How to Recycle Your Baby’s Crib Into a New Piece of Furniture

It’s always an exciting moment when your new baby becomes a toddler. They’ve outgrown shoes, clothes, and now their crib.

What do you do with this crib — a beloved piece of furniture? If it isn’t a crib model that was designed to be converted into a toddler bed, don’t despair. Instead of loading it up in the car for Goodwill, here are some simple DIY projects to transform it into new furniture that you can enjoy for years to come.

Your Child’s First Playdesk

You can do this simple task with just a few supplies: lumber, nails, and chalkboard paint. These can be found at any crafts or building supply store. This will let your little one scribble with chalk on the desk, not your walls. You can add hooks to the sides and slide tupperware containers underneath for ample storage space.

A Crib On the Go

Do you ever want to take your kids on a walk or picnic, but you’re afraid of them wandering off? That will be a problem of the past if you turn your crib into a pull wagon. With a few items found in any hardware store and some wheels, you can do just that. Bonus points for adding pillows and sheets for a perfect resting spot for your tired child.

Spring Base Storage

The metal spring base is one of the most versatile and useful parts of the crib. With a splash of colorful paint or a decorative cloth backing, you can turn it into an accessory for almost every room of the house. Hang a wide variety of items off of it, including houseplants, jewelry, shoes, artwork, and family photos.

Create a Lovely Porch Swing

If you’re a little handier with tools, you can turn the crib into a charming porch or patio swing. This is a great project for a weekend. You’ll need four lengths of rope or chain, some heavy-duty eyebolts, a drill, and some patience. Be sure you hook it onto the roof studs and test the swing before putting weight on it.

Crib Walls Make a Great Rack

Many of these projects don’t use the crib walls, but don’t worry. They’re very useful on their own. Turn them on their sides and use them to display magazines or dry your laundry. In fact, this is a great, space saving way to dry out socks and other small items. You can also mount these in the kitchen to hang up pots and other cooking implements.

For the Blooming Artist

Instead of going out to buy a chalkboard easel for your little one, convert the headboard and footboard into one. With the help of some liquid sandpaper, tape, primer, newspaper, paint, and a couple of hinges, you can create an easel that will let your child exercise their creative mind. You can even use the board to play school — teaching numbers and letters.

From Bed to Minibar

Does the stress of raising a small, energetic child make you long for a cold one? Add fun and class to your adults-only rec room by converting the crib into a multi-level storage and entertainment center. Once it’s ready, invite other parents over for a play-date with something for everyone.

Hanging Decor from the Ceiling

Just as the spring board can be used for wall storage, mounting it up on the ceiling broadens your possibilities for suspending decorations and lights. Once the board is set up, use some simple string or twine to hang up candles, plants, and other decor to liven up any space in the house. Plus, the board itself adds some unique texture to any room.

The Perfect Play Corner

Flip your crib upside down, add your kid’s favorite books and toys, and you’ve got the perfect little area for playtime. Not only do you maximize floorspace in the room, but you also have the top part to store additional items. You’ll also be able to contain the mess from playtime to one easy area.