Draw your own plans by hand. Use a pencil and paper to sketch a rough drawing of the design and then make an accurate drawing to scale. Incorporate all safety regulations as determined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including slats that are no more than 2.375 inches apart and secure mattress supports anchored by covered bolts. Create a thorough drawing complete with accurate measurements, a materials list and notations of any joints and connection points. The drawing may serve as your plans, or you can transfer the drawing to blueprints.
Use computer-based software to design your crib plans according to your exact specifications. Several design software programs are available for purchase, and some are available for use online for free. Input the dimensions and materials and then use a computer mouse to draw the details of your design. Once your design is complete, print the plans for reference. Some software programs will print a list of all the materials and hardware needed along with step-by-step directions for building the crib you designed.
Modify an existing plan for a crib. If you find plans for building an acceptable crib but they don't match your specifications, alter them to suit your needs. You might vary the material, change the width of the crib slats or change the height of the legs. A basic plan can be changed to add stylistic details, special carvings or inlaid wood. The possibilities are endless.