How to Build a Toddler Safety Bed

Toddler beds are a great way to ease the transition from a crib to a twin bed. Lower to the ground and with a smaller frame than a twin bed, a toddler bed uses a crib mattress. The smaller dimensions of a toddler bed not only provide a better physical fit for a small child, but can also provide a sense of security for the child. By making your own toddler bed and using the existing crib mattress, you will save money.

2-by-4, 8-foot (4)
2-by-8, 8-foot (2)
4-by-4 sheet of ½-inch-thick plywood
Tape measure
Marking pencil
Sandpaper
Drywall screws, 2-½-inch
Finish nails, 10-inch
Wood plugs
Wood filler
Stain or paint
Bedding

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the 2-by-8 wood piece and cut at the 55-½-inch mark. Set the 55-½-inch board aside. Measure the remaining wood and cut at the 28-inch mark. Set the 28-inch board aside and discard the remainder of the 2-by-8 board. Repeat with the other 2-by-8 piece of wood.
- 2
  Form a box with the four pieces of 2-by-8 wood. Frame the box so that the 55-½-inch boards run opposite one another lengthwise. Place the 28-inch boards opposite one another to form the top and bottom of the bed. Keep in mind that the finished dimensions of the bed will be 55 ½ inches by 30 7/8 inches because of the average 1-½-inch thickness of the 2-by-8 pieces. Add screws to secure the bed frame. Sand the top pieces and all side pieces of wood.
- 3
  Measure the 2-by-8 wood piece and cut at the 28-inch mark. Repeat with the other 2-by-4 pieces of wood. Set the 28-inch pieces of wood aside. Cut the remaining pieces of 2-by-4 wood into two 27-¾-inch pieces and two 20-½-inch pieces. Set aside.
- 4
  Use the 2-by-4 pieces to create the mattress supports that run across the width of the bed. Place one 2-by-4 at the bottom edge of the bed and screw in place. Measure up 18 inches and add another 2-by-4. Place another board at the top edge of the bed and the last board 18 inches down from the top. Make sure all boards are held securely in place with screws. Cover screws with wood plugs.
- 5
  Sand the four remaining 2-by-4 pieces. Measure 5 ¾ inches from one end on all four wood pieces. Mark with a pencil line.
- 6
  Turn the bed frame on its left side. Place one of the longer wood pieces on top of the top right side of the bed frame to create a corner post. Align the pencil mark with the bottom of the frame to create a 5-¾-inch leg. Fasten in place with two screws, wood plugs and long finish nails. Repeat with one of the shorter wood pieces on the bottom right side of the frame. Flip the bed over and repeat with the remaining two pieces of wood.
- 7
  Lay the plywood over the mattress support pieces. Attach the plywood to the four support pieces from the underside of the bed. Use drywall screws, placing four screws into each 2-by-4.
- 8
  Finish the wood with stain or paint. Allow to dry completely. Place the crib mattress on top of the bed frame and add bedding.

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