Simple Restructuring

• 1). Partially disassemble the crib. Your goal is to remove one side. This process will vary from crib to crib.
  
  
• 2). Reassemble the remaining three sides, if necessary. For sturdy old-style cribs with slide down sides, this may be sufficient. However, some newer cribs may need additional work. Cribs which have fold-down sides that hinge in the middle may require additional bracing to keep the head and foot from leaning in. Cribs with particle board bottoms may require something sturdier to support the mattress.
  
  
• 3). Position the crib in the intended room. Make up the bed with bright sheets, and add complementary or matching throw pillows.
  
  

Dealing with Complications

• 1). Check the bed to make sure it will not collapse or develop a bent frame under heavy use. If it seems unstable or fragile, it may be necessary to add some bracing.
  
  
• 2). Measure the interior distance between crib legs on each side and at the head and foot of the bed. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4-inch board the correct length to fit between the legs at the head and the foot of the bed.
  
  
• 3). Cut two pieces of 2-by-4-inch board the correct length to reach from the board at the head of the bed and the one at the foot of the bed.
  
  
• 4). Nail the four pieces of wood together to form a rectangle that will fit underneath the bed, inside the existing four legs.
  
  
• 5). Check the existing legs. If they seem wobbly or too slender to hold up under the energy of a growing youngster, measure the distance from the bottom of the crib springs/frame to the floor. Subtract 1 3/4 inches from that amount.
  
  
• 6). Cut four pieces of 2-by-4-inch wood using your measurement from Step 5. Turn the crib on its back (the long side that still has the rail), and place the wood rectangle from Step 4 against the bottom of the crib, with the corners touching all four legs. Check the four leg pieces you just cut to make sure they are the correct length. To, attach the leg pieces to the bracing frame, if possible, drill through the original leg pieces into the new ones, and use screws to fasten them together.
  
  
• 7). Turn the assembly up onto its feet. If it still seems wobbly, use angle irons to secure the legs, and/or drill through the existing frame work into the new framework and use screws to secure them together.
  
  
• 8). Add a dust ruffle around the bottom of the newly created daybed, if desired, to hide the extra bracing.