Preparatory stage
Before starting to manufacture, you need to take into account all the nuances and prepare materials without which work will be impossible.
Bed design
A baby cot must be at the same time:
- comfortable (to give the child the opportunity to roll over in a dream, without hitting the walls, and due to the "breathing" structure to ensure the flow of air);
- safe (protect from falling, have no protruding sharp parts, have a sufficient safety margin);
- functional (the space under or above the bed should be used for storing toys, clothes and bedding);
- attractive (evoke pleasant emotions and the desire to use it for its intended purpose, fit into the general style of the room).
When choosing a design, it is important to consider your carpentry skills and technical capabilities. A novice master, who has access to a minimum set of tools, will be able, without loss of quality, to make only the simplest bed models, consisting of sides, headboards, legs, slats and drawers.
It is worth starting to create beds in the form of a car, an airplane, a flower or other complex structures only in cases where the person performing the work has considerable experience and plans to process parts on professional equipment.
Instruments
The more varied tools the master has, the faster and easier it will be for him to complete the work. However, there are some that you can't do without:
- Electric jigsaw.
- Knife saw.
- A sander (it can be replaced with sandpaper, but in this case, the processing of the boards will take many times longer).
- Screwdriver.
- Drill.
- Bulgarian.
- Needle files.
Materials (edit)
Solid wood is considered the best material for making children's furniture. A bed made of pine, beech or oak will last a long time and will be relatively resistant to moisture and pest attacks. At the same time, natural wood has two qualities that do not always make it possible to use it - a significant weight of finished products and a high price.
Other
You will also need consumables:
- Self-tapping screws of different diameters.
- Metal corner and screeds.
- Slats or other guides and casters (for designs with pull-out elements).
- Pencil or colored pencil.
- Note paper.
Bed decoration
When the work is completed, it is recommended to give the product a finished look. It is recommended to go through it with upholstery fabric for furniture. Previously, parts are cut out of the fabric by 2-3 centimeters more than the main parts and are overlocked so that they do not crumble. The fabric is fastened with a furniture stapler, and its cuts are hidden inside the crib so as not to spoil the aesthetic appearance of the structure. During decoration, the fabric is stretched so that no creases, folds and bubbles appear.
Baby cot for the smallest family member and small bedroom
Another finishing option would be varnishing the crib frame, headboard, backrests at the legs. For this it is recommended to use a quick-drying water-based varnish. More environmentally friendly furniture in the children's room will be stained. All parts are recommended to be sanded and polished in advance with a drill with a nozzle.
For the decorative look of the boxes, their facades are made with bright MDF or LDPS panels of blue, pink, light yellow, lilac and other colors.
The modern market offers a sufficient selection of children's furniture, including baby cots.
The child will be able to sleep in his crib for a maximum of four years, then he will have to change it to a more adult dimensional version. And the price of furniture is not at all cheap, so there is an option to make a comfortable crib with your own hands. This is not as difficult as it seems at first glance!
It is not at all necessary to be a professional in this area and spend a lot of time on assembly.
The first step is to purchase exceptionally high-quality environmentally friendly materials and take this issue seriously, thinking over the entire upcoming process.
The do-it-yourself crib photo shows how to make an option for a five-year-old child, but all of these parameters can be increased to a larger size.
Decorating
The home-made bed, created by your own hands, has an indisputable plus - it includes the author's proportions, colors and sizes. For the boy's version, you can use a nautical canvas or blackout curtains to organize a military headquarters, and for girls - decor with flags and a canopy made of organza or tulle.
The constructed crib structures can be open and closed. The first option is just a kind of imitation of walls and a roof, but at the same time they seem light, without cluttering the bedroom space. And the closed model of the bed house is more functional, with a roof, walls, fences and even lighting.
A children's bed of the described type can become not only an original place to sleep, but also for games. And the imagination of all family members will help in decorating:
- a house stylized as a fairytale palace for little princesses;
- naval, military style for adventure lovers;
- castle for young knights;
- soft hut hut and much more.
When decorating the bed of the house with color, one should not forget about harmony with the overall design of the room. A bright, juicy palette with a variety of decor inserts will be very appropriate. A beautiful house that fits organically into the interior will contribute to a great mood in combination with the mental health of children.
