30 year old crib

Roxpup · November 2009

My mom wants me to use the drop side crib that she used for my sister and I... my sister is going to be 30 in April...

Anyone know anything about safety issues that may arise with this? I don't mind using it if it's safe... What would you do?

MWoodside · November 2009

lead paint?

taprehoda · November 2009

From what I hear, it's pretty dangerous to use an old crib. They had different safety standards 30 years ago.

phil0420 · November 2009

I used the crib i had as a baby with my first, and everything was just fine. I wouldnt worry too much.

AbJams · November 2009

My mom also has a really old crib that I looooove, along with a wooden high chair that I also love. I haven't decided yet if I'll use them. I mean, yes, safety standards were different back then, but babies weren't like, made of titanium or something. Plenty of babies used them and DIDN'T get hurt. But on the other hand... I will still totally worry. So, I dunno.

misty-nor-cal · November 2009

My mom has offered me the same thing and my first thought was lead paint. I think I've decided I really want a new crib and dresser that matches - since I plan on using it for awhile.

bancbev · November 2009

I would say, "While that is very sweet and sentimental, because safety regulations have changed so much I am going to buy a new crib for the baby."

Of course she will argue that the crib was just fine for you and your sister, to which my reply would be, "yes that's true, but the crib was 30 years newer back then. I appreciate the offer but once again we are getting a new one."

emily0829 · November 2009

I love the idea of using a 30 year old crib that has been in the family! Then again, I just really love heirlooms.

I agree with PP though. 30 years ago, manufacturers didn't take into account lead paint and other little things like that. Is there a way you could get it inspected? That would really settle your fears.

sept0305bride · November 2009

I'm 29, but I would not use a crib from my babyhood, nor would my Mom want me to.

Sure, I survived and I was put on my stomach to sleep and ran around with lollipops in my mouth from time to time, but as a Mom I would sit there all the time and wonder "what if". And then if the unthinkable happened, I could not live with myself. So the few hundred bucks on a new crib is well worth it to me.

My family does have a cradle my father-in-law made and thankfully we CAN use that.

Also, I will probably run into this myself. My MIL is a packrat and saved a crib from my husband's baby time. Once I came by the crib* and noticed that the rails were loose and coming out. I told them and they just shrugged. The crib was obviously in need of repair at a minimum. Needless to say they will be putting my kid in it over my dead body.

*while my nieces were babies and using it during the daytime, MIL retired to watch them (we live in another state so no free day care for us)

jessie55 · November 2009

You can get a lead test kit at the hardware store. I might be more worried about the drop side to make sure its still working properly- seems like every drop side crib they make now is recalled! And make sure the bars are the same spacing apart as a standard crib- think they used to make them wider.

[Deleted User] · November 2009

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sept0305bride · November 2009

jessie55:
You can get a lead test kit at the hardware store. I might be more worried about the drop side to make sure its still working properly- seems like every drop side crib they make now is recalled! And make sure the bars are the same spacing apart as a standard crib- think they used to make them wider.

Actually, I was in a Baby Bellini store and was told with my friend (we're both expecting) that drop sides are illegal as of this month. Apparently some manufacturers made some crappy ones, so now, no drop sides.

MTClaire · November 2009

I would have it tested to make sure there's no lead paint, check to make sure it meets today's safety standards (bars right distance apart, etc.), and I'd also see if you can have the drop-side made into fixed-side. A good carpenter should be able to modify it so the drop-side no longer drops - and should also be able to tell you how safe and sturdy it is.

tnd81 · November 2009

My MIL was trying to do this with DH's baby crib. In the Baby Bargains book it says to not take heirlook cribs due to what everyone else has already says and says they're "death traps". The book also says anything before 1999 is not to current industry standards.

poolrat00 · November 2009

MTClaire:
I would have it tested to make sure there's no lead paint, check to make sure it meets today's safety standards (bars right distance apart, etc.), and I'd also see if you can have the drop-side made into fixed-side. A good carpenter should be able to modify it so the drop-side no longer drops - and should also be able to tell you how safe and sturdy it is.

This. My dad is going to have to do a bit of work with my old crib to turn it into a fixed side crib. But I'm sure he'll love to do it once I finally tell him the news!

Ugh..I can't get this thing to work I'm done!

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