How to Convert a 4-in-1 Crib for a Toddler

Babies grow fast and quickly outgrow their cribs. Recognizing this, many companies offer convertible cribs, and there are several types of 4-in-1 cribs on the market. Some cribs offer a changing table attached to one side. Others covert to a daybed after the toddler bed and before the full-size bed. All drop-side cribs have been recalled for safety reasons, so converting your existing drop-side crib to a toddler bed is the only safe use of the furniture. Each brand of crib has slightly different instructions, so when in doubt, check with your crib's manufacturer.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Plastic zipper bag
  • Side post facing (in some models)
  • Stretcher (in some models)
  • Tape

Instructions

  1. For Drop-Side Cribs

    • 1

      Remove the screws holding the brake to the side posts. The brake is located at the bottom of either side post of the crib. The drop-side fits into a track. When the side fully drops, a small wooden or rubber piece stops the side from continuing all the way to the floor. This is the brake.

    • 2

      Remove the brake at the bottom of the drop-side. Place the brake and the screws into a plastic zipper bag to keep the hardware together.

    • 3

      Drop the side of the crib all the way down to the floor. Pull the bottom of the drop-side away from the crib.

    • 4

      Lower the top of the drop-side to the floor and pull the entire drop-side away from the crib.

    • 5

      Remove the mattress.

    • 6

      Place the mattress support on the lowest setting. Different manufacturers have different methods of securing the mattress support. Some hold the support in place with screws. Others have four flanges on the support that fit into grooves on the bed. Check with your manufacturer.

    For Stationary Cribs

    • 7

      Remove the hardware holding the long foot assembly in place. In some models, this involves removing the foot posts with the side. Check with your manufacturer. Put the hardware into a plastic zipper bag.

    • 8

      Attach the toddler bed stretcher to the foot posts. This decorative piece keeps the posts stretched. Some models include a toddler bed side. This piece includes the stretcher and a short bed rail designed to prevent the toddler from rolling out of the bed.

    • 9

      Remove the mattress.

    • 10

      Place the mattress support on the lowest setting. Different manufacturers have different methods of securing the mattress support. Some hold the support in place with screws. Others have four flanges on the support that fit into grooves on the bed. Check with your manufacturer.

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