Baby Play Gym

Are you trying to raise a baby without breaking the bank? You've probably seen several different baby play gym options at the local baby store ranging in price from $20 to $80. This instructable will show you how to make one out of readily available materials for about $5, not counting the toys you hang from it. You can make those too, of course!

Step 1: Materials

You will need the following

• 8 feet of 1/2 inch diameter PVC pipe
• 2 PVC "elbows" and 2 "T's"
• 2 foam "fun noodle" pool toys. The flower shaped ones are good, but the standard round ones are OK too. Make sure they are *hollow.*
• About a yard of ribbon

You can get the pipe from any home improvement store for a couple of bucks. Our local Dollar Trees carry the fun noodles this time of year, or your local big-box should have 'em for under $3.

You will also need the following tools:

• Either a hacksaw and vice or strong assistant to hold the pipe

OR

• special-purpose PVC pipe cutting tool like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Ratcheting-Pipe-Hose-Cutter/dp/B0002SQ6P8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1246075579&sr=8-3
• A serrated knife, such as a steak knife

Comments

[domestic_engineer]

very clever. too bad my cat eats pool noodles.

[webtarkeena]

A note about the glue: Visiting 3 year olds found this toy amusing to take apart.  My son was also able to pull it down in pieces by the time he was 5 to 6 months old.  I put it away shortly thereafter.  But if your child is still interested or you have older kids in the house, glue would probably be a good idea! 

[canida]

This is a great idea!

[ChrysN]

That pool noodle is a great way to add padding, nice.

[webtarkeena]

Thank you :)