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Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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Fainting Couch Toddler Bed Inspiration/Construction {Part 1}

September 24, 2013 by Bethany Sy

Some of my mommy-friends have small children who climb out of their crib before they’re even a year old. And other less-ambitious children don’t attempt to escape until well into their toddlerhood. My small children have made it to age two, and are still going strong (we’re thanking our lucky stars). But I know that dreaded day is coming, and I often think about that terrifying moment when I wake up to a tiny person 2 inches from my face saying MOMMY?!

Paisley and Adelyn {Sawdust and Embryos}

What I’m trying to say is that there has been some consideration to matters involving toddler beds and the like. Because when one figures it out… it will take the other 1.3 seconds to figure it out. And at that point, we have to deem the crib/pack-and-play unusable.

Since we want to keep the nursery intact for hopeful/potential future baby(ies), we’ll be moving the sisters to what used to be the guest bedroom… but more on that later. We know we need to get things ready for that moment when toddler beds are abruptly necessary.

I wanted to build the girls’ toddler beds to be unique and adorable. I know it’s silly to most… since they’ll only be using these beds for a couple years. BUT I WANT TO… KAY? I don’t even remember how I thought of it, but I decided to make them MINI FAINTING COUCHES! Using their existing crib mattress!

I drew several sketches since I’m a visual person, and decided on this one…

Sketch for 'Fainting Couch' Toddler Bed {Sawdust and Embryos}

Today I’m going to show you PART 1 of the construction of these little fainting couch toddler beds! Nick is helping me build, but he’s giving me creative control and letting me make almost all the decisions! I’m learning tons from him, and gaining lots of carpentry confidence in the process!

We started by building a basic frame around the dimensions of the mattress (28” x 52”) using 1×4’s, and slats to go across. You better believe I dragged that mattress out to the garage with me! Visual learner… remember?!

Building a toddler bed {Sawdust and Embryos}

The frame ended up being 54” x 29.5” because we wanted to give the mattress a little wiggle room and and extra space for bedding and such. We cut 9 slats to 28” from 1×4’s as well.

Next, using the Kreg Jig, we drilled pocket-holes for stability and so that the screws wouldn’t catch on things. This thing is FUN to use!

Using a Kreg Jig to build toddler beds! {Sawdust and Embryos}

On one end of the bed, we built out a little further (making our actual frame dimensions 58” x 29.5”) to accommodate the ‘arm’ of the fainting couch.

Toddler bed frame construction {Sawdust and Embryos}

We glued/screwed 1×4’s against the inner edge of this section. These will act as supports for the arms of the fainting couch.

Build a mini-fainting couch for to fit a crib mattress for a toddler bed! {Sawdust and Embryos}

Next, I held up a board and drew a scrolly shape with a pencil, then cut it out using the band saw.

Building a toddler bed to resemble a fainting couch! {Sawdust and Embryos}

I think this gives you a smidgeon of an idea where we’re going with this, so I deem this a good place to stop for today. I’ll be following up with Part 2 soon! Sorry to leave you hanging! Stay tuned!

UPDATE! Come on over for Part 2 of this project HERE!

Bethany {Sawdust and Embryos}

 Build a Toddler Bed Fainting Couch! {Sawdust and Embryos}

 

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About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 45

    LaVerdad says

    January 10, 2017 at 2:26 am

    You do beautiful work! I’m inspired.

    Reply
  2. 46

    Sheri Ramos says

    July 7, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Hi Beth! I’ve been planning on making my kids old toddler mattress into a fainting couch for my daughters room for years now, you can’t know how thrilled I was to find your plans for one!! I’ll send you a pix of mine when it’s done, and, btw, love your blog!

    Reply
  3. 47

    Jennifer Bond says

    September 8, 2015 at 7:55 am

    Loved your beds so much we just had to create our own!!!

    Reply
    • 48

      Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      September 8, 2015 at 9:28 am

      OH MY GOODNESS… yaaaay! Please please please email me pics! I’m so excited right now!! sawdustandembryos@gmail.com

      Reply
  4. 49

    marianela aguero a. says

    October 29, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    que maravilla .gracias mil….lo intentaré.