Assembly steps depending on the type of crib
Installation features completely depend on the type of furniture. The most popular designs of cribs today are a pendulum, a transformer, a rocking chair, and hinged models. Next, we'll walk you through the step-by-step assembly process for each of these types.
Pendulum
The main feature of the model lies in special oscillatory movements, which are very similar to the rocking of a baby in the mother's arms. The mechanism starts on its own with the slightest movements of the baby, which contributes to its rapid falling asleep.
There are several types of pendulum:
- Longitudinal. The most popular option, it perfectly imitates motion sickness. Scientific studies prove that such movements normalize the indicators of intracranial pressure.
- Transverse. The shape of the products resembles traditional cradles, swinging from side to side. If necessary, you can fix the model in a stationary position. The assembly of a baby pendulum bed of this type is also possible in small rooms.
- Universal. Models are able to change the direction of motion sickness and purpose. First, babies sleep in a cradle, and when they grow up a little, the berth is lengthened, the walls are removed. Many products are complemented by a comfortable changing table.
The complete set of the model includes a frame, a bed, legs, backs, a pendulum mechanism. Many products are complemented by drawers, diapers, dressers for storing things. In what order to assemble a baby bed with a pendulum according to the instructions:
- The back is connected to the side strips with screws.
- The berth is first mounted on screws, then on the rails that are located on the sidewalls.
- The structure is turned over to install the pendulum mechanism.
- Linen boxes are inserted, the side wall of the pendulum is fixed with screws.
- All plugs are closed.
The back and front walls of the structure are practically the same. It is necessary to carefully consider this feature when assembling a children's pendulum bed. If you confuse them, the mechanism will not work. In order not to damage the flooring and parts of the furniture during the assembly process, cover the work surface with a soft cloth. It is desirable that it be light, then all components will be clearly visible.
Connect the back wall to the sidewalls
Install the bottom of the crib
Insert the front wall of the crib and pull it off the sides
Install the runners for the box, fix the legs
Install the pendulum mechanism
Check if there is a screw to fix the crib
Collect the box
Convertible bed
This model is optimal for baby's sleep from birth to school age. Installation is carried out as follows:
- The lower sides and backs are connected.
- The fixed wall is fastened with screws.
- The berth is assembled, then inserted into the grooves on the side panels, fixed with screws.
- A fixed front wall is installed.
- The curbstone is mounted, after which it is connected to the side part.
- The bottom of the product is assembled, the side grilles are attached.
The transformer grows as the child grows. The curbstone, which is attached to the base of the furniture, can be removed adding 50 cm in length. The standard width is 60 cm, it remains unchanged.
Rocking chair
A sought-after model that sways with the movements of the child thanks to the curved supports. Installation of such a crib will not take much time if you follow the rules:
- All boxes are assembled using self-tapping screws.
- The bottom and side panels are mounted. At this stage, you will have to make some physical effort.
- The rear wall is screwed to each side wall with self-tapping screws.
- The front model is installed in the grooves on the side panels, it is securely fixed.
- The bottom linen drawer is installed.
Many models are complemented by castors, which are mounted at the request of the parents.
Hinged
The cribs provide monotonous smooth rocking that helps babies fall asleep quickly. The berth usually has two levels and has orthopedic properties. The assembly rules are as follows:
- The base of the product is mounted. All 3 rails are attached to the bottom of the case.
- The front and rear backrests are fixed with screws.
- The bottom is installed, two installation options are possible, which allows you to change the depth of the bed.
- The side walls are screwed on, all moving parts are connected to the base.
If necessary, the rocking chair can be in a stationary position; for this, special clamps are used, located at the bottom of the side panels.
Advantages and features of making a bed with your own hands
Furniture stores sell many models of cribs made from various materials. Mostly wood and its derivatives are used, but there are also plastic options. It is not always possible to find furniture for a newborn that meets all the requirements, and suitable products are very expensive. In this case, homemade designs will be an excellent alternative, they have a number of advantages, expressed in the following:
- Price. Hand-made furniture will be much cheaper than purchased counterparts, which will help save the family budget.
- Reliability. In the process of preparation and assembly, at each stage, the strength of all components is checked.
