When your baby starts to outgrow everything, it only means that you should start to adjust as a parent. Some of the things they will outgrow may not be useful at all, especially if you aren’t planning to have any more babies. However, there’s one useful tip you can do to salvage what’s left of your baby’s essentials: the baby crib. It is important and recommended for parents to know how to convert crib to a full-size bed to save money.
There is still a lot of options you can reuse. In this article, we’ll focus more on how to convert a crib to a full-size bed. Converting your baby’s old crib to a full-sized bed will give you an efficient outcome and save money from buying a new one. Lucky for you, in this article, we got you covered. Read on.
Types of Baby Cribs
Before we dig deeper into how to convert crib to a full-size bed, there are two types of baby cribs: the old and traditional one and the convertible cribs. Convertible cribs work like the traditional one. However – when the baby outgrows its crib, you normally unscrew, attach, and detach parts. It usually lowers the bed to the lowest possible setting and lets the front panel detach from the crib. The backboard then becomes the headboard of the newly converted bed.
Most convertible cribs come with manufacturer’s instruction, they often have pre-installed hinges or latches that once your baby outgrows their crib, a simple trick does it. However, it is a lot complicated for cribs to be converted when they are the traditional ones. You may need some additional equipment and material to get the job done correctly.
How to Convert a Crib to a Full-Size Bed: Convertible Crib
Even if this may vary from model to model, there are some general guidelines for you to follow when trying to convert your convertible crib to a full-blown full-sized bed. In doing so, you would normally disassemble the entire crib. The instructions are usually involved unscrewing each panel and removing the base of the mattress, whether it be a board or a spring.
After that, assemble the entire crib according to the instructions. This may now differ from before as you are converting the crib to a full-sized bed. In most cases of convertible cribs, the frame is already assembled when you make the transition from baby crib to a full-sized bed.
The next part is attaching the back panel that will serve as the headboard of your full-sized bed. In doing so, some corresponding attachments and screws are needed to assemble the entire piece. You may need a screwdriver for this one.
After attaching all the pieces, it is now time to attach the base of the crib or the one that would serve as the mattress’ base. When it is attached, get your mattress and slowly place it on top. Ensure that all the bolts, screws, and attachments are snug perfectly to avoid any unwanted disassembling of the entire bed.
Get your blanket and tuck them perfectly, then place your pillows under the headboard. Let your child enjoy the moment as they successfully transitioned from a baby crib to a full-sized bed. And that’s how to convert crib to a full-size bed when dealing with convertible cribs.
Be sure to have rails installed to avoid falling off the bed. Most convertible cribs come with detachable crib rails to make transitioning into a full-sized bed a smoother one.
How to Convert a Crib to a Full-Size Bed: Traditional Crib
Much of the things you need to do is the same with the principles of converting the convertible crib into a full-sized bed. However, you would take a step further in doing so. These traditional baby cribs aren’t ideally designed to transition into full-sized beds just by detaching and unscrewing other parts.
Materials needed:
- Screwdriver
- Piece of wood
- Nails, Screws, Bolts
- Saw
- Fine-grit Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Router
Directions:
- Step 1
Finding the perfect spot for converting the crib into a full-sized bed. Remember that this isn’t your typical convertible crib. You may need sawing in parts of your crib. - Step 2
Take out everything in the crib, make sure that it doesn’t have any pieces that may alter your construction process. - Step 3
For the traditional cribs, you may only need typical unscrewing of the crib’s sides and base. Adjust them to their lowest point. - Step 4
Cut out one of the longest sides of the crib. Usually, it is on both the left or right side of the crib. It depends on the positioning of the crib when placed upon. - Step 5
By using a saw, carefully cut parts that aren’t necessary for your full-sized bed. If it is okay with you, you might want to cut both sides of the crib to have an easier time placing your mattress sideways. When both sides are already cut, this should form like a bed. - Step 6
Then place both side rails at the back of the newly-formed bed to act as a force when your baby applies some force at the back, prevents your little one from breaking.
If you are trying to convert your crib into a full-sized in a traditional way, then you are likely done. Your job is finished at this point. However, if you wanted to make use of the side rails, there are many tutorial videos on how to use the excess wood and rails to work on or add some additional features in your baby’s full-sized bed. That’s how to convert crib to a full-size bed. Get more tips on baby cribs.
Conclusion
It’s not easy transitioning from a baby crib to a full-sized bed, but always remember that these are a monumental time for your baby’s growth. It is an important time as a parent’s life to successfully achieve giving your children some of the most important care and love during this pivotal stage in their lives. I hope that the helpful tips and guidelines on how to convert a crib to a full-size bed helped you a lot. Just follow the guidelines and tips.