Baby Cache Vienna Crib to Full Size Bed Directions
I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Unlike some of the other parents (who consider themselves not so lucky (i.east. those with monkey climbers)), I was able to proceed my daughter in her crib until after she turned 2.five years old. Wanting to heed the advice of all the well-significant parents who stated, "Don't take her out of her crib until yous have to!", I decided to stretch out the time frame she spent in her crib for every bit long as possible. After all, she LOVED it and the last matter I needed when upward with an infant all night was for my curious trivial toddler to come walking into my bedroom.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an cease and so must the crib. Wanting to increase her independence with potty grooming, while simultaneously wanting to provide my dorsum some relief (lifting a toddler in and out of a crib several times a day is tiring!), my husband and I made the decision to transition our toddler out of a crib into her "big girl bed".
Within this post, I document all my research, trials (and errors), and advice that went into converting my daughter'due south crib into her "big daughter bed". While this mail may be relatively long, it is just because of the level of detail provided… guaranteed to relieve yous MUCH fourth dimension (and frustration) in the long-run with your crib conversion.
Toddler Bed vs. Big Girl Bed
I was feeling some relief. Later months of toying with the idea, we had finally made the determination to move our toddler out of her crib. Little did I know, I had another big conclusion 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 we could easily catechumen her crib into either a toddler or total-sized bed downwardly the road. However, so was built-in however another decision to exist made- toddler bed vs. full-sized bed (a.k.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 aforementioned crib sized mattress. I wouldn't accept to purchase the convertible rails to convert to a full sized bed. There would be no worrying that she volition autumn out of her bed. I don't accept to practice a big room configuration.
Cons: We'd have to purchase the convertible 1/2 rail for a toddler bed and then soon later purchase the convertible rail to convert it to a full-sized bed. We'd exist putting my daughter through two, instead of only one, transition and substantially be putting off the inevitable.
Full-sized/ "Big Girl Bed"
Pros: With one transition, a 2nd transition wouldn't be hanging over our head. Less money in the long run as we wouldn't take to buy first the toddler bed rails and so the full-sized conversion parts. We could snuggle in bed together during story time.
Cons:More than money upward front (would accept to purchase a new mattress right away). Would have to reconfigure the room/remodel. More of a gamble she could fall out of bed/more than baby-proofing required.
Deciding Factor
Afterward comparison our pros and cons and talking with experienced parents, we decided to get straight to the total-sized bed. Let me tell you, I am SOOO glad we did! After crunching the numbers, it turns out nosotros saved money in the long run. Additionally, we only had one transition to get through (and turns out she did great!). Lastly, the process of crib conversion, baby-proofing, and remodeling was far more effective and easy than you lot may call up. 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 learn from my enquiry and any of my mistakes and make the process even that much more constructive!
Crib Conversion to a Total Sized/"Large Girl Bed"
The first thing you need to practise with crib conversion into a full-sized bed is to secure the appropriate parts. Not sure nigh whether or not I'd have one child out of their crib in time for some other to utilize the same crib, I didn't become alee and buy the convertible crib conversion kit at the time of the crib purchase. Later talking to other parents, my decision doesn't sound all that unique. In fact, chances are that many of those reading may have a convertible crib without the appropriate crib conversion rails. If this sounds similar y'all, you may have been doing endless Internet enquiry and coming upward curt with findings. How practice I know this? Considering I was y'all!
My Epic Fail… Do Not Brand the Same Mistake!
I can't tell you how many searches I did and how many partial post information I read before finally deciding to attempt/trial and error the appropriate conversion parts myself. My first question was, "Volition whatever former conversion kit work for my crib?" Hither is the long and short of that answer, "Yes information technology could, but likely information technology won't." After reading, reading, and oh, did I mention reading?… I decided to purchase a crib conversion rail that was the same color as my crib and promised to deed every bit a universal crib conversion rail. Heck, it even had TONS of reviews to back it. Unfortunately, subsequently getting it delivered and my daughter eagerly anticipating a transition to her "large girl bed", we were all super defeated to notice out that information technology was NOT universal after all.