- Environmental friendliness. The bed for your son or daughter is made only from natural wood, which does not emit harmful substances.
- Exclusivity. An independently drawn up drawing will be the key to an individual, unique product.
- Experience gain. During work, a person acquires new skills that can later be applied in the production of such items.
- Compatible with the interior and style of the room.
When making a bed, you should adhere to certain rules:
- for work it is necessary to use exclusively environmentally friendly materials, which include natural wood;
- the surface should not have sharp corners, roughness, chips, protrusions;
- the product must correspond to the height, weight, physiological parameters of the baby.
- it is necessary to provide protection against falling, rolling of the child.
- for small apartments or houses, multifunctional structures are suitable, for this you can use the free space under them, install additional boxes, make a play area.
What material to make beds
When constructing children's furniture on your own, you need to decide on the materials that will be used in the process. The main requirement is that the raw materials used must be environmentally friendly, not harm the development of the baby. Let's dwell on this issue in more detail, consider the best option for all components of the structure:
- Mattress. It is recommended to purchase it in a specialized store, since purchased models are produced taking into account the recommendations developed by orthopedic doctors. If the bed is planned to be used for more than one year, then it is better to choose two-sided products with varying degrees of rigidity. For children under three years old, a hard, rigid coating is required, which contributes to fixing the back, the correct development of the body. The filler should be woolen, do not take models that include cotton wool and foam rubber. The upholstery should also be made of natural fabric and have an antiseptic coating.
- Frame, slats, legs, sidewalls. For a beloved child, only a tree should be chosen. Conifers are suitable for work: pine, spruce. Natural wood breathes, it is strong enough to suit any interior. Those who decide to use MDF or chipboard should remember that the boards contain phenol and formaldehyde resins, therefore, it is necessary to take only models with emission class E-0.
- Protective equipment. To extend the service life, wooden surfaces are treated with special compounds, they are painted, varnished. For these purposes, nitroenamel, acrylic, water-based paint for children's rooms is used. Wax is a great option. To preserve the texture of the wood, you can use acrylic varnish, other options are highly toxic.
Preparation of parts and tools
Before proceeding with the assembly, it is necessary to check the presence of all parts and components of the bed. Typically, the standard set includes:
- headboard;
- longitudinal side frames (drawers);
- central frame;
- furniture corner (coupling);
- a set of screws of the required size;
- additional orthopedic base.
Assembling a double bed - assembling it is not easy, this process requires accuracy as well as care. You should start work clearly according to the instructions, where the assembly is described step by step, a list of the necessary tools and materials is given. First of all, you need to have screws, screws, bolts. From the tools you will need screwdrivers with different tips, a screwdriver, a wrench. Euro screws can be used to assemble new bed models, for which specific keys are needed. A tape measure will not be superfluous, since you will have to measure parts of the parts, and a level, to measure the accuracy of the angles.
Before starting the assembly of the bed, you should remember the basic principles and requirements:
- It is inconvenient to assemble it alone, it is better to do it together;
- the room should not be cramped, you need a place to lay out large parts, take measurements and cutting;
- bolts and screws should not be strongly fastened right away, first all the parts must be assembled, and then only it is worth fixing the fasteners;
- the assembly instructions need to be kept, sometimes you have to redo something.
We make a bed with our own hands
Having firmly decided to independently build a structure, you should understand all the nuances associated with its creation. Initially, a drawing is developed in which all the constituent elements are displayed. Then they acquire the materials necessary for the work, prepare the tools, in the absence of any of them, they buy it in addition.
On the basis of the scheme, the raw materials are marked for component parts. They are cut out, combined into a single structure, treated with special compounds, painted, varnished, decorated. For clarity, we will consider in detail the main stages that include the process of making a classic crib.
Drawings and diagram
The creation of any object is impossible without a drawing. In a graphic image, made in a certain scale, the sizes of the nodes are indicated. To draw it up, you will need minimal drawing skills; you can also use special programs. When developing a project, you should consider:
- The dimensions of the room where the product will be installed. A larger bed can be placed in a spacious room.
- The dimensions of standard products for children under three years old are 120x60 cm.If you plan to use the structure in the future, you should give preference to the larger models 150x60 cm, 180x70 cm.
