Heirloom

Owner’s guide

How Our 4-in-1 Conversion Works

A 4-in-1 convertible crib is designed to move with your child through several stages. With the right frame and model-matched conversion kits, the same piece can support the crib, toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed configurations.

The exact stages and kit inclusion vary by model. The product page for each crib states which stages it supports and whether conversion kits are included or listed separately. If a page is unclear, ask us before ordering so we can confirm exactly what is in the box for that style.

Sketch of a hardwood crib in the nursery — the first of four conversion stages
Crib stage — the starting configuration in the nursery.

What “4-in-1” means

The four configurations are:

  1. Crib
  2. Toddler bed
  3. Daybed
  4. Full-size bed

Not every model supports every stage the same way, and not every model ships with every kit in the box.

Why the frame matters

Sketch of a woodworking workshop where solid hardwood frames are built
Sketch of solid hardwood being crafted for a convertible crib frame

The convertible cribs we offer are solid hardwood rather than particle board or MDF — made by Amish and independent US craftspeople; Heirloom is the reseller. The same posts and rails that form the crib become the headboard and footboard of the larger bed, so the underlying structure is intended to stay rigid through disassembly, reassembly, and years of use.

The crib stage

In its first configuration, the crib is a standard full-size crib with a mattress support designed for a firm, tight-fitting crib mattress, following current safe-sleep guidance and the product’s safety standards (meet or exceed CPSC and ASTM — see our Safety page).

Step 1: Convert to the toddler bed

Sketch of converting and assembling crib rails for the next stage

When your child is ready to leave the crib—typically between roughly 18 months and 3 years, depending on the child and your pediatric guidance—the front rail is removed or replaced using the model-matched toddler conversion kit. The result is a low toddler bed while the frame remains familiar.

What changes: The front crib rail comes off or is swapped for the toddler rail. The mattress support stays low. The bed still uses a crib or toddler mattress according to the product specifications.

Step 2: Convert to the daybed

In the daybed configuration, the front rail is removed entirely and the back panel and side rails remain in place. The result is a three-sided bed.

What changes: The front rail is removed. Back and side panels remain. No floor rail is required in this stage.

Step 3: Convert to a full-size bed

For the full-size bed stage, the crib sides and front rail are replaced by the model-matched full conversion kit. The kit typically adds a new headboard/footboard extension or hardware so the original head and footboards frame a full-size mattress.

What changes: Crib sides are removed; the full-size kit extends the frame. Use a full-size mattress according to the product specifications and kit instructions.

Do you need a different mattress at each stage?

Generally, the crib stage uses a firm, tight-fitting crib mattress. Later stages may use different mattress sizes, such as a toddler or full-size mattress, depending on the configuration and kit. Always follow the product specifications and kit instructions for the stage you are setting up. We do not replace pediatric safe-sleep advice; see our Safety page for product standards context.

Are the conversion kits included?

It depends on the style. Some configurations include the conversion kits with the crib; others list the kits separately as purchasable options. The product page shows what applies to each model. If you are unsure, ask us and we will confirm what is included for the exact SKU.

Do I need to buy a new crib as my child grows?

That is the point of a 4-in-1: with the right kits, one solid hardwood crib can serve through the crib, toddler, daybed, and full-size stages. The kits are model-matched and engineered for the specific Heirloom frame. Use only the kit intended for your model and follow its instructions.

How ordering works

Sketch of delivery arriving once your made-to-order crib is ready

Same path as our homepage — not deposit-first:

  1. 01 Choose and Customize — Choose your crib style; hardwood and stain follow. Confirm what stages and kits apply on the product page.
  2. 02 Confirm Order (quality check) — Nothing is charged when you place an order. We call to confirm stain, kit list, and delivery before anything is built. Then a Stripe invoice; a minimum 50% deposit begins production.
  3. 03 Built and Finishing by Hand — Amish and independent US craftspeople make your piece to order (typically six to eight weeks). Balance is invoiced once staining is complete — not before.
  4. 04 Delivered to Your Nursery — Curbside or White Glove; we deliver in PA, NJ (excluding the New York City / North Jersey metro area) and MD. Confirm your zip with us.

Ask us before you put a deposit down if anything about stages or kits is unclear. Cancellation and deposit terms are on our Returns, Cancellations & Refunds page.

What to ask before you buy

  • Which stages does this specific model support?
  • Are the conversion kits included or sold separately?
  • What mattress sizes does each stage require?
  • What is the current lead time for my style, wood, and stain?
  • Curbside or White Glove — which fits my address (and zip in PA, NJ or MD)?