Baby's father thinks he is going to BUILD the crib?

Question

First off, he has never built anything in his life, except over fifteen years ago with his dad (who is now passed away). He told me he is going to build the baby's crib from scratch! How can I tell him no without pissing him off or insulting his pride?

Answer 1

Safety and function.  Maybe suggest he spend the time building something the baby can use for the rest of their childhood instead of the first couple years?

Answer 2

You probably don't need to say much. It will probably prove impossible  for him it he hasn't done other projects. Also, he needs to be aware of current safety standards such as the space between the slats. It is good that he wants to be involved. Seek his advice on decorations, linens etc.  

Answer 3

I think it's kind of dangerous to build your own crib unless you are a professional carpenter. Especially since you put a baby in a crib overnight while you sleep. Babies die in cribs that don't meet specs. It's not worth the life of your child if it's head gets caught or something horrible like that. Why not buy the crib and suggest he builds a dresser?  

Answer 4

I dont see why he cant just give it a try....but if you really dont want him to even try, just tell him that you have found a crib somewhere that you love and that you have your heart set on it.  

Answer 5

Let him try. You may end up with a family heirloom. Just ask him to make sure the slats are no more than 2 5/8" apart-that's the Federal guideline, and that the mattress fits snugly and that there are no curves that the child's neck could be caught in. If he goes to cpsc.gov which is the web site for the Consumer Products Safety Commission and does a search he can find all the safety recommendations.

Answer 6

"How can I tell him no without pissing him off or insulting his pride?"

Explain co-sleeping; tell him you don't want to use a cage for your baby. Easy.

Answer 7

Tell Him The I'll p**s Him Off.

Men Think They Are The Best With Tools.

They Don't Know A Think.

Buy It.

If The Crib Brakes Your In A Lot Of Trouble.

Emma

Answer 8

Why don't you just let him do it, or try at least? If it's something he would like to do for his child then let him do it, you might be surprised of what he can actually do.

Answer 9

i like the first answer, or maybe have him make you a changing table? do you honestly thing he would use something for his baby that is going to be dangerous, and you could inspect it too, be happy you have a man that wants to be a part of your baby's life, be happy he is this involved and actually wants to build your baby something!! i think that is awesome! he is probably just really exciting and wants to make something special for his child.  if you don't want the crib, give a little at least, don't put him down for wanting to do something good.  Congrats and good luck on your baby!  

Answer 10

i would just say to him that you appreciate the thought but you have saw one that you really like and mayb he could just build one that you buy from the shop?

Answer 11

There is so much work that goes into building a crib. Safety Safety Safety. Cribs get recalled all the time because 1 s***w doesn't hold well enough or one bored comes lose often. These are big companies and even they make mistakes. It's a matter of life and death.

Talk to him about building a play house. Your infant will grow so fast before your eyes and soon be a toddler. Your husband or bf could put 2 years into building a large, fully functioning rockin' play house. Painted vibrantly, with light switches and all kinds of stuff. If he wants to build something- that would last for your child and your grandchildren. A crib is only used for 2 years tops. Check out poshtots.com on the playhouses- they are expensive as heck! But for thousands of dollars less he could build something just as cool in a couple years time.

Redirect his focus.

Answer 12

I would just explain to him that there are so many safety requirements on crib nowadays. Then suggest he build something else...my dad and neighbor built my changing table, which later function as a dresser. I'm 21 and still use the dresser. My dad also built me a nightstand when I was 3 that I still use.