WWYD in-laws have drop down crib.

Bexxy10

So my DH and DD will be traveling to MI for Christmas.  I had planned on buying a portable crib.  My DD won't sleep in a pac n play or I would just use that.  But she's super picky and even has an issue with the cribs at daycare, but does awesome at her one at home.  Well my MIL has informed she got back her crib from when she had my SIL (who was a great surprise to them 12 years ago).  Well I had asked for the dementions because I wanted to bring out mattress since our DD sleeps well on it.  Not to mention it's hypoallergenic, and rated best for todays standards.  Well my MIL pushes back saying the one in it is fine.  I don't know if it is or isn't but a 12 year old mattress just doens't seem healthy since it's not like you can really wash them.  Well my husband just informed it a drop down crib too.  I really try to not be an overly paranoid mother, but drop down crib makes me nervous.  Especially one that's 12 years old and been taken apart and put back together several times.  I know they're not really recommened now because of babies pushing them down and falling out.  Our LO is able to already pull herself up to a stand in her crib now, so there is no doubt in my mind that she'll be pulling on the crib.  I really don't want to be a *** and seem rude by stating that I don't want to use their crib and I'd prefer to just purchase a portable one.  My husband assures me can make sure that he can rig it with zip ties and so forth so there is no possible way of it coming down.  How would you handle this situation?

vanfox

Most companies will supply a kit to make drop-down cribs stationary, but IDK about a 12 year old crib. And I agree completely about the mattress. I'd probably just be the pushy b*tch that I am and insist on my portable.

roxyfoxy85

If it makes you more comfortable, then buy the portable and bring it. Then if she offers her crib, just say that you already have the portable ready to go, but thank you. Just say you wanted it not just for LO time at their house, but to have for other trips too. My MIL has a drop down crib and a bumper and we always bring our PNP.

candicemmann

My parents were given a drop down crib for their house, and a drop down crib for our family's vacation home. We just took drywall screws and made the drop down side stationary...

I probably wouldn't worry too much about the mattress (follow your insticts though, and never feel you have to apologize for how you want to mommy) but would deffinately pack some blankets that havent been washed so that they have your smell and her smell on them. I know with my LO a blanket that smells like us helps her sleep when we are gone for the weekend.

*BlackSheep*

Here are my thoughts take them or leave them

1. don't bring a mattress with you what a PITA.
2. buy one there if need be.
3. bring your sheets.
4. for the crib~ find L brackets & screw them into the crib so it doesn't drop down.
5. Do not use zipties!

L brackets

 

ams8099

Do you really want to spend the time and money buy and assembling (and disassembling) a portable crib? Also, so you want to take up space a tote a mattress back and forth? It seems like a lot of work for vacation.

I understand your concerns about it being assembled and disassembled so many times and it being a drop side crib. I think the zip ties are an OK solution for a temporary bed. I think they also make conversion kits.

As far as the mattress goes, keep in mind they are waterproof. I don't dust mites can penetrate that barrier. You can wipe it down with soapy water and I am sure it's fine.

desdemona39

I would bring my mattress cover and sheets, use those L brackets, and call it a day.

It's only for a few nights right? If you are staying in a different room, I would bring a monitor as well.

WaitingforGrace

My opinion when decisions involve safety is this: If the worst upon worst of all accidents happened and DC got hurt because of my choice would I feel guilty for not stepping up before the decision was made. So, no my kids won't be in cribs that are outdated, highchairs from the 70's, or do anything else just because someone says oh but johnny was safe in this 30 years ago.

With that said, no, I wouldn't use the crib. I don't care if you can make the drop side stationary, who know what other recalls or saftey issues there are with it. Take your portable crib and make your DH tell her that you BOTH feel safer if she uses it. Make sure your DH tells her this and that he doesn't say that you are a crazy mother who doesn't think it's safe.

Bennett714

desdemona39:

I would bring my mattress cover and sheets, use those L brackets, and call it a day.

It's only for a few nights right? If you are staying in a different room, I would bring a monitor as well.

Ditto this.  

mittensonkittens

Not all drop side cribs are bad. The issue was with plastic components on some cribs that can break and allow the side to partially detach. If you can, find out what make and model the crib is and find out if there have been any recalls. I have a drop side crib that I bought second hand before DS1 was born (before the ban), and it is very well made with metal latch components. I'm a mechanical engineer with 10 years of experience in structures, and I feel comfortable assessing the structural integrity of this crib and making sure it is assembled correctly. However, I did buy a new mattress. And I probably would not be comfortable using an old crib that I knew nothing about without an opportunity to inspect it myself. If you're not comfortable with the situation, I would do what feels right. So what if the IL's think you're crazy? Does your DH have friends or family nearby who might be able to lend you something else? Or there are companies that rent baby gear. Or else, you have time to try to get your LO to sleep in a PnP. I would be nervous about rigging it up with zip ties or brackets because it's possible to make it even less safe if you don't know what you're doing. That depends on your DH's skills.

RunningGal900

I'm a nut about sleep safety. We schlep our PNP with us every time we travel to hotels because I do not trust their cribs. If you are more comfortable with a portable crib, I'd bring it. I know not all drop-side cribs are bad, but the fact that they have made them illegal tells me something. Beside that, who knows what else might have been recalled about it. But that's just me and like I said, I'm a nut when it comes to sleep stuff.

MsDragonfly

My advice would be to do what you want to do and what you feel is best for your child.  My motto is if you have to question something, don't do it.  If you use what they have when you already don't feel comfortable with it, your visit will be miserable because all your going to do is dwell on it and worry every time your LO is sleeping in it.  I wouldn't care what anyone thought.  The safety of your child comes first.  I personally wouldn't want my LO sleeping in a drop down crib even if it was rigged up as well as having my LO sleeping on a mattress that is 12 years old, but that is only my opinion.  If you want to bring your own bed, mattress, etc.or purchase one when you get there, there should be no question cause all and all it is your child. 

I have a similar issue with my MIL but the items are 35 years old (they were my husbands when he was born) and yes she feels offended, but the way I look at it, my son is my child, my responsibility and I will do what I feel is best for him.  I do wish you luck cause I know it isn't a fun or comfortable situation to be in.

Quiroloslove

vanfox:

Most companies will supply a kit to make drop-down cribs stationary, but IDK about a 12 year old crib. And I agree completely about the mattress. I'd probably just be the pushy b*tch that I am and insist on my portable.

 Yep, this would be me too!

mickeygee

I actually have my LO in a drop side crib, that my husband basically did his carpenter magic and made it stationery.  It was my sister's that she used with her two kids (oldest one now 7), so while her specific model was not recalled, I was worried about it, but by permanently securing the sides, felt comfortable since it was a really well made expensive crib.  (And we felt a few screws added to that would be better than an inexpensive, less well made new crib, and no way could we afford an expensive one).

 So I would look at it like this. Are you willing and able to take some L-brackets and a drill and secure it? If not, bring your own and don't worry about the MIL. She may think you're being picky, or strange, or something else but who gives a ****. If you have a good relationship, she'll get over it.  If you don't, then it's just another day of dealing with a crazy MIL.