Convertible baby cot: practical or not?

Categories: Baby Universe

Everything you need to know about convertible baby beds

In a child's room, the convertible baby bed is now widely favored by parents. Easy to install and modify, it evolves with the growth of young ones for comfortable and serene nights. It is moreover an economical piece of furniture that allows you to enjoy a beautiful room with matching furniture for as long as possible if you have chosen a complete baby room set.

Discover therefore what the principle of a convertible baby bed consists of, how to transform it, and if it is as practical a solution as it seems.

What is a convertible baby bed?

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The convertible baby bed is a crib that will transform as your child grows. In its initial form, it is most often a crib with bars. This baby bed can therefore be used from 6 months up to around 2 years of age, or when baby starts attempting escape.

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Then, baby is ready for a big kid bed. Instead of buying a new bed, you can transform your convertible baby bed. By following the furniture instructions, the bars will be removed and the bed will take the form of a child's bed, a baby bed without bars! Most often, the dimensions of this type of furniture allow you to enjoy a 0-6 years convertible baby bed. In short, a convertible baby bed is used from 6 months up to 6 years.

Why choose a convertible baby bed?

If the convertible baby bed in wood has many followers, it's because it has different advantages.

Practical

Definitively, it's an ultra-practical piece of furniture. It allows the bed to evolve with your child with complete simplicity. 




Economic

With this baby bed, parents will also make real savings. No need to buy new furniture when baby is too big to sleep in a barred bed. It's therefore one less budget to consider during the early years, which often involve numerous purchases.

Aesthetics

Beyond its practicality, the convertible baby bed is also a stylish piece of furniture. It offers many possibilities, allowing parents to choose from different designs with a wooden baby bed, a plexiglass baby bed, vintage style, etc. Moreover, you have the option to choose a complete baby room set. Thus, your convertible baby bed perfectly matches the dresser and/or wardrobe.

By choosing a convertible baby bed, the furniture in your baby's room and then your child's room remains perfectly matched.

✔️ Furniture that grows with your child

A baby develops quickly and their sleep needs change accordingly. A convertible bed is designed to adapt to different stages of growth:

  • From birth to 2 years, it serves as a secure crib with rails, protecting the child during their first months.
  • From 2 to 6 years old, the bed can be transformed into a junior bed, by removing the side rails and adjusting the mattress height.
  • From 6 years old, depending on the models, it can be enlarged to become a 90x190 cm bed, usable until adolescence.

This modular system facilitates the transition between different ages and provides a familiar and reassuring sleep environment for the child.

✔️ A long-term economic investment

Buying a convertible bed allows you to save up to 50% compared to successive purchases of a cradle, child's bed, and single bed.

By choosing a convertible model directly, you reduce furniture-related expenses while ensuring quality sleeping arrangements for your child over several years.

✔️ An eco-responsible and practical choice

Opting for a convertible bed also means reducing the ecological impact related to the production and transport of multiple pieces of furniture.

Additionally, some models are made from FSC or PEFC certified wood, ensuring responsible forest management. Solvent-free and formaldehyde-free materials also preserve air quality in the baby's room.

Finally, to optimize space, several models incorporate storage spaces, such as drawers under the bed base, an integrated changing table, or a dresser.

How to choose your convertible baby bed?

To choose your convertible baby bed well, there are several criteria you can consider. If the wooden convertible baby bed has many fans, it's because it has different advantages.

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The format

First, you must choose the format of your convertible baby bed. Most often, it's a barred baby bed that transforms into a child's bed. However, there are also convertible baby beds that can take three forms: cradle, barred bed, and child's bed. Choose the solution that best meets your needs and budget.

Not all convertible beds offer the same convertibility:

  • Some models go from 70x140 cm to 90x190 cm, allowing extended use until adolescence.
  • Others stop at 70x140 cm, ideal for small rooms but requiring the purchase of an additional bed after 6 years.

Also check the adjustable height of the bed base, which facilitates access for parents and accommodates the child's growth.

Materials

The choice of materials is also important, especially for children's furniture. It is most often recommended to opt for panels with low formaldehyde content and solvent-free paints. This way, the presence of volatile organic compounds can be limited to preserve your child's well-being.

Wood is an ideal and moreover sustainable material. For a more eco-responsible choice, you can opt for FSC or PEFC certified wood. This wood comes from eco-managed forests.*

In summary, to ensure the safety and durability of the bed, prioritize:

Solid wood or formaldehyde-free MDF (more ecological and robust).
Solvent-free paints and varnishes, to avoid toxic substances.
A simple and evolutionary design, so it adapts to all decorations.

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Manufacturing

If you want to opt for high-quality manufacturing, made in France is an excellent choice. This way, you're choosing locally designed furniture.

The style

Finally, you can choose the furniture style that best matches your baby's room. Whatever your desires, the range is very wide. You can for example opt for a vintage style convertible baby bed to give a retro look to the decoration (our Icone model for example). There are also more classic or more design models, wood color, white, colored, etc. Treat yourself to create the ideal room to prepare for your baby's arrival!

Different styles of convertible baby beds

The vintage convertible baby bed

With its retro design, often in natural or white lacquered wood, it brings a warm and elegant touch to the baby's room.

At Chambrekids, we offer the OCTAVE vintage baby bed, with a retro and very chic style. The little extra of this bed compared to a classic convertible baby bed is its integrated shelves that allow storage of all baby's items.

In another style, we have the ICONE vintage convertible baby bed. A must-have from our catalog. In a lighter color with its vintage oak, and its solid beech feet and bars, our ICONE baby bed brings an immediate elegant and timeless touch to the room. It's definitely our customers' favorite, having received numerous positive reviews.

