We are used to seeing cribs for small children that are made of wood. But this cradle is woven from threads. Having mastered the macrame technique, you can make incredible openwork cribs with your own hands that will become a comfortable place for a baby to sleep.
Nowadays cradles and cradles are not as common as in the recent past, but for your beloved baby you want to make the “first house” with your own hands. This thing will become a powerful amulet for your child, because in a homemade cradle the baby’s sleep will be warmed by the warmth of his mother’s hands. 
This thing will protect your baby's sleep, making it calm and serene! 
The cradle should be comfortable for the baby and, most importantly, stable and reliable. 
A cradle for newborns is a small crib, where the sleeping space occupies 50 by 100 cm. The main function that a cradle bed performs is rocking the baby to sleep. The shape and appearance of the cradle depend on how comfortable it should be for parents and for what purpose will be intended. 
A rocking cradle is a cradle suspended from the ceiling. It can be either wicker or wooden. Since in a modern apartment it is very difficult to attach such a heavy object as a crib with a baby to the ceiling, modern cradles are often equipped with stationary supports. This design of the cradle greatly facilitates motion sickness and promotes a peaceful sleep for the child. The supports for the cradle can be moved, so you can rock the baby anywhere in the house or apartment where space allows and it is convenient for the mother. 
When making a cradle, pay attention to the fastening. It must be so strong that it does not come loose when the cradle is rocking and does not wear out. The material for hanging must also be very strong so that it can withstand the weight of the cradle with the child, increased by at least 20 times. Well, the cradle itself must have high sides so that the baby cannot fall out of it. 
Unlike a stroller or playpen, a cradle can be used until the baby is 5 months old. At six months, the child begins to sit steadily and even tries to stand on his feet or crawl, so leaving him in the cradle unattended becomes dangerous.
Recently, my close friend became a mother, and 2 months later I baptized her beautiful baby. Olya loves to do handicrafts, and preparing for the birth of a child has further revealed her creative potential.
This was confirmed by the delightful cradle that she wove using the macrame technique a few months before Vanechka was born.
We are used to seeing cribs for small children that are made of wood. But this cradle woven from threads. Having mastered the macrame technique, you can make incredible openwork cribs with your own hands that will become a comfortable place for a baby to sleep.
Hanging cradle
My friend has long dreamed of a cradle that would hang in the same way as in old village houses, attached to the ceiling. There is something fabulous, wonderful and very cozy about this!
Nowadays cradles and cradles are not as common as in the recent past, but for your beloved baby you want to make the “first house” with your own hands. This thing will become a powerful amulet for your child, because homemade cradle The baby's sleep will be warmed by the warmth of his mother's hands.
Editorial "So simple!" prepared a beautiful one for you selection of baby bassinets, which can be done with your own hands.
- This thing will protect your baby's sleep, making it calm and serene!
- The cradle should be comfortable for the baby and, most importantly, stable and reliable.
- Newborn cradle is a small crib, where the sleeping space occupies 50 by 100 cm. The main function that the cradle performs is rocking the baby to sleep.
The shape and appearance of the cradle depend on how comfortable it should be for parents and what it will be intended for.
- A rocking cradle is a cradle suspended from the ceiling. It can be either wicker or wooden. Since in a modern apartment it is very difficult to attach such a heavy object as a crib with a baby to the ceiling, modern cradles are often equipped with stationary supports.
This design of the cradle greatly facilitates motion sickness and promotes restful sleep for the baby. The supports for the cradle can be moved, so you can rock the baby anywhere in the house or apartment where space allows and it is convenient for the mother.
- When making a cradle, pay attention to the fastening. It should be so strong that it does not become loose when the cradle is rocking and does not wear out.
The hanging material must also be very strong to withstand the weight of the cradle with the child, increased by at least 20 times. Well, the cradle itself must have high sides so that the baby cannot fall out of it.
- Unlike a stroller or playpen, a cradle can be used until the baby is 5 months old. At six months, the child begins to sit steadily and even tries to stand on his feet or crawl, so leaving him in the cradle unattended becomes dangerous.
- You can also make a homemade cradle into a family heirloom and pass it on to your grandchildren, and they will pass it on to their children and grandchildren...
- Weaving with threads is interesting and exciting. If you master macrame, you will be able to create openwork bracelets, bags, flower pots, Panama hats, flowers and much more with your own hands.
Hammocks, tablecloths and panels made using this technique look very beautiful.
And to see the process of weaving a cradle, I suggest watching this video.
07.02.2015
History of the cradle
We can say with confidence that the history of the cradle began with the birth of the first people, the Forefathers of humanity. Mothers could not always rock their child in their arms; they had to maintain the hearth, cook food, and run the household. And then caring fathers built a semblance of mother’s hands for their child, so that the child would also sway sweetly in sleep and in warmth.
Cradles in different places were made in different ways and from a wide variety of materials: wood (dugout, plank cradles), willow rods, rattan, leather, bark, ropes (cradles-hammocks). In Africa and Latin America, women carry babies on their backs, either in specially made cradles, or in specially tied scarves. In modern conditions, this method of carrying children is called “kangaroo”.
Among some peoples of the North Caucasus, the crib was made of wood and strictly according to the size of the born child. With the age of the child, the size of the crib increased, but it always had volume for a tightly swaddled baby, which sometimes served as poor “help” for children predisposed to certain diseases of the musculoskeletal system (for example, for children with congenital hip dislocation).
Both on other continents and in Russia, family life has evolved over centuries, and each locality had its own traditions in nurturing babies. Even our modern crib was called differently by different peoples: zybka, cradle, rocking chair, bayukolka, kolyska, cradle, zibka, etc.
The birth of a northern peasant woman was most often attended by a midwife. A man - an obstetrician, from the point of view of the peoples of the Russian North - is an absurdity, a contradiction of common sense, just like, for example, a woman is a farrier. The child was washed either in a bathhouse or in a hot stove, placing rye straw under him. Then the child was swaddled tightly and only after all this was brought to the mother’s breast and placed in a shaky position. “Why is the child roaring, but no one is bothering him?” - that's what they said in the North.
