Modified Crib for Parent with Disability

Step 2: Choose A Crib

To complete this project, you want a crib which is solid wood, so that it can be cut, drilled, and otherwise modified, while still retaining its strength. You also need a crib where the side railing is not an essential structural support (otherwise, cutting it in half will weaken or collapse the crib).

I started with an IKEA "Leksvik" crib. At $159, it costs substantially less than many cribs (if you don't have an IKEA nearby, it is possible to order the crib for delivery, but that adds about $250 to the cost!) and it's made of solid wood.. Their "Hensvik" crib ($129) has the same structural design and dimensions.

The frame which holds the mattress is bolted directly to the two end panels, as part of the structural support. That means the side rails are not essential for structural integrity. The crib also converts to a toddler bed, so the matteress can be placed much closer to the floor