How To Convert Crib To Full Size Bed Without Conversion Kit
I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Dissimilar some of the other parents (who consider themselves not and so lucky (i.e. those with monkey climbers)), I was able to keep my daughter in her crib until after she turned 2.5 years one-time. Wanting to heed the communication of all the well-meaning parents who stated, "Don't take her out of her crib until y'all have to!", I decided to stretch out the time frame she spent in her crib for as long as possible. After all, she LOVED it and the terminal thing I needed when up with an infant all night was for my curious little toddler to come up walking into my bedroom.
Unfortunately, all good things must come up to an end and then must the crib. Wanting to increase her independence with potty training, while simultaneously wanting to provide my back some relief (lifting a toddler in and out of a crib several times a 24-hour interval is tiring!), my husband and I fabricated the decision to transition our toddler out of a crib into her "large daughter bed".
Within this post, I document all my inquiry, trials (and errors), and communication that went into converting my daughter'southward crib into her "big girl bed". While this post may be relatively long, information technology is only because of the level of item provided… guaranteed to save you MUCH fourth dimension (and frustration) in the long-run with your crib conversion.
Toddler Bed vs. Big Girl Bed
I was feeling some relief. Afterwards months of toying with the idea, we had finally made the decision to move our toddler out of her crib. Niggling did I know, I had some other big decision in front of me. Feeling quite confident that this transition would be rather seamless given we had spent a few extra dollars when purchasing her convertible crib, we knew that nosotros could easily catechumen her crib into either a toddler or full-sized bed down the road. However, and then was born even so another decision to be fabricated- toddler bed vs. full-sized bed (a.thousand.a. "big girl bed").
I'm a list person, so out came my pen and paper and both the pros and cons were taken into consideration.
Toddler Bed
Pros: I tin can keep the same crib sized mattress. I wouldn't accept to buy the convertible rails to convert to a full sized bed. At that place would exist no worrying that she will autumn out of her bed. I don't accept to do a big room configuration.
Cons: Nosotros'd take to buy the convertible 1/2 rail for a toddler bed and then soon later purchase the convertible rails to convert it to a full-sized bed. Nosotros'd be putting my daughter through two, instead of just one, transition and essentially be putting off the inevitable.
Full-sized/ "Large Girl Bed"
Pros: With one transition, a second transition wouldn't exist hanging over our head. Less money in the long run equally nosotros wouldn't have to purchase starting time the toddler bed rail and and then the full-sized conversion parts. Nosotros could snuggle in bed together during story time.
Cons:More coin up front (would have to purchase a new mattress right away). Would accept to reconfigure the room/remodel. More than of a adventure she could fall out of bed/more baby-proofing required.
Deciding Factor
After comparing our pros and cons and talking with experienced parents, we decided to go directly to the total-sized bed. Allow me tell you lot, I am SOOO glad we did! After crunching the numbers, it turns out we saved money in the long run. Additionally, nosotros only had ane transition to become through (and turns out she did groovy!). Lastly, the process of crib conversion, infant-proofing, and remodeling was far more than effective and easy than yous may recall. While I would be lying if I told you it was without any hurdles, they were few and far between. Additionally, I'm hoping you tin can learn from my research and any of my mistakes and make the process even that much more effective!
Crib Conversion to a Full Sized/"Big Daughter Bed"
The first thing y'all need to do with crib conversion into a full-sized bed is to secure the appropriate parts. Non sure nigh whether or not I'd take one child out of their crib in time for another to utilize the same crib, I didn't get ahead and buy the convertible crib conversion kit at the time of the crib purchase. Later on talking to other parents, my decision doesn't sound all that unique. In fact, chances are that many of those reading may take a convertible crib without the appropriate crib conversion rails. If this sounds like you lot, you may take been doing endless Cyberspace research and coming up short with findings. How do I know this? Considering I was yous!
My Epic Fail… Do Not Make the Same Mistake!
I tin can't tell you lot how many searches I did and how many partial mail information I read earlier finally deciding to attempt/trial and fault the advisable conversion parts myself. My first question was, "Will any sometime conversion kit work for my crib?" Here is the long and brusque of that respond, "Yes information technology could, but likely information technology won't." Afterward reading, reading, and oh, did I mention reading?… I decided to buy a crib conversion rail that was the same color as my crib and promised to human action equally a universal crib conversion track. Heck, information technology fifty-fifty had TONS of reviews to back it. Unfortunately, afterward getting information technology delivered and my girl eagerly anticipating a transition to her "big girl bed", nosotros were all super defeated to notice out that information technology was Non universal after all.