A light unsteady body (body), woven from pine shingles, was suspended on bird cherry handles from the fireplace and had a footrest for swinging. The ochep is a flexible pole attached to the ceiling matrix. On a good clearing, the swell fluctuated quite strongly, sometimes a fathom from the floor. Perhaps such swinging from the very day of birth, followed by swinging on a swing, developed a special hardening: sailors and people from peasant backgrounds were very rarely susceptible to seasickness.
In royal cradles, beds and feather beds were stuffed with swan's down. Hay, straw, and rags were placed on the bottom as bedding; a pillow with hay and straw was also placed under the head. To protect against mosquitoes, flies and light, a canopy was hung on the cradle.
Among the majority of the peoples of the European part of Russia and Siberia, the cradle was hung not only for reasons of convenience. They believed that a child raised above the floor was under the protection of heavenly powers. It was also believed that in a state of elation, a child grows better.
In general, the cradle was given great importance in the life of the family, because the cradle not only has practical benefits, lulling the child; a well-made, beautiful and pleasing cradle is intended to please the mother herself, so that, looking at the decorated cradle, she will be even more filled with love for her child and inspired to care for and raise her child.
Moreover, in all nations the cradle also carried mystical meaning.
Thus, the peoples of Siberia have preserved many legends dedicated to the cradle: according to the beliefs of the Khanty, a mythological ancestor lowered the first man from the sky in a patterned cradle on a golden chain. The image of the cradle embodies the power of the Mother Goddesses, who endlessly revive all living things. The cradle on the golden chain remains a thread connecting the legendary Ancestor with living people. Every wooden or birch bark flap, even the most simple in appearance, is its likeness. Each lullaby ritual echoes the myth of the first birth. Each baby repeats the path of its ancestor, looking out at the world for the first time from a swinging cradle suspended from a pole.
For about a year, the baby’s “home” is a cradle, or rather two - one for the day and one for the night. In the first he sees light, in the second he sees darkness; in the first he plays more, in the second he sleeps.
Before the appearance of teeth and the naming of a child, infant flesh is an object of desire for all kinds of evil spirits. The spirits of the forest, water, and the underworld strive to capture her. Without a cradle, a child is defenseless. It should not be placed on the bare floor or ground, otherwise lower spirits will immediately penetrate into it.
A baby can be protected by a dog and a fire burning in the hearth. And yet, dangers await him everywhere, especially outside the house and near the threshold. The only way to take the cradle out of the house and bring it in is with the back (head) forward. You should not pass the cradle with the baby over the threshold or leave it in an empty house. It is all the more dangerous to leave a child alone on the street, otherwise the spirits of the Lower World may replace him by slipping their baby into the cradle.
If possible, the shaky thing was ordered from a real master cradle maker, who created the thing not only with skill, but also with love and prayer. In poorer families, fathers and grandfathers made the hanging crib themselves, maybe not with such skill, but with love.
According to legend, if a husband wanted a lot of children in the family, he would go as deep into the forest as possible and there he would look for a tree worthy of becoming a tree for his daughters and sons.
Meanwhile, the expectant mother was preparing the canopy for unsteadiness: she not only selected beautiful fabric, but also made decorations - embroidery, appliqué, lace. At worst, if the family is really poor or the mother is tired of repeatedly making curtains, they could simply put on their grandmother’s sundress. There must be a canopy! This is not just a barrier from light and flies. This is also an obstacle for evil spirits.
Each family had its own lucky cradle, which was passed down from generation to generation: as soon as the baby grew up, he gave way to the newborn.
The shaky frame, made of durable wood, could last 200 years. The year of birth of the child was written on it; such inscriptions can be found on up to six or more museum exhibits.
Proof of the wisdom of our Ancestors
The stay of a child in the infant period in a suspended swinging cradle carries within it a certain culture of humanization, unconscious to us, in accordance with the nature of the child, developed over millennia. And, paradoxically, science not only did not study this method of culture, but, like much else that was in folk educational pedagogy, simply rejected it. But the truth here literally lies on the surface.
It is known: the 9-month period of intrauterine development of a child in biological (genetic) time is much longer than the entire subsequent life. It is during these 9 months that a ready-made little person is formed from 2 cells. And this entire stage of development takes place in a liquid environment. An environment that supports the child’s development process in virtually zero gravity. Now imagine: from zero gravity, a child suddenly finds himself in an environment of enormous gravitational pressure, incl. “heavy” (due to pressure drops) gravitational rhythms.
That is why a baby emerging from the mother’s womb is characterized by generalized tension spread throughout the body, muscle stiffness and convulsive movements. And it will only be removed when body rhythms are attuned, incl. voluntary-willed with earthly (gravitational) rhythms. But such attunement requires a long period of time and human assistance.
The suspended cradle transforms the vector of static gravitational pressure into an oscillatory-wave gravitational rhythm. During the rocking process, the baby rhythmically experiences peculiar moments of weightlessness (when the cradle reaches its maximum height and, as it were, “freezes” for a moment) and moments of exposure to the highest gravitational forces (when the cradle passes through the lowest point to the ground). Consequently, with the help of a suspended swinging cradle, the vector of the unidirectional gravitational press “unfolds” into a life-giving gravitational wave adapted to earthly conditions.
Moreover, it turned out that all human life is a hierarchy of mutually subordinate, mutually synchronized (in terms of frequency) algorithms: from extremely high genetic rhythms to extremely low - meaningful voluntary actions. A hanging cradle is a special technology that is absolutely necessary for the gradual effective non-traumatic entry and adaptation of a child to the gravitational environment of the earth, incl. to launch the gravitational rhythms of life.
