five years from now.
The crib comes with thirteen different options for finish. It is a very nice crib that looks good and is affordable. I personally preferred the four-in-one because I thought it offered most of the same features for somewhat less, but either way, this is a solid investment for the future.
Best Convertible Baby Cribs Under $200
Dream On Me Cape Cod 5 in 1 Convertible Crib
Features
- Measures 58 L x 31 W x 49 H
- Five-in-one conversion
- Weighs 50 pounds
The Cape Cod 5 in 1 Convertible Crib converts to a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-size bed with or without the footboard. The headboard adaptor kit that is sold separately.
The bed has a sturdy construction and comes with a one-year warranty. It features 3 height options to accommodate your baby as he or she grows. As usual, the guardrails, mattresses, and full-size bed frames are sold separately.
The crib comes in 6 colors, so there will be no issue choosing which one is perfect for your baby’s or your room. Since it’s extremely lightweight, you should be able to move it from one place to another without hassle.
Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
Features
- Measures 55.75 L x 30.25 W x 44 H
- Four-in-one conversion
- Weighs 59.2 pounds
Delta Children is another major producer of children’s cribs, and their four-in-one convertible is a fine example of a classically-influenced design that offers convenient options for the future.
This crib converts into a toddler daybed, a toddler bed, and a full-size bed. While toddler daybed support is included, toddler guardrails and crib conversion rails are not included in this purchase. Assembly was fairly easy, and it comes with a three-way adjustable mattress.
While this is somewhat more expensive than Dream On Me’s entries, I feel like the construction was a little more solid, and I really liked the aesthetic design of this one. It is also very reasonably priced.
Best Convertible Baby Cribs Under $250
Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer
Features
- Measures 55.9 L x 29.7 W x 41.6 H
- Four-in-one conversion
- Weighs 52.9 pounds
I mentioned not long ago that I like drawers, so I was quite pleased to find that this crib also included a drawer at the base, perfect for storing clothing, bedding and other essentials. The crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. Guard rails and bedding are not included.
The crib has three different heights for your crib mattress, and the crib is available in espresso and white finishes.There isn’t much to say about this crib that I haven’t already said about others. The primary difference here is the quality of the construction, as well as the one-year warranty that comes with the crib.
The crib is very well built, and the inclusion of the drawer makes it a great bargain. That said, I prefer the design of the five-in-one Davenport crib that also includes a drawer. That is a matter of taste, of course.
DaVinci Emily Mini 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Features
- Measures 39.5 L x 28 W x 38 H
- Two-in-one conversion
- Weighs 42 pounds
I have deduced that the use of New Zealand pine must raise the value of furniture, as the two-in-one conversion of this model seems like a step back from the previous cribs on this list. It makes a lot of sense because New Zealand pine is a very high-quality wood.
What doesn’t make any sense to me is the conversion of this crib. It converts from a mini crib to a twin size bed. There’s nothing wrong with that conversion, but it seems to me that the logical conversion would be from a crib to a toddler bed or daybed.
This doesn’t detract from the quality of the crib in any way. It is a beautiful crib that is tall enough to keep babies safe no matter which of the four heights you set it. The price is very reasonable for the quality of the crib, but the conversion still baffles me.
Under $300
DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Features
- Measures 58.2 L x 31.1 W x 48.4 H
- Four-in-one conversion
- Weighs 59.5 pounds
Most convertible cribs can charge lower prices by selling the rails and frames necessary for the conversions separately. What I like to abut this crib is that it includes the toddler rails. This makes a lot of sense to me, as a child is going to grow out of their crib in just a year or two, and already having the rails on hand saves a lot of hassle.
The crib offers four adjustable mattress levels to accommodate your child as they grow. The assembly is a cinch, and the hardware is kept out of sight, so the crib looks as nice as possible.
The crib is made out of New Zealand pine and is very reasonably priced. This is a very good crib at a fair price. The inclusion of the toddler rails in particular definitely makes it worth the asking price.
Under $300
Storkcraft Steveston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer with Drawer
Features
- Measures 59.37 L x 37.75 W x 6.38 H
- Four-in-one conversion
- Weighs 50 pounds
Storks no longer deliver babies, as we all know, but apparently, they do build convertible cribs. I’m kidding, of course, but Storkcraft makes a very fine convertible crib that is at once attractive, functional, and convenient.
Steveston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib converts from a crib to a toddler bed, a day bed, as well as a full bed. You will need to purchase a guardrail and the bed frame separately. It has 3 adjustable mattress positions to grow with your baby.
What’s great about this bed are the 2 shelves attached to it and the changing station on top. Moreover, the bed has a large wide drawer underneath to store all the essentials needed for your baby.
Under $600
Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Fixed Side Convertible Crib and Changer
Features
- Measures 71 L x 32.5 W x 43 H
- Four-in-one conversion
- Weighs 125 pounds
There’s a pretty large jump in price between the last crib and this one, but there is a very good reason for that: this crib includes an attached changing station.
Like most four-in-one convertible cribs, this transforms from a full-size crib into a day bed, toddler bed and full-size bed. It includes a waterproof changing pad and like most other cribs offers three adjustable mattress levels.
When converting the crib, the attached changing station detaches and becomes a nightstand, adapting with your child like the rest of the crib. In addition to everything else, this is a gorgeous piece of furniture that will make a graceful addition to your nursery.
Conclusion
There are more choices for convertible cribs than you can shake a stick at. Hopefully, this guide has helped make some sense of the chaos and has guided you towards picking the perfect crib for your new arrival.
If you have any questions or comments, or simply wish to share your experience, drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you!