DIY Security Systems
We all have that particular story during our childhood of us falling off our beds, especially during our sleep. Even though we get a few laughs from these stories, some of these instances end badly. Some might even concur head injuries by knocking their heads onto their nightstand or any hard surfaces. Some will get a few bruises here and there. But what is the same for all are parents getting a fright out of the situation. These parents would probably go on the internet and search for solutions. Then, they will find the suggestion of installing a bed rail. But this sounds too expensive. Thus, it is best to do it yourself and research on how to make a toddler bed rail.
Why Should I Make a Toddler Bed Rail
Buying a bed rail is the easier thing to do. So why not just head directly to your favorite baby shop instead of making one? Here are a few reasons:
- It is cheaper. Almost all DIY projects are less expensive in comparison to products bought from the store.
- It is good for the environment. Materials stashed in your houses or garages will be perfectly usable for DIY projects. You can even upcycle an old bed rail from your child’s baby crib.
- Your child’s preferences can be followed. When choosing from commercially manufactured products, it is difficult to find something you would exactly like. Your child may say it’s not blue enough, it’s not high enough, it’s not cool enough – there will always be something wrong. If you make your toddler bed rail, you can ask your child what they prefer and skip all the fuss.
- It is satisfying. It doesn’t just make your brain work; it will give you a feeling of satisfaction when you see the fruits of your labor. What’s more is that your work is what keeps your child safe and sound throughout the night.
How to Make a Toddler Bed Rail
With all the toddlers in the world constantly falling off their beds, it is no wonder that parents have thought of various concepts to prevent these accidents. Here are some ideas on how to make a toddler bed rail:
- Upcycling an old baby crib. The rails of a baby crib are largely similar to toddler bed rails seen in the market.
- Constructing with wooden planks. You can search for wooden planks in your house’s storage or simply buy some from your nearest hardware store.
- Tucking in pool noodles. You can insert these under the sheets to create faux bumpers.
- Using bolster pillows. Similar to the pool noodles, you can tuck these under the bed’s fitted sheets.
Making a Toddler Bed Rail by Upcycling a Crib
Since tucking in pool noodles and bolster pillows under the bedsheets need no further explanation, we should focus on the first two found on the list. The following is a guide on how to make a toddler bed rail by upcycling an old baby crib:
- Prepare screws and an electric drill. Disassemble the rail from the baby crib. Remove the rails from the old baby crib cleanly. The baby crib may have a function that would allow you to naturally take off the railing without cutting anything. For example, they were assembled using L-brackets or hinges.
- Take note of your desired measurements. Baby cribs have high rails so you can safely leave an infant. Thus, it is best to cut off a part of the rails for practicality. Be sure that the height of the toddler bed rails will be desirable before you start sawing.
- Cut according to your measurements. Mark the measurement on the rails and cut off the excess. You may use a handsaw.
- Secure a piece of thick wood plank. You can either purchase or look for a thick wood plank. This will go parallel to the upper rail or perpendicular to the balusters.
- Measure the distances between the balusters. Since you are attaching a new horizontal rail manually, it is best to measure the gaps between the balusters so you can drill holes for the screws.
- Drill the holes. After marking the wooden plank, you may proceed to drill holes onto those marks.
- Attach the piece of wood using screws. Remember that the plank will serve as the other end of the rail. Screw it on tightly.
- Do some finishes. You might want to use sandpaper to ensure that the rail is smooth and that no wood is sticking out, which may cause splinters or other injuries. You can also paint the rail to fit the color of the bed frame.
- Screw on the L-brackets. Attach some L-brackets onto the middle and either ends of the rail.
- Attach the new rail onto the bedframe. Use the L-brackets and some screws to secure the rail onto the bedframe.
Making a Toddler Bed Rail from Scratch
Building a toddler bed rail using an old crib is easier than this next method. This would require better craftsmanship since you will only be using wooden planks. Therefore, you will not have any pre-fabricated influence. The following is a guide on how to make a toddler bed rail using wooden planks:
- Prepare the instruments needed. Make sure that you have enough wooden planks to satisfy your liking. Secure a saw, an electric drill, and some wood glue if available. You will also need measuring instruments, such as a steel tape and a triangle.
- Trim the wooden planks to your liking. Cut out planks of wood into the measurements you prefer. You may also choose to carve out the edges to get rid of the sharp angles.
- Measure out the distance between the makeshift balusters. Make sure that you are satisfied with how far apart or near to each other the balusters are. It shouldn’t be wide enough for the toddler to fall through.
- Drill holes onto the planks. Following the appearance of a standard rail, it is easy to imagine how you would want to attach them. Drill the holes onto the wood to attach them. Therefore, you will have some balusters and the rails on each end.
- Use wood glue and screws. To make sure that everything is secure, you can start screwing the wooden planks with each other. You should also apply wood glue onto the flat surfaces if available. The triangle can be used to make sure that the balusters and rails are at perfect right angles with each other.
- Do some finishes. You might want to use sandpaper to ensure that the rail is smooth and that no wood is sticking out, which may cause splinters or other injuries. You can also paint the rail to fit the color of the bed frame.
- Screw on the L-brackets. Attach some L-brackets onto the middle and either ends of the rail.
- Attach the new rail onto the bedframe. Use the L-brackets and some screws to secure the rail onto the bedframe.
You can also choose to make two of the rails. Attach them will L-brackets. With this, the rails should be in an L shape. Then, you can insert one of the rails under the mattress and secure them with screws onto the bedframe. Know more about Toddler Bed Rails.
Wrap Up
To ensure the safety of your child, it is helpful to look into how to make a toddler bed rail. There are a few simple tips on how to achieve this. You can also think of new ideas that you see fit for your toddler. Just let it be safe and secure enough to help you and your child get a good night’s rest.