In the 80s of the twentieth century, under our leadership, on the basis of the Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, the following experiment was carried out (N. F. Kazachkova). One group of mothers raised their babies in a hanging cradle, the other in a regular crib. It was found that babies from the first group slept better, cried less, and sucked better at their mother's breast. The gravitational-muscular tension squeezing the body began to relax faster and muscle cramps decreased. Their eye nystagmus was noticeably less pronounced. As a result, their eyes began to fix objects faster, i.e. a meaningful look began to appear in them faster.
On average, 2-3 months earlier they began to hum and speak their first articulate words. These children had less stiffness and fear. 1.5 - 2 months earlier, children began to stand on their feet and walk on the ground. With the development of purposeful manual actions, they showed less muscle stiffness (convulsions).
The formality of the internal gravitational rhythm is the formalization of not only internal vegetative rhythms, but also the spiritual stance, the formalization of their resistance to various unfavorable environmental factors.
The positive influence of the hanging cradle affected almost all subsequent stages of ontogenesis. For example, subsequently such children had less internal tension when writing. As a result, they leaned less over the notebook when writing. In addition, they had better handwriting, drawing and even an ear for music! Their speech was freer and more meaningful. These children had less fear. At a higher level, these children had neuropsychic resistance to stress.
Therefore, the disappearance of hanging cradles from the educational arsenal led to a deterioration in the development of children’s bodily coordination abilities and various voluntary motor functions, incl. verbal and manual. It led to a decrease in the functionality of basic life support systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal tract, excretion, etc.).
In broad terms, this led to a decrease in bodily-functional and spiritual-mental potential at the level of an entire nation. All this allowed us to take a fresh look at the greatness of folk educational cultures, incl. on the special developmental role of Russian swings.
Master class “Making a shaky cradle - the miracle of our Ancestors”
What do you need:
- Wooden blocks 2x3cm: 2 bars 80cm each, 2 bars 56cm each
- Metal corners 4pcs
- Self-tapping screws 2cm long
- 4 carbines
- Rope approximately 7m
- Door spring 1 piece
- Calico fabric for hammock cover 2.5m x 2m
- Fabric for a soft cover for a frame 3m x 0.5m
- Sintepon 3m x 0.5m
- Canopy fabric (preferably natural) 4m
- Zipper 60cm
- Ceiling mounts - half rings (IKEA) 2 pcs
- Choppers and self-tapping screws for mounting in the ceiling, 8 pcs.
We make cradle parts
Make a frame 60x80cm from wooden blocks. Secure the corners with metal corners.
Cover it with padding polyester fabric to make the frame softer. I made a cover for the frame with Velcro so that it could be removed - this is more difficult. We've been using it for 4 months now - it hasn't gotten dirty, we still have the hammock cover on top. Therefore, I recommend simply covering the frame with a soft cover.
Sew a calico bag for a hammock. Cut with a large allowance to create a hammock.
Mark the location of the holes for the ropes. Sew squares of two layers of fabric at the corners. Zigzg stitch the holes and cut them out.
Sews like a pillowcase. With a cape to cover the zipper, which is sewn in last.
Sew a canopy for the cradle. It’s better to make it out of 4 panels (on each side) so that you can raise or lower any one. Decorate if you want with lace, etc. I haven't sewn the canopy yet. I simply throw the fabric on the light side.
Sew a cover for the spring (it is covered in oil and gets dirty). Put it on the spring. Insert a rope with loops at the ends inside so that it serves as insurance if the spring breaks.
We fix it to the ceiling:
It is better to hang a cradle above the bed.
We mark the place on the ceiling where the half rings will be attached.
If desired, you can attach it not to one attachment point, but to 2 or 4, but the more attachment points, the more rigid the structure, the less freedom of motion sickness.
Using a hammer drill, we drill holes in the ceiling.
We hammer the chops.
For some mothers and fathers, purchasing a cradle for a baby is a luxury, for others it is an urgent necessity. But if you still need a cradle, how to choose the best one? We bring to your attention a short review of cribs for newborns, which have earned the sympathy of parents for functionality, beauty and good quality.
Types of cradles and cradles for newborns
We will probably bypass hanging options - in a standard apartment, few people have the desire to hang a cradle from the ceiling. Modern cradles are:
- wooden cradles (pendulums and rocking chairs);
- plastic-metal cradles, with and without additional functions;
- cradles of non-standard shapes. Here manufacturers do not limit their imagination in any way: there are oval cradles, absolutely round ones, in the shape of vases and vintage doll strollers.
In addition, attached options can be separated into a separate group. They can be either wooden or plastic, and their main feature is that such products have a removable side and an adjustable bottom.
Now let's move on to a detailed description of the best bassinets for babies. We divided all applicants into 3 categories and selected the three most worthy options in each.
TOP 9 best bassinets for newborns
Nomination: best side crib
Add-on cradles are relevant for those parents who plan to sleep in the same room in close proximity to the child. Add-on cribs have a removable side and are adjustable in height, so you can raise or lower the bottom to the same level as the parent's bed, combining them into one plane. This allows you to get up less often to see your baby at night, make it easier to organize nighttime breastfeeding, and generally worry less about your baby.
Chicco Next2me - the ideal cradle for co-sleeping and more
Laconic and weightless, the Chicco Next2me cradle will fit perfectly into a modern interior and will certainly charm parents who prefer simplicity and minimalism. The cradle is lightweight, made of high quality plastic, no bulky parts. The fabric elements are removable and easy to clean. The bottom is height adjustable at six levels. The sleeping area is roomy: 50 by 80 cm, mattress included. The side wall can be unfastened with a zipper and has a built-in mosquito net for easy monitoring of the baby.
Chicco Next2me is ideal as an additional cot, since, unlike many other models, it has a system of attachment to the main bed (with straps). There are wheels with locks. The upholstery is removed. If necessary, the sleeping place can be folded to dimensions of 91 by 15 cm and placed in a carrying bag, which is very convenient for transportation. There is even an adjustable bottom tilt. Megafunctional cradle of premium quality! 9 delicate colors.
Cons: There is no lower basket, hood or runners, but not all parents and children require them.
