Excellent solution for kids: crib-transformer

Parents always want their children to have the very best. But time flies quickly, and often they only manage to buy something new for their son or daughter, as soon as purchased it becomes outdated. Unfortunately, this applies not only to clothing but also to furniture. If you choose a child's bed with just a small margin, you will soon have to spend money on a new one. How can you save money and at the same time consider each age group's needs? You don't want to buy a full-size bed or sofa for a baby. An excellent solution in this case is a children's crib-transformer.

Advantages of children's crib-transformers:

• they allow you to avoid purchasing new furniture for some time;
• the bed becomes familiar to the child, but at the same time it is updated thanks to its transformation;
• the crib-transformer set may include not only a sleeping area, but also a nightstand, storage boxes, and a desk;
• due to its multi-functionality and compactness, such furniture provides everything a child needs even in the smallest bedroom;
• there is a wide selection of sizes, materials, shapes, colors, and configurations.

Photo 1 — Micuna Big Petit Prince Crib-Transformer

Photo 2 — Micuna Big Petit Prince Crib-Transformer

The wide range of children's beds requires examining specific selection criteria.

Features of transformation.

If we do not consider fold-down, slide-out, and bunk beds discussed in other articles, mostly two variants of multi-functional children's beds are offered.

• In the first case, the transformation only involves removing the side rails, leaving a free sleeping area.
• In the second case, the bed frame is much larger than the size of a baby's crib, limited by side rails and other parts of the transformer. The sleeping area expands due to removing not only the side rails but also a nearby nightstand.

Naturally, the second variant is intended for long-term use and can be used from birth until adolescence. The first variant is for newborns and preschool children, and a child over 7 years old will need different furniture.

Photo 3 — Mila Crib-Transformer by Lanami

Sizes.

Standard dimensions of the crib, indicated in descriptions of transformers, are 100-120 cm in length and 60-70 cm in width. There are plenty of full-size sleeping area options: its length can be between 140 and 180 cm, with the width mostly being 70-80 cm. Plus or minus ten centimeters will play a role not only in how soon a new bed is needed but also in how the children's furniture fits into the setting of a tiny bedroom or nursery.

Photo 4 — Bertoni Maxi Plus Transformed Bed

Material.

Children's cribs are made from particle board, wood, or a combination of these materials (for example, everything can be made from boards, while slats are made from wood), with MDF also used in finishing. Of course, the best option is furniture entirely made from wood. But wood is wood: considering that starting around half a year, active activity in the child's crib will be observed, furniture made from soft woods may not last long. Therefore, one should choose a sturdy crib-transformer that won't break and will maintain a good appearance despite any antics of the child. This would be a bed made from beech wood, which is mainly used for slats.

Photo 5 — Leander Wooden Crib-Transformer, although made from soft Scandinavian pine

Configuration and other features

• Children's crib-transformers have a removable side rail that can be completely or partially dismantled, or it can be a single unit that is removed over time and used as a desk.
• Some models include a crib for newborns with a swing.
• As mentioned earlier, the set may include a nightstand or small dresser. A convenient addition to the bed is storage boxes placed under its base.
• Regarding the bed base itself, in transformers its height is adjustable: usually there are 2 or 3 adjustment levels. This is a very useful feature that will come in handy as the child grows up. It's better if the base is not solid but grid-like.
• When choosing a children's crib-transformer, one should also consider the distance between the slats of the side rail: it is preferable that it is not too wide, as the child could squeeze through and get stuck between the slats.
• The mattress is often not included in the set and must be purchased separately.

Photo 6 — Micuna CONVER DREAM Crib-Transformer with dresser and shelves

The design of the crib-transformer remains a matter of parental taste, but it is better to buy furniture in calm tones with a small or unobtrusive pattern, or without any. Milk-toned furniture is very popular – it perfectly fits into any children's room decor and blends well with an abundance of bright colors in other items.