    Reply
  5. 50

    Anna Cheung says

    April 21, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    I just happened upon your blog —LOVE what you have done with the twins’ room. I was looking for reupholstery pointers and this came up. Our son is 17 months and I know the day is coming when he will need a “big boy room”. Sigh. But, I am getting excited and inspired daily as to the theme, etc. I want him to have. We too struggled (struggle) with infertility. We adopted last year. Our son is the best thing that has ever happened to us. We may/may not ever get pregnant with a sibling for him, but we have never given up hope of having another child. I look forward to seeing the finished product. We also have a blog about our infertility and adoption journey. http://garyandannac.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html

    Reply
    • 51

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      April 21, 2014 at 4:33 pm

      Anna, thanks for commenting! You have an amazing story, an I enjoyed reading the ‘About Page’ on your blog. Infertility is such a difficult journey. I’m so glad you got your miracle… even if it was non-traditional means. I hope you’re blessed with a happy surprise one of these days!

      Reply
  6. 52

    Amy says

    January 14, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    What A Fun Idea, So Cute!!!

    Reply
  7. 53

    Sue B says

    October 4, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    From a Mom of grown up kids I think you will be using these for many years to come. Once the kids have outgrown them you can put them to use in so many ways. The girls can use them as a couch, a place for reading time…. They are wonderful!!!

    Reply
    • 54

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      October 4, 2013 at 7:00 pm

      Great idea Sue! I hope so!!

      Reply
  8. 55

    Mindy says

    October 1, 2013 at 2:19 am

    Wow. I am very impressed. Let me admit that I am proud when I put together a Target bookcase, so what you guys do blows me away!

    Reply
  9. 56

    Cara D says

    September 30, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Amazing idea! Can’t wait to see them. I may have to steal this for my baby’s big girl room. She is 22 months and still in a crib. Yippee. She can get out of the pack and play though so it probably won’t be long for the crib.

    Reply
  10. 57

    pattie says

    September 29, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    Wow, you guys are so creative! Can’t wait to see the finished beds! By the way you commented that some people might think you’re silly for putting that kind of work into a toddler bed, well, I have a friend who’s oldest child slept in her toddler bed (the plain ol kind you can buy at the store–nothing special, or over sized about it!) until she was NINE!! Ok, so Mom and Dad are a wee bit ‘vertically challenged’, but still! You just never know 🙂 And I love the idea of personalizing whatever you have the time, talent and inclination to do…

    Reply
    • 58

      Bethany says

      September 30, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      Vertically challenged… Love it! We’re go-with-the-flow people, so when it’s just not working anymore, we’ll upgrade to bigger beds and won’t shed a tear! 🙂

      Reply
  11. 59

    Jennifer says

    September 26, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    You do know that after you construct these awesome beds that you will have people begging you to make and sell them!?!? I would have never thought to make a toddler bed. Go you!

    Reply
    • 60

      Beth says

      September 27, 2013 at 4:56 pm

      HA! They’re quite a bit of work, so I don’t know that that’s a service we’ll be offering. But we’ll probably be selling THESE in a couple years when the girls grow out of ’em! 🙂

      Reply
  12. 61

    Susan says

    September 26, 2013 at 4:49 am

    Adorable-but that pointy part? Eye-gouger, for sure. I’d just round that part off a bit to be safe…as a mom of grown-up twins, trust me. 🙂

    Reply
    • 62

      Beth says

      September 27, 2013 at 4:54 pm

      Hehe… good point (pun!). Are you speaking of the pointy part on the curvy ‘back board’ thing? We can definitely make that a little more rounded. We haven’t gotten that far… so good timing! Thanks fellow-twin-mommy! 🙂

      Reply
  13. 63

    Barbara says

    September 25, 2013 at 12:17 am

    Wow – you are so creative. I literally would have never thought of that but the idea is adorable! My daughter’s toddler bed is constructed in exactly the same way but without the fancy scroll thingie. I can’t wait to see what it looks like in the end.

    Reply
  14. 64

    Fara says

    September 24, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    You make me want to hijack all my husbands power tools and build something. We are also close to needing a toddler bed and I would love to build it myself! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • 65

      Beth says

      September 27, 2013 at 4:57 pm

      You should you should! Tell him to consider them ‘OUR’ power tools from now on… HA!

