Hey everyone! My wife and I are thrilled to be having a baby soon, and I'm eager to create something special for our little one. I don't have a huge workshop—just a mitre saw, some drill guns, a hand router, and various sanding tools. I've made a swingset and a picnic table before, but now I'm looking for more personal projects that would fit in the nursery or their bedroom. I'm leaning towards making a toy box bench or even a changing table. What other woodworking projects do you suggest, and where can I find good plans for them?
3 Answers
One great idea is a "cubbyhole" style organizer or cabinet for storing diapers and supplies; you can later remove the totes and use it as a bookshelf! Another classic is a changing table, which could definitely be used by grandkids someday. Incorporate a few safety features and it’ll last a while!
If you're looking for easy projects, consider making baby rattles or small wooden building blocks! Personally, I waited until my child was a bit older and made a nice bedframe that they'll have for years. Start with simple toys and work your way up to bigger projects like that. The key is to enjoy your time in the shop while you can!
A couple of my favorite projects were a giant ruler growth chart and a little cart for my daughter to push around while learning to walk. I also created a changing table by building a sturdy wood frame over a nice secondhand dresser, which worked wonderfully for diaper storage. Additionally, I made some small bookshelves to organize her books. If you're looking for gift ideas, I also made several "kitchen helper" stools for friends with little ones, and they were a hit!
Haha, I was thinking the same thing! Just be ready, as the years after your baby arrives can get hectic. I ended up buying beds when my kids were younger, but now I wish I had taken the time to make something special.