How To Create Baby Toy Boxes

Learn how to create baby toy boxes to enhance your child's living space. Toy boxes can become family heirlooms when handmade and customized, and they also can become valuable pieces of baby bedroom furniture. Furthermore, a baby toy box can be created to compliment any chose décor. With a few tools and some woodworking skills, building a wooden baby toy box should take an afternoon to complete.

Step 1 – Prep the Work Area

Makes sure you are working in a well-ventilated area free from any obstruction (with enough room to navigate) while building your wooden baby toy box.

Step 2 – Cut Wood

Don your safety glass and put on your breathing mask and gloves to crosscut the 3/4 inch 2-foot X 4-foot hardwood plywood panel in half, making two 24-inch square pieces. Now rip each half panel into four rectangles at 1-foot X 2-foot each. Set three aside for the front, back and top panels. Cut the fourth in half making 1-foot squares for the left and right side panels. Cut the 3/8 inch plywood to 23 and a half inches and then to 12 and 3/4 inches.

Step 3 – Make Dado Cuts

Use a dado blade for a 3/8 inch deep cut to slot the front, back and two side panels (a half-inch from each panel edge).

Step 4 – Sand All Edges

Use a spindle sander to sand all wood edges, or employ a router with a 3/8 inch rounding bit to create smooth rounded edges that will be safer for your baby.

Step 4 – Assemble the Frame

Set the bottom panel in lace with the other four panels. Use four 1 5/8 inch wood screws to secure each corner edge in place. Make sure to pre-drill each holes and counter sink each screw.

Step 5 – Attach the Top

First install the 1 X 3 to the back edge of the frame you have assembled by pre-drilling holes and counter sinking 1 5/8 inch wood screws. Place the 1-foot X 2-foot 3/4 inch top panel in position with the 1 X 3, and install hinges of your choice.

Step 6 – Apply Finishing Touches

Install edging material (use adhesive backed, contoured rubber for greater protection), fill all screw holes with wood plugs or putty, sand and apply either stain or paint. Once the stain or paint is dried, finish off with a protective layer of polyurethane. Once the protective coating is dried, install pads, wheels, protective corners and handles as desired.

Add a personalized touch by stenciling the child’s name on the front of the baby toy box.  Another idea is to apply a slip-in frame to display the baby’s photo that easily can be replaced as appearances change during childhood growth.