Are Antique Iron Cribs safe?

b2b999 · July 2010

My neighbor has a beautiful old antique iron crib that she had been saving for her grandchildren, however now that isn't going to happen and she is getting rid of it.

It was a drop-side crib but the sides can be permanently pinned/screwed in place so that they do not drop. I did the soda can test on the sides and you can not fit a soda can through the slats, and there is no designs or anything that a baby could get its head stuck in.

I would, of course, get a new mattress for it, but it fits a standard crib mattress. This is a beautiful crib, and it would be a real shame for it to just be tossed, but at the same time I'm not willing to risk the safety of my future children....

So what do you think? Is there something I"m not thinking about and don't know that would make these types of cribs inherently dangerous and I shouldn't use it? Is there some way to be sure it is safe?

woollypetals · July 2010

I would check if the paint is lead or not. If it is not you may want to seal it since it is old the paint may chip easier, or even have it repainted.

K.a.T.e · July 2010

I wouldn't put my child in any antique crib --

laurel22 · July 2010

Even if the drop-sides are fixed in place, they aren't considered as safe as a normal-sided crib because older babies can put their feet up on the drop-side piece and climb up.

That being said, it's also generally considered a big no-no to use any sort of antique or used crib. I wouldn't do it. Maybe you can use the inspiration to find something similar that's new? Pick up the book Baby Bargains, if you don't already have it. It has a huge discussion about crib safety and brand reviews.

laurel22 · July 2010

By the way, I just found this posted on the 2nd Tri board - apparently the government is issuing new crib safety protocols, and they are banning drop-sided cribs altogether:

https://www.cnn.com/2010/US/07/14/crib.standards/index.html?hpt=T2

MrsTotty · July 2010

K.a.T.e:
I wouldn't put my child in any antique crib --

This.

eris1995 · July 2010

All cribs made before 1990 have been recalled. Safety requirements have changed SO much. Your child will spend a lot of time in their crib - I wouldn't risk it.

lynelise04 · July 2010

ok, i will say it...DO IT!!! It sounds like a beautiful crib. Steel Wool the crap out of it, repaint it, secure the sides. As long as you feel like it is secure and you arent putting lo in something that they can shake apart, you will be just fine. People get so crazy about safety! Babies are a little more resilient than we give them credit for!

day lilies 08 · July 2010

lynelise04:
ok, i will say it...DO IT!!! It sounds like a beautiful crib. Steel Wool the crap out of it, repaint it, secure the sides. As long as you feel like it is secure and you arent putting lo in something that they can shake apart, you will be just fine. People get so crazy about safety! Babies are a little more resilient than we give them credit for!

I agree with this poster. We are using an old crib - it's the crib my parents used for me, my two brothers, and my sister. It has lasted four babies and is over 26 years old. We have thoroughly inspected it and made sure it is safe. I'm not nervous one bit about using it for my baby. Since you have done the soda can check I would check the paint as previous posters said and then go with it. Sounds like an awesome find!

That.Just.Happened · July 2010

lynelise04:
ok, i will say it...DO IT!!! It sounds like a beautiful crib. Steel Wool the crap out of it, repaint it, secure the sides. As long as you feel like it is secure and you arent putting lo in something that they can shake apart, you will be just fine. People get so crazy about safety! Babies are a little more resilient than we give them credit for!

This.

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