Converting a Baby Crib into a Full-Size Bed (with Illustrations)

1. 

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   Take precautions by installing a suitable railing. You will need to buy a toddler bed rail if one did not come with your child's crib.

   • The rails on a toddler bed are shorter and lower than those on a crib. The rail should be low enough that your toddler can get in and out of bed without you having to help, but high enough that your toddler cannot roll out of bed while sleeping.
   • In most cases, a toddler guardrail kit that can be used in a variety of settings is your best bet. The rail is designed to be compatible with most modern-style cribs, and the included hardware (metal brackets and screws) should make installation a breeze.
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   Take down a crib wall, please. Take out the screws that are keeping the crib's side in place, either by hand or with an electric screwdriver. Once the screws are out, the side can be lifted away entirely. [1]

   • Different brands and models of cribs may have slightly different screw placements, but in general you can find them along the left and right posts of the crib's side.
   • Typically, you'll only need to take down one crib side. Either a toddler rail must be installed on one side or the bed must be pushed up against a wall if both sides are removed.
   • It's important to note that this is only applicable to convertible cribs. Because stationary cribs do not typically have removable sides, this option is not suitable for use with these types of cribs.

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   Take out the comforter As the guardrail must be attached to the bottom slats of the bed, you must first remove the mattress and any other bedding from the crib.

   • Put the sheets and comforter in a separate pile. Since the bed's new dimensions won't differ from the old ones, your current mattress and linens should fit after the switch.
   • Removing the other side of the crib will make this step much simpler, but if you need to get to the slats at the bottom of the crib first, do that.
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   Brackets should be fastened to the rail. Install an L-bracket inside the hollow center of each railing post. Screw the brackets onto the posts with the help of a screwdriver.

   • L-brackets and screws for your guardrail should come with your kit, but if not, you can use either 2 inches (5 cm) or 3 inches (7 cm) 2 inches (5. 6 cm) long, 1 inch (2. 5 cm) wide, and 1 inch (2. 5.25 inches (6.5 cm) long Phillips-head screws
   • To complete this task, you will need to attach one bracket to each of the two guardrail posts.
   • Adjust the bracket's foot until it's level with the post's base. It's important to make sure the vertical part of the bracket is centered on the post. Attach the bracket to the pole with two screws.
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   Set up the rail Raise the railing and set it over the exposed mattress. Affix the rail to the bed so that its end posts and brackets meet up with the two slats on its base. [2]

   • Ideally, you'd like there to be about 9 inches (23 cm) of clearance between the rail and the headboard. The distance between the rail and the footboard should also be increased by 9 inches (23 cm).
   • Your toddler will have an easier time getting in and out of bed if you leave this much room between the rail and the mattress.
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   Mount the guardrail on the mattress. Two screws should be placed through the remaining holes of each bracket and into the corresponding slat rolls at the base of the bed while the rail is held steady. [3]

   • Both screws are required for each bracket. Keep the bracket centered on each corresponding slat to maximize its holding power.
   • Check that the screws are sufficiently tight to keep the brackets from moving. After you're done, give the rail a little jiggle. No swaying of the safety railing is permitted.
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   Prepare a bed After installing the safety rail, you can put the mattress back on the bed. Depending on the temperature, use sheets, blankets, and pillows to cover it. There shouldn't be any more work to do before using the toddler bed.

   • Keep in mind that you can replicate the first rail's installation on the other side of the bed by simply repeating the aforementioned steps. Before putting the bed back together, make sure both rails are in place.

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   Put away the comforter Before you get started, remove everything from the crib, including the mattress, sheets, and blankets. Bedding will only be in the way, as you'll need to have full access to the crib on all sides, including the bottom.

