When you start looking to buy a convertible baby bed, you will realize that you must put that bed together when it arrives at your home. At first, buying a convertible crib can be an expensive investment. Although, it the long run, you save money. That is because you can transform that bed into a toddler bed and a full day bed as your child grows.

So, why should you assemble a convertible crib?

If you are purchasing a bed online or in a retail store, you won't get the fully assembled bed sent to your home. No, all of the parts of the crib are packed securely in a box and shipped to you "knocked down." This practice is cheaper, since it costs less to ship a smaller box. And the parts are protected better against the wear and tear of shipping.

The shipping box is easier to handle and move into your baby's nursery. You won't have to take off the bedroom door to move the bed into the bedroom Understand that assembling a crib saves you money in shipping and handling. How do you prepare to assemble the crib when you receive it?

The Important Three Things for Assembling Your Baby's Bed

Remember, you will be assembling your baby's new bed in the baby's room or nursery in your house. To put the bed together quickly and easily, without redoing the assembly process, make sure to have these things on hand.

Instructions

• Illustrated, step by step instructions

• Any videos provided by the manufacturer or dealer

• A picture of what the assembled bed looks like

Space

• A relatively empty bedroom so that you have enough space to maneuver the bed when it is fully assembled

• Place to lay out all of the parts including the sides, foot, and head of the bed, the mattress frame

• Count the parts to make sure you have everything. Compare your list of hardware parts to the list in the instructions.

• Use Post It Notes to mark each part with the same labels in the instructions.

Tools

• Recommended tools by the manufacturer, including screwdrivers, an allen wrench, pliers or wrench to tighten the nuts and bolts

• A rubber mallet to tap the parts into place. If you use a steel hammer on wood parts, you'll mar the finish and dent the wood.

Putting it All Together

Read each step of the instruction guide before you begin. Then, before you fasten any bolts or screws, fit the parts together, so you know how they go together. Do Step One and finish it completely before you go on to Step Two. Complete each step in order.

Most convertible cribs have different mattress positions, like low, middle and high. Set the mattress position to fit the age and size of your child. Read the instructions for the proper setting. Most brands recommend that the mattress be positioned higher for younger children.

Make sure that all bolts, screws and nuts are tightened so that the crib is strong and sturdy.

Once the bed is assembled, make sure it is sturdy. Does it wobble? Do any parts feel loose? Is the bed safe to put your baby in? Remove any gaps between the sides, mattress, and rails that could trap your baby's head or body.

You can assemble a convertible baby bed very quickly when you follow these steps. It's not rocket science. Just remember to read and follow the instructions, have enough space to assemble the bed and use the correct tools for the job. Your baby's first bed will become a safe place to sleep soundly while growing up into a healthy child.