Updated at: 11-08-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

You may save both time and money by knowing how to convert a crib to a toddler bed when it’s time to do so.

Using a standard wooden crib, you can easily transform it into a bed for your child. Integrating a universal guardrail is the most straightforward method of doing so. It’s possible to create a toddler railing out of one of the sides of the staircase if that doesn’t work or if you’d rather take on a more difficult job.

Crib Vs. Convertible Crib

A basic, classic crib without any added features is known as a solo crib. With a convertible crib, you get all the bells and whistles, like as a changing table and storage space.

When your child outgrows the crib, a convertible crib can be converted into a toddler bed.

Convertible cribs are obviously more expensive than regular cribs. To compensate for the loss of flexibility provided by a convertible crib, you must purchase other pieces of furniture such as a changing table and dresser.

From Crib to Toddler Bed

There is a separate toddler bed to buy if you are utilizing a standard crib. Be aware of the fact that a convertible bed can be transformed into a toddler bed, but don’t try to use it for that purpose with a crib.

A safe and comfy mattress is required for both a regular crib and a convertible crib. The firmness and breathability of our Crib Mattresses are ideal for any type of crib.

When To Transition Your Child To A Toddler Bed

When it comes to transitioning your child to a toddler bed, there is no right or wrong answer. A youngster is generally ready to sleep in a toddler bed between 18 months and three and a half years of age.

What’s more, it all depends on your child’s size and temperament. Although one child may be ready for a toddler bed at 18 months, this does not mean that your other child will be as well… that is fine, as well!

Indications that your child has outgrown his or her crib include these:

  • Too large for the crib, it seems.
  • Climbs their way out of the crib.
  • When a child expresses a desire for a toddler bed.

Your child should not be sleeping in their crib if they are able to climb out of it. In spite of the fact that they appear to be a gymnast, they may inadvertently injure themselves.

The good news is that when you turn their crib into a toddler bed, you can keep using the same mattress! The Newton Baby Crib Mattress is a safe, hypoallergenic solution for your infant that is built to last through the toddler years.

Switching to a Toddler Bed

Transitioning from a crib to a bed isn’t as easy as other early life milestones like learning to pee or eating solids. Some children may even be resistant to the concept of shifting their beds. It’s a good rule of thumb for parents to transition their children from cribs to toddler beds as soon as they’ve learned to climb out of them on their own.

Changing a Crib to a Toddler Bed

To convert a crib to a functional toddler bed, you’ll need the following:

  • Crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed
  • Toddler safety railings are available in a variety of styles and
  • 4 screws with Phillips heads, each measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm).
  • 2 to 3 inch (5 to 7.6 cm) long metal L-brackets
  • Screwdriver with a Phillips head

What to do:

  • Choose a guardrail for your child’s safety. If your baby’s crib doesn’t come with a guardrail, you’ll need to buy one separately. To complete the transition from crib to toddler bed, the best solution is to get a universal toddler guardrail. Most retailers carry it and it’s designed to fit the most recent models of cribs on the market. In addition, it’s more convenient because it comes with all the metal brackets and screws you’ll need in one convenient package. For your youngster to be able to get in and out of his bed without your assistance, you’ll need a toddler rail. It also stops your child from accidentally rolling out of bed when they’re sleeping.

Take off one of the crib’s sides.

It’s time to get rid of your kid’s old sheets.

Attach the bed rail brackets.

Your guardrail should be set up.

Fix the guardrail to the mattress.

Make your bed.

How to Transition your Toddler from Crib to Bed

Transitioning a toddler from a crib to a bed is not an easy process. Each child is an individual, and this is shown in their behavior, reactions, and responses. The following are a few pointers, though, that may make the transfer easier for you:

  1. Make your space child-proof. Your child will have full access to his room once you complete the process of changing a crib to a toddler bed and remove the crib bars. As a result, it’s critical that you take precautions to ensure the safety of your child. Install guardrails around your child’s bed to keep them secure and prevent them from falling while they sleep.
  2. Talk to your child about the change and how it will affect them. It’s a good idea to let your youngster know ahead of time so that they can mentally prepare for the “big change.” Explain to them that you must do this in order to avoid any unfavorable reactions when the truth is out.
  3. Begin by making the bed inviting Gather all of your kiddo’s favorite toys, as well as some adorable blankets and beddings, and you’ve got the perfect playroom. This will boost your child’s enthusiasm for the change and help him or her cope better with it.
  4. Your child may not be able to adapt immediately. After a few weeks, your youngster should feel at ease in his or her new bed. Be more patient, firm, and consistent in the face of difficult nights.

