I’m brand new to this forum, so bear with me if I’m unaware of an existing resource for my question. I’m getting ready build a pendulum cradle for a grandchild. I seem to remember reading that some woods might not be good for a child to chew on. I’m sure that would be true for certain finishes. I’ve been considering either walnut or white oak for material, and am not sure yet what finish to use. I’d prefer something other than polyurethane if possible. Can someone give me some idea on what types of wood to stay away from, and what finishes wood be safe? Thanks.
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Almost any common American hardwood or white pine is safe, a few tropical woods can cause problems with toxins they contain. These toxins can sometimes get woodworkers into trouble when they get dust from working with the wood on their skin or in their lungs.
All wood finishes and paints sold to the public in the U.S. are required by law to be nontoxic once the finish has dried, so any finish you choose would be safe. I would choose shellac for a number of reasons, but in this application its chief virtues are that it is easy to keep clean and easily repaired.
I'm sure you will line the
I'm sure you will line the interior with some kind of padded tie on cushions keeping the baby away from the wood as much as possible.
Rockler sells teething rails for cribs - but I'm not sure if you can work those into a cradle ?
SA
Best not to use Baby bumpers
Sounds like you've gotten great answers on the woods and finishes, though a natural finish of salad oil or beeswax, while higher maintenance, is inherently edible.
In response to SA, it's been demonstrated that using baby-bumpers in cribs increases the risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). We all like to think we're responsible, attentive parents, but anything to reduce that risk is well-advised. As a new parent myself, I know I'm not at my best when sleep deprived, and God forbid I screw up with a crib bumper. That's my public safety announcement.
Hope the pendulum crib came out well!
--Teddy
Child Saftey
Hey Teddy,
You've dug up an old topic here and thanks for the info - I realize the thoughts on safety have changed recently in regard to a babies crib. We used the bumpers without ever thinking about what the public safety announcements were at the time. Wishing you guys well as new parents - beside the crib I hope you have eyes in the back of your head to keep up with the little ones -
SA
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