Who doesn't love cool gadgets that morph into dozens of tools with a twist of the wrist. Finding baby equipment that grows with your child is like hitting the jackpot ? particularly when it involves big ticket items.

Purchasing a crib is one of the major decisions you'll make when furnishing your child's nursery. Size, style and color are important considerations, however another option is quickly moving up on the priority checklist ? being able to convert from a crib into a larger bed.

You'll generally use a crib for the first two to three years and then move on to a larger bed. Toddlers are still small enough to comfortably lie down in a crib, but many parents move to a bed so the child can easily get in and out ? especially important if you have a child that is scaling the sides the of the crib.

Manufacturers today are making cribs with adjustable mattress heights, removable sides and add-on kits that let you easily change the crib into a toddler or day bed and even a full size bed. These models may cost slightly more but taking into consideration that the use of the crib has been extended from two to twenty years, the additional up-front cost may be worthwhile.

For more details on convertible cribs, visit your local baby store or a furniture showroom specializing in child's furniture. Some of our favorite convertible cribs are by:

Da Vinci
The convertible cribs created by Da Vinci are some of the most beautiful cribs we have seen on the market, hands down. While some models, like the stunning sleigh bed, have sides that do not drop down, the upside is you have a beautiful piece of furniture that doesn't look like it's a crib masquerading as a bed.

Storkcraft
We've all been oohing and ahhing over the new 5 in 1 convertible by Storkcraft. Not only does it do all the normal crib to toddler to day bed to double bed transitions, but it can also be changed into a sofa! Just imagine sending your child off to college with a sofa that was once their crib! Now that getting your moneys worth!

Alta Baby
One of our moms raves about her 4 in 1 convertible bed (crib, youth bed, day bed, headboard/footboard for full size bed) and has reported that the conversion has been smooth each step of the way.

About the Author

For more great information about expecting and parenting, visit MomRecommended.com, a site for moms by moms. Annie Valle is a freelance writer, web designer and a mom. You'll find product reviews, recipes, baby names, free projects and more, when you visit http://www.momrecommended.com.