Replies

1. 
   JDiedrich | Jan 01, 2007 04:52pm | #1

   My advice-  buy the mattress and design around it.  Then sheets will be readily available.  Nothing worse than finding out that you can't find a mattress to fit and have to modify one.  Been there, done that.

   Jim

2. 
   alanplanesaw | Jan 01, 2007 05:48pm | #2

   I have made two cradles.  You need to decide whether you want a "cradle" size cradle or a "bassinet" size cradle.  The bassinet is a bit smaller.  Miller's design was based on a mattress which he had on hand.  It was the bassinet size.  You should be able to find either size mattress at Babys-R-Us or other baby stores.

   My first cradle was for my daughter and son-in-law's first child.  She wanted a cradle-size cradle for Sam (and later Eva) based on Miller's plan so I modified his plan accordingly.  She made a couple of other small design modifications simply to suit her taste.  This cradle is strong and will last for a few centuries if taken care of.

   Children's Furniture Projects by Jeff Miller, published by Taunton

   Wildwood Designs / CherryTree (same company)  On the web.

   My son and daughter-in-law wanted a completely different design for Cate.  They went surfing on the web and found the one on CherryTree.  The only modification I did there was to again use connector bolts instead of screws which would have made taking it apart difficult.

   There are a number of people here on Knots who have made cradles.  Maybe they will post photos for you.  Regardless, do a search on cradles and you should find them here on Knots.

   It will be one of the most memorable projects you build.

   Alan - planesaw

   
3. 
   alanplanesaw | Jan 03, 2007 03:50am | #3

   Jigs,

   One wise recommendation.

   Ask the mother-to-be how far she wants to bend over.  My daughter and d-i-l made it real clear they did not want to have to bend over all the way to the floor to pick up their infant.  My d-i-l is a obstetrics/pediatric RN and has about 10 years experience with these things.

   Be sure and post some photos of whatever you build.

   Alan - planesaw

4. 
   plumo | Jan 05, 2007 04:59am | #4

   Just a thought for you... we thought of a cradle for our little ones but decided against.
   They would only be in it for a short time and then what?
   Timely as usual FWW #100 May 1993 page 72!!! A crib which hides its hardware by Bradley S. Rubin. Wonderful thing, worked like a charm and more useful for a longer time.

   Either way though, check out safety regulations (which seem to constantly change) and mattress sizes before building.

   Hope this helps.

1. 
   windwood | Jan 05, 2007 05:12am | #5

   I've built two rocker style cradles in the past three years. I got the plans from: U-Bild.com. If the pictures loaded correctly, you can see what it looks like. Good luck.

   Scott

    

    

   
1. 
   Grampsy | Jan 05, 2007 06:07am | #6

   Jigs-n-fixturesFor whatever design you choose-Buy the mattress first - Buy the mattress first - Buy the mattress first.Select stand out lumber, a nice curly maple or something else with loads of character. A cradle design is rather plain, so the piece can be more about the wood.A recent Fine Woodworking article explained how to hand cut angled dovetails for the corners. Not as easy as it sounds, but WELL worth the extra effort. If your grand-child is a girl, she can also use it for her dolls as she grows up.Small inlays of hearts or flowers in a contrasting wood go a long way for such a special piece.Rocker design is critical for the proper functioning of the cradle. Try several designs on scrap wood before deciding on a final shape. Be sure to include little "feet" or "knobs" on the ends of the rockers to prevent the cradle from rocking too far.Lastly, be sure to carve or burn your name and the date in the bottom. Hopefully one day one of your descendants will say "my Great Grandfather made this".EdNever show a fool a half finished job.