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Welcome back to Baby to Child, the place where we walk with you through every stage from baby to toddler and beyond. Today, we’re taking a close look at the Carter’s by DaVinci Toddler Bed Conversion Kit, model M11999, in the Washed Natural finish. This kit is designed to transition your Colby crib, whether it’s the F11951 or F11901 model, into a toddler bed. It’s crafted from 100% sustainable New Zealand pine wood and finished with a non-toxic, multi-step painting process that’s lead and phthalate safe. In short, it’s built to take your crib into its next chapter of use.
When I first opened the box, I noticed how lightweight the kit was, yet still solid in feel. Setup was fairly straightforward. The hardware lined up nicely with the Colby crib frame, though I will say you’ll want to have a screwdriver and a bit of patience handy—this isn’t one of those “snap and done” pieces. In practice, the side rail attaches smoothly and provides just enough support to keep a toddler secure, while leaving the independence for them to climb in and out. I tested it out with a wiggly three-year-old, and while it held steady, I did notice that over-tightening the screws could risk stripping the softer pine wood. So, a steady hand is key.
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Back to the kit itself. On the plus side, it’s made from sustainable pine wood, which is lightweight but strong enough for a toddler stage. The non-toxic finish gives peace of mind for parents worried about safety, and the Washed Natural tone blends seamlessly with most nursery décor. On the downside, it’s only compatible with specific crib models, so if you don’t have the Colby, this kit won’t work for you. Also, the pine wood, while eco-friendly, is softer than hardwood alternatives, so you’ll want to watch for dents or marks over time.
In terms of value, the kit feels fair for the price. It’s not a huge piece of furniture—it’s essentially a small side rail—but the quality of materials and the fact that it extends the life of your crib into the toddler years makes it worthwhile. Instead of buying a whole new toddler bed, you’re simply adapting what you already have. Compared to aftermarket or universal rails, this one matches perfectly with the Colby in both size and finish, which is something parents really appreciate.
Speaking of comparisons, there are some generic toddler bed rails out there that cost less, but they often don’t fit flush or match the crib’s finish. That’s where the Carter’s by DaVinci kit stands out: it’s built for a seamless look. The downside is, again, you’re locked into those Colby models. If you had a different crib brand, you’d be shopping elsewhere.
As for build quality, the pine wood construction is smooth and splinter-free, and the finish looks clean with no chemical odor. Long term, pine tends to show scratches more easily than harder woods, but given the toddler stage usually only lasts a couple of years before moving into a full bed, this kit should hold up just fine for its intended purpose.
I didn’t need to contact customer service myself, but DaVinci as a brand has a generally positive reputation for being responsive. Parents online often mention reasonable support, especially with parts or replacement needs, so that’s reassuring.
If you’re looking for alternatives, there are some third-party toddler conversion rails that cost less, but they may not match the finish or fit as snugly as the original manufacturer’s kit. For parents on a budget, those can work, but the trade-off is in aesthetics and sometimes stability.
So, the final verdict. The Carter’s by DaVinci Toddler Bed Conversion Kit does what it promises: it helps your crib grow with your child. It’s safe, it’s eco-conscious, and it matches perfectly with the Colby cribs. Its main limitations are the softer pine wood and the fact that it’s only compatible with those two specific crib models. But for families already using a Colby crib, this kit is a practical and seamless way to extend its life.
Thanks so much for watching. You can find the link to this product in the comments box below. And I’d love to hear from you—if you’ve already used this kit, how was your experience? Drop a comment and share your thoughts. And if you have questions about installation or specifics, the best way to get those answered is by reaching out directly to the manufacturer through that link. Goodbye till next time—and remember, in the journey from Baby to Child, every little step counts.
Available to buy here:
