No matter, if it is for yourself or for someone else, crafting a homemade babies crib, is an amazing DIY project that can bring lasting joy. With some creativity and hard work, assembling a one-of-a-kind crib for the new family member should only take a weekend.
Once your woodwork is completed, it's time to personalize it by applying an attractive stain or paint finish that's safe for baby use.
All the Tools You Need
If you are planning on building your babies crib yourself, a few tools will come in handy. Some might already exist in your arsenal while others will likely need to be bought or borrowed from friends and family. Before beginning, ensure that you read all instructions provided with the crib plans so you know exactly which tools are required.
Once you have assembled all of the pieces needed for building a crib, start assembling it. Start by building the front wall frame by drilling pocket slits into both surfaces of it before inserting 1 1/4" galvanized screws through them into pocket slits in each surface - once that is secured use waterproof adhesive on all joints to make sure nothing will move or loosen once your baby is inside!
After building the front wall, you will then need to construct the back rail frame using different-sized lumber and with it an inch thick instead of its counterpart in order to provide support for mattress slats in the mattress area.
Now that your frame and slats are assembled, it's time to assemble your crib. Before beginning assembly, sand any rough areas to ensure a safe sleeping surface for your little one. Also take time to check over all components to make sure there are no loose bolts or screws which could potentially catch on their clothes while sleeping.
Once the crib is assembled, add a soft homemade quilt and padded mattress pad so your baby can rest peacefully at night! Be sure to periodically check on them throughout the night to ensure there are no loose slats or other safety hazards - and remember, protesting is often simply part of separation anxiety!
Preparing the Wood
Once you're finished sanding the wood, use a damp cloth to wipe down all remaining dust and dirt off of it. Otherwise, any of the sanding dust left behind could mix in with the paint, ruining your work. Additionally, keeping in mind that an unclean crib could cause allergies in your baby, it is crucial that it is thoroughly cleaned prior to painting it.
To keep your crib looking its best, apply a coat of protective wax or polyurethane. These coatings will protect the wood against scratches and nicks while adding a soft satin sheen that adds depth and character. They're available at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
Before beginning cleaning, first remove all bedding and accessories from the crib. This will make cleaning much simpler while protecting them from coming in contact with any cleaning solutions used during this process.
Before cleaning a crib and any surrounding areas that tend to gather dust and dirt, use your upholstery attachment on your vacuum to access hard-to-reach places where dust has settled. Or you could wipe down its surfaces with a cloth soaked with gentle cleaning solution - making sure that crevices and crevasses receive special attention as these provide shelter for dust to gather.
Start by giving the crib a light sanding with fine grit sandpaper; this will lighten its surface and help the new paint adhere better to it. Make sure you evenly sand using a tack cloth to collect any dust generated during sanding; once painted, apply at least two coats following any instructions on your can regarding drying times in between coats.
Cribs come equipped with multiple mattress support height options, enabling you to choose the one with the lowest level before your baby begins pulling themselves up, typically around one year of age. When selecting this level, ensure it will support their future growth as your child develops.
Bassinets offer another viable solution for your baby's bedtime. Similar to cribs, but typically much smaller with airy mesh walls for comfort. You can find bassinets in many styles suited for babies who still suckle and require some additional warmth.
Cutting the Pieces
Cribs are small beds designed to protect infants. Featuring high sides to keep babies from falling out, cribs typically serve newborns up until 18 months when they transition to regular beds. Some cribs offer multiple mattress support heights so mattresses can be adjusted lower as the child grows; other features may include mobiles, changing tables, or door guards.
Safety should always be the top priority when selecting a crib, and used cribs may not comply with current safety standards; for instance, their uneven spacing between slats or painted with lead-based paint could pose risks that must be considered when purchasing used. Before buying used furniture though, always read its label to confirm compliance with modern safety requirements.
Bassinets may be another option for infants, though they tend to be less stable than cribs and more difficult to move around the house. A crib offers greater safety by having side rails that can be locked securely into place and set at lower levels than their mattress so the baby can reach their parents more easily; these tend to be more costly.
If you plan on using a crib for your newborn baby, it's essential that you establish a bedtime routine. Babies thrive on routine and having one can help settle them for sleep more easily. Try creating a ritual including bath, book reading and snuggle time before heading off for sleep - slowly extend its length as your child becomes used to sleeping in their crib.
To start creating your crib quilt fabric, cut eight dark and four light 10''x 10'' squares from your fabric of choice and follow this Lone Star tutorial to piece them. To save time and money when sewing on layers of cotton batting or flannel fabric batting separately across each square, layered and sewn together eliminates needing separate pieces; sewing on each individual square reduces time needed for quilting as well as fabric wastage.
Assembling the Crib
Assemble the legs for your crib first. This should take less than an hour. After this step is completed, move onto creating the front railing for your crib.
As these rails will need to be glued together, it is vital that they are perfectly even. Any rough areas on the wood should be sanded off before adhering them together. Also make sure the spacing of slats are even so your baby does not choke on their slats!
Once the front railing is in place, you can begin on the sides of the crib. This step may prove more complicated as you must screw side boards into both headboard and footboard. Depending on what style of crib you're building, latch brackets may already be attached or you will have to fasten them with wood screws.
As you construct the sides of the crib, 2x2 beams must be added for support. These can be cut from leftover 2x4x8 stock used for legs. Prior to adding these beams, measure the height of your mattress and select an appropriate length before drilling holes that will secure them to legs.
Once the beams have been secured in their places, cut a 2x4 piece of lumber to fit snugly between them and use wood glue to secure it into place. When it has dried completely, finish off your crib by painting or staining its sides - make sure it uses an eco-friendly stain found at a hardware store if you decide to stain!