Thread: Cot Plans

Hi Big Pete,

I went through the same 5 years ago with my first grandson.
What I did, was going to different baby stuff shops and have a look at what they are selling to get an initial idea.

After seeing all the like or dislike, I checked the Australian standards requirements, have a look at this link or better find the Australian Standards mentioned here, the number is also mentioned http://www.birthbabiesbeyond.com.au/standard.htm

Next move was to buy a mattress, new of course you know about SIDS and all that, so only new and the best anti allergic one.

The mattress size gave me the start. The side rail high the distance between slats and the rest is in the Australian Standards.

Besides the obvious bed like construction, you need to come up with a clever safe and simple way to lock and unlock the side rail that needs to slide up and down to save your daughters back at lifting the baby out of the cot. I used a rather primitive pin like system with the metal pins hanging from little chains from the outside. It was quick but with more time I would probably come up with something better. Castor wheels are a good idea and remember to engage your wife in making the cushioned thingy that goes around to line the head and sides protecting the baby.

Last a gadget to hang the mozzie cloth over it . . . . . good luck!

Marc,

Thank you very much for that - coincidentally we actually discussed going to various shops and checking all the different ones out last night. I never thought about the Aust Standards though, although have been wondering at what dimensions would/would not be acceptable. Thanks for the link to that site - that helps a lot.

Have just been given the orders this morning to "go forth and search for a 'beautiful' cot".
Geez these women get clucky as soon you mention the word 'baby' don't they.

Next thing she'll make me buy is my own whip so she can keep me on me toes

Thanks again for that info

BigPete

I don't know if this is what you're after, but a while back I posted a pic of a crib I made:

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...&threadid=4670

Just scroll down until you get to it.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek,
Very nice crib - geat job!!!!
Actually I quite like it but I don't think that is what the Minister for Finance is after - from what we have looked at so far and from what she has been saying I think she would like a proper cot of a type that has slats and drop down sides - but I will show her later and see what she says - (dunno if that is such a good idea as she'll want me making both )

While I was down the street today I looked at various timbers that I may make it out of and I'm pretty well convinced that whatever pattern we do go for I'll more than likely go for Jarrah as it's such a beautiful looking timber.
Plus I think it will look a treat and maybe become an heirloom too.

Thanks again

P.S That other thing is in the post and on its way

Hi,

same problem - also found the Standards stuff (they charge heaps for a copy, but) but NO rpt NO plans so far - perhaps with the abbreviated standards thingo I will be able to fix up a crib/cpt by due date in Feb 04?!?

Is there any suitable hardware, hinges, sliders etc?
Rgds,
Luis

It may be too late, but if you go to a state library, the Australian Standads are there free for who needs them

Timbecon has brackets for the drop side if you need those

http://www.timbecon.com.au/productsd...searchOffset=0

Hi Big Pete,

Something else to consider is a base that can be raised or lowered. When the baby is small, the base can be higher which means easier on the back when leaning in to put the baby down. When thw baby starts to stand and pull itself up, drop the base down lower and they won't fall over the top.

You'll find that all cots/cradles have to be certified so go and measure the spaces for the rails etc on one that is at a shop.

Enjoy!
Anthony

Hi Big Pete,

Something else to consider is a base that can be raised or lowered. When the baby is small, the base can be higher which means easier on the back when leaning in to put the baby down. When thw baby starts to stand and pull itself up, drop the base down lower and they won't fall over the top.

You'll find that all cots/cradles have to be certified so go and measure the spaces for the rails etc on one that is at a shop.

Enjoy!
Anthony

Thanks for all the hints and advice fella's actually have been looking around to find some links for the 'hardware etc'

Antman - being able to raise the base is a good idea too, thanks for that

Sorry for the delay in replying but have been away for a week

Pete

I came across this picture of a cradle. It is VERY nice (even better than the one I built!).

http://www.woodcentral.com/shots/shot420.shtml

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek,
Thanks for that - actually it rather is quite a nice cradle - will show SWMBO and see what the verdict is - after all they are the ones that need to be satisfied with the end product.

Hi,
Finally got the plans that SWMBO 'approves' from PlansNOW but am after the hardware for the cot. Does anyone out there know where we could get hold of it in Oz instead of trying to get it from the States???
I've looked at the Timbecon ones and they only have the rails the sides slide on - we were after the whole kit and kaboodle if possible

Hi again,
I was wondering if someone out there maybe able to help me out with a timber choice for this cot that I need/have been told to build.
The plans suggest making it out of a hardwood and being a rather newbie at this I'm not too sure of a good timber/hardwood to use - I was thinking about making it out of Jarrah and SWMBO liked it too and wanted me to make it from that - however I sourced some prices for the amount I need today and it is very cost prohibitive - even though it will be a one off made by BigPop for the 1st grandchild and would be an heirloom etc I could buy 2 premade ones just for the price of the timber let alone any hardware, finishes etc reqd. I knew Jarrah was expensive - but not THAT expensive.
Are there some other good hardwoods (Aussie preferably) that I could make it from and donlt cost you an arm and a leg????

Any help would be really appreciated