Have you been thinking of how to build a toddler bed on moving your child from a crib?
A toddler bed is a usual size for children aged around one and a half to two years old.
When building this bed, you should consider the dimensions and materials to be used to ensure your child’s comfort.
You may still use the mattress you used in the crib for the toddler bed since they often have exact sizes.
Toddler beds usually range from 70 cm x 140 cm to 78 cm x 180 cm and should be low to the ground.
From a crib to a toddler bed is a vital step for a child’s growth, especially when they’re getting bigger and escaping the crib.
Building a toddler bed that will enjoy being in their comfort place is the best process to transition them.
Steps To Build A Toddler Bed
Some kids may find it difficult to leave their accustomed place for sleep, so it is suitable to give them something they will enjoy.
Creating it all by yourself will allow you to make something appropriate for your toddler’s wants and needs.
There are many creative ideas on building a toddler bed, but we’ll be discussing simple methods in creating one like this one.
So, how to build a toddler bed?
Here are seven uncomplicated processes to construct your child’s new bed.
Step #1. Building the panels and posts
To construct the headboard panel, cut two pieces of 2×3 board that are 24 inches long and another two with 12 inches in length.
The next thing that you should do is drill the pocket holes on every side of the board.
Then, cut a ¼-inch deep x ¼-inch wide notch in the center of all four panels using a table saw.
Use this notch to insert ¼-inch plywood with the dimensions of 19½ inches x 12½ inches.
Put some wood glue inside the notch, and all 2×3 pooled connections, and then slide the plywood into the gap.
Next, attach all 2×3 boards using 2½-inch screws.
You may repeat the steps above to build another panel for the footboard.
Lastly, create the legs for the bed from 4×4 construction lumber and cut them into four pieces, every 24 inches in length.
Step #2. Attaching the panels and posts
Attach the headboard panels to the posts using 2½-inch screws, 4 inches from the bottom of each 4×4 post.
Repeat the steps for connecting the footboard panels on the other side.
Step #3. Working on the back panel of the bed
Creating the back panel of the bed is similar to constructing the headboard and footboard panels other than its dimensions.
You’ll also need the same wood, but cut it into four pieces, the first two with 50¾ inches in length and another two with 9 inches in length.
Create pocket holes and notch on the boards the same way as creating these on the headboard and footboard panels.
Insert ¼-inch plywood into the notch and secure all four sides of the panel with pocket hole screws.
Next, attach it to the bed’s posts using pocket hole screws.
This panel should be 1½-inch from the base’s inside corner and placed 4 inches from the bottom of the post.
Step #4. Making the front panel
Building the front panel is also similar to making the other panels of the bed.
The length of the 2×3 board of the front panel is 28 inches and should only have pocket holes on the side attached to the post.
Attach the front panel to the base and place it 1½ inches from the inside corner of the post, just like the back panel.
Step #5. Creating the mattress support
In creating the mattress support, use 2×4 wood and cut it into two pieces with 50¾ inches in length.
After which, you can drill pocket holes on each end.
Next, attach the woods to the post at the front and back panels using pocket hole screws, which should be 4 inches from the bottom of the post.
Step #6. Placing the mattress frame slats
You will need nine pieces of 27-inch long 1×4 frame slat boards to support the mattress.
Place them above the mattress supports of the front and back panels with about a 2½-inch gap between each other.
Secure these boards by using a nail gun, covering them on the front part of the bed, and fastening them in place using 2-inch wood screws.
Step #7. Finalizing the bed
To protect your child from any unwanted accident, set wood caps on top of the posts and attach them using a nail gun or wood glue.
Using a 3/8 wooden dowel rod, cover up the visible pocket holes and cut a short piece 2 inches in length.
Dip it into the wood glue, hammer it inside the hole, and cut off the dowel sticking out using a dovetail saw.
Through a random orbital sander, sand over the dowel to smoothen the surface.
And for the finishing touches, paint the bed in any color that fits your child’s wants.
You may also add other decorations to make it look appealing.
Summing It Up!
These are only impressive yet straightforward ideas on building a toddler bed—creating a transitional bed that may teach kids how to move to a new sleeping environment.
Build a bed that uses a crib mattress so that your child won’t find it challenging to transition from a crib into a toddler bed.
Now, you’ve known how to build a toddler bed!