Crib That Converts to a Full-Size Bed: How It Works, What It Costs, and Which Cribs Go the Distance

One crib, five stages, from the first night to forever.

Short answer: a convertible crib becomes a full-size bed when you remove the front rail and attach full-length side rails between the crib's headboard and footboard. You then lay slats across the rails for a standard full mattress (54 × 75 in). At Romina, every convertible crib has a matching Conversion Kit ($530) with two design-specific side rails and two sets of slats, so you don't need a box spring. Plan for the kit from day one, or buy a Crib to College set that includes it.

Below: each stage explained, the real cost, and the Romina cribs built to make the trip.

How does a convertible crib turn into a full-size bed?

Most "4-in-1" and "5-in-1" cribs follow a similar path. Romina's convertible cribs grow through five official stages:

1. Standard Crib (0–24 months). Solid wood mattress support with three height settings: start high for a newborn and lower it as your baby sits and stands.
2. Toddler Bed (24 months–4 years). Add a crib-specific Toddler Rail ($275; $260 for Imperio). It's cut to match your crib's design and keeps the bed easy to climb in and out of.
3. Daybed (24 months–4 years). Remove the front rail. On Romina's convertible cribs (Dakota, Antonio, Imperio, Karisma and others) the daybed stage needs no extra purchase.
4. Full Size Bed (4 years to forever). Add the Conversion Kit ($530). The crib's headboard and footboard become the bed's headboard and footboard.
5. Customised Full Size Bed (4 years to forever). Swap the tall crib end for a Low-Profile Footboard ($504–$530). Romina designed it for smaller rooms, so the bed is open and reachable from all sides.

That fifth option is why Romina calls the Uptown and New York cribs "5-in-1 convertible to full-size bed (2 options)", and why Karisma lists "3 types of Full-size Bed conversion".

Shop the guide: the convertible cribs

• Karisma Convertible Crib / Solid Back: $1,725. A Shaker design in 100% solid wood. The crib weighs 119 lb and is rated for 250 lb as a full bed.
• Dakota Convertible Crib: $1,810. Classic architectural details, daybed stage included, available with or without the headboard appliqué.
• New York 5-in-1 Crib: $1,865. Mid-century lines, one finish or two-tone.
• Antonio Convertible Crib / Solid Back: $1,810. Traditional styling, designed "from newborn to college".

What do I need to buy to convert a crib to a full bed?

Three things, and only one is optional:

Buy the kit made for your crib. Romina's kits are design-specific. The Antonio kit fits models 6501/6502 and the Cleopatra kit fits 7501/7502, for example. On the Karisma kit, the hardwood rails hook onto the footboard and bolt onto the headboard, and Romina sends complimentary covers for the leftover crib-stage holes on request.

Skip universal metal frames. A design-specific hardwood kit keeps the bed matching the crib and the joints tight, because the rails were made for that exact headboard and footboard.

Shop the guide: kits and footboards

• Karisma Conversion Kit: $530. Hook-on / bolt-on rails, 2 slat rolls, "tested to support over 250 lbs."
• Dakota Conversion Kit: $530. Two slat sets, box spring optional.
• Karisma Low-Profile Footboard: $504. Opens up a smaller bedroom.
• All conversion kits · All low-profile footboards

How much does a crib-to-full-bed setup really cost?

Here is the real math, using Romina's current prices (October 2026):

Bundles save money and lock in the kit. The Karisma Crib to College Set ($4,412) includes the convertible crib, the double dresser and the full-bed conversion kit. Bought separately, those three cost $4,620. The Uptown Crib to College Set ($4,677) does the same for Uptown ($4,895 separately). Both are in Romina's Quick-Ship program, with an estimated 2–4 week fulfillment.

Shop the guide: buy every stage at once

• Karisma Crib to College Set: $4,412. Crib, double dresser and conversion kit. Quick-Ship, with an estimated 2–4 week fulfillment.
• Uptown Crib to College Set: $4,677. Solid White or Solid Black with oak accent, black or gold bar handle.

Is a convertible crib worth it if you'll convert it to a full bed?

Parents online raise three fair objections. Here is how a solid wood convertible answers each:

• "The kit gets discontinued before you need it." Buy the kit up front (or a Crib to College set). Romina's FAQ also says that if a product or finish is discontinued, customers are told and given a chance to complete their collection within set time limits.
• "It looks worn by the time it's a bed." Solid hardwood with layered, water-based finishes can be repaired and touched up rather than replaced. Romina sells a finish-matched Touch-Up Kit ($25) for minor scuffs and scratches.
• "A cheap crib plus a later bed costs less." Sometimes it does. The convertible pays off when you want one matching set from nursery to teen room and you value the materials: 100% solid hardwood, Greenguard Gold certification, and no particleboard or MDF.

How big is the full-size bed, and will it fit the room?

A standard full mattress is 54 × 75 inches. With the crib's original footboard, the converted bed keeps the crib's footboard height. Romina's Low-Profile Footboard exists because, in the company's words, "when converted to full bed, the crib footboard may be a bit higher especially for smaller rooms". It opens up the space and allows bed access from all sides. If the room is tight, plan on the low footboard. If you want a statement bed, keep the original.

Which Romina cribs convert to a full bed, and which don't?

If the full-size bed is the goal, choose a model with "Convertible" in the name.

Browse: All convertible cribs · Classic cribs

FAQ

Do I need a box spring when I convert a Romina crib to a full bed?

No. Every Romina conversion kit includes two sets of slats, so a full mattress can sit directly on the platform. A box spring is optional.

Is the conversion kit included with the crib?

No, except in the Crib to College sets. The daybed stage is included on the convertible cribs. The toddler rail ($275), conversion kit ($530) and low-profile footboard are sold separately.

What mattress fits the crib stage?

Any standard US crib mattress at least 27 1/4 × 51 5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches thick.

How much weight does the full-size bed hold?

For Karisma, Romina lists a maximum of 50 lb in the crib stage and 250 lb as a full-size bed. The Karisma conversion kit is "tested to support over 250 lbs."

At what age does a Romina crib become a full-size bed?

Romina's stage guide puts the Standard Crib at 0–24 months, the Toddler Bed and Daybed at 24 months–4 years, and the Full Size Bed and Customised Full Size Bed from 4 years on.

Where can I get assembly instructions for the conversion?

Romina publishes model-specific manuals on its Assembly Manuals page.

Related guide: Non-Toxic Solid Wood Cribs: What Greenguard Gold Really Means