It is not always easy to choose the bed for your child, especially when you want to invest over time. A convertible bed can be the right compromise. What are the criteria to be taken into consideration? Here is our selection.
It won't be long before your baby is pointing the tip of his nose. Impatience is felt. But like all parents, a thousand questions go through your head, especially the one about bed. You would like it to be comfortable, practical, secure, and usable over time. Is it really possible? Yes, there are convertible beds that can be used from the birth of your child to the age of 4-5 years, or even older. A big advantage … Especially since there are different models, with or without a changing table, hung or not on a piece of furniture, with or without a drawer. In short, you are spoiled for choice. But how do you choose it? What is the best value for money?
Here is our selection of five convertible beds and our advice on how to choose them:
Top 1 – Belem convertible cot bed from Chambrekids.com
The strongest
This scalable baby bed is made in France in La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime. It is made from environmentally friendly wood. It comes with a chest of drawers and a storage drawer that can be separated. The different elements are painted with water-based paints without solvents harmful to health and without voling organic components (C.O.V). The initial baby bed measures 70X140 cm and turns into a 90X190 cm bed. This product is available in two colors: white or white and linen. This scalable baby bed meets French standards in terms of safety and quality.
Indicative price: 759 euros on Chambrekids
Characteristics :
- The bed is modular. It goes from 70X140 cm to 90X190 cm
- The 70X140 cm bed base is provided. It is adjustable to three heights
- The mattress is not provided
- However, the 90X190 cm one is not provided.
- Weight: 100 kg
- The bed is delivered in four packages
- Size and weight of the different packages:
- 1st package: 99 X 57 X 10 cm for 20 kg
- 2nd package: 109 X 95 X 6 cm for 30 kg
- 3rd package: 149 X 90 X 6 cm for 28 kg
- 4th package: 199 X 34 X 12 cm for 22 kg
- You must assemble the upgradeable baby bed yourself
What we like:
Its design and quality. This baby bed is particularly aesthetic. No need to lean over the bed to see or watch your baby because both sides are transparent. An advantage for parents but also for babies who can easily contemplate what is happening around them while growing up. We also notice the beautiful finishes. This scalable baby bed is also very solid. It is possible to keep it for several years even for the birth of a second child.
What we like less:
Baby sometimes bumps into plexiglass during restless nights. Rest assured, it makes a little noise but does not hurt him!
Top 2 – Evolunid bed with changing table from Verbaudet
The smartest
Available on :
This convertible bed is made in France. Four uses are possible: cradle, pine crib, junior bed and bench. When the bed is placed in cradle mode, a seat is provided to watch and cradle baby. It is sold with a base for a cradle and a base for the crib. This convertible bed is available in two colors: white and light gray. It complies with French standards in terms of safety and quality.
Indicative price: 649 euros (549 euros, club price) on Verbaudet
Characteristics :
- The bed is 190cm long, 103cm high and 67.5cm deep
- A location is provided under the bed for a drawer. It is however sold separately.
- Four possible uses:
- A bed of 40×80 cm up to the age of 4 months, a seat, a changing table that supports up to 15 kg and two storage niches
- A crib, sleeping 60×120 cm with two-position height-adjustable base and storage spaces
- Junior bed, 90×190 cm bed with removable protective barriers on the sides and an independent bedside
- Bench with a 60×120 cm seat and storage space
- The bed is delivered with two box springs, for the cradle and the crib. However, you must buy the bed base for junior bed, the mattress, the changing mat
- It is guaranteed for one year
What we like:
Very practical and compact. This bed can be used from birth in cradle mode, evolve into a crib then into a junior bed. When the child grows up, it turns into a bench and offers many modular storage spaces. You can therefore leave with peace of mind for several years. A good price-performance ratio.
What we like less:
The colors are sober but lack a little originality. Too bad the various accessories – drawer, storage bins, seat cushion – are sold separately.
More information on Verbaudet.
Top 3 – Sauthon nova convertible cot
The most practical
Available on :
This convertible bed can be used in four positions: cot from birth, junior bed, teen bed and double bed. It is also made in France. It is sold with two box springs, for the baby bed and the junior bed. As for the colors, the bed is lacquered in partridge gray and loft gray with a loft gray wood decor. The bed meets French standards in terms of safety and quality.
Indicative price: 399 euros on La Redoute
Characteristics :
- Convertible bed in four stages:
- Cot, bed 70×140 cm, usable from 0 to 3 years
- Junior bed, 70×140 cm bed, usable from 4 to 6 years
- Teen bed, 90×200 cm bed
- Bed adjustable in three height levels
- 90X200 and 140X200 transformation kits supplied
- 90X200 and 140X200 cm bed bases and mattress not provided
- Bed drawer sold separately
- Self-assembly bed
What we like:
Its innovative concept and practicality. It is particularly appreciable that the bed can accompany the child from birth to adulthood. It is possible to invest in a changing table, which can be transformed into a desk when the child grows up. The wood is of good quality. It is easy to assemble and transform. A good investment over time.