Now, you may exist wondering, "Why would she not have just ordered the crib conversion runway that went with her specific crib?" Well, the answer is somewhat complicated only also ane that many of you likely can relate to. ane) My crib was now a couple years old and the crib model had been discontinued (the original baby 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 (Infant Cache) but each brand has about a meg specific crib names. 3) The universal crib conversion kit was ane/2 the price of the crib specific ones so I was nigh tempted to try information technology.
My Solution
* Affiliate links are included in this post. All this means, is that if you click on one of those links and purchase something, I may receive a small committee. Still, you will not pay a penny more than- promise!
So, I was back to the drawing lath and growing frustrated. In a semi-panic (parenting problem panic that is ;)) I decided to call the baby store and ask if they had any crib conversion rails. Of course, (for the reason I listed above in #2) they told me they no longer sold those rails. They did tell me that they could order me the same colored rails in the same crib brand (not crib specific) just at that place was only a risk that it would fit. Oh and the best part, it would take six-8 weeks to exist delivered. Lastly, the cost would be triple that of the universal kit I just had tried. So aye… non happening!
Then like a ray of sunshine, my married man noticed that on the within of the side pieces of the crib was a sticker with the specific crib name. (Note: the majority of all cribs will take this feature so look here first!) I then turned to every parent's best friend, a.k.a. "AMAZON
In one case the "Right" (as that makes ALL the difference) crib conversion kit parts had arrived, converting the crib into a full-sized bed took all of 20 minutes!
Practise I Need a Boxspring?
My side by side question in my research was, "Is a box spring required with a convertible crib to a full-sized bed conversion?" This likewise can exist a rather complicated answer, and then allow me break information technology downwardly for you.
Essentially, the answer is "no" , you do not require a box spring with a convertible crib conversion. Sure, you could use one but you would end up creating a rather high bed for a toddler/child to climb into. Instead, most crib conversion kits come with slats of forest that will run perpendicular to the conversion rails and allow for a mattress to sit on pinnacle. Notwithstanding, to note, not all crib conversion kits include these slats (actually the universal one did not). If your kit does not include slats, or if you wish to add additional slats for mattress support (as we did with our bed knowing we may observe ourselves lying in bed with our toddler for storytime) you can only option up a few slats from your local lumber shop/Home Depot and add them yourself (toll united states $25). (Not feeling particularly handy? Pre-made slats tin besides be purchased hither
Purchasing a Mattress
Effectually the same time I was researching crib conversion rails, I besides began to call back about a mattress. My first question was, "What size mattress do I need?" Here is what the research told me, 1) a twin mattress will only piece of work if you take a micro/mini crib (if you lot are not certain you take this, chances are you don't as they are actress tiny cribs), two) a queen mattress volition exist too large for the conversion runway spacing (I would not fifty-fifty recommend trying information technology), 3) a total-sized mattress is the perfect fit (trust me on this one)! (Why is Goldilocks and the three bears all of a sudden sticking out to me here ;)).
My side by side question was, "How can I find a good quality mattress without spending a ton of time on the search and having to either pay to deliver it to my home or notice a way to get it there myself?" My answer, "Leesa" .
Full disclosure, I was provided with a Leesa mattress in exchange for my review, just equally Ever, I only recommend products that I truly love and all opinions included are 100% my own.
For the same reason I loved the ease of having my conversion rail delivered to my front door via Amazon
What I needed was a quality mattress with numerous positive testimonials then that I didn't accept to worry the quality may be subpar. Additionally, I wanted a mattress that I knew I wouldn't need to supersede in a year or two and instead would grow with my daughter for years to come. What I too needed was a mattress that I could select and order online in a matter of minutes (I didn't accept the time for anything else). Lastly, what I needed was a mattress that would ship directly to my door and ideally for no accuse. For all these reasons and more, I brutal in love with Leesa. (Oh, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the fact that not just does Leesa plant a tree for every mattress sold, simply information technology also donates one mattress to a shelter for every x 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 comparison to a full-sized mattress. Saying my daughter was "excited" that this delivery was especially for her as function of her "big daughter bed" would be an understatement… she was thrilled!
After carrying the box into her room, I must admit I was a scrap skeptical to believe that within this relatively small box, a plush mattress was housed (Yet, my inquiry told me that this mattress was unlike others in that it had three premium cream layers (two-inch Avena foam top layer for cooling and breathability, 2-inch memory cream middle layer for body contouring, and six-inch dense core back up cream for immovability and edge support)).