Crib Into a Toddler Bed Hack : 8 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables

Considerations After Converting Crib To Toddler Bed

Be Mindful Of Bed Placement

When putting your baby’s new bed together, keep in mind where it will be placed. Maintain a clear distance between the bed and windows, lamps, power cords, and electrical outlets.

In addition, the headboard should be placed against the wall. If your child decides to roll out of bed, make sure there is adequate space on both sides of the bed to prevent them from being caught between the bed and the wall.

Surround Bed With Pillows

Some children adapt quickly to their new bed, while others need a little time to get used to it. Because the open bed rail is an adjustment, you should be prepared if your child rolls off the bed during this time period.

As an example, place pillows and blankets on the floor around their bed in the event that they fall off. The good news is that their bed should be put to the lowest possible position, so a fall shouldn’t be too severe.

Extra Organic Cotton Sheets and a Crib Mattress Cover should always be available in case of emergency. Potty training typically occurs during the early years of a child’s life. Keep these spares on available in case you need to change your clothes in the middle of the night due to an accident.

An all-washable mattress comes in helpful in this situation!

Check Screws

Even after you’ve inserted and tightened all of the screws, it’s still a good idea to inspect the bed on a regular basis. Give the foundation a vigorous shake and lift to make sure it’s sound. Then, see whether there are any screws that aren’t securely fastened.

In the end, your toddler’s bed will have to withstand all of their roughhousing on it, including all of those times they leap on it!

Tips For A Smooth Transition

As you and your child can attest, the move from a crib to a toddler bed is not an easy one. We’ve put together a few pointers to help ease the transition.

Keep The Same Bedtime Routine

Don’t tamper with your child’s nighttime routine for the time being. Don’t add any more stress to your child’s transition to a toddler bed until they’ve become used to their new surroundings.

The transition should also be delayed if other changes are taking place, such as parents separating, one parent returning to work, or potty training.

To ease your child into a new routine, start with one change at a time, and then gradually introduce more as they get used to it.

Reevaluate What Needs Baby Proofing

By now, you’ve mastered the art of babyproofing. You’ve gotten to know your child’s habits and have a good idea of what piques their interest. Electrical outlets and cords should always be kept out of children’s reach.

You need to reevaluate what else needs to be baby-proofed or, better yet, toddler-proofed now that your toddler has free run in their room.

Keep certain toys out of your child’s reach or in the closet with a doorknob cover if you know they will be enticed to play with them. Putting a doorknob cover on their bedroom door may also be a good idea, so they don’t open and close it all the time.

It’s not the right moment to get rid of or give away your baby monitor. It’s time to savor it! When you need to keep an eye on your child to check whether they’re getting out of bed and playing, this will be a great help. To help your child sleep, you’ll know when it’s time to interfere.

Let Your Toddler Lead The Way

Forcing your infant out of his or her crib to go to his or her toddler bed is never a good idea, unless you have no other choice. Take your cues from them.

You’ll know when they’re ready if you keep our list of tips in mind, so keep an eye out for those signs.

FAQs

Can you use any conversion kit for a crib?

Yes, a conversion kit is absolutely necessary. It is best to buy a conversion kit that includes perpendicularly-running wood planks that you can place your child’s mattress on top of.

At what age should I convert a crib to a toddler bed?

You shouldn’t do this until a toddler appears to be too big for the crib, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this subject. Between the ages of 18 months and 3.5 years, most parents alter their children’s beds.

What is the maximum age for a toddler bed?

Manufacturers typically recommend a maximum age of four years for their products. You should keep your child in a toddler bed until they are at least 50 pounds, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Can a toddler go straight into a single bed?

Yes, moving a toddler to a single bed is safe as long as their parents get a soft mattress because toddlers aren’t very heavy.

How to Turn a Crib Into a Toddler Bed (with Pictures) - wikiHow

How long can you keep a toddler in a crib?

Between the ages of 18 months and 3.5 years, most children are ready to transition from crib to bed. If possible, wait for your child to be 3 years old and mature enough before trying them sleeping alone in their bed.

Conclusion

Between the ages of 18 months and 3.5 years, most children are ready to transition from crib to bed. If possible, wait for your child to be 3 years old and mature enough before trying them sleeping alone in their bed.

The majority of youngsters transition from a crib to a bed between the ages of 18 months and three years. Wait until your child is at least 3 years old and emotionally mature before letting him or her sleep in their own bed for the first time.