Think about it.  You buy a convertible crib that’s advertised to last a lifetime.  Will it?  Yes, with the proper care.

About once a month take everything out of the crib, including the mattress.  Clean all surfaces of the crib and mattress with either a very mild disinfectant, or a biodegradable cleaner designed for nurseries. EcoDiscoveries Nursery is one such cleaner found online, though it doesn’t mean that I use it or endorse it.  Like everything that concerns your baby, you need to investigate and decide for yourself.

Also, when your baby is in the teething stage of development, a guard for the top edges of the crib will keep those baby jaws from biting chunks out of the wood.  Hardwood or not, those teeth can bite into practically anything.  At least the guard can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of a new bed.

Once your baby grows into the bigger-than-crib size of your convertible crib, the guards can be removed and hung on the wall in a frame as a reminder of the “good ol’ days”.  :-)