- At the bottom of the crib, you can equip lockers in which baby things will be stored.
- For preschoolers, it is worthwhile to provide removable bumpers that will protect them from rolling and falling.
- The design and decoration are chosen according to the preferences of the parents.
Required tools and materials
To make and assemble the bed, you will need the following materials:
- board;
- MDF sheet;
- varnishes and paints;
- self-tapping screws, fasteners, rubber heels on the legs.
Instruments:
- saw for wood, jigsaw;
- hammer, screwdriver, screwdriver;
- drill, drill;
- measuring instruments, a simple pencil.
Basic parts and their preparation
A standard bed consists of 4 legs, 2 backs, sides, removable sides, frame, slats, mattress. The last item from the list is purchased ready-made, the rest are made by hand. The process looks like this:
- In accordance with the drawing, the marking of all component parts is applied to the tree. This can be done with a tape measure and a simple pencil.
- The elements are cut with an electric jigsaw, a saw.
- Component parts are sanded with sandpaper.
- Depending on the length of the sidewalls, metal corners used to install the mattress are cut out with a grinder. Holes are drilled in them for self-tapping screws to fix them to the tree.
- All components are painted and varnished.
The main stages of assembly
The work on assembling the bed is carried out in the following sequence:
- Collect the backs located at the headboard and foot. They are connected to the legs.
- Prepare the base for the mattress. To do this, metal corners are attached to the wooden sidewalls using self-tapping screws. Lamellas are fixed to them from above, perpendicular to the side walls.
- The backs and the base for the mattress are connected using furniture fittings; for reliability, it is better to use corners.
- A mattress is installed on the frame.
- On the sides, removable protective bumpers are added, fixed on special metal or wooden fittings.
- If necessary, the finished product is decorated.
Varieties
Various types of cribs differ from each other, first of all, in terms of reliability and service life. You should take a responsible approach to the choice of a crib so that it lasts as long as possible and does not endanger babies.
3> Cradle
A cradle is ideal for a newborn baby. Your baby will sleep more comfortably in a small cradle than in a large bed. Such a bed takes up little space, it can be freely moved around the room.However, it is worth remembering that the cradle is suitable for a baby no older than six months, and when he starts to stand on his legs, the child will need a more spacious cot. Many parents use a stroller carrycot instead of a cradle. In their shape, the cradles are reminiscent of a mother's tummy, so a newly born baby will be calm and pleasant to sleep in such a crib.
Among other things, the cradle can be easily placed right next to the parents' bed so that the mother can hear the call of the child at any time. In addition, thanks to its lightness, the cradle can be carried anywhere at any time without disturbing the child's sleep.
Classic
The classic design of the baby crib will fit into any room design. These cribs are usually pretty simple and functional. The sleeping place is fenced on all sides with lattice walls, one of which can be dismantled. Most of the classic cribs are designed for children under three years of age.
Transformer
The advantage of transformers is the ability to adjust the size of the bed depending on the height of the child. Therefore, such a bed is characterized by an increased service life. The transformers also have shelves for diapers and bottles. Thanks to the sides, the baby will not fall out of bed during sleep. Most models have a built-in mattress and lockers.
The disadvantage of such models is the tangible weight, which creates inconvenience when moving. In addition, they cannot change the width - an increase in space is possible only along. The shelves of the transformers are small, so it will not be possible to put absolutely all the baby's things in them.
Arena
The arena is a special folding structure. Playpens are suitable for children from six months to three years old. As a rule, playpens are made of lightweight materials such as plastic, metal, fabric, which makes them lightweight and easy to move from place to place. Playpen models are equipped with a protective net that will protect the baby from midges and mosquitoes.
A playpen is a lightweight type of bed, so it is quite easy to move it from place to place. It is usually equipped with wheels for moving around the house. It will be easy for a young mother to move the crib with the baby without assistance, without distracting the baby from sleep.
The playpen has a folding structure, it can be easily folded so that it does not interfere during cleaning. The bottom of the structure is a stretched fabric, so there is no need to purchase a separate mattress for it. The surface of the fabric is smooth and soft, which will have a beneficial effect on the child's posture. Caring for the crib is very simple, since the fabric elements can be easily removed and installed in place, they can be washed at any time.