Now, you may be wondering, "Why would she not have just ordered the crib conversion track that went with her specific crib?" Well, the reply is somewhat complicated but also 1 that many of you lot probable can relate to. ane) My crib was now a couple years one-time and the crib model had been discontinued (the original babe store from where it was purchased swore that the crib conversion kit could no longer exist purchased). ii) For the life of me, I could no longer recall the specific name of the crib. I had the brand of the crib (Baby Enshroud) but each make has almost a one thousand thousand specific crib names. iii) The universal crib conversion kit was 1/two the toll of the crib specific ones so I was nigh tempted to try information technology.
My Solution
* Affiliate links are included in this mail. All this means, is that if you lot click on one of those links and buy something, I may receive a small commission. However, you volition not pay a penny more- promise!
So, I was back to the cartoon board and growing frustrated. In a semi-panic (parenting problem panic that is ;)) I decided to telephone call the baby store and ask if they had any crib conversion rails. Of form, (for the reason I listed above in #ii) they told me they no longer sold those rails. They did tell me that they could order me the same colored runway in the aforementioned crib brand (not crib specific) only there was but a risk that information technology would fit. Oh and the best function, information technology would take 6-8 weeks to be delivered. Lastly, the price would exist triple that of the universal kit I just had tried. So yeah… not happening!
And then like a ray of sunshine, my hubby noticed that on the within of the side pieces of the crib was a sticker with the specific crib proper noun. (Note: the majority of all cribs will have this feature so look hither start!) I then turned to every parent's best friend, a.k.a. "AMAZON
In one case the "CORRECT" (every bit that makes ALL the difference) crib conversion kit parts had arrived, converting the crib into a total-sized bed took all of 20 minutes!
Do I Need a Boxspring?
My next question in my research was, "Is a box spring required with a convertible crib to a total-sized bed conversion?" This too can be a rather complicated answer, so permit me break it downwardly for y'all.
Essentially, the answer is "no" , you practice not require a box spring with a convertible crib conversion. Sure, you could use one simply you lot would end up creating a rather high bed for a toddler/child to climb into. Instead, near crib conversion kits come with slats of wood that will run perpendicular to the conversion runway and allow for a mattress to sit on elevation. Nonetheless, to note, not all crib conversion kits include these slats (actually the universal 1 did not). If your kit does non include slats, or if you wish to add additional slats for mattress support (equally we did with our bed knowing we may find ourselves lying in bed with our toddler for storytime) y'all can simply pick up a few slats from your local lumber store/Domicile Depot and add them yourself (price u.s.a. $25). (Not feeling particularly handy? Pre-fabricated slats tin too be purchased here
Purchasing a Mattress
Effectually the aforementioned time I was researching crib conversion rails, I too began to think about a mattress. My offset question was, "What size mattress practice I need?" Here is what the inquiry told me, 1) a twin mattress will merely work if yous take a micro/mini crib (if you lot are not certain you have this, chances are you don't as they are extra tiny cribs), 2) a queen mattress volition be too large for the conversion runway spacing (I would non even recommend trying it), three) a full-sized mattress is the perfect fit (trust me on this ane)! (Why is Goldilocks and the iii bears all of a sudden sticking out to me here ;)).
My next question was, "How tin can I discover a good quality mattress without spending a ton of fourth dimension on the search and having to either pay to deliver it to my abode or notice a style to become information technology at that place myself?" My respond, "Leesa" .
Full disclosure, I was provided with a Leesa mattress in exchange for my review, merely equally E'er, I merely recommend products that I truly dear and all opinions included are 100% my own.
For the same reason I loved the ease of having my conversion rails delivered to my front door via Amazon
What I needed was a quality mattress with numerous positive testimonials and then that I didn't take to worry the quality may exist subpar. Additionally, I wanted a mattress that I knew I wouldn't demand to supercede in a year or two and instead would grow with my daughter for years to come. What I also needed was a mattress that I could select and society online in a thing of minutes (I didn't have the time for annihilation else). Lastly, what I needed was a mattress that would ship direct to my door and ideally for no accuse. For all these reasons and more, I barbarous in dear with Leesa. (Oh, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the fact that not simply does Leesa plant a tree for every mattress sold, but it also donates one mattress to a shelter for every ten mattresses they sell!)
Mattress Arrival
Just days after ordering the mattress, the box was delivered to my front door. I was baffled when I saw just how small the box was in comparing to a full-sized mattress. Saying my daughter was "excited" that this delivery was especially for her as part of her "big girl bed" would be an understatement… she was thrilled!
After carrying the box into her room, I must admit I was a bit skeptical to believe that inside this relatively small-scale box, a costly mattress was housed (All the same, my research told me that this mattress was unlike others in that information technology had three premium foam layers (ii-inch Avena foam superlative layer for cooling and breathability, 2-inch memory foam middle layer for body contouring, and half-dozen-inch dense core support cream for durability and edge support)).
