Crib Help- take a used one?

flutterbies818

My SIL has a crib she wants to hand down to me.  It's an Ethan Allen drop side crib from 2004.  She didn't use it very much, since her kids slept in the bed with her more often than not, so it should be in fairly good condition.

Anything I've read says don't take drop side cribs, don't take old cribs, don't take cribs if you don't know it was put together properly.  Ethan Allen had some recalls, I don't know if this is one of them, but I would assume not.  The drop side parts are supposed to be metal, not plastic, so I guess that means it's less likely to break.

I personally think our baby's safety is worth more than the $200 for a new crib, but DH and MIL think if it worked great for SIL, then it's totally fine.

 Do you ladies think it safe to use, or not worth the risk?

TrendyTina

Since Ethan Allen has had some recalls, I would NOT take it. It it was a company that has never had a recall, I would take it. 

 

I agree that it's not worth the risk. Just buy something new.  

ellewoodsSC

Drop side cribs have been outlawed in the states and every child safety advocacy group will tell you not to buy or accept a used drop-side crib.  Simple enough.  Yes there was a quality issue with hardware with some cheaply made cribs, but why risk it?  Just because if worked fine for SIL, understand that it only takes one freak accident to cause a tragedy, and you knew better.  Stand your ground, let your SIL keep her crib and buy a new one for your LO. 

 

dragon_chica

ellewoodsSC:

Drop side cribs have been outlawed in the states and every child safety advocacy group will tell you not to buy or accept a used drop-side crib.  Simple enough.  Yes there was a quality issue with hardware with some cheaply made cribs, but why risk it?  Just because if worked fine for SIL, understand that it only takes one freak accident to cause a tragedy, and you knew better.  Stand your ground, let your SIL keep her crib and buy a new one for your LO. 

 

This.  Too many red flags for it to be worth it.  You can find plenty of nice and new cribs for under $150.

CarlaAndJames

agreed! I was big on buying used, but I insisted on a new crib (and carseat, and breastpump)

alexa08

Ask your sister for the model number and look up any recalls online. You can also contact Ethan Allen and see if there is a fix-it kit so the crib can no longer drop - again, you'll need the model number.  If you get any red flag answers it's easy to turn it down and explain why to DH and MIL.

ycristina84

dragon_chica:

ellewoodsSC:

Drop side cribs have been outlawed in the states and every child safety advocacy group will tell you not to buy or accept a used drop-side crib.  Simple enough.  Yes there was a quality issue with hardware with some cheaply made cribs, but why risk it?  Just because if worked fine for SIL, understand that it only takes one freak accident to cause a tragedy, and you knew better.  Stand your ground, let your SIL keep her crib and buy a new one for your LO. 

 

This.  Too many red flags for it to be worth it.  You can find plenty of nice and new cribs for under $150.

All of this! NO WAY you should take that crib. It is way too old to be up to date with all the safety codes. Even if the drop-down part doesn't bother you (it should!) the age would make me really wonder how sturdy that drop-down is at this point. Not worth the risk.

CrazyToast

NO is my simplest answer.  I would never use a drop side crib.  They make WONDERFUL cribs that are even cheaper than $200.  Our Ikea Gulliver was $99, and is much safer.  Safety first, always.

And never let anyone say "it was fine for (whoever)."  My mom used that line a ton on me, like I was offending her with standards that have changed in the last 30 years.  I'd rather people be upset w/ me, and keep my kiddo safe.

march17

CarlaAndJames:

agreed! I was big on buying used, but I insisted on a new crib (and carseat, and breastpump)

 

This.

In most states it is illegal to sell drop side cribs.  Not worth the risks.

EratMama

alexa08:

Ask your sister for the model number and look up any recalls online. You can also contact Ethan Allen and see if there is a fix-it kit so the crib can no longer drop - again, you'll need the model number.  If you get any red flag answers it's easy to turn it down and explain why to DH and MIL.

 

This is what I would do.  Then, you would have concrete facts to tell MIL.  "I called Ethan Allen and this has been recalled." or "they don't make fix-it kits for this model because it is so old." or whatever.   Essentially, I probably wouldn't take it (but if it hasn't been recalled, and you can fix the drop side, then it is as safe as any other one and I might take it.) but I would make Ethan Allen the bad guy for not being able to take it.

flutterbies818

I talked to MIL to see if I could find out the model number, and it turns out I totally misunderstood.  It's not SIL's crib from 2004.  It's MIL's crib from 1970.  So super no on taking that!!!

 MIL suggested not using a crib at all.  Just getting a pack and play and letting the baby sleep with us.  We will be getting a pack and play for downstairs/traveling/etc, but I am not going cribless  We have too many pets, baby needs to be safely ensconced in the nursery.