John,


Matthew makes a good point about "outgrowing, quickly" -- and Brian
suggests rocking chairs.

Bill suggested the "cradle --> toybox".

I support the general suggestion of something that will have a longer
duration of use.


My paternal grandfather made a toy chest for my younger brother:  my
brother used it all the way through his high school years (the contents
changed, of course).  I think he now (as an adult) uses it as a blanket
chest -- or maybe his kids use it, I'm not sure.

That grandfather also made us a step-stool when we were kids --
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmFYbaPEj4Y/VTeNnNapAQI/AAAAAAAACMI/5xCo6fP9-
u0/s1600/stepstool.jpg">http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmFYbaPEj4Y/VTeNnNapAQI/AAAAAA
AACMI/5xCo6fP9-u0/s1600/stepstool.jpg
-- which me and my siblings all used in the bathroom to reach the sink:  we
used it every time we washed our hands or brushed our teeth.

It's a fairly clever design, in that you can make it as plain or as fancy
(birdseye maple?) as you like.  The added bonus is that if you're little
enough, you can also sit at it and use it as a desk, or a table for
lunch!   :)


I'd personally slightly vote **against** a rocking chair, as regardless of
what size you make it, there's only a limited window of use:  a rocking
chair suitable for a 4yo is too small for an 8yo.

In contrast, a storage box -- whether of shoebox size or blanket chest size
-- can be used for an entire lifetime.  (Something with a secret
compartment would appeal to ages 4 and up, I reckon.)

A bookcase would also be good -- or a display shelf.  Although probably not
as "interactive" for a little kid.


Table and chair?  Even when the kid grows up, the table and chair could be
used (with care!) as a end table or plant stand...



If you **do** make a crib, as you know there are a variety of safety
recommendations to prevent entrapment:  for example, the spacing between
crib slats must be too narrow for a body to pass through, to wide enough to
prevent entrapment of fingers.

I don't know the specifics -- but they're online.


My 2c.  :)


--Travis (Brisbane, AU)


>
> > I would very much appreciate information on plans, dimensions for
> > available mattress frames, sources for mattress frames and hardware,
> tips,
> > pitfalls and the like.
> >
> > I thank you,
> > John
> >
>