Instead of buying a new bed for your growing baby, you can save some money by directly converting your baby’s crib into a toddler bed.
Below are ways to turn your baby’s crib into a toddler bed:
Choose an appropriate guardrail
Unless your baby’s crib came with its own toddler bed rail, you’ll need to purchase a separate rail.
Toddler bed rails are lower and shorter than the sides of a crib. Your toddler should be able to get in and out of bed without assistance, but the rail should prevent your toddler from accidentally rolling out of bed in his or her sleep.
Remove one side of the crib
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding one side of the crib in place. After removing the screws, you should be able to completely lift away the side.
The exact set-up will vary depending on the crib manufacturer and model, but typically, there will be several screws located along the left and right posts of the crib side.
In most cases, you’ll only want to remove one side of the crib. If you choose to remove both sides, you’ll need to install a toddler rail on either side or push one side of the bed against a wall.
Note that this will only work for convertible style cribs. Stationary cribs do not have removable sides, so you won’t be able to use this method of conversion.
Remove the bedding
You’ll need access to the bottom slats of the bed when installing the guardrail, so remove the bedding and mattress from the crib before you begin.
Set the bedding aside. Since the dimensions of the bed won’t change after you convert it, you should be able to use the same mattress and sheets.
Attach the brackets to the rail
Position one L-bracket along the inside of each rail post. Attach the brackets to the posts using screws and a screwdriver.
Read also:Â How To Prepare A Nursery For Your Baby’s Arrival
Position the rail
Lift the guardrail and position it over the bare side of the bed. Hold the rail so that the end posts and attached brackets line up with two separate slats on the bottom of the bed.
Try to leave approximately 9 inches (23 cm) of space in between the rail and the headboard. You should also leave another 9 inches (23 cm) of space in between the rail and the footboard.
By leaving this much space on either side of the rail, you’ll make it easier for your toddler to get in and out of bed.
Fix the rail to the bed
While holding the rail steady, install two screws through the remaining holes of each bracket and into the corresponding slat rolls at the bottom of the bed.
Read also:Â How To Beautify Your Baby’s Nursery
Make the bed
Once the guardrail is in place, return the mattress to the bed. Cover it with sheets, blankets, and pillows as needed. The toddler bed should now be ready to use.
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