how do you change a 3 in 1 crib to a toddler bed

Convert Crib to Toddler Bed: Convertible Crib.

• Step 1: Choose a Guardrail. Many convertible cribs already come with the tools needed to convert them. This includes a toddler bed rail. If yours did ...
• Step 2: Clear Out the Crib.
• Step 3: Remove the Dropside.
• Step 4: Install the Guardrail.
• Step 5: Remake the Bed.

Full Answer

How to transition from a crib to a toddler bed?

Transitioning from Crib to Toddler Bed

• Time It Right for Your Child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends transitioning a child out of a crib and into a toddler bed once the crib railing is ...
• Reassess Your Childproofing. Before moving your child to a bed, think of the room like one giant crib. ...
• Determine the Bed Style. ...
• Look for Safety Features. ...
• Choose Bed Placement Carefully. ...

Should we convert the crib to a toddler bed?

There's no set time when you have to replace your child's crib with a regular or toddler bed, although most children make the switch sometime between ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2. It's often best to wait until your child is closer to 3, since many little ones just aren't ready to make the transition.

How to transition your toddler from crib to bed?

• Ensure that there are no hanging curtain cords or wires in their bedroom.
• Cover up electric outlets.
• Pad any sharp corners.
• Secure furniture to the walls and childproof drawers.
• Place the bed’s headboard directly against the wall, with enough room on either side of the bed so your child does not get stuck between the mattress and the walls.

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What age do you move from crib to toddler bed?

Once you’ve selected a crib, follow assembly instructions carefully. What age do you transition from crib to toddler bed? There is no specific recommended age for transitioning to a toddler bed. Some parents do it as early as 15 months and others not until after 3 years.

How to make a toddler bed out of a crib?

If your child’s starting to outgrow their crib, you can turn it into a toddler bed in a couple of hours. One way is to remove one side of the crib with a screwdriver and attach a premade guardrail in its place. If the guardrail is about 2/3 of the bed’s length, your child can get in and out of bed on their own while having a barrier to stop them rolling out. Alternatively, you can unscrew the crib’s base and re-attach it higher up. Then, cut an opening in one of the sides and attach a small ladder in its place. That way, your child can easily climb up to their bed and have a rail to stop them from falling out. For more tips, including how to recycle the wood from your crib to make a ladder, read on!

How to get a toddler to use a converted bed?

Return the bedding. Place the mattress back on the bed and cover it with the appropriate bedding. Your toddler should now be able to use his or her newly converted bed.

What is the best guardrail for a toddler?

Typically, your best option will be a universal toddler guardrail kit. The rail itself should fit most recently manufactured cribs, and the kit will also contain the metal brackets and screws you'll need to attach the rail.

How to remove a crib?

Remove one side of the crib. Use a manual or electric screwdriver to remove the screws holding one side of the crib in place. After removing the screws, you should be able to completely lift away the side.

What is a toddler rail?

Toddler bed rails are lower and shorter than the sides of a crib. Your toddler should be able to get in and out of bed without assistance, but the rail should prevent your toddler from accidentally rolling out of bed in his or her sleep. Typically, your best option will be a universal toddler guardrail kit.

How to make a loft style toddler bed?

The height you choose will be the final height of the toddler bed. To create a loft-style toddler bed, you should adjust the base and sides to their highest points.

How to attach a bracket to a rail?

Attach the brackets to the rail. Position one L-bracket along the inside of each rail post. Attach the brackets to the posts using screws and a screwdriver.

How long does it take to convert a crib to a toddler bed?

To convert the bed from a crib to a toddler bed will take about 30 minutes. Advertisement.

Can you buy a toddler rail?

If you are worried that your child will fall out of the bed, you can purchase a toddler rail from many retailers. Many of the cribs manufactured by Delta Children's Products are designed to fit your child from the time she comes home from the hospital until well into her childhood.

How much weight can a toddler bed take?

When complete, the bed will take your toddler through preschool age or up to 50 pounds, when he'll be ready for a full bed.

Can a 15 month old convert a crib to a toddler bed?

Warning. Do not convert the crib to a toddler bed for a child under 15 months old. Do not place the bed near hanging cords such as those that hang from window blinds. If you assembled your child's Graco Classic convertible crib when you purchased it, you should n't have much difficulty converting it to a toddler's bed.

How long has my toddler been sleeping in his crib?

Takeaway. For almost 2 years, your child has been sleeping happily in their crib. But you’re starting to wonder if it’s time to upgrade them to a big kid’s bed. This can be a big deal, for both you and your toddler! It’s a major milestone that means they’re growing up. But it can also be scary as a parent because you need to also factor in safety ...

How to get toddler to sleep in new bed?

If bedtime is a showdown, try to ease the transition by having your toddler take naps in their new bed. This will help them understand that this is where they sleep and minimize the struggle to get them back into the new bed at bedtime.

Why do you need a crib mattress on the floor?

You want a bed that’s low to the ground to prevent injuries if you have an active sleeper. Some parents simply place their crib mattress on the floor as part of the transition.

What does it mean to have a toddler bed?

Introducing a toddler bed means that it’s time for a whole new round of childproofing. Now your child can roam the house whenever they want — including at nighttime, when you might be none the wiser. So you’ll want to consider the following:

How tall should a baby be to ditch a crib?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends making the transition when your child is 35 inches (89 centimeters) tall, because at that point they’re big enough to make escape attempts from the crib — even with the mattress in the lowest position.

What to put next to kids bed?

Even with guard rails, it’s a good idea to make sure that the area right next to your kiddo’s bed offers a soft landing. Plush rugs and pillows are perfect for this.

When can a toddler go to bed?

While some toddlers are able to switch into a bed around 18 months, others might not transition until they’re 30 months (2 1/2 years) old or even 3 to 3 1/2. Any time between these age ranges is considered normal. There’s nothing wrong with your child (or you as a parent!) if you opt to wait until you feel your child is ready to smoothly make ...