Mattress Unboxing & Use
Later a mere five minute of setup time (of which my daughter had a blast watching her mattress come to life!), it was condom to say I was definitely no longer skeptical. Within minutes the mattress sprung to life and became the perfect (and easiest) addition to my daughter's crib-to-"large girl bed"-conversion.
Even in a higher place the benefit of the super convenient ordering, delivering, and setup procedure that this mattress immune for; with knowing the importance of children's sleep, it was very crucial to me that my child's mattress provides the best night sleep possible. I loved (and proceed to dearest) the fact that information technology is past far the most comfortable mattress I have ever laid on. (In fact, I'd be lying if I said that in one case or twice already I didn't fall asleep on it when reading my daughter a bedtime story.)
If you are interested in purchasing your ain Leesa mattress but are a bit unsure about ordering a product online (hey, I get it) balance bodacious that Leesa offers a 100-night take chances-free trial with gratuitous shipping. Furthermore, be sure and enter code: SIMPLYSEPTEMBER at checkout for an extra $150 off your purchase!
Update: Leesa mattresses are now available to try and buy in over 88+ West Elm stores nationwide!
Note: Just a friendly parenting tip… the last affair you lot want to exercise is damage a cute mattress after your child has an inevitable bedtime accident or two (or two million). With that said, I HIGHLY recommend investing in a waterproof mattress pad (similar to the i here
Ease of Remodel
Now that the decision was made to convert my daughter's crib into a "big girl bed" and at present that the appropriate parts necessary to carry out that decision were non only ordered merely implemented, the final step was the decorating.
A few different elements and factors were considered before initiating the remodel. 1) For the same reason I wanted to transition directly to a "big girl bed" (instead of having a toddler bed showtime), I wanted the decor to grow with my girl for years to come and not crave updating/redecorating in simply a yr or two. 2) I wanted to incorporate equally many elements of my daughter's plant nursery as possible (i.due east. utilize the same decor when feasible, after all… it was simply a couple years old and much of it held sentimental value). iii) I was hoping not to spend a big sum of money. iv) I wanted the remodel to not eat too much time (once again, life is decorated!) 5) Lastly, I wanted to incorporate my daughter's input. Her one and just asking existence, "I want a pink room!".
Earlier and Later Photos
Earlier Photos (the tree mural was enhanced once our babe girl arrived)
Afterwards Photos
How Did I Terminate Up Doing?
1) For the same reason I wanted to transition directly to a "big girl bed" (instead of having a toddler bed start), I wanted the decor to abound with my daughter for years to come and non crave updating/redecorating in just a twelvemonth or two.
I ended upward choosing an overall expect that incorporated butterflies, soft colors and easily interchangeable features (i.e. baskets with stuffed animals and shelves with decor). I'k quite happy that the overall look works cracking for my two year sometime at present and for many years to come up.
2) I wanted to incorporate as many elements of my daughter's plant nursery as possible (i.e. employ the same decor when viable, after all… it was simply a couple years old and much of it held sentimental value).
When I was significant with my daughter I painted the white and gold tree pictured. I knew I didn't want to pigment over it merely a couple of years after. For this reason, I decided to incorporate the tree into the overall look, adding 3D butterflies for an updated look that complemented her bedding. Additionally, I moved around every bit many photos (i.e. wall canvas) and wall decor as possible so that the room had an overall fresh look despite many of the items existence used in the past. Lastly, I choose to keep her nursery glider and then that she'd take a space for reading and relaxing equally she grew.
3) I was hoping non to spend a large sum of money.
Thanks to repurposing old decor and shopping smart (who doesn't love a practiced bargain?!) I was able to create this entire wait with only a few purchases (i.eastward. bedding elements
iv) I wanted the remodel to non swallow besides much time (once once again, life is busy!)
Once the bed and nightstand were congenital and in place, the time it took me to move effectually a few pieces and redecorate was very minimal. In fact, I started subsequently my girl woke one morning and finished by the fourth dimension naptime rolled around.
5) Lastly, I wanted to contain my daughter's input. Her one and only request being, "I want a pink room!".
I recall it is safe to say she was happy with the pink elements :).
Overall, I would modify nothing about our crib-to-"large girl bed"-conversion and redecorating process. Well, okay perchance not "nix"… it would take been overnice to take purchased the right conversion parts from the start. Even so, I'm hopeful that my research forth with trials (and errors) will assistance brand this transition as like shooting fish in a barrel every bit possible for you while spending very little fourth dimension and energy along the mode!
All-time of luck!
P.S. Looking for my Top tips for making the entire toddler bed transition a success for your kid? Check out my latest post here!
How To Convert Crib To Full Size Bed Without Conversion Kit,
Source: https://www.simplyseptember.com/2017/08/03/cribtochildrensbedconversion/
Posted by: treatsmandertne.blogspot.com
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