Reviews of the Chicco Next2me cradle
This model is 200% justified if the mother is nursing and practices co-sleeping. Everything in it is very reliable and thought out to the smallest detail so that both mother and baby feel good. The disadvantages include the fact that this cradle cannot be used to attach a mobile phone on a standard arch and most other “bedside” gadgets. Well, the price, of course, is not affordable for everyone. However, if you consider that the mattress and sides are already included in the kit, the price no longer seems so high.
Zibos Ala - the strongest and most technologically advanced cradle
Another option for a compact side crib that can serve as an attractive alternative to the Chicco Next2me above. In terms of functionality, the Zibos cradle is in some ways slightly inferior to Chico, but in some ways it is seriously superior to it. So, the bottom height is adjustable not in 6, but in five positions. There are 7 bright upholstery colors to choose from (blue, red, yellow, etc.). Otherwise, this cradle repeats all the characteristics of its more expensive sister: it has fixed wheels, an adjustable bottom, a mattress, a removable wall with a mosquito net, carrying and the ability to fold. There is also a system for “fastening” a child’s bed to an adult’s. But Zibos Ala also has interesting bonuses:
- supports a weight of 150 kg (that's not a typo!) thanks to the frame with double tubes;
- The set includes an anti-colic pillow and a mosquito net;
- there are runners for motion sickness;
- if desired, you can purchase a transformation mechanism from the same company and turn the cradle into a rocking chair and even a rocking chair for an adult (that’s what such a strong structure is for!);
- There are two pockets at the bottom for storing small items;
- The price of the product is slightly lower in comparison with analogues.
Estimated price: 9000-10000 rub.
Reviews of the cradle Zibos Ala
The innovation of the design, the precise operation of all mechanisms, and at the same time the amazing functionality of the model makes owners say only good things about it (if not sing its praises). It is difficult to attach arches and mobiles to it, but this is perhaps the only small feature of this model. We recommend it as a profitable investment in the health of the child and the peace of mind of parents.
Simplicity 3060 - the most popular side cradle
This cradle model has earned the greatest approval from parents as the most beautiful, comfortable and functional. Strictly speaking, this is a universal cradle that can be used with equal success both as an attached one and as a free-standing one. The crib swings using runners, but can be placed on wheels. The height is adjustable, the side is removable for convenient use as an attached option. There is a gentle vibration function, a night light and a music unit with lullabies, hanging toys, and a control panel. The mattress is also included. The cradle is equipped with a hood. We can say that it has everything necessary for the most comfortable pastime of the child and even more.
The product is equipped with a long skirt, which, on the one hand, hides everything unnecessary and protects the contents of the basket from dust, on the other, complicates access to it. A similar model 3050 is equipped with a short skirt. It should be borne in mind that most Simplicity models have low sides - only 24 cm.
Estimated price: 8000-9000 rub.
Reviews of Simplicity 3060
The general impression of the model based on reviews is that it was money well spent! A wide range of equipment and taking into account most of the nuances associated with the baby’s sleep and rest make this cradle the best in its category.
The downside is that the product has only two colors (blue and beige). In addition, in reviews of the Simplicity 3060 cradle you can find information that the mattress is not of very high quality. There is also dissatisfaction with the fact that the mobile is installed on a rigid base, which makes it difficult to put the baby in and out (but the mobile can be turned to the side). Some people don’t like the abundance of ruffles, but this is a matter of taste. In general, Simplicity cradles are the leaders in this market, and models 3060 and 3050 have received the largest number of parents' sympathy.
Nomination: best wooden cradles
Natural, high-quality wood is an ideal material for any children's furniture. Wood has a classic beauty, it is warm, environmentally friendly and durable. Wooden cradles are very diverse, and choosing the best is quite difficult. The editors of the site considered the following models worthy of your attention:
Bambolina Love - Italian classic for little princes and princesses
The Italian brand is distinguished by its magnificent design and impeccable quality of wood processing. Models Bambolina Love, Candy, Bebe, Artist are functionally absolutely identical, only slightly different in the appearance of the headboard and the presence of a drawer in the first one. Bambolin's cradles are mini-cribs on runners (+ wheels). The wheels are rubberized, self-centering, roll very easily and do not scratch the floor when moving.
You might not notice it right away, but the Love carrycot has a built-in drawer for baby supplies in the bottom. Optimal sleeping area size: 83×42 cm. The set does not include bedding; they (including the mattress) must be purchased separately. However, the choice of mattresses of these sizes is quite wide, and the price starts from 1000 rubles.
Estimated price: 12000-14000 rub.
Reviews of Bambolina cradles
All parents agree that there is simply nothing to complain about with this cradle. It fascinates with its classic ideality and coziness. And the highest quality allows it to be used for more than one generation of children. Perhaps the price is not affordable for everyone, but this is the price to pay for the pleasure of comfortable and long-term use.
Gandylyan Lily - a solid domestic classic with a pendulum
If you are looking for a classic cradle in the form of a miniature crib with rocking motion, the Lily Model from the Russian manufacturer Gandylyan is perfect. The material of the product is Caucasian beech, the coating is safe water-based varnish. The sleeping place is relatively narrow, but long - 90x43 cm. Mothers who have tested this cradle in action claim that it will suit a medium-sized child up to 8 months.
The model is not suitable as an additional crib, because... its side cannot be lowered or removed, and the height of the bottom is not adjustable. At the same time, it is equipped with a transverse pendulum - a useful feature for many mothers and children. Pleasant shades of natural wood - 8 options. If you do not require any special design or additional options, then the Gandylyan Lily crib is the best option in terms of price-quality ratio.
Estimated price: 7100-8300 rub.
Reviews of the cradle Gandylyan Lily
The reviews are entirely positive. Parents like the quality of this cradle, the wood processing, and the compactness. The complaints concern only the quality of the varnish coating - the varnish can easily be scratched if used indelicately. Parents would also like to see the mattress included, so as not to bother choosing it separately.
