A few months ago, we decided it was time to convert Colette’s convertible crib into a daybed and this is the one we bought. She had stopped wearing her sleep sack and began climbing out of her crib. I had heard this happen to many of my mom friends but just never thought it would happen to us so soon (I know, she is 3 1/2)! After the second time she climbed out, I knew we needed to make her sleeping space safer and give her a little more independence.
In the evenings, we put her reading chair against the bed to avoid her rolling off the bed. You can also just add the rail that comes with the convertible crib but we decided not to since she can get in and out of the bed more easily without it.
Signs She Was Ready for the Change
For us, the biggest sign was her climbing. Once your little one discovers they can scale the crib rails, it’s time to transition. She was also becoming more vocal about wanting to get out of bed by herself in the morning. Not to mention, the times she would bring up her cousin and wanting a bed like hers. These small cues helped us know she was ready for her first “big girl” bed. Since we purchased a convertible crib we are able to continue using her crib and just removing the front panel.
How We Made Her Room Safe for a Toddler Daybed
Safety was our top priority during this transition, and it should be yours too. We wanted Colette to have freedom to explore her room but within safe boundaries. When we first moved in, we hired a professional to baby-proof our home so we knew what to look for. We used these door covers which have come very handy around our house and her room. We also anchored all the big furniture to the walls using the kits that came with them.
Baby-Proofing Tips for a Crib-to-Daybed Transition
- Bolted all heavy furniture to the wall. Dresser and bookshelf are now secured so there is no risk of tipping if she climbs.
- Added doorknob covers. Every door in her room, including the closet and bathroom, now has a safety cover so she can’t wander unattended. We used these and these.
- Cleared potential hazards. We removed any small items she could choke on and ensured there were no dangling cords within reach.
- Added Cameras. We still have the Nanit baby monitor (which we love) and an additional camera from WYZE. This allows us to see what she’s doing especially if she starts to call our name (which happens when she gets up or needs her covers back on).
- Activated the Hatch. We’ve had this light/noise machine since Colette was born but now I have it programmed so the light turns on at a certain time and Colette knows to call our names once the light turns on.
Knowing the room was completely baby-proofed and adding these additional things to ease the sleeping process allowed us to fully embrace her transition to a daybed without fear.
Creating a Cozy & Chic Toddler Bed Space
We know this convertible crib isn’t her real big girl bed yet, but we wanted her to feel like she’s growing up. We are still using her crib, just converted into a daybed to give her more independence. Of course, I wanted her new bed to feel like a space she would adore. Cozy, comforting, and reflective of her little personality. The bedding we chose for her first daybed is beautiful and whimsical from Gooselings. She now sleeps with:
- A Gooselings toddler duvet, which has the softest cotton cover and a light, breathable insert.
- A lightweight toddler pillow with a matching cover which adds the perfect touch of comfort.
- Her favorite bunnies from Jellycat (she has the pink and natural ones) that she loves and can’t sleep without. I also gift them because they are the softest and so classic.
How Her Duvet Pairs with Sister Parish Dolly Wallpaper
I chose her Gooselings duvet not only for its quality but because its subtle pink color palette that pairs beautifully with her Sister Parish Dolly wallpaper. The delicate floral pattern on the walls complements the gentle tones of her pink and white check bedding. It creates a space that feels timeless and sweetly feminine. A room she can grow into!
Tips for Converting Your Convertible Crib to a Daybed
I’m definitely not an expert on toddler sleep transitions, but I wanted to share what worked for us and some best practices I’ve learned along the way. I know so many of you are navigating this stage too, and it always helps to hear another mom’s experience.
- Check your convertible crib manual. Many cribs are designed to convert easily to a toddler daybed by removing the front panel. This is a good mini transition until the big bed comes.
- Prioritize safety first. Anchor furniture, cover outlets, and ensure doors are secured.
- Use minimal bedding. A lightweight duvet and pillow if your child is ready keeps things simple, cozy, and safe.
- Celebrate the change. Talk about it excitedly with your child so they feel proud of their new bed.
- Go over the rules together. We kept it calm and casual, always ending with a little reward to make it feel special. For example, “we want to have a good night to go to the playground tomorrow”.
- Expect adjustment days. There may be a few nights of exploring the room before settling into the new routine. It took us about 3 weeks to nail down the new night routine.
Final Thoughts on This Sweet Milestone
Watching Colette go into her daybed each night, tuck her bunnies under her arms, and pull her covers up makes me realize how quickly she’s growing. It’s a simple shift , removing a crib panel, but it represents a big, beautiful step in her journey.
If you’re considering converting your crib to a daybed, I hope this gives you both confidence and inspiration to make it feel safe, chic, and deeply comforting for your little one.
As always, thank you for being here!
If you enjoyed reading this post, check out Easy Baby Storage Ideas For Small Spaces for tips to organize your little one’s room!
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