Cradle and All: Custom Cribs and Bassinets for Now and The Future

Sooner or later infants will try to eat their cribs. That’s why choosing the right crib that’s safe for the newest member of your family is so important. And there’s certainly a lot to consider: everything from choosing non-toxic materials to a design that allows you to keep a better eye on your baby.

The care and attention to detail that the custom way offers is perfectly suited for the furniture that the smallest and most vulnerable members of your family will receive.  You can share your safety concerns with your CustomMade maker when you discuss the materials and construction of your custom made cradle or custom bassinet.  And while a child discovering they can use their mouth as a fifth limb is a humorous and challenging moment, it serves to illustrate another important dimension to kids’ bedroom furniture that a custom approach can accommodate: time.

The infant that can’t roll over now will soon be standing up in their cradle and (too soon) will leave home and will likely have children of their own.  Custom cribs can help you deal with all these life stages.  Take a look at a few examples of cradles designed to help you soothe and change an infant, keep a toddler safe and amused, and last long enough for future generations to enjoy.

This Gustav Stickley inspired solid walnut swinging cradle by Kasenchar Woodworking features dovetail joinery and is designed to rock your baby gently at eye level when you’re in bed, which makes keeping “your groggy eyes” on the child a little easier.  You can request your custom version in the wood of your choice.

Swinging Cradle by Kasenchar Woodworking at CustomMade.com

You can have Dragonfly Wood Wrights create a unique beautifully handcrafted lapstreak baby cradle, including a custom mattress and sheet, with your choice of paints and name engraved on the transom.  The piece shown here is made from sapele and beech wood.  The lapstreak design (also known as lapstrake or clinker building) is an ancient boatbuilding technique and reflects artisan Margery Bradshaw’s boatbuilding skill.  Between the time your custom made cradle serves as a bed and eventually an heirloom, she recommends removing the mattress and using it “as you would a rocking horse or toy box” for “years of rest, play, and fun.”

Beautifully Handcrafted Lapstreak Baby Cradle by Dragonfly Wood Wrights at CustomMade.com

This hardwood bassinet by Bearkat Wood can function as a gentle rocking cradle and can also lock in place to become a changing table.  The bed has handles to make carrying easy.  You can order your custom bassinet in your choice of wood and with optional engraving and accompanying side or rocking chair.

Bassinet by Bearkat Wood at CustomMade.com

Take the time to find a CustomMade artisan in your area and discuss your short term and long term plans for a custom made cradle or other articles of children’s bedroom furniture.