Cradle Micuna Smart Fresh MO-1456 - an original crib for the little ones
The delightful, airy Mikuna cradle has an oval shape and is made of high-quality solid beech wood, coated with water-based varnish. The size of the sleeping place is not quite standard: 79X52 cm, that is, a little shorter and wider than a standard cradle. The walls are made of fabric (in some versions, mesh), which allows fresh air to circulate freely inside. The crib is low, not adjustable in height, but has fairly high sides - 47 cm, so the baby is guaranteed to be protected from falling out of it. 6 wheels with locks make it easy to move the product across the floor. Dimensions allow you to freely move the cradle around the house and roll it out onto the balcony.
The package includes a set of bed linen (polyurethane mattress, pillow, blanket, duvet cover, sheet). There are 8 delicate colors to choose from. Another plus is that you can buy additional bed linen and a mattress cover. Interestingly, the sheet can be zipped together with a blanket to create a cozy sleeping envelope.
Estimated price: 20,000-23,000 rub.
Reviews of the cradle Micuna Smart Fresh MO-1456
Let’s be honest, there are practically no reviews on Russian-language sites about this far from cheap product. But there are active discussions about the pros and cons of such an unusual sleeping bed for a newborn. The advantages include natural materials, stylish design, compactness, ease of use, breathability and a wide range of equipment. The disadvantages include the small height (this is especially true if there are older children and pets in the house) and the impossibility of adjusting it. There are concerns about the completely transparent mesh walls - will the baby be cool? In general, the Mikuna cradle can be a wonderful nest for a baby up to 2-4 months, but then it will have to be replaced with a larger bed.
Nomination: the best inexpensive bassinets for newborns
Realizing that a cradle, although a necessary thing, will be needed for a very short period of time, practical parents select a budget option for a cradle, and many are satisfied with both the price and quality.
JETEM Dream is a worthy analogue of more expensive cradles
A model from a series of “fluffy” cradles, Zhetem Dream attracts with its electronic functions (melody and vibration). There is a large selection of melodies (including sounds of nature) and 6 levels of vibration, starting with barely perceptible. The cradle rocks itself based on the child’s movements, that is, it provides mechanical rocking, but not electronic rocking, as is erroneously indicated on some websites.
The pluses include a VERY spacious basket with two compartments. Fabric elements are completely removable for washing. The wheels are retracted inside using special buttons - in this case the product is placed on runners for swinging. The sleeping bed is elongated - 80x38 cm. The height of the sides is small - only 20 cm.
Estimated price: 5900-6300 rub.
How many copies have our pediatricians broken in disputes about whether rocking a baby to sleep is harmful? I'm curious what the stubborn opponent of cradles and jocks did when his own child couldn't sleep? Maybe he calmly put a baby sweating from crying into bed and went to the kitchen to drink tea? Hardly. Most likely, he rocked him all night both in his arms and on the pillow, cursing himself for not having bothered to make the cradle with his own hands in time.
Preparatory work
Cradles are different.
The hanging cradles (shaky cradles) in which dozens of generations were nursed deserve a kind word. But today we bring to the attention of craftsmen an original crib, consisting of a fixed, stable frame and the cradle itself, suspended from it on strong short axes. The general dimensions of the structure are:
- Height – 825 mm.
- Width – 600 mm.
- Length – 880 mm.
As you can see, a rocking chair of this size will not take up much space, but its benefits are enormous, especially for parents of a restless child. It’s one thing to shake a one-month-old baby in your arms, and quite another to shake a six-month-old baby. We will still need our own spine, so let’s take a close look at the question of how to make a cradle with your own hands.
Materials for making a crib
- Joiner's board made of pine, 28 mm thick.
- Board 18 mm thick.
- Semicircular slats for the side walls of the crib.
- Wooden rods for fencing bars.
- Dense material for gluing slats.
- Dowels and screws.
- Wooden mallet for placing dowels.
- Synthetic glue.
- Parquet or acrylic varnish, glossy paint.
Tools for work
- Milling machine. It usually comes with stops and a copy sleeve, which we will need. Actually, the difference between a router and a plane is that it is equipped with a lot of different devices.
- Electric jigsaw.
- Drill.
- Clamps.
- Homemade compass.
- Paint brush, roller.
- The cutter rotates at a speed of 30 thousand revolutions per minute. Start with low speeds, especially when cutting grooves deeper than 5 mm, then the motor will not overheat. Guide the unit with its front side facing you.
Cradle cradle for newborns - how to make it yourself
Always check that the cutter is securely installed before starting work.
- To get perfect edges, it is better to make several passes than to go deep to the specified size at once.
- When milling, the base of the unit must be constantly pressed against the workpiece.
- When processing edges, you must ensure that the cutter runs perpendicular to the wood fibers. Once you have reached the desired groove depth, move the cutter forward. When you reach the end of the cut, push it slightly back and up.
- During the cutting process, the machine should be driven in continuous motion. When the machine is stopped, material burns may occur.
Cutting lumber for the cradle
To cut out the shaped contour of the cradle posts, we need to make cardboard templates. We place the stencils on the carpentry board and trace them, trying to ensure that the cutting lines do not fall on the knots.
We draw circles using a compass made from a rod and a pencil. To change the size of the circle, you just need to move the nail to the right place. All rounded elements of the crib have their own specific radii, indicated in the drawing.
We begin cutting the material from the end semicircle of the stand. Before cutting the shield, securely fasten it to the workbench. It is better to place an auxiliary board under the workpiece so as not to damage the table. Using a compass for a milling machine, we will get precise cuts of the parts so that the cradle can be made perfectly with our own hands.
A groove 10 mm wide, intended for installing semicircular slats in the side walls of the cradle, is drawn from the same point as the lines of the lower edge.
First, we cut out the semicircular elements of the rack using a router. Next, cut straight lines with a jigsaw.
We carry out finishing of straight edges. To do this, install a copy sleeve on the base of the milling machine. We place a guide bar - a strip of plywood or a board - under the workpiece. We align them flush and tighten the entire package with clamps. Now you can mill the edges.
