There is a way to save some money and time from going into a store, and spending hours and hours to find a new bed for your toddler. You can save some time and money by converting your youngster’s crib into a toddler bed. The simplest option for converting your girl’s or boy’s crib into a bed is by using a universal guardrail. In a case where this does not work for you or if you wish to embark more complicated project, you could trim down one of the sides and make it into a toddler railing.
Here we will show the method of Convertible crib with a guardrail.
It is important to choose the appropriate guardrail. Your child’s bed might have its toddler bed rail, but if it does not you will need to buy a separate rail.
Few good options that we have seen on the market are:
- Dream On Me Universal Convertible Crib Toddler Guard Rail – Especially good, because it is available in many different color options.
- Regalo Swing Down Crib Rail, with Reinforced Anchor Safety System
- Hiccapop Convertible Crib Toddler Bed Rail Guard with Reinforced Anchor Safety
The toddler bed rails are shorter and lower than the sides of the crib. Your kids need to be able to get in bed and out of the bed without your help, but also the rail should protect the kid from unintentionally rolling out of the bed while it is sleeping.
Naturally, the best option for you would be a universal toddler guardian kit. The rail should be able to fit the most recently manufactured cribs, also the kit comes with all the screws and metal brackets that you will need to attach the rail.
Next, you will need to remove one side of the crib. You can use either an electric or manual screwdriver to remove all the screws that are holding that side of the crib in place. You should be able to lift the side after you have removed all the screws.
The set-up will differ depending on the crib’s model and manufacturer, still, there should be few screws placed along the right and left posts on the crib’s side.
Usually, all you want to remove is just one side of the crib. If you want to remove both of the crib’s sides, it will be necessary to install a toddler rail on both sides or put one side of the crib against the wall.
Bear in mind that this process only works for convertible style cribs. Know that the stationary cribs are not coming with removable sides, therefore the method we mentioned above won’t apply here.
You will need to remove the bedding. You will need to have access to the slats on the bottom of the bed when you try to install the guardrail, this is why you will need to remove the mattress and the bedding from the crib.
Do not throw away the bedding. The bed’s dimensions will not change after you have converted it, therefore you can use the same sheets and mattress in the future.
To complete this step, you first remove one of the crib’s sides, which will make the whole process easier. In case you need access to the bottom slats so that you can remove the side then you should remove the bedding and mattress first.
Moving forward, attach both brackets to the rail. Place one L-bracket lengthwise the inside of the rail post. The brackets need to be attached to the posts with screws.
Guardrail kits usually come with the right screws and L-brackets, in case you need to purchase separate hardware, find 5 cm or 7.6 cm corner brackets that comes with four mounting holes and 2.5 cm long Philips-head screws.
On each of the guardrail posts should be installed in one bracket.
Place the bracket so that the bracket’s foot will lay even with the bottom of the post. The vertical portion of the bracket needs to be aligned with the center of the post. You should use two screws to secure the bracket to the post.
The rail needs to be positioned. You will need to lift the guardrail and place it over the bed’s bare side. The rail needs to be held so that the attached brackets and the end posts will line up with the two separate slats on the bottom of the bed.
Manage to leave about 23 cm of space in between the headboard and the rail. You will also need another 23 cm of space between the footboard and the rail.
You will need this space because it will make it so much easier for your kid to get out and get in bed.
The rail needs to be fixed to the bed. Put two screws through the remaining holes of each bracket while you hold steady of the rail and also into the corresponding slat rolls at the bottom of the bed.
Each of the brackets requires two screws. Make sure to keep the bracket placed down the center of each corresponding slat for the maximum amount of security.
Always make sure that the screws are tight and can hold the brackets firmly in place. When you are done with screwing the screws try to wiggle the rail if well screwed the guardrail will not move.
After you have placed and secured the guardrail put the mattress back to the bed. Add the sheets, pillows, blankets as you want. Now your toddler bed is ready for use.
Now, if you choose to add a second rail on the opposite side of the bed you will need to it by doing the same process as you did with the first rail. The bedding and the mattress need to be removed from the bed while you do the installing of the rails.
Some safety measures about the toddler bed:
Needless to say, safety is a priority when it comes to the sleeping arrangement of your toddler.
It is important to place the bed in the right spot of the room, meaning away from blind cords, windows, radiators, draperies, heat registers, and lamps.
Put a bedrail flush against the wall, also leave plenty of space on both sides of the bed, this will limit the risk of your child getting trapped between the wall and the bed.
Place a soft rug, pillows, or sleeping bag on the floor around the bed, this way if your kid falls it will cushion the fall.
Regularly check the screws, joints, and other parts of the bed to make sure they are tight.
