Need Your Help- Reusing an old crib

WithoutMelissa · October 2009

My DH's family would like for us to use the same crib my DH used as a child and was handed down from an older cousin in their family. This crib is over 30 years and has been in storage for 26+ years.

While I LOVE antiques, vintage furniture and using family pieces as part of our nursery (we're using some of my baby blankets as decorations) - I am uncomfortable with the idea of using an older crib and all of the safety threats it may pose (lead paint, rust. structural integrity, slate widths, etc). When DH told this to his parents they laughed at us like we were just trying to get a new crib instead of using the one available.

I've been doing some googling myself - but was wondering if any of you have read any articles/ had any experience with using older cribs in a nursery. I need more info to share with them on the subject.

Thanks!

jessicaclare · October 2009

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/resource-center/guide-to-childproofing-and-safety/crib-safety-tips/crib-safety-tips.htm

Baby Bargains also has a section on this.

In all honestly, I wouldn't givetwoshits if they laughed at me. If they want to mock your concern for the safety of your child (and their grandchild), they are being jerks. I'd tell them so and refuse to use their crib. There would be no discussion.

Liss_37 · October 2009

I'm all for antiques too, for certain things.

there is absolutely no way i would use a 20+ year old crib for my LO, and I wouldn't care what my IL's thought of my decision

there's no way it would meet todays safety standards

ClaireBennett · October 2009

https://babyproducts.about.com/od/recallsandsafety/a/antiquecribs.htm

all reasons not to resuse an old crib or at least to double check the safety/integrity of the crib. Also, I'd just tell them it's a wonderful offer but you don't feel comfortable. Would they want to sleep in someone else's 30 year old bed?

lissah23 · October 2009

https://ezinearticles.com/?Crib-Safety&id=201730

https://www.parents.com/baby/safety/babyproofing/keep-your-baby-safe/?page=2

Blissful Me · October 2009

I wouldn't use it and certainly wouldn't worry about what others think. We were planning to use the crib we used for our DS that my in-laws bought for us until we found out about all the recalls on the drop side cribs due to deaths and severe injuries of babies. If this is a drop side I certainly wouldn't use it! They have been coming unlatched while the baby is in the crib and trapping the baby's head between the side or hitting and injuring the baby. Being an even older crib there could be all types of saftey concerns, it's just not worth it.

Shekinah Robinson · October 2009

The baby crib that I am using was given to me by my aunt and she used it for my cousin. He is now about 17 y/o. They gave it to my when my 1st was an new born, so 4 years ago. I know a lot of people who would have a problem with this, but my experiance was very good. I went online, downloaded the instructions on how to put the crib together, cleaned it well, and put in new a new mattress. I didn't have any problems, but it was also a VERY good quality crib. I am pretty proud that it is still in the family.

*chris-erin* · October 2009

My mom wanted to re-recycle my old crib for her house so that the LO had somewhere to sleep when we were visiting. We both got on on line and found out safety info. The crib is 28 years old and still it had the right distance between each rail; something like no greater then 2 inches. This crib DIDN'T have drop down side rails so we didn't have to worry about that. And as far as the lead in the paint; my mother just putting a few weekends in sanding and repainting. I saw the finished product it looks great, nice and solid (which you don't always get now a days).

Now if we had to deal with drop down sides, that would be a whole another bag of worms and I'm not sure i would recycle that crib.

bride2be79 · October 2009

I had this convo w/ my mom who still had my old crib (30 yrs old) and is using it for our LO. She actually called the manufacturer, hers is by Bassett furniture, and asked them about it. They told her that based on the year she bought it etc it was up to today's safety standards and even sent her an instruction book so my dad would have an easier time re-assembling it. See if you can find a manufacturer's name on it anywhere and call them. I was opposed to using it until my mom talked to them. Apparently if you bought a quality crib back in the day it was as safe as they are now. Trust me, they aren't going to tell you it's safe if it's not because they don't want to get sued. Also, on the consumer reports website it tells you what the standards are and you can pretty much check it the crib to see if it meets those standards (i.e. how far apart the slats can be etc).

WithoutMelissa · October 2009

Thank you to everyone who has responded - You guys sent some great links - and it sounds like a few of you have had a positive experience as long as some very strict guidelines are followed.

I'm going to have them follow up and find out make, model, etc - but I'm not putting my LO in anything that hasn't been checked and rechecked for safety.

Luv-a-Bug · October 2009

My mother has been pushing hard to use my crib that's over 30 years old as well. The suggestion to call the manufacturer is a great one-- and I think I will suggest this to her because nothing else I say seems to be getting through to her.

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