How To Put A Crib Together: An Easy Guide

Unpack And Prepare The Pieces

Cribs can come in different types and brands, but most of these cribs have the same parts and pieces. Learning how to put a crib together can start with the pieces themselves. Being familiar with the pieces first can alleviate the time it takes to put them together later on.

Unpack the crib! When you open the box, it will come in several pieces. It is usually packed and organized properly with lengthy pieces on one side, large panels flat on the box, and smaller pieces neatly stuffed inside a container packet. If it doesn’t look that way upon opening – don’t panic!

• Set aside each part carefully. Put panels on one side, beams together and find the smaller pieces and collect them in one area.
• Make sure to organize them by size, shape, and similarity to make it easy for you to find later on.
• Find the instruction manual. Read the steps carefully.
• If it requires tools, like a Phillips screwdriver, Allen wrench or hammer, make sure to gather these before starting to put the pieces together.
• Check that you have all the parts listed. The instruction manual would label parts and show pictures of what that part would look like. It will also enumerate how many pieces of the same part there is. It comes in handy, especially when you need to count the number of screws needed.

Check The Quality Of Each Part Of The Crib

Now that you have placed and organized each piece on the ground, you need to check for each piece’s quality. Knowing how to put a crib together is easier if all the pieces arrive in good condition and are complete. Otherwise, you’ll be spending a lot of time wondering why a piece won’t fit right.

A crib should come with the following parts:

• Headboard
• Footboard
• Rails for the long sides
• There is one rail that is usually a drop rail.
• A board with or without springs for mattress support.
• A mattress (if not sold separately).
• It may also include two long thin sideboards as support between the headboard and footboard.

There may be other parts included. Check the manual for better results. Compare the piece with each picture and see if the pieces are damaged or broken.

Whether the crib is old or new, you will need to check for the following:

• Splinters – If a piece is showing splintered wood, for example, you need to know if you can smooth this out with sandpaper or need to return it for a replacement.
• Mold or damp spots – Hand me down cribs can come with mold if stored incorrectly. These are hazardous for infants.
• Peeling paint
• Sharp corners – Similar to splinters, you need to know if you can smooth this out with sandpaper or need to return it for a replacement. Otherwise, sharp corners are dangerous for babies.
• Damaged pieces – Some damage can be beyond repair.

Assembling The Crib

If everything is perfect, you’re now ready to know how to put a crib together. Read the instructions carefully! If it doesn’t come with an instruction guide, the manufacturer’s website should have one online. Follow the directions exactly as it is stated. There may be safety instructions you need to know that are specific to a part.

As a tip, create big pieces with small pieces. Start with the headboard! (Instructions may differ from the one you have, but the essential guidelines are similar).

• Screw together the legs of the crib into the headboard or footboard.
• Attach the headboard with the side panel pieces. Do this one side panel at a time.
• Install the mattress support or board. Make sure it is attached to the slats, headboard, and footboard properly.
• Connect the footboard with the side slats.
• Place the mattress down, and you’re done!

After assembling the crib, make sure that the mattress is fit and snug against the sides. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the crib and the mattress. There shouldn’t be any space between the mattress and the crib frame to minimize the risk of injury inside the crib.

You’re now ready to move the crib to its place in the nursery. Make sure it isn’t near windows or curtains. It is best to keep the crib away from the walls so your child will not get wedged in between.

Lastly, don’t put pillows or bumpers inside the crib! Infants are prone to suffocation; keeping items in the crib can be dangerous. Use sleep sacks outside of the pajamas instead of blankets to keep your infant warm. Find out more about cribs.

Conclusion

You need to double-check or even triple check your work when putting a crib together before you start using it on your baby. Before starting to learn how to put a crib together, it’s always a good idea to have your partner, friend, or family help you. It can be a great bonding experience setting up a crib in the nursery. Setting up the baby’s room can be an emotional time for parents, but at the end of the day, you’ll end up with a crib that will keep your child safe and secure!