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!

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

Using your tool of choice, cut the PVC pipe into the following lengths

• 1 2 foot piece
• 2 18 inch pieces
• 4 9 inch pieces (if you are out of pipe, these could be 6 inches)

Using the serrated knife, cut the foam into the following lengths

• 1 26 inch piece, with a 45 degree angle at each end such that the top of the piece is 26 inches and the bottom is 24.
• 2 19 inch pieces, with one end cut at a 45 degree angle such that the outside edge is 19 inch and the inside edge is 18 inches
• 4 10 inch pieces, with the bottom "petal" removed

There is admittedly some finesse (aka trial and error) in cutting the foam. This is especially true when it comes to hollowing out the ends of the long pieces to accommodate the elbow joints, which are of course a little more than 1/2 inch in diameter.

For the "foot" coverings, you'll need to cut a 2 inch or so slit into the top of the foam on one end so it can slide around the T joint and under the foam on the 18 inch riser. Make sure this is on the side of the foam where you did Not remove the extra petal, and that the cut does not go all the way through.