How to Build a Nursery - Drop-Side and Convertible Cribs

Hi! My name is Joe. Today, we are going to be talking about how to build your perfect nursery and I am going to talk about the differences between a Drop-side crib and a Convertible crib. No matter what crib you decide on, always make sure that you are buying it from a reputable retail store and that it meets all federal guidelines. Let's get started with the Drop-side crib.

Most Drop-side cribs will have options for wheels and a great storage space at the bottom for extra diapers, sheets, things like that. In this case, just like in most cases, the wheels are optional. It is up to you whether or not you would like to use them. Because the one side lowers on a Drop-side crib some parents feel that it's just a little bit easier to get your child in and out of it. The most common Drop-side in the industry is referred to as knee release Drop-side. This is when you lift up pushing using knee and calf, it allows one side to lower allowing you to have the child in your arm and do everything one-handed. But at this point, it normally locks your drawer. Now just like a Convertible crib, a Drop-side crib mattress will lower two to three levels, so that way the child can't grow out in an early age.

Now follow me over to the Convertible crib. In most cases, Convertible cribs are very easy to spot, because they have a defined headboard. You will hear convertible cribs referred to has two-in-one, three-in-one, four-in-one, static cribs, they are all referring to the same crib; a crib that has more that one function.

Convertible cribs at the very least will allow you to use the headboard of your crib and the footboard or your crib to convert it into a full size bed. This is the same reason why convertible cribs typically do not have drop sides. Other manufacturers will allow a transition phase like a day bed or a toddler bed to go on their crib. The day bed is just removing the front rail of your crib allowing the three sided bed, no rail that prevents the child from rolling out, but a good transition bed that would give you another year before you have to put your child into a full-size bed.

Some manufacturers take it a step further. They allow you to purchase a guard rail or transition rail that will replace your footboard and allow the child to climb in and out whenever they want, but not able to roll out when they sleep. In the next clip, Brian will be talking to you about how to pick out the proper pieces for your nursery.


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