Is this silly or smart?

leighann1

We received a beautiful, dark wooden crib from my brother-in-law. It is older so undoubtedly has been recalled (drop-side), but we researched and figured out how to stabilize the sides. I have no concern about the safety of it after adding that fix, but all the other furniture in the nursery is white, and it just doesn't look good together. 

Original plan was to paint it white. Now I'm staring at all of those spindles and slats, and I'm ready to just go buy a white $120 Ikea crib. We have the money. We've gotten a lot of items gifted to us, so we really haven't purchased any big ticket items ourselves. And I am SO sick of painting. We've stripped wallpaper, sanded walls, primed and painted multiple rooms. I've sanded and painted a dresser, some shelves, picture frames...I'm sick of painting!!

Should I suck it up and paint the dang crib or just go get one from the store? 

Side note: the paint I would get for the crib (baby-safe paint) would be about $50 once all is said and done.

dannie134

I would go ahead and get the new one if you can afford it, everything I've read says not to chance it with safety standards and since it's more work for you to re-finish or paint the one you have, I'd say it's just not worth it.

ChariZae

I'd probably get the crib from Ikea.

Is your brother having anymore children? Could the gifted crib go to a grandparent as a place for baby on visits? I'd hate for a thoughtful gift to go to waste.

LaurenBee24

I'd buy a new crib. The older crib could have other safety issues that you've not addressed such as unsafe rail spacing ect. For 70 dollars in savings you have to put in a lot of work and are still taking a risk.

leighann1

@ChariZoe They are not having any more children. Their oldest is 10, so we were actually shocked they still had it! It is a lovely crib, but knowing them, they won't be offended. Grandparents house is a good idea!

@LaurenBee24, we did measure all the rails and slats, so all of that seems fine. I did a bunch of research about crib safety, so I feel pretty confident about that. But I don't know if I would pay myself $70 for all the hours of work I would be putting into it, which is essentially what it comes down to for me. 

alinic916

I would go purchase a new one.  Just explain to them that it doesn't match and being pregnant you do not want to put all the work into fixing it up to be safe and match the rest of your furniture.  Hopefully they are understanding.