[geoduck14]

I have several kids. Let me share some experiences with you:

A card board box is probably fine starting out, but your baby will out grow it.

The sleeping container should have walls high enough to prevent him/her from climbing out - this might take 9 months, but younwill want it

You NEED to remove all fluf and excess padding in your DIY "crib". Babies can suffocate on cute "fluffy" blankets

If you build a wooden crib, pay special care to the distance between vertical bars. Specifically, you want narrow slats so your baby cannot stick his/her head through it

My current child is in a portable "pack and play". They are cheap, portable, and fit in our closet. She turns 2 next month and it was a really good idea.

[PebblesRox]

The recommendation for crib slats is narrow enough so that the body can't get through, not just the head (so they can't wiggle out feet first and then get their heads stuck).

https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/cribs/cr...

[seibelj]

Not worth DIYing anything that can potentially kill your baby. All of the stuff sold is engineered to prevent this from happening. Zero percent chance I'm hammering some 2 x 4's together to save $80.

[CapitalistCartr]

Pack 'n Plays are a Godsend. Whomever invented them is a saint, and every first-time parent should be issued one.

[t43562]

Just for balance - I bought a crib and we never used it. My daughter only stayed asleep when next to us.