There’s a quiet moment every parent experiences. It often happens during a late-night check-in, when you look at your toddler sleeping soundly in their crib. You notice how their feet are suddenly much closer to the rails than they were last month, and how their head is nearing the top. It’s a bittersweet realization: the crib that cradled them as a newborn is rapidly becoming too small. This was exactly the position we found ourselves in a few months ago. We had invested in a beautiful DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 convertible crib, believing in the promise of a piece of furniture that would grow with our child. Now, the time had come to honor that promise. The transition from a crib to a “big kid bed” is a major developmental step, but it also presents a logistical challenge. The thought of disassembling the beloved crib and buying an entirely new bed frame felt wasteful and disconnected from the journey we’d been on. This is precisely the problem the DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit is designed to solve—to seamlessly bridge the gap from crib to full-size bed, extending the life of a cherished piece of furniture.
- NOTE: THESE RAILS WILL CONVERT YOUR FULL-SIZE CRIB INTO A FULL-SIZE BED OR YOUR MINI CRIB INTO A TWIN-SIZE BED
- Made of 100% sustainable New Zealand pine wood
Navigating the Transition: What to Consider Before Buying a Bed Conversion Kit
A bed conversion kit is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for parents who chose a convertible crib with foresight. It represents a commitment to sustainability, value, and continuity in a child’s environment. Instead of introducing a completely foreign piece of furniture, a conversion kit transforms the familiar and comforting crib into a new, exciting space. This helps ease the potential anxiety of moving to a big bed, making the transition feel like a natural evolution rather than an abrupt change. The primary benefit is financial and practical: you leverage your initial investment in a quality crib, turning it into a full-size bed that can last through the teenage years for a fraction of the cost of a new bed set.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact scenario we were: you own a compatible convertible crib, such as the DaVinci Kalani (M5501) or Emily (M4791), and you want to maintain the furniture’s original design, color, and quality. It’s for the parent who plans ahead and values longevity. However, this kit might not be suitable for those who do not own a compatible DaVinci model. Many user reviews highlight attempts to retrofit these rails to other brands, often requiring significant DIY skills, drilling new holes, and a fair amount of hope. If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box solution and don’t own the specific crib, you would be better served by a standalone bed frame or one of the all-in-one toddler bed alternatives.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Hardware: This is non-negotiable. Double and triple-check your crib’s model number against the M4799 compatibility list. Furthermore, a successful conversion often relies on reusing bolts and barrel nuts from the original crib assembly. We cannot stress this enough: find and safeguard the bag of extra hardware that came with your crib. Many frustrating assembly experiences stem from misplacing these essential pieces years ago.
- Support System Requirements: The DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit consists of two side rails with an inner ledge. It does not include slats or a center support beam. This means a box spring or a bunkie board is a required separate purchase. Understanding this from the outset prevents the surprise and disappointment of realizing you can’t complete the bed setup on assembly day.
- Materials & Durability: The kit is made from 100% sustainable New Zealand Pine Wood, the same material as the cribs it matches. While this ensures a perfect aesthetic blend, pine is a softwood. This makes it susceptible to dings, scratches, and, as some users have noted, potential splitting if bolts are over-tightened. It’s a trade-off between a perfect match and the rugged durability of a metal frame.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly is straightforward in theory, but execution can vary. Having a second person is highly recommended to hold the heavy headboard and footboard in place. Long-term care is simple, requiring just a wipe-down with a damp cloth, but be mindful of the finish when moving the bed to avoid chips or scratches.
Keeping these factors in mind, the DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit stands out as the purpose-built solution for a specific need. You can explore its detailed specifications and compatibility here.
While the DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit is an excellent choice for owners of compatible cribs, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models for this transitional phase, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- THE PERFECT TRANSITION BED – Designed as a safe and comfortable step between crib and big-kid bed, this low-to-floor toddler bed...
- Bed fits full size crib mattress (mattress, bedding and pillow not included) ; Strong and sturdy wood construction
- Sparks Imagination with Playful House Design: This charming house-shaped headboard transforms bedtime into an adventure. It serves as a...
Unboxing the M4799: First Impressions of the Next Chapter
The arrival of the DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit was an understated affair. The long, slender box contained exactly what was advertised: two robust wooden side rails finished in a deep Espresso, a small bag of hardware containing eight bolts and eight barrel nuts, and a single-sheet instruction manual. Our initial reaction, much like that of other parents, was a slight pause. For the price, two pieces of wood and a handful of bolts can feel surprisingly minimalist. However, the true value became apparent when we held one of the rails up against our DaVinci Kalani crib’s headboard. The Espresso finish was a perfect, seamless match. The sheen, the deep brown hue, the subtle wood grain—it was as if they were all manufactured on the same day, despite being purchased years apart. This aesthetic cohesion is the product’s primary selling point. The wood felt solid and substantial, and the pre-drilled holes looked clean and precise. It was clear this wasn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all product, but a specifically engineered component designed to complete a system.
