Using Drop-Side Crib?

KellyW242 · September 2011

We received a drop-side crib from my sister-in-law that she purchased in 2007. It's not on the recall list, but the CPSC began urging all consumers this year to stop using drop-side cribs. Anyone planning on using a drop-side crib, or will/have you buy/bought a new one? I just heard about this in our newborn care class last night at the hospital, and did my research this morning. Our crib seems sturdy and is from a good manufacturer. It's only been taken apart once and put back together. Should I be nervous about using it?

Ms5586 · September 2011

There were new regulations passed starting in June this year. The big one was that drop sides are no longer manufactured. However, they also standardized the width of space between the side bars, put them under more rigorous testing, that kind of thing.

If you want to really use your SIL's crib, contact the manufacturer. They should send you some kind of immobilizer that will not allow the sides to drop.

I personally wouldn't, because I'm planning on more children. I know some moms who just bought a crib a year or two ago that was drop side will be using theirs with the sides immobilized.

TMS1980 · September 2011

You should contact the manufacturer to see if they offer a conversion kit to make it safe. I have seen many posts about this in the past. Good Luck!

2-Step · September 2011

We have a drop side from DS#1 and we just imobilized the dropside. It's not hard even if you don't have the conversion kit. Ours is really solid wood so my DH got some builders brackets from the hardware store and did it himself and we put that side against the wall so you can't see them. It's a really nice crib and I'm fine with using it for #2. If it were a cheaper wood that I wasn't confident about I might not use it. Regulations are there to protect you, but I think you can also use common sense to know that if you check a crib thoroughly and read the standards to make sure it is safe then you don't need to throw it out just because the standards changed last year.

Enami · September 2011

I'm using my mom's crib that she had for all of us. I'm not worried. It's pretty sturdy, I remember my youngest brother crawling out of it regularly when he was around 18-24 months old. I think they are the most convenient things for getting kids in and out of. But I'm also using bumper pads... o_0

J+MS · September 2011

Enami:
I'm using my mom's crib that she had for all of us. I'm not worried. It's pretty sturdy, I remember my youngest brother crawling out of it regularly when he was around 18-24 months old. I think they are the most convenient things for getting kids in and out of. But I'm also using bumper pads... o_0

Janimal · September 2011

Here's the issue for drop side cribs. The parts are generally made from plastic. Which over time, weaken, crack, break, and warp. Also, as these cribs have been passed down to other families, bits and pieces get damaged and lost with breaking down and putting back together. Having a drop side crib with weakened or missing parts is what makes them dangerous.

We had a drop side crib for DD. I liked having the side drop for ease in getting her in and out. I had a couple FREAKOUT nights where I came home and a babysitter forgot to put the side back up! Thankfully DD went down to bed pretty well, but if she had gotten up, she could have fallen out of the crib!

We bought a new crib this time. Although DD's crib felt pretty sturdy, I feel better about the new crib. It's convertible so really it's buying his big boy bed early. Plus her crib was white and I like having a matching dark work for more manly furniture.

iluvmylab · September 2011

Once the new regulations started in June, it became illegal to sell, give away, or donate a crib that does not comply. Personally, I would not use it since you can get a brand new crib that is up to date on all safety standards for about $100, especially if you are planning on having another child.

StephK86 · September 2011

J+MS:
Enami:
I'm using my mom's crib that she had for all of us. I'm not worried. It's pretty sturdy, I remember my youngest brother crawling