Convertible Cribs v Nonconvertible?

We bought a white convertible crib for our first (now 3) and used it as a crib, then toddler bed. It was perfect to transition her into her big girl bed. She only used it from about 20 months old until about 23 months old when we moved her into her big girl bed because little brother was going to be born. (We moved her about 6 weeks before he came so that she would be "set" with her new bed and not associate losing her other bed with his arrival.) Since our boy (1 tomorrow!) is our last, he may end up using the toddler bed a bit longer, we'll see.
This worked for us! I guess it might depend on how close together you plan on having your second as to whether you can get away with using the crib/convertible.
BTW ~ we didn't buy a toddler bed for our daughter, she went into a twin bed at 23 months. The salesman suggested getting a "bunkie board" instead of a boxspring. So she is only sleeping on a twin bed frame with a board and a mattress. This meant she was closer to the floor in case she rolled out of bed (which she never did). It was easier for her to get into (and out of) by herself and comforting for us to know she'd be safe. She's 3 now and tall, and we're probably almost ready to go buy a boxspring to add to her bed. Of course, this stage will be a ways off for you, but it was a great tip for us from our furniture salesman! (It saved us a bit of $ at the purchase and this furniture could last her until she moves out of the house! LOL)
T. B, 39
Mom to Katelyn, 3 and Matthew turns 1 tomorrow!

I would get a regular crib....the problem is, when your baby becomes a toddler, he or she may not like the convertible bed and refuse to sleep in it! Then you will end up buying a new one anyway! Part of the deal with the "big girl (or big boy)" bed was that the child gets to pick one that he or she really likes, in hopes that they will stay in it and not end up in YOUR bed, or on the floor, wandering the house, etc....

My daughter's Godmother got her a bed as a gift, and my son wanted a bed shaped like a racecar....they are always coming out with something new in kids furniture. You have no idea what will happen in 2 years....just plan for today!

K. G....mom of teens (been there, done that!)

PS. I have dogs also....please go to leerburg.com and read the article on "preventing dog bites in children", before you bring the new baby home....even the gentlest dog can become jealous of a new baby getting all the attention.

We have a convertible crib and love it. A little about our family we have 3 girls 6, 4 and 21 months. i bought a neutral blond wood crib that could be used for boy or girl if we needed. Each of the girls has used it in crib and toddler settings and it works wonderfully and the bedding for each is the same. My 4 yo has also used the bed as a full size bed with no problems at all. The full size bed is beautiful you would never know it was a crib unless some one told you. Each of my girls was upset when I told them they had to pass their bed down to their little sister but it has been a great investment for us. The only thing you will have to get when you're ready to make the crib into a full size bed is the bed rail and of coarse the larger matteres. Hope this helps.

This is the coolest crib I have ever seen and it converts to a whole bunch of stuff!

I don't own one... but wanted to share cause it's just THAT cool!

http://www.stokkeusa.com/sleepi.htm