DIY Baby Furniture Cradle Bed

Preparation

• Measure the space in the baby room where you will put the cradle bed. Keep in mind that the cradle will rock back and forth so you need to compensate your measurement for the rocking distance on either side of the cradle. If you are unsure about how much room your cradle will need to rock properly, estimate at least 6 inches of space on either side.

  Choose the type of wood you prefer for the cradle. You can use either plywood or standard wood planks for the bed portion. If you choose plywood, use the thicker lumber planks for the support system and sides. This stronger wood makes the best support for the bed.

Construction

• Select your favorite style of bed for the baby furniture. You can choose between a bed that has solid sides or one that has bars for the side so that the baby can see out. In either case, sand down the base of the bed before attaching the sides. This will prevent splintering while you construct the furniture and decrease the chance of splinters after sealing. Add the sides to the bed with nails or screws. Make sure the heads of the hardware are pounded into the wood so that the baby does not come into contact with sharp edges. If you choose to include bars for the side of the bed, choose enough dowel rods to keep the spaces between the bars minimal. Small spaces will hinder the child from getting a limb stuck between.

Finish

• If you want to stain the wood rather than paint, use a baby-safe stain free of harmful chemicals. Babies put everything into their mouths, especially when teething, therefore, take precautions through the construction process. If you would prefer to paint the cradle, use a lead-free paint that will not chip. As babies begin standing and climbing, they may accidentally scratch the cradle with their nails so you want to make sure the paint won't come off. After staining or painting, add a layer of baby-safe glaze to seal in the stain and paint. This will further protect the baby from being exposed to any potential chemicals.