The modern convertible baby bed

Clean lines, neutral colors (gray, white, light wood), perfect for a minimalist and contemporary interior. In this style we can offer you the Equilibre convertible baby bed.

The combination of pine and white is reminiscent of modern Scandinavian style, an irreplaceable style that will dress up your interior. There's also the Belem convertible baby bed, with its plexiglass window, whose combination with wood brings a touch of modernity; and which will allow you to keep an eye on your infant.

The convertible combination baby bed

Ideal for small spaces, it integrates storage, a changing table, and sometimes even a desk, offering an optimized and evolving space.

Compact and sturdy, this 3-in-1 bed will perfectly fit in a small baby room, with space optimization in mind.

The Bohème Wood & Sand convertible baby bed offers 4 evolution possibilities. Composed of a changing table, a 70x140 baby bed with bars, a slatted base, and an evolution kit; it will meet your expectations in terms of functionality and space saving.

Which convertible baby bed model to choose?

Model

Style

Dimensions

Key features

OCTAVE convertible baby bed

VINTAGE

70x140 cm

Solid wood, integrated shelves

ICONE convertible baby bed

SCANDINAVIAN

70x140

Clean design, solid beech feet

EQUILIBRE convertible baby bed

MODERN

70x140 cm

Contemporary style, eco-friendly wood

BOHEME convertible combination baby bed

MULTIFUNCTION

70x140 cm to 90x190 cm

Changing table, integrated storage

Which dimensions to choose for a convertible baby bed according to age

Dimensions

Recommended age

Convertibility

60x120cm

From birth to 5 years

Convertible to junior bed

70x140cm

From birth to 5 years

Convertible to junior bed

90x190cm

From 6 years to adolescence

Extended use

Assembly of the convertible baby bed

Assembling a convertible bed may seem technical, but by following these key steps, you can assemble it easily and safely.

✔️ Key steps for proper bed assembly

1️⃣ Check all provided parts by comparing them with the instruction manual. Make sure you have the necessary tools (screwdriver, Allen key, etc.).
2️⃣ Assemble the main bed frame, attaching the side panels and adjustable bed base.
3️⃣ Install the side rails, which ensure baby's safety during their first months.
4️⃣ Tighten all screws and fixings to prevent any movement once the bed is assembled.

5️⃣ Test the bed's stability by applying light pressure on different parts.

✔️ Tips for ensuring safety and stability

  • Never leave loose screws: they could compromise the bed's stability.
  • Use a mattress adapted to the convertible dimensions of the bed.
  • Check safety standards (NF EN 716-1 and 716-2) to ensure the bed comp

What age for a convertible baby bed?

  • From birth to 2 years: The bed is used as a cradle or secure barred bed, with height-adjustable bed base.
  • From 2 to 6 years old: The bed can be converted into a child's bed, by removing the side rails to offer more autonomy.
  • From 6 years old: The bed can be extended to 90x190 cm, becoming a "grown-up" bed until adolescence.

This modularity eliminates the need to buy multiple beds and facilitates the transition between different growth stages.

How to choose between a convertible baby bed and a combination baby bed?

The decision between a convertible baby bed and a combination baby bed mainly depends on your priorities and budget.

Choose a convertible bed if you want to invest in durable furniture that will accompany your child for several years. You also need to have enough space to accommodate this type of model, which can be quite large. A convertible baby bed is generally recommended to support your child's growth in the long term.

Choose a combination bed if you're looking for a space-saving solution to furnish the baby's room. You'll appreciate the practical aspect of multifunctional furniture, which combines all the necessities for caring for your child in one place.

Tips for setting up a room with a convertible bed

1. Focus on evolving decoration

Choose neutral colors for furniture (white, light wood, grey) and add more childish decorative elements (wall stickers, night lights, colorful rugs) that can be easily changed over the years.

2. Optimize space with integrated storage

Drawers under the bed base or side shelves allow storage of toys and clothes without overcrowding the room. Combination beds also include a dresser, equipped with a changing table and 4 shelves to store baby's items.

3. Plan a play area

A room should be a place for rest but also for awakening. Leave a free corner on the floor with a rug and some cushions for a cozy space.

Once you've chosen your convertible baby bed, all that's left is to furnish and decorate the baby's room! Most often, it's recommended to opt for a dresser and/or wardrobe, a changing table, and also elements to create a play area.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about convertible baby beds

✔️ Is it more expensive than a classic bed?

Yes, a convertible bed costs 20 to 30% more than a standard bed initially, but it replaces several beds, making it more economical in the long run.

✔️ Which mattress to use?

Each convertible bed has specific dimensions that change as it evolves. It's best to choose a convertible mattress or buy several adapted mattresses.

✔️ Is it safe for a baby?

Yes, provided the bed complies with NF EN 716-1 and 716-2 standards, guaranteeing stability and absence of toxic products in materials.

✔️ How to convert a baby bed?

1️⃣ Remove the side rails to switch to child bed mode.
2️⃣ Adjust the bed base height according to the child's age and needs.
3️⃣ Add an extension to enlarge the bed to 90x190 cm, if the model allows it.

Don't forget the mattress

A convertible baby bed also means choosing a baby mattress. Indeed, your furniture will most likely be delivered without a mattress (this is the case with most brands). You must therefore choose a model adapted to infant sleep.

First, turn to a specialist brand in children's furniture and/or equipment to ensure its quality. Also check that the model you have chosen is the right size. For this, refer to the recommendations of the convertible baby bed you have chosen. All that remains is to find nice bedding to complete everything.

Furnish the rest of the room

Once you've chosen your convertible baby bed, all that's left is to furnish and decorate the baby's room! Most often, it's recommended to opt for a dresser and/or wardrobe, a changing table, and also elements to create a play area.