   • The bed and its linens should be stored in a designated area. If you keep the sawdust and other debris near the bedding, they could end up in the bedding.
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   Modify the elevation Raise or lower the crib's side rails and mattress support now, if possible. There is no adjusting the height of a toddler bed once you decide on a certain height. [4]

   • Maximize the height of the base and the walls to give your toddler a loft-style bed. Be aware that if you decide on a loft bed for your toddler, you'll also need to construct a ladder for access.
   • Simply lowering the bed's base and sides turns it into a standard toddler bed that can be used without a ladder.
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   A slit should be made in one of the sides. Using the saw, make a hole in one of the long sides of the crib. Cut one third of the crib's side length, starting at one end. [5]

   • Before cutting it down to size, it may be preferable to eliminate the side altogether if possible. If not, you will need to be very careful not to ruin the rest of the crib.
   • Level the new edge with one of the remaining vertical slats and trim the side. In order to change the rail's side edge, we'll use this slat. Additionally, you can finish the new edge with a piece of the old rail if you like.
   • In the event that you detached the rail from the side of the bed in order to shorten it, be sure to reattach it. Before moving forward, double check that the rail is secure and won't budge.
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   Using the remaining wood, cut down the remaining trees Cut the old railing down to size using a saw. Adjust the length of these slats so that they are roughly parallel to the length of the new opening in the bed's side.

   • Keep in mind that you only need to do this if your toddler bed is a loft style. We've just finished trimming the slats that will serve as the ladder's rungs.
   • The stairs must be wide enough for your toddler to use. Slats must all be the same length, too.
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   Construct the ladder's sides out of two distinct pieces of wood. A piece of sturdy wood should be cut in half lengthwise. The ladder's side rails will be made from these parts.

   • Do this with pallet wood or some other solid wood. At the very least, the wood must be 3 inches (1. 8 centimeters thick and 4 inches (10 centimeters wide
   • Depending on the height of the bed's base, the total length will be different. Holding the measuring stick at a 45-degree angle, so that it protrudes away from the side of the bed, measure the height from the floor to the mattress's base.
   • Shorten each piece at an angle. As a result, the ladder's legs will be able to land squarely on the ground.
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   Make slots in the side pieces. Make notches in the ladder's sides and top with a router. [6]

   • Notch two or three sets along each side of the ladder. The notches here should match the dimensions and profile of the stair risers you already cut. If you want to make sure the steps are safe, try to make sure the sizes are consistent.
   • Two more notches must be cut into the top of each side piece. The bed's side rails should slide into these notches, which are located on the bed's underside.
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   The steps must be reinstalled on both sides. Place the rungs of the ladder into their respective notches. Use wood glue to keep the stair parts together.

   • Once the glue has dried, put the instructions to the test. Nail or screw each rung to the sides of the ladder from the outside if it still doesn't feel stable. The completed steps must be rigid.
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   Hook the ladder to the side of the bed. Use wood glue and screws to fasten the rungs of the ladder to the underside of the bed.

   • Keep in mind that the ladder has to be positioned exactly in the middle of the bed rail opening.
   • After setting up the ladder, try it out. Don't apply pressure unless you're sure it won't move.
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   Fasten an L-bracket to the rail's end. Mount a corner bracket to the railing by screwing it in place. Attach the bracket's underside to a bed slat and its overside to the bed's furthest rail post.

   • Go with a 7 centimeter (3 inch) metal corner bracket (4 holes, 1. Make use of 2 There are four holes spaced at 1.25 inches (3.0 cm) on the base, and each is fitted with screws with Phillips heads
   • When attached to the rail's edge, the corner bracket provides additional support. Your child will probably lean against this side of the bed rail when getting into bed, putting unnecessary strain on the rail that could cause it to give way if it isn't reinforced.
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    Bring back the sheets Return the mattress to the bed and dress it in the proper linens. Your newly adapted crib or toddler bed should be ready for use.

    • A new coat of paint and some sanding of the bed's edges can be done if desired. Only if the crib or bed is in terrible shape after the modifications have been made should you consider replacing it.

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