We cut out the shaped backs of the rocking chair, starting from the outer arch. We drill holes in them for dowels with a diameter of 8 mm. In the racks we make two reciprocal sockets for attaching the backrest. We cut four longitudinal bars to fence the cradle.
The semicircular walls of the cradle are made simply and ingeniously. We take a strip of dense fabric (calico, edging, rep) and glue the strips onto it, placing them closely. We lay the board on top and compress the workpiece with clamps until it dries completely.
Assembling the cradle
In the end backs, we select semicircular grooves with a milling cutter and insert the glued strips into them. At the bottom we connect the racks with two boards that form the bottom. We perform the pairing on dowels, strengthening it with glue. We tighten the racks and drawers with screws.
We make blind sockets with a diameter of 14 mm in four longitudinal bars, maintaining the accuracy of the interval. The grating bars will be installed here.
Solving the problem of how to make the cradle beautiful and safe, we drill precise holes in round wooden balls ∅ 50 mm, intended for decorating the lower axles and rocking clamps. First we place the ball in a hole ∅ 45 mm and drill it. Then we put the ball on a dowel embedded in the board and drill a socket on the other side.
We mark and drill the sockets on the frame posts using a template for drilling the frames.
We round off the sharp edges and sand the surface of all parts of the crib. We coat the wood with varnish.
Lattice rods and decorative balls can be painted with bright paint. To dry, install them in the holes of the auxiliary bar.
When twisting the racks and drawers, we recess the screws into the wood by about a centimeter, having previously countersunk the holes. Short dowels with balls on them will act as plugs.
We connect the longitudinal bars with glued rods, forming the cradle sheathing. We also assemble the backs and bars on dowels. We tighten the glued crib with clamps and tape ties while drying.
A ready-made cradle will make life much easier for both mother and child. Do not try to keep up with fashion in these matters; be guided only by your own considerations of common sense, safety and comfort.
2 instructions and 2 videos on how to make a cradle (cradle) with your own hands
- DIY baby cradle made of wood
- DIY carrycot for a newborn
- How to make a hanging cradle (cradle) with your own hands - video
What do you want to make: a do-it-yourself cradle for a newborn or a hanging cradle? You will learn this from this material as well as how to make a baby carrier.
DIY baby cradle for a newborn made of wood
As an example, we suggest making a cradle of the following dimensions:
– height – 82.5 cm
– width – 60 cm
– length – 88 cm
You can make a cradle of your own size.
Better yet, print it out and keep it in front of your eyes.
- Prepare materials
You will need:
- pine wood panel 2.8 cm thick
- board 1.8 cm thick
- semicircular slats - they will serve as the side walls of the cradle
- wooden bars for the grid to protect the child from falling
- dense material for gluing the slats
- dowels and screws - for the first you will need a wooden mallet, with the help of which they are inserted
- synthetic glue for gluing parts
- varnish (parquet or acrylic), as well as glossy paint to give the cradle a beautiful look
Without these tools, it will be difficult for you to make a cradle with your own hands, so find them:
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Clamps
- Compass
The regular one won't do.
DIY baby cradle
You have to do it yourself. To do this, drill a hole at one end of the rail into which a pencil will fit with tension.
- Cut the material
To cut out the cradle posts the way you want, first make templates from cardboard. After this, apply the template to the carpentry board and trace it.
The template should be positioned so that its edges are not on the knots.
To draw rounded details, use a homemade compass. To adjust the compass to get the circle of the desired diameter, use nails. Drive them into the required place. Use the photo below for reference.
Draw a centimeter groove in the side walls of the cradle, where you will need to insert semicircular slats, by setting the axis of the compass (nails) at the point from which you drew the lines of the lower edge.
Once the cut lines are marked on the boards, start cutting. To do this, place the unnecessary board on the workbench, and attach the material to it.
You need to underlay the board so as not to damage the workbench tabletop.
Cut the end semicircle of the post using a router compass to get a perfect cut. Refer to the photo below:
After this, use a jigsaw to cut straight lines.
Next, place the copy sleeve on the base of the milling machine, install the guide bar, and place the cut out stand on it so that it is flush. Clamp all this with clamps and mill the edges.
Now cut out the shaped backs of the rocking chair. You should start with the outer arc. Once cut, drill holes with a diameter of 8 mm. Dowels will be inserted into them. Then make reciprocal sockets in the racks so that the back can be secured.
Cut 4 bars that will be used as fencing.
Glue thick fabric onto the slats. At the same time, make sure that the fabric covers the part in all places.
To make the material stick better to the part, place a board on top and clamp it with clamps. Squeeze only when the glue is dry.
- Assemble the cradle
To do this, make a sample on the end backs. The sample should be semicircular. You insert the glued planks into it.
Connect the lower part of the rack to two boards. This way two boards will serve as the bottom. Use a dowel connection. Don't forget to pour glue into the grooves to make a strong connection.
In the bars that serve as fencing, make blind holes with a diameter of 1.4 cm. There should be an equal distance between the holes. Insert rods into them to form a lattice fence.
Next, you need to find wooden balls and make holes in them with a diameter of 5 cm. Then insert them into the lower axes, where they will simultaneously serve as decoration and a convenient grip for rocking the cradle. Put the ball on like this:
- place it in a hole with a diameter of 4.5 cm and drill
- cut the dowel into the board and place the ball on it
- drill the socket from the opposite side
After this, drill the sockets on the frame posts. To ensure the location of the sockets is accurate, take a template for drilling the frames.
Then you round off the sharp edges and process the surface of the cradle so that it becomes smooth. Now varnish the crib and paint the bars and balls.
When everything is dry, twist the posts and drawers. To do this, make holes for the screws and countersink them. Then screw in the screws, recessing them a centimeter.
Pour glue into the holes of the fencing bars and insert the rods into them. Connect the backs and bars with a dowel joint.
To keep the connections strong, tighten them with clamps and tape ties.
