How to Build a Baby Bassinet

How to Build a Baby Bassinet

• 1

  Examine your chosen basket to ensure it is strong with a wide bottom. All surfaces of the basket should be smooth, and the sides must be made of air-permeable materials. Remove any rough spots, and smooth down any sharp edges or snags. Your basket should be at least 22 inches long.

• 2

  Cut your large sheet of foam so it is a bit larger than the bottom of the basket. A 2-inch thick piece of foam works well, as do thick blankets if foam is unavailable. Place the foam on the bottom of the basket, and make sure there are no gaps between the foam and basket. You may need to trim it to make a proper fit.

• 3

  Remove the foam and place the fitted sheet around the foam. You can purchase bassinet-sized sheets, and then securely pin any excess fabric at the backside of the foam. Make sure the sheet is tight, free of any excess and lays smoothly across the foam.

• 4

  Take your baby-appropriate fabric, which can be pink, blue, white, ivory, green or a nursery print, and place the center over the bottom of the basket. Drape the remaining fabric over the sides of the basket, allowing it to tumble down the sides, or just cover the top edges. When you have gotten the look you want, tightly hand stitch the edges and the bottom of the basket, so the draped fabric will not shift or fall into the basket.

• 5

  Replace the foam mattress and check again for any loose air pockets or any shifts in space. Everything should be very snug and well-fitted. Place your completed bassinet on the ground or on a secure surface in a temperate room. You may also opt to purchase a bassinet frame at a local baby supply store.