As your kid grows from an infant to a toddler and then a child, their crib may no longer be suitable for their size and weight. Your child may become uncomfortable and suffer problems with their bone and muscle health if they sleep in an unsuitable place. At that point, they should be transitioned into a different type of bed with more room to grow and develop.
Converting your child's crib directly into a toddler bed can save you time and money when it's time to update their sleeping arrangements. This article will show you how to effectively set the infant crib into a setting that your toddler may sleep onto!
A New Stage: When To Convert?
Transitioning your little one from a crib to a toddler bed doesn't have a right or wrong answer. Between 18 months and three and a half years, children are usually ready to sleep in a toddler bed.
However, it depends on the size and temperament of your child. It does not mean your other child will follow your child in getting a toddler bed at 18 months if your first child is ready for it at 18 months.
Your toddler will need maturity and self-control to stay in bed since a toddler bed allows them to get out at any time. Take this into account as well.
The following signs indicate your child is ready for a toddler bed:
- The crib seems too small for them
- Their chest is now above the crib rail when they stand up
- They climb out of his crib
- They insist that they are ready for a toddler bed
Converting A Crib To A Toddler Bed
Three-in-one and four-in-one cribs become an attractive and affordable way to furnish his bedroom. Depending on the brand, you may be able to buy a conversion kit for your crib if it is not convertible.
The following are the steps you need to follow to make any crib a toddler bed. As the instructions and crib parts may vary among different cribs, always follow the instructions in the manual that came with your crib. Avoid converting a crib into a toddler bed if it isn't a convertible crib and was not intended for conversion!
Allen wrenches and screwdrivers are needed for this project. Power screwdrivers should not be used!
- The crib's stationary side is held in place by four bolts. Remove these bolts.
- The stationary side should be removed.
- The spring frame of the crib should be moved to the bottom level, if not already there. Fix the frame in place with the same bolts and washers you used before.
- Attach the guardrail to the crib's front panel. You may attach a guardrail almost anywhere along the high part of the crib.
- The bolts provided for this purpose are used to attach the guardrails. There is a possibility that these are different bolts from the ones you removed in step 1.
Loosen each screw after it is screwed in by 12 to 34 turns. Retighten all the screws after assembling the toddler bed. Ensure you do not over-tighten the screws or bolts, as this may result in wood distortion or breaking.
Do not substitute something similar for a missing part. Request a replacement part from the manufacturer.
You may need to fill in the screw holes so the screws will thread appropriately if you want to convert the toddler or youth bed back into a crib. You can ask for assistance at a hardware store.
Conclusion
During your child's first few years, you don't realise how many changes will happen during your child's first few years, such as when they graduate from their crib. Converting a crib to a toddler bed may be unfamiliar, but if you learn it well, you will discover it is easy! To give your child an adequate space to grow and develop, convert your out-of-date crib to a comfortable toddler bed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to use any crib conversion kit?
Conversion kits are helpful. The best crib conversion kit will have wood slats perpendicular to the rails so that a mattress can be placed on top.
What is the appropriate age to convert a crib into a toddler bed?
A toddler should typically move out of their crib when it seems too big for them, but there is no universal answer to this question. The average age at which parents switch beds is between 18 and 3.5 years old.
How old does a toddler bed have to be before it can be used?
Manufacturers generally recommend four years of age as the maximum age. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), your child should use a toddler bed until they weigh around 50 pounds, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).