What We Like
- Extends the life of an expensive crib, providing excellent long-term value.
- Perfect color and style match for compatible DaVinci cribs (Emily, Kalani).
- Constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine wood with a non-toxic finish.
- Relatively straightforward assembly with clear instructions (assuming all hardware is present).
Potential Drawbacks
- Requires the separate, mandatory purchase of a box spring or bunkie board for mattress support.
- Reports of quality control issues, including damaged wood and missing hardware.
- Pine wood construction can be prone to splitting if bolts are overtightened.
Putting It to the Test: A Detailed Performance Analysis
A product like this isn’t judged on flashy features, but on a few simple, crucial metrics: Does it fit? Is it sturdy? And does it successfully transform the crib into a bed that looks and feels complete? We spent an afternoon on the conversion process, meticulously documenting each step and cross-referencing our experience with the wealth of feedback from other parents who have made this same transition.
The Assembly Gauntlet: From Crib to Bed in Under an Hour?
The instruction sheet suggests a two-person assembly, a recommendation we wholeheartedly endorse. The first step involves disassembling the crib down to its core components: the headboard and the footboard. This was a trip down memory lane, undoing the bolts we had so carefully tightened years ago. Here, we encountered the first major hurdle cited by many users: hardware. We had diligently saved the original pouch of extra bolts and nuts, which proved essential. The kit provides hardware to attach the rails to the headboard and footboard, but reassembling the footboard itself required hardware from the original crib. If you’ve lost those pieces, an emergency trip to the hardware store is in your future, as one parent recounted having to do.
Attaching the rails themselves was fairly intuitive. We aligned the hooks on the end of each rail with the pre-drilled holes on the headboard and inserted the provided bolts. This is where things can diverge. Our 2018-model Kalani headboard had threaded inserts, and the bolts went in smoothly. However, we’ve seen numerous reports from owners of older models (pre-2016) that the holes are not threaded, requiring the use of the included barrel nuts or even some creative DIY to secure them. The process was repeated for the footboard. With two people, one to hold the heavy panel steady and one to work the Allen key, the entire frame came together in about 40 minutes. We were careful not to overtighten the bolts, mindful of the softwood. Several users reported splitting the wood right at this stage, a heartbreaking moment that turns an exciting milestone into a frustrating ordeal. Gentle, firm tightening is the key.
Structural Integrity and the Great Support Debate
Once assembled, the frame—consisting of the headboard, footboard, and two side rails—felt surprisingly solid. There was no wobble or pivot, an issue one user reported when only using four bolts. Our setup used all eight connection points, creating a rigid rectangle. But this rectangle is just a frame. The most significant point of confusion and criticism surrounding the DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit is mattress support. The kit provides none. The design relies entirely on a standard full-size box spring (or foundation) to sit on the 1-inch wooden ledges running along the inside of the rails.
We opted for a standard 9-inch box spring and a full-size mattress. This is where we confirmed another common observation: the bed becomes very high. For our 3.5-year-old, it was a veritable mountain, much taller than our own queen-size bed. While he found climbing up using the rail as a step to be a fun challenge, we shared the safety concerns of other parents regarding a potential fall. A low-profile box spring (typically 4-5 inches) is a highly recommended alternative. Better yet, several users found success with a “bunkie board,” a 1.5- to 2-inch solid foundation that provides the necessary support without adding significant height. One parent specifically recommended the Zinus Gulzar Bunkie Board as a perfect fit.
We also investigated the claim that the frame is too narrow for a standard full box spring. A standard full mattress is 53 inches wide. Measuring our assembled frame, the distance between the support ledges was 52.75 inches. Our box spring, which measured 52.9 inches, fit, but it was incredibly snug. We had to angle it in carefully. This tight tolerance could easily become a problem if your box spring is on the wider side of the “standard” 53 inches, confirming one user’s frustrating experience. Our advice: measure the interior width of your assembled frame before you buy the box spring.
Aesthetics and Durability: A Long-Term Investment?
With the mattress and bedding in place, the transformation was complete and, frankly, stunning. The DaVinci Kalani no longer looked like a converted crib; it looked like a handsome, complete full-size bed. The deep Espresso rails blended perfectly with the headboard and footboard, creating a cohesive piece of furniture that feels intentional and upscale. This is the ultimate reward for sticking with the brand-specific kit. It honors the original design and allows the furniture to mature alongside your child. You can truly see this bed lasting through elementary, middle, and even high school.
