Sleigh Crib Plans for the Woodworking Enthusiast
Make Your Own Sleigh Crib for the Baby's Nursery

Updated December 10, 2025 by Jan of Unique Baby Gear Ideas

Here are some sleigh crib plans for our visitors with the skills, woodworking tools, wood and time to make their own wooden crib.  Before you proceed, please be advised that a sleigh crib will be a more challenging project than a basic Mission style piece of furniture.

Comments from some of the most dedicated woodworkers share the opinion that they probably would have saved money by buying a bed for their baby's room.

One of our visitors that kept careful records of the amount of money spent on wood, tools and the hours involved in the project was virtually amazed at the total cost and impressed that companies were able to manufacture products for such cheap prices.

Sleigh Crib Plans

Go here to see sleigh crib plans as well as blueprints for dressers and nursery furniture.



Sleigh crib plans that include a drawer underneath are nice if additional storage is needed for nursery organization.

TIP:Beginners may choose to build the drawer using easier dados done on a table saw or using a router rather than to dovetail the drawer.

What Kind of Woodworking Tools Will I Need to Build a Sleigh Crib

The truth is that there it is impossible to provide a list of basic tools required without going over the particular set of sleigh crib plans that you want to use. The best advice is to choose your blueprints and then determine from the instructions what crib hardware will be required and what tools that you need (or want?) to buy.

That being said, in addition to the basic tools that are found in every hobbyist's shop there are several recommendations our visitors have mentioned that will help to make easy work of the sweeping curves common to the "sleigh" style crib as well as many other types of vintage furniture.

• Jointer
• Drill press
• Pattern bit for the router for finishing the cuts
• Jigsaw
• Detail sander

Appropriate Wood Selection for Sleigh Crib Woodworking Plans

As mentioned earlier in this article, wood is expensive with some types more so than others. Cherry is one of the most popular choices but the use of any hardwood would result in a sturdy, durable heirloom piece. The cost of oak and the ever popular cherry wood often pushes craftsmen to use less expensive pine for their projects. Another consideration would be the finish of any nursery furniture that the mom-to-be may already have bought for use in the baby's room. Go to here for tips and tricks of the trade including advice on sawing and measuring to avoid wasting precious wood as well as finishing.

The cost of fine building materials and crib parts is a frequent complaint among carpenters. However, these same individuals also indicate that seeing their child or grandchild sleeping in the bed that they made for them with their own two hands was one of the most rewarding moments of their lives. Remember to stop by and upload pictures of your woodworking projects as Unique Baby Gear Ideas would love to see cribs and other furnishings that you make for your nursery.

Please note that I am not an employee or official representative of Delta Children, Simmons, Storkcraft, or any other crib manufacturer. I can help guide you with general information and point you toward common solutions, but only the manufacturer can provide model-specific parts, safety updates, or official instructions.

Hi, I’m Jan — the creator of Unique Baby Gear Ideas. I love helping expecting parents discover nursery décor inspiration and creative photo shoot ideas that make every stage of pregnancy feel beautiful.

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of parents choose safe, stylish nursery furniture through hands-on reviews and real-world testing.

The suggestions I share here come from years of hands-on experience styling nurseries, reviewing maternity gowns, and learning what makes each photo session shine.

All articles and images on Unique Baby Gear Ideas are personally reviewed and edited by Jan Bay. Modern creative tools may assist with design or drafting, but every final page reflects my own voice, experience, and editorial judgment.