Mattress Unboxing & Utilise
After a mere five minute of setup time (of which my daughter had a boom watching her mattress come to life!), information technology was safe to say I was definitely no longer skeptical. Inside minutes the mattress sprung to life and became the perfect (and easiest) addition to my girl's crib-to-"large girl bed"-conversion.
Even above the benefit of the super user-friendly ordering, delivering, and setup procedure that this mattress allowed for; with knowing the importance of children'due south slumber, information technology was very crucial to me that my child'southward mattress provides the best nighttime slumber possible. I loved (and keep to dear) the fact that information technology is by far the almost comfortable mattress I take e'er 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 own Leesa mattress but are a fleck unsure almost ordering a product online (hey, I get information technology) rest assured that Leesa offers a 100-night hazard-free trial with free 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 thing you desire to exercise is damage a beautiful mattress after your child has an inevitable bedtime accident or 2 (or 2 million). With that said, I HIGHLY recommend investing in a waterproof mattress pad (similar to the one here
Ease of Remodel
At present that the decision was made to convert my daughter'southward crib into a "big girl bed" and now that the appropriate parts necessary to bear out that decision were not only ordered but implemented, the final footstep was the decorating.
A few different elements and factors were considered before initiating the remodel. ane) For the same reason I wanted to transition directly to a "big girl bed" (instead of having a toddler bed first), I wanted the decor to grow with my daughter for years to come and non require updating/redecorating in simply a year or two. 2) I wanted to incorporate as many elements of my daughter'southward nursery as possible (i.e. utilize the aforementioned decor when viable, afterward all… information technology was simply a couple years onetime and much of it held sentimental value). iii) I was hoping not to spend a large sum of money. 4) I wanted the remodel to non consume too much fourth dimension (once once again, life is busy!) 5) Lastly, I wanted to incorporate my daughter's input. Her one and just request being, "I want a pink room!".
Before and After Photos
Before Photos (the tree mural was enhanced in one case our baby girl arrived)
After Photos
How Did I End Upwardly Doing?
1) For the same reason I wanted to transition directly to a "large girl bed" (instead of having a toddler bed beginning), I wanted the decor to grow with my daughter for years to come up and non require updating/redecorating in just a yr or two.
I ended up choosing an overall look that incorporated butterflies, soft colors and hands interchangeable features (i.e. baskets with stuffed animals and shelves with decor). I'm quite happy that the overall look works great for my two year old now and for many years to come.
2) I wanted to incorporate as many elements of my girl'south nursery as possible (i.due east. employ the aforementioned decor when feasible, subsequently all… it was but a couple years old and much of it held sentimental value).
When I was pregnant with my daughter I painted the white and aureate tree pictured. I knew I didn't want to paint 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 effectually every bit many photos (i.e. wall canvas) and wall decor every bit possible so that the room had an overall fresh look despite many of the items being used in the by. Lastly, I choose to continue her nursery glider so that she'd have a space for reading and relaxing as she grew.
three) I was hoping not to spend a big sum of coin.
Thanks to repurposing quondam decor and shopping smart (who doesn't dearest a adept deal?!) I was able to create this entire look with only a few purchases (i.east. bedding elements
four) I wanted the remodel to not consume likewise much time (in one case again, life is busy!)
Once the bed and nightstand were built and in identify, the time it took me to move effectually a few pieces and redecorate was very minimal. In fact, I started after my daughter woke one morning time and finished by the time naptime rolled around.
5) Lastly, I wanted to contain my daughter's input. Her i and but asking being, "I want a pink room!".
I think it is safety to say she was happy with the pinkish elements :).
Overall, I would modify zilch well-nigh our crib-to-"big daughter bed"-conversion and redecorating procedure. Well, okay mayhap non "nothing"… it would have been squeamish to accept purchased the correct conversion parts from the start. Nonetheless, I'm hopeful that my research along with trials (and errors) will help make this transition as piece of cake as possible for you while spending very little time and energy forth the manner!
Best of luck!
P.S. Looking for my TOP tips for making the unabridged toddler bed transition a success for your child? Cheque out my latest post here!
Source: https://www.simplyseptember.com/2017/08/03/cribtochildrensbedconversion/
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