      Reply
  15. 66

    Renee says

    September 24, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    I hope you are going to build something in front so the girls don’t roll out! Or you will have them standing two inches away from your nose after they do fall out!

    Reply
    • 67

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      October 2, 2013 at 3:12 am

      We’ve got a plan! AND a back-up plan! (baby gate!) 🙂

      Reply
  16. 68

    Meagan Dobbs says

    September 24, 2013 at 6:57 pm

    How come, do you think, your blog link on my blog page is not updating itself since your redesign? Also Eric said he was not seeing the new posts show up in his RSS feed, or whatever that thing is called. Do you think we need to reset something? Could have asked you in person :), but thought maybe you’d like to address in case others were having similar issues???

    Thanks! Beds look awesome by the way! 🙂

    Reply
    • 69

      Megan e says

      October 2, 2013 at 3:03 am

      I’m having the same problem. My Feedly reader won’t show any new posts after the couch reveal…

      Reply
    • 70

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      October 2, 2013 at 3:10 am

      Yeah, it’s definitely something on our end. I emailed our web designer about it several days ago and haven’t heard back. Super frustrated. I wish I knew how to trouble-shoot these things myself. I hate relying on other people! 🙂

      Reply
  17. 71

    Lori says

    September 24, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Soo cute! When my girls were little they made a habit of coming into our room in the wee hours for no apparent reason other than they could..we put up a baby gate to our room and told them unless they were on fire or bleeding they could not venture in willy nilly and it worked after two nites then we removed the baby gate…haha they love telling that story now!

    Reply
  18. 72

    Terri says

    September 24, 2013 at 5:56 pm

    I wish that the two (four) of you lived closer, we live about an hour and a half away from you. I could keep both of you busy- tile to be put up, basement craft room floor unique paint job, and much, much more. It would be a win-win for both of us, you two work, and I play with the girls!! 🙂

    Your energy and innovations are totally awesome!!

    Reply
  19. 73

    Marissa Haley says

    September 24, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    I don’t know if I can wait until you post the second part! I love this idea!

    Reply
  20. 74

    Liz says

    September 24, 2013 at 4:44 pm

    What a fun idea! I think my hubby will build our daughter a bed when it’s that time also. Thankfully she is just over a year and although she’s quite the climber, has not attempted escape…yet. I love the new site design, but ever since it has changed the new posts won’t show up on my reader (feedly). Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if there is a possible solution. I tried adding the site again, but it still just shows articles up through Sept. 17th. Thankfully I am a fb fan and so I still have been able to see when you have posted!

    Reply
    • 75

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      October 2, 2013 at 3:08 am

      Thanks for the heads-up Liz… we’ve been trouble-shooting this issue and hope to get it worked out sooooooon!

      Reply
      • 76

        Cara@theprojectaddict.com says

        October 2, 2013 at 3:30 am

        I am having the same issue with my blog and feedly.

        Reply
  21. 77

    Birgit says

    September 24, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    I have a secret! Our 4 1/2 yo twin girls are still in their cribs. We are currently making over their rooms to include big girl beds–we’re going the princess room look. We had one that started climbing, but blocked her escape route for a little while and then it stopped.

    Reply
    • 78

      Beth says

      September 27, 2013 at 4:51 pm

      I love it Birgit! I bet you’re a happier mommy for it! I guarantee my twins will be in their cribs as long as they aren’t climbing out and getting hurt (or into trouble). Good for you!!!

      Reply
  22. 79

    Mary in NY says

    September 24, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    What about a rail? they will fall out of bed!

    Reply
    • 80

      Beth says

      September 27, 2013 at 4:50 pm

      Just wait Mary! There’s a plan in place!

      Reply
  23. 81

    Kenz @ Interiors by Kenz says

    September 24, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Ooooh how precious! LOVE the inspiration picture. These are going to be so great. So excited to see them!

    Reply
  24. 82

    Eric S. says

    September 24, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    Can’t wait to see the rest of it! Question about the Kreg Jig…I’m looking to get one and notice that there is one that comes with the clamp and retails for about $130 and another for $100 without the clamp. Is it worth the extra money to get the one with the clamp? Thanks!

    Reply
  25. 83

    Melissa says

    September 24, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    Those are going to look awesome!!

    Reply

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
Click here for lots of art projects using only wood stain on furniture!!
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Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.

 

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