When it’s time to upgrade your youngster’s sleeping arrangements, you can save time and money by learning how to convert crib into toddler bed. The most straightforward alternative is to use a universal guardrail. If you prefer a more advanced project, you can opt to trim down one of the existing sides into a toddler railing instead.
Converting a Crib using a Guardrail
Choose the Right Guardrail.
Unless your child’s crib came with a toddler bed rail, you’d need to purchase a separate one. Toddler guardrails are lower and shorter than the sides of a crib. It should help your toddler get in and out of bed without assistance, but at the same time, prevent your toddler from accidentally rolling out of bed when sleeping. The best option for converting crib into toddler bed is to use a universal toddler guardrail kit. This rail fits most recently manufactured cribs, and it will also contain the metal brackets and screws you’ll need to attach the rail to the crib.
Detach One Side of the Crib.
You can prefer to use a manual or electric screwdriver to remove the screws, securing one side of the crib. After removing the screws, you should be able to remove the side completely. The specific set-up will depend on the crib manufacturer and model, but usually, there will be several screws located along the crib’s left and right posts. Only remove one side of the crib. However, if you opt to remove both sides, try to install a toddler rail on either side or push one side of the crib against a wall. This process will only work for convertible style cribs since stationary cribs do not have removable sides.
Remove All Bedding.
You’ll need access to the bed’s bottom slats when installing the guardrail, so remove the bedding and mattress from the crib before you start on how to convert crib into toddler bed. Set all bedding aside. Since the beds’ dimensions won’t change after you transform it, you should be able to use the same mattress and sheets. It’ll be easier to complete this step after already removing one side of the crib, but if you need to locate the bottom slats, do remove the mattress and bedding first.
Attach the Brackets to the Guardrail.
Place one L-bracket along the inside of each rail post. Then, connect the brackets to the posts using screws and a screwdriver. Guardrail kits include all the correct L-brackets and screws, but if you need to buy separate hardware, opt for a 2 inch (5 cm) or 3 inch (7.6 cm) corner brackets that come with four mounting holes and 1 inch (2.5 cm) long Phillips-head screws. Install one bracket to each of the two guardrail posts. Place the bracket so that the foot of the bracket lies even with the bottom of the post. The upright portion of the bracket should be aligned with the center of the post. You can use two screws to secure the bracket to the crib post.
Position the Guardrail.
Raise the guardrail and position it over the exposed side of the bed. Hold the rail so that the end posts and attached brackets line up with two separate slats on the bed’s base. Leave approximately 9 inches (23 cm) of space in between the rail and the headboard. Also, leave another 9 inches (23 cm) of space in between the rail and the footboard. Doing so will make it easier for your toddler to get in and out of bed.
Secure the Rail to the Bed.
Hold the rail steady, then install two screws through the remaining holes of each bracket and into the equal slat rolls at the bottom of the bed. Use two screws with each bracket and try to keep the bracket positioned down the center of each slat for security. Ensure that the screws are tight and able to hold the brackets tightly in place. When finished, try wiggling the rail. The rail should not move.
Make the Bed.
Once you’ve secured the guardrail in place, return the mattress to the bed. Cover it with your preferred sheets, blankets, and pillows as needed. The converted toddler bed should now be ready to use. If you need to install a second rail on the other side of the bed, follow the same steps used for the first rail and install both rails before returning the mattress and bedding.
Conclusion
Learning how to convert crib into toddler bed is a practical option to do when transitioning your youngster into sleeping more independently. Doing so requires a few steps and does not consume much of your time.
A growing toddler can mean trouble even when asleep. That is why you need to follow the step correctly on how to convert crib into toddler bed in order to secure and keep your baby safe while he or she is asleep. A child sleeping soundly can also mean a restful sleep for parents. Get more tips on baby cribs.