DIY carrycot for a newborn
You will need:
- Fiberboard size 50x60
- Polystyrene foam - you can take the one in boxes from office equipment
- Furniture foam rubber 30x120
- Batting to keep the cradle soft and warm
- Artificial satin in three colors
- Cotton jersey
- Narrow tape
- Nylon thread
Tools that will be useful:
- Wood hacksaw
- Scissors
- Stapler and staples
- A needle to make from an umbrella knitting needle
- Wire cutters
- Thinning knife
Manufacturing process
Tips for upholstering a baby carrier
- Trim the backs so that there are as few holes as possible.
The more holes, the more fragile the foam becomes.
- Make decorative bows at the puncture sites to hide them. Bows can be made from ribbon. The entire crib is also sewn together with tape.
- Sew the crib with a helper who will ensure that the ribbon is taut and well tied.
- To make the crib strong, make 4 holes on both sides and a few more between them.
How to make a hanging cradle (cradle) with your own hands - video
That's all. See you soon.
Hanging cradle
Standard cribs
To make a cradle from wood, you need to stock up on wooden boards and wood paneling, bolts and screws; the side walls can be made from semicircular slats or lattice-shaped rods, glue, varnish and glossy paint. It is advisable to have on hand a milling machine that has all the accessories for working on the cradle. The tools you will need are a jigsaw, a drill, a compass (homemade from a stick with a pencil at the end) and clamps.
The details of the cradle are drawn using a homemade compass, pencil and ruler. Then it is cut out and further processed.
CRADLE WITH YOUR HANDS
Sample drawings can be found online.
- Wicker box;
- Wood supports;
Fabric bassinets
Video
The most interesting articles:
How to choose a hanging cradle for a newborn
In anticipation of the birth of a baby, many parents specially prepare and arrange a children's room. Choosing a hanging cradle for a newborn must be done with special care.
Familiarize yourself with the various options in advance and ask fellow moms for advice. Today, manufacturers of cribs offer a huge range of products for every taste.
In all this diversity, you can simply get confused. To prevent this from happening, choose your cradle responsibly.
Main types of baby cradles
A special cradle for the baby is placed in a suspended state so that it can be easily rocked.
This design can be of several types:
- The classic version of the cradle is usually made of natural wood using weaving techniques. Also, such a cradle can be decorated with forged elements. Two cross arches securely hold the cradle, but at the same time do not interfere with rocking.
- Swing cradle. This product really resembles an ordinary swing, because the sleeping place for the baby is fixed on two supports.
- Automatic cradle. To rock your baby comfortably, you don’t need to make any effort; just press one button. Additionally, such designs can have various accessories - lighting, musical accompaniment, the ability to change the tempo and direction of rocking of the cradle.
Each mother will be able to find the most suitable option that will match the interior of the room, taste preferences and financial capabilities.
If the area of the children's room is small, it is better to give preference to a hanging cradle-swing. At the end of the support there are special wheels that ensure ease of movement of the structure.
What to look for when choosing
There are a few important points to consider before purchasing:
- To choose a truly high-quality and safe cradle, you need to carefully study the mechanism of the product. Pay special attention to the reliability and strength of the main fastenings, because the safety of the newborn will depend on them. All fasteners must be made of metal, but in no case plastic or wood.
- The cradle is designed to quickly rock a small child. This product usually has standard sizes. However, if you want your baby to be comfortable while resting, choose a product with the maximum width of the cradle. Then the child will be able to easily roll over during sleep.
- Additional functionality. Some products can be equipped with a basket for small items, a folding changing table and other additions. When buying a cradle, you must take into account one rule - the more additional accessories the product contains, the higher its cost.
- The material from which the cradle is made must be natural and environmentally friendly. This product will retain its attractive appearance for a long time and will not cause allegra in a newborn.
All small removable parts of the hanging cradle must be securely hidden from the baby. It is recommended to choose a product that has not been treated with varnish or paint.
The most useful accessories
Anyone can purchase a ready-made cradle with a full set of all kinds of accessories. However, some young parents want to save money and buy only a cradle, without any additions.
In this case, you will need to purchase the necessary accessories separately:
- A baby's cradle mattress is the most important accessory. The baby's comfortable sleep depends on its quality. Choose a product of the appropriate size; to do this, you need to measure the cradle in advance. Experts recommend giving preference to mattresses made from coconut coir.
- Bedding made from natural material - cotton is best. It should also be the right size.
- A special cover for the cradle creates a comfortable atmosphere for the newborn and protects from bright light.
- The lock prevents the cradle from swinging too much.
- Rubberized wheels for support are necessary for silent movement of the cradle around the apartment. It is these parts that most often break, so it is recommended to pay special attention to the quality of the material from which they are made.
A felt crib is suitable for winter as it retains heat well
Jetem Dream bassinets are bestsellers
The company producing cradles for newborns, Jetem Dream, occupies a leading position in the market. The thing is that the main models of such designs are distinguished by high quality, safety and a huge number of positive reviews from young parents.
Jetem Dream cradles are made from natural materials, have an attractive appearance and are additionally equipped with an electronic mechanism that sets the cradle in motion. All fabric covers, a hood and other components of the cradle can be easily removed and cleaned of dirt.
Bassinet beds are intended exclusively for newborns. When the baby reaches the age of 4-5 months, he will begin to move and pull himself up very actively, thereby risking falling out of the cradle.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hanging cribs without any doubt have many advantages compared to conventional cribs:
- The cradle has a small but enclosed space. The baby feels as comfortable as possible in it, just like in his mother’s tummy.
- If the baby cries, just put him in the cradle and rock him a little. You will be very surprised to notice that your baby will calm down almost instantly.
- Some models of cradles are equipped with special supports on wheels. This is a very convenient addition, because a sleeping baby can be easily transported to another room without any noise.
- As a rule, modern hanging cradles have music and lighting.
Some of the most expensive products are equipped with an additional electronic mechanism that can automatically respond to the baby's movement or loud crying.