Additional equipment
The bed is the main component of the bedroom set. Sleeping places are accommodated both in small apartments and in large apartments. Today furniture designers offer more and more new and modern models with various additional equipment.
A box for storing bedding and linen is quite a useful thing. It solves the problem of clutter, blankets, pillows will be kept in order. When it comes to a sliding mechanism, such a drawer should not be very large. Today manufacturers offer modern models that have an extension of the front of the headboard in the form of a bedside table. It looks very unusual, original and comfortable. On such a set-top box, you can put the necessary small things that you want to always have at hand - a phone, an alarm clock, your favorite book.
Super-trendy beds have different lighting. They can be located on the side of the bed, at the head of the bed and turned on with an invisible button. These fixtures can easily replace bulky floor lamps and wall lamps.Energy-saving lamps are built into them, which will last for a long time, and their consumption will be minimal.
How to choose the right one
When choosing a bed for a bedroom, it is recommended to adhere to an integrated approach.
In order for the furniture to meet all the requirements, it is worth paying attention to a number of basic criteria.
Company manufacturer
There is a wide range of beds from different manufacturers on the furniture market. It is better to give preference to well-known brands whose product quality has been tested in practice. Since the bed is purchased for a long time, you should not experiment with products from little-known manufacturers.
Colour
When deciding on the decorative characteristics of the bed, you must first take into account individual preferences.
It is also important that the color of the furniture harmoniously fits into the existing style.
Load
Depending on the person for which the bed is intended, the load indicator is determined. For children with low body weight, beds that can withstand an insignificant load are suitable, and adults should make a choice among more durable structures,
Type of action of the gas lift on the bed
There are direct-acting mechanisms, when lifting is carried out by compression of the rising stem, and reverse mechanisms. The result of the functioning of gas lifts is the same, therefore this parameter does not have a special meaning and depends on the manufacturer.
Assembling the pendulum bed
The pendulum crib differs from all other analogues in the presence of a baby rocking system. This function is very convenient for the first months of a baby's life. However, with the complete set of this model, difficulties may arise. But a further description of how to assemble a crib - a pendulum: instructions, photos and a step-by-step guide will help you deal with this issue.
This type of bed consists of a frame, bottom, sides, legs and a pendulum mechanism. Also, such models can be equipped with special drawers for clothes and linen crumbs. The mechanism itself can swing up and down. When the need for it disappears, the structure is fixed.
The assembly is carried out according to the following scheme
:
- You will need all the elements of the crib, a work plan, screws, damping devices and a screwdriver;
- The workplace on the floor should be covered with a light-colored cloth to prevent the loss of elements;
- Fasten the static rear wall to the side backrests with screws. In order not to confuse the top and bottom of the back wall, be guided by the legs;
- The next step is to install the bed. It can be either solid or rack and pinion. The slats are inserted into special holes in the back wall bar. First, the stock is fastened slightly with screws. The movable front piece attaches to the notches on the side backs of the crib that serve as guides. Next, the screw connection should be tightened more;
- Then the finished case can be turned over and the pendulum system can be assembled. If the model includes linen boxes, then they are placed in the inner space of the pendulum. Further, its side panel is fastened with screws. The housing is mounted on the pendulum with bearings. Make sure the grooves in the tabs match exactly. Screws are closed with plugs for aesthetic appearance.
A do-it-yourself baby bed for a newborn, carefully prepared for a baby, or bought in a store that meets all safety requirements, will become the best place for your baby to rest and sleep and will worthily take a central place in the interior of a children's room. To carry out these manipulations, it is not necessary to call the wizard. Thanks to this guide on how to assemble a crib - a pendulum (instructions, photos and recommendations), you yourself will perfectly cope with this task.
The birth of a child is a significant and joyful event in almost every family.However, at the same time, there are various troubles associated with preparing the necessary space for a newborn baby. This primarily concerns the sleeping place. Few can afford to buy a newborn bed given today's prices.
It must be remembered that the crib must be stable and safe for the baby.
But there is an alternative option that will allow you to save money - this is a do-it-yourself crib for a newborn. And if you approach this business very responsibly and with knowledge of the process itself, you will get a bed no worse than one purchased in a store.