Off the Urban Grid

Transitional Cribs: Growing with Baby

Bedding accessories for children can be expensive, and although you want your child to grow up to be big and strong, it happens quickly…sometimes too quickly that your wallet can’t seem to catch up. Hand-me-down cribs and toddler beds are a way to save money, but if you have to invest in a new bed, transitional cribs are efficient options.

Some cribs are designed to be 3 in 1 cribs. What this means is that the bed is a multi-purpose unit, which is created to grow with your child. For instance, convertible cribs can be turned into a crib, daybed and toddler bed. If you’re planning on having more children, it’s cost-effective to purchase a bed like this for your first child. Plus, this bed can always be passed down to your grandchildren. Designs such as these save you money, because you don’t have to upgrade so often, and it reduces waste too.

For more sustainable options that are healthy for your baby, consider cribs made without formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These toxins are in treated wood that is stained or painted. Even the mattress can have undesirable characteristics, so it’s beneficial to purchase an organic mattress if you can. These types of mattresses are often hypoallergenic as well as antibacterial and free of mold and dust, which is safe for your baby’s sensitive skin and lungs. Traditional mattresses can potentially contain pesticides and other chemicals depending on how the cotton or other fibers were processed.

Putting extra thought into your baby’s bed prevents you from having to buy two or more beds as your child grows. In addition, sustainable beds made from non-treated plywood and organic materials are healthier for your baby’s overall health. After all, your baby will be spending quite a bit of time off in peaceful slumber, so the less contact he/she has with chemicals, the better.

Tags: baby crib ideas, eco-friendly cribs, sustainable cribs, transitional cribs