- A cradle is always very beautiful and original. Such a product can become an indispensable part of the interior of a child’s room, complementing it qualitatively.
If you decide to purchase an expensive cradle, be sure to keep in mind that such a design will not last long for your baby. When the baby reaches the age of 8-9 months, he will have to give up the cradle. The thing is that the baby will begin to move actively, rocking the cradle, and this can lead to injury.
Hanging cradle for crib
Some hanging cribs can be securely fixed directly into the baby's crib.
My baby sleeps in a hanging cradle that I wove myself. I will be glad for any of your assessment...
This product is fixed on special belts with clips that are attached to the frame.
Sleeping in such a cradle will be comfortable, because the baby will feel safe, and the smooth rocking will pacify him even more. After the child grows a little, the cradle can be easily removed and only a crib can be used.
Modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of crib models to suit every taste, which have a very useful addition - a hanging cradle. It is very convenient and profitable; you don’t need to think about what is best to choose.
How to make it yourself
Every mother can try to make a beautiful and creative cradle on her own, putting a piece of her love into it. It's quite simple if you use the advice of experienced needlewomen.
Such a homemade cradle, among other things, will help you significantly reduce the cost of arranging a children's room.
If you plan to move the cradle to different rooms, you need to make several ceiling holders in advance.
Various techniques can be used to create this type of structure. If you are fond of the macrame technique, you can easily weave a beautiful and original hanging cradle for a newborn.
Let us briefly consider the main stages of creating a cradle:
- You will need plastic and copper pipes of different diameters. We place the copper product inside the plastic one and bend it on the knee so that it becomes a ring. All connections must be carefully secured.
- We take thick cords of any color that you like best and begin to weave a cradle. To do this, we use a simple Chinese knot, which is quite common in the macrame technique.
- We create the top ring for the cradle, which must be slightly larger than the base. The technique is the same as in the first stage.
- We fix the weaving on the upper ring. We braid the bottom of the cradle with a Chinese knot.
- This wicker cradle for newborns is usually suspended from the ceiling. To secure it securely, you can use dowels and ceiling holders.
Product made using macrame weaving technique
Do not forget that the child should feel cozy and comfortable in a wicker cradle. To do this, be sure to place a mattress with a firm base at the bottom of the cradle. This product will prevent the bottom of the cradle from sagging.
Overall, a hanging crib is a great option, especially for fussy babies. It will give young parents more free time, so you shouldn’t skimp on purchasing it.
http://childlands.ru
DIY cradle for a newborn - a beautiful gift for a baby
Every mother always wants to do something on her own for the birth of her baby. To do something special that would be a real gift for a future son or little daughter. A hand-made cradle for a newborn would be just such a gift.
Such a cradle will carefully protect your baby's sleep and will decorate any interior. The cradle can be made hanging or on legs with crossbars so that you can rock the baby while sleeping.
Among the many advantages of a cradle bed, the main ones can be identified:
- Mobility - such a cradle can be easily moved from room to room if the baby is afraid to be left alone;
- Compactness - the size of the cradle's sleeping area is about sixty centimeters in width and one hundred to one hundred and ten centimeters in length;
- Coziness and comfort - it will be much more comfortable for a newborn to sleep in a cradle, since he will feel safe there - he will be surrounded by the soft walls of the cradle, he will feel protected. When a small child is immediately placed in a large crib, he becomes scared because he was in the womb for 9 months, he was cramped and warm. In a larger crib there is too much open space, nothing surrounds the baby - this can cause him to experience discomfort and cry.
Hanging cradle
If you do not plan to move the cradle-crib around the house, then it can be made hanging. The main condition here will be the absence of suspended ceilings and the presence of good fastenings.
The cradle itself can be made from wooden parts and a small mattress. It is better to take a completely processed tree and inspect it for gaps and irregularities - the baby must be protected from splinters.
You can make a wicker cradle from willow vines. This requires minimal wicker weaving skills, because, at its core, a cradle is a large basket for a baby. Such small beds are environmentally friendly and very light in weight. Inside the cradle, you can make soft sides from fabric stuffed with a small layer of filler and lay a small mattress.
Some people make hanging cradles simply from fabric. The material is selected either very durable, such as felt, or a base is sewn into the fabric frame of the crib, which will help maintain the shape of the cradle, for example, foam rubber.
If, after all, the apartment has suspended ceilings, but you want to have a suspended cradle, then you should think about special supports for mounting. Such a cradle can be easily carried around the house and rock the baby wherever it is more convenient.
Standard cribs
You can construct such a crib yourself from wood. Another option would be to weave a cradle from wicker or rattan.
To make a cradle from wood, you need to stock up on wooden boards and wood paneling, bolts and screws; the side walls can be made from semicircular slats or lattice-shaped rods, glue, varnish and glossy paint. It is advisable to have on hand a milling machine that has all the accessories for working on the cradle.
How to choose a hanging cradle for a newborn
The tools you will need are a jigsaw, a drill, a compass (homemade from a stick with a pencil at the end) and clamps.
The details of the cradle are drawn using a homemade compass, pencil and ruler. Then it is cut out and further processed. Sample drawings can be found online.
It is better to make a wicker cradle from willow twigs. It will look like this:
- Wicker box;
- Wood supports;
Wooden supports can be made thinner and also braided with vines.
Fabric bassinets
Such a cradle can perform the function of carrying and at the same time be stationary. In the first form, it is good to use it for trips outside the home, and in the second, you can simply put it in a regular crib and put the baby to sleep there. This way you can kill two birds with one stone:
- Have a comfortable thing for transporting the child, in which he will be warm and comfortable;
- There is no need to buy a cradle and then a crib separately;
- The child will be accustomed to sleep in one place.
You can easily sew such a carrying cradle yourself and decorate it as desired. Cradles with a “tulle” covering the child - a cape - look very beautiful. With it the baby will be even more comfortable, it will protect him from unnecessary glances and direct rays of the sun. This cape can even be made by crochet.