Ideas on Homemade Baby Beds

Laundry Basket

• A proven alternative to a bassinet or crib is a laundry basket. A sturdy, rectangular basket intended for laundry becomes the basis for a homemade bed when combined with the right lining. Cut a piece of foam padding to fit the bottom of the laundry basket. Create a fabric or waterproof plastic covering for the foam to act as the mattress. Use one side of a crib bumper set to line the internal sides of the basket. Tie the bumper to the openings. This portable homemade bed may be taken from room to room as needed.

Dresser Drawer

• Some may have heard stories from parents and grandparents of placing a new baby in a dresser drawer for safe sleeping. This idea still holds merit today. Choose a large, deep dresser drawer. If one is not in the home already, seek out one from old furniture at thrift stores or flea markets. Clean the interior of the drawer well and lightly sand the sides to ensure they are smooth and splinter free. Line the drawer completely with a thin foam attached with hot glue. Lay a baby comforter or blanket completely over the drawer, so its sides are over the outer edges, far enough so they will not fall back into the sleeping area.

Fruit or Vegetable Crate

• For a decorative and creative homemade baby bed, start with a fruit or vegetable crate. Ask for a free one from local grocery stores or farmer's markets. Be sure the crate is large enough for the baby and that it is in sound condition. Sand the wood smooth with sandpaper and paint it with a non-toxic paint. Add decorations in the form of painted stencils or appliques. Purchase a bassinet pad for the bottom and line the interior with a crib bumper pad. The sturdy crate is small enough to fit almost anywhere and may be moved from room to room as needed.

Log Bed

• For an extremely rustic appearance, hue a baby bed from a log. This project takes time and is much more physically demanding than the previous ideas, but creates a lasting piece of furniture to keep for years to come. Cut a log to approximately 4 feet in length and plane it to create a flat side. Hue out the opposite side as you would a canoe. The size of the interior is dependent on the size of the baby. Sand the interior smooth and paint with non-toxic paint.