However, the question of long-term durability lingers. Our stress tests involved sitting, bouncing (moderately!), and pushing on the frame, all of which it handled without creaking or flexing. But the user reports of the pine wood splitting give us pause. One parent shared that the wood around the bolts on their 11-year-old’s bed split after just three months of normal use. This suggests the pine wood, while beautiful, may not withstand the test of time and repeated stress as well as a hardwood or metal frame might. The integrity of the bed relies on eight small connection points in a relatively soft material. For parents of particularly active children, reinforcing the support ledges or adding a supplementary center support slat could be a wise, proactive measure to ensure the bed’s longevity and safety.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our experience largely mirrored the consensus found across dozens of user reviews. The sentiment is generally positive but tempered with important caveats. On the positive side, many parents were thrilled with the final result. One user, who had a non-DaVinci crib, was overjoyed that the holes lined up perfectly and saved them from having to buy a new bed. Another stated, “The hardware that came with it was EXACTLY what was needed and it went together in a few minutes! … It is also VERY sturdy!” These success stories typically come from users who had the correct, compatible crib model and all the necessary hardware on hand.
On the other hand, the negative feedback forms a consistent pattern. The most common complaint revolves around quality control. We saw numerous reports of kits arriving with scratches, dents, or cracks in the wood. One parent received a kit with only one of the eight required screws. Another received a grey kit that was a “major color difference” from their grey DaVinci crib. These issues, combined with the aforementioned durability concerns about the wood splitting and the “hidden” cost of needing a box spring, paint a picture of a product that is excellent when it works, but deeply frustrating when it doesn’t.
How Does It Compare? The DaVinci M4799 vs. The Competition
The DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit is a unique product—a component, not a complete bed. Its primary competitors aren’t other conversion kits, but rather the standalone beds you might buy instead. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.
1. Dream On Me Portland 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed
- CONVENIENT TRANSITION BED: The Portland 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed sports a low-to-floor design making it easy for your child to...
- 3 in 1 CONVERTIBILITY: The Portland converts easily from a toddler bed into 2 kid-sized chairs and a table that complement any room...
The Dream On Me Portland is a complete toddler bed in a box. Unlike the DaVinci kit, which creates a full-size bed, this is a dedicated toddler-sized bed designed to be low to the floor for maximum safety. It includes built-in guardrails and a slat system, meaning you only need to add a crib mattress you already own. This is an ideal choice for parents who did not purchase a convertible crib or who want a smaller, transitional bed for a few years before upgrading to a twin or full. It prioritizes safety and a small footprint over the long-term longevity offered by the DaVinci conversion.
2. Dream On Me Toddler Day Bed
- Ideal Transition Bed: The Dream On Me Toddler Day Bed features a low-to-floor design, making it easy for your child to transition from...
- Stylish & Functional Design: Designed to fit seamlessly with various room decors, the modern, sleek design combines curved and straight...
Similar to the Portland, the Dream On Me Day Bed is a complete, standalone toddler bed. Its key differentiator is the stylish daybed design, which feels more open and “grown-up” than a traditional bed with four high sides. It still uses a standard crib mattress and sits low to the floor. This is a great alternative for parents who want to create a sophisticated toddler room and aren’t concerned with converting an existing crib. It’s a temporary, stylish solution for the toddler years, whereas the DaVinci kit is a permanent transition to a final, full-size bed.
3. DaVinci Toddler Bed Conversion Kit Honey (M3099)
- Made of 100% sustainable New Zealand pine wood
- Finished in non-toxic multi-step painting process, lead and phthalate safe
This is the most direct comparison, as it’s also a DaVinci conversion kit. However, its purpose is different. The M3099 kit (like this one in Honey) is designed for the *first* conversion: from a crib to a toddler bed. It typically includes a single guardrail that replaces one side of the crib, allowing the child to use their existing crib mattress while getting used to an open-sided bed. The M4799 kit we reviewed is for the *second* conversion: from the crib/toddler bed to a full-size bed. They are two distinct parts of the same 4-in-1 system, not competing products.
The Final Verdict: Is the DaVinci M4799 Conversion Kit the Right Choice for Your Family?
After a thorough assembly and analysis, our verdict on the DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit is clear: it is an essential, if flawed, purchase for a very specific customer. If you are the proud owner of a compatible DaVinci convertible crib like the Kalani or Emily, and your goal is to extend the life of that furniture into a full-size bed that perfectly matches in color and style, this is unequivocally the product for you. Its ability to create a seamless, aesthetically pleasing final bed is unmatched by any third-party frame.
However, you must go into the purchase with your eyes open. Acknowledge that you are buying two rails and some hardware, and that a box spring or bunkie board is a mandatory extra expense. Be prepared for potential quality control issues upon arrival and inspect the rails carefully. Finally, be gentle during assembly to avoid damaging the softwood pine. For those who didn’t buy a compatible crib or are wary of the potential hassles, a standalone bed frame is a more straightforward, if less aesthetically cohesive, path. For our family, the final result was worth the effort, transforming a beloved crib into a beautiful big kid bed that’s ready for years of new memories.
If you’ve decided the DaVinci M4799 Twin/Full Bed Conversion Kit is the right fit for your family’s transition, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API