crib on craigslist- please help

lemonlimes

I just moved from another country to the US some 3 months back. I am currently 23 weeks pregnant.

I am looking for cribs on craigslist. There are many that look good at good deals.

When I go and look at them, what should I be looking for in the crib and mattress? This is my first child and I have no idea about all this.

thanks for any inputs.

LovedWifey

I would buy a new matress.

 

And as far as the crib goes.. you need to make sure that there are no recalls on the crib, that the seller has all the original parts and instructions as well.  

megdrew1218

Look for safety and wear and tear.

Hope I don't get flamed... I'm personally against a used crib because I want to know what year, recalls, etc on it and know it hasn't fallen apart and been glued back together. It's buy at your own risk. Be picky if this is what you have to do.

hiskitten

I would get the make, model # and year from the ad & research on the internet for any defects/recalls before you buy anything.   See if they have all the parts (extra screws & tools to lower/raise the bed) and the instruction manual. Otherwise, newer cribs all have to meet certain safety standards so you should be fine.  I would not buy a used mattress though.    If you do, make sure it is one that is covered in vinyl/plastic not fabric so you know it's clean. 

ETA: If I were tight on cash, I'd probably just buy a cheap Ikea crib and mattress...I have a lot of friends who have and love them.  I would rather buy a new crib than used...

bobbidall

I wouldn't buy a crib on craigslist unless it was still in the box.  It could have been recalled for one (which is checkable), but if the assembler did not put it together correctly your baby could get hurt if the crib breaks.  You also have to make sure it meets the crib standards, I forget what the abbreviation is, but if you google you should be able to find it.  If you decide to buy the crib, make sure to get a new mattress with at least 150 coils.