When to Convert a Crib to a Toddler Bed (and How to Lower a Romina Mattress)

The signs, the ages and the toddler rail.

Short answer: Romina's stage guide places the Standard Crib at 0–24 months and the Toddler Bed at 24 months to 4 years. Most families convert somewhere in that window, usually when their child starts trying to climb out, is close to the crib's weight limit, or is ready for toilet training at night. Until then, keep the crib and lower the mattress as your baby learns to sit and stand. Every Romina crib has three mattress heights. When it's time, add the toddler rail made for your crib model ($260–$275).

What are the stages of a Romina convertible crib?

Romina uses five official stages and ages:

Classic (non-convertible) Romina cribs, such as the Cleopatra Classic, New York Crib, Quadro Classic and Uptown Classic, stop at the toddler bed (some also offer the daybed).

How do I know my child is ready for a toddler bed?

There's no single right birthday. Watch for these signs:

• Climbing. If your child is getting a leg over the rail, even with the mattress on its lowest setting, it's time.
• Weight. Check your crib's limit. For the Karisma, Romina lists a maximum of 50 lb in the crib stage.
• Asking for it. Some toddlers want a "big bed", especially around a new sibling.
• Toilet training. A child who needs to get up at night needs a bed they can leave safely.

Signs that it's too early: your child still sleeps well in the crib, isn't climbing, and is well under the weight limit. There's no prize for converting early.

How do I lower the mattress on a Romina crib?

Romina cribs have a mattress platform with three height settings. A common pattern:

1. Top setting for a newborn, so you can lift the baby without bending deeply.
2. Middle setting once your baby can sit up unassisted.
3. Lowest setting once your baby can pull up to stand.

To change the height, take the mattress out, move the platform to the next set of mounting points following the model-specific instructions, and check that it's level and secure before you put the mattress back. Romina publishes manuals for each model on its Assembly Manuals page. Always follow the manual for your crib number.

Whatever the height, the mattress itself must fit snugly: at least 27 1/4 × 51 5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches thick, so there are no gaps around the edges.

Which toddler rail fits my Romina crib?

Romina's toddler rails are crib-specific. They're "designed to preserve and continue the overall crib design through the conversion stages" and add protection against rolling out. Find your model number on the crib (or in your manual), then choose the matching rail:

Classic cribs have their own rails, for example the Toddler Rail for Cleopatra Classic Cribs and the Uptown Toddler Rail for Classic Crib. Choose the same finish as your crib so the bed still matches.

Shop the guide: toddler rails

• Toddler Rail for Karisma Convertible Cribs: $275.
• Imperio Toddler Rail for Convertible Cribs: $260.
• Antonio Toddler Rail: $275.
• Toddler Rail for Cleopatra Convertible Cribs: $275.
• All toddler rails

Toddler bed or daybed: what's the difference?

Both stages cover 24 months to 4 years:

• Toddler Bed: the front rail comes off and a short toddler rail goes on. Your child can climb in and out, but there's still a barrier for rolling.
• Daybed: the front rail comes off with no toddler rail. It's fully open, like a sofa-bed, and works well for older toddlers who no longer roll. On Romina's convertible cribs the daybed stage needs no extra purchase.

Many families use the toddler bed first, then take the rail off once their child sleeps without rolling.

How do I make the switch go smoothly?

• Keep the same mattress and bedding. On a Romina convertible, the crib mattress stays in place for the toddler bed, so the sleep space still feels familiar.
• Make the room safe at floor level. A child who can leave the bed can reach everything. Anchor dressers and bookcases to the wall. Every Romina case good includes a three-way wall-anchoring kit for brick, drywall or wood walls.
• Keep the routine. Same bedtime, same order of steps.
• Expect a few nights of testing. Walk your child back calmly every time.

What comes after the toddler bed?

From about 4 years, the crib becomes a Full Size Bed w/ Footboard, using a $530 design-specific conversion kit. Each kit includes two sets of slats, so you don't need a separate box spring. For smaller rooms, a Low-Profile Footboard turns it into stage 5, the Full Size Bed.

Browse: Toddler rails · Conversion kits · Assembly manuals

FAQ

At what age should I convert a Romina crib to a toddler bed?

Romina's stage guide puts the Toddler Bed at 24 months to 4 years. Convert when your child starts climbing or nears the crib's weight limit.

Do I need to buy anything for the daybed stage?

No. On Romina convertible cribs, the daybed stage is included.

Will any toddler rail fit my crib?

No. Romina's rails are crib-specific. Match the rail to your crib's model number.

Do I need a new mattress for the toddler bed?

No. The toddler bed uses the same standard crib mattress.

Where do I find instructions for my model?

On Romina's Assembly Manuals page.

Related guide: What Size Mattress Fits a Convertible Crib (and the Full Bed Later)?