What we like less:
The design, a little too classic.
More information on La Redoute.
Top 4 – Malo ecological evolving cot by Alfred et Compagnie
The most compact
Where to buy it?
This convertible bed is made entirely of birch wood from eco-managed forests. It can be used in two positions: 70×140 cm metal crib and junior bed without barriers. It is adjustable to three heights: 17, 35 and 50 cm. This product is available in a single color, white. The bed complies with current European rules.
Indicative price: 654.04 euros on Amazon
Characteristics :
- The bed measures, 144cm in length, 74cm in width, 88cm in exterior height
- The product is delivered in two packages for a total weight of 38kg
- The box spring is made of plywood with ventilation holes
- The 70X140 cm mattress is sold separately
- The bed to assemble yourself
What we like:
Its quality materials, its robustness and its beautiful finishes. This bed is very solid. It is possible to keep it for very long years and use it from generation to generation. The bed is easy to assemble and disassemble. The bars are easily removed. This bed takes up little space. It is therefore ideal for small spaces and adapts equally well to a little girl's or boy's environment.
What we like less:
The lack of choice of colors. Too bad it is not possible to add a drawer or modular storage next to the bed. The price is a bit high but this is explained by its quality materials.
Top 5 – Baby Price Smile Convertible Combination Cot
The most design
Available on :
This convertible bed is in Ash Beech. It is sold with a modular chest of drawers. Both products are made in France. The raw beech base is adjustable to three different heights. This convertible bed can be used in two positions: 60X120 cm and 90X190. It is white lacquered and decorated with just smile patterns. The handle of the dresser is shaped like a cloud. It meets French standards.
Indicative price: 299 euros on Babyprice
Characteristics :
- The bed can be used in two positions: 60X120cm and 90X190cm.
- It weighs 93kg
- The chest of drawers can be used with the bed as a compact unit or can be used separately
- The chest of drawers with two fixed shelves
- The base is adjustable to three heights
- 90X190 base and mattress not provided
- The set can be completed with a cabinet from the Baby Price brand
- Guaranteed 2 years
What we like:
The quality of its materials. The bed is solid and can be used for several children. Its bars are wide, but the child can easily hold onto them as they grow older.
What we like less:
Small loss of space under the bed. A drawer is missing under the box spring. We also regret that there are bars only on one side. The assembly instructions are not always easy to understand.
Here are our tips for choosing the right convertible bed
The big advantage of an upgradeable cot is its durability. Your child is growing up quickly, too quickly … With this type of bed, you are at peace for several years. Depending on the model, it can be transformed into two, three or even four positions. This piece of furniture evolves at the same rate as the child. First, a bed with bars and plexiglass, then a bed secured by barriers to prevent your little one from falling out of bed. It then converts into a classic crib. The different models are generally delivered with conversion kits. The beds are easy to assemble, disassemble and transform. However, it is necessary to change the base regularly depending on the size of the bed.
Until what age can an extendable bed be used?
The convertible bed can be used from birth or at the age of three to four months depending on its size. Most of the time, the base is adjustable to three heights. It is necessary to lower it as the child grows so that it cannot climb up and out of bed. From the age of three, it is possible to convert the cot into a junior bed and add a safety barrier to make the child feel safe. The next step is to remove that security barrier. Some models convert to a teenager's bed or even a double bed.
What are the criteria to take into account when choosing an upgradeable baby bed?
When investing in an upgradeable bed, several criteria must be taken into consideration. The main criterion is, of course, safety. It helps to choose a sturdy convertible bed with quality materials. Solid wood is preferred. It is also essential to buy furniture that meets French and European standards. It is also better to bet on furniture painted with water without solvents harmful to health and without stealing organic components (C.O.V). The quality of the box spring and the mattress are also to be taken into consideration to ensure your little one has a good night's sleep. To optimize space, it may be a good idea to go with a convertible combination bed, adaptable to your needs. Some models offer a changing table, cabinet or modular storage niches. Also consider the storage drawer under the box spring which adds storage. Other models are equipped with a seat with cushion to allow parents to look after their child. Finally, for those who pay attention to the decor, do not hesitate to look at the different designs available.
In general, the baby mattress is supplied directly with the extendable bed. It is made up of several parts that can be connected with ties or velcro. It should be changed and adjusted as the child grows. It is therefore advisable to buy a firm mattress for the comfort of your child's back. Latex mattresses are generally recommended, as long as they are naturally hypoallergenic. Make sure that the words "conforms to safety requirements" are mentioned and that the mattress has received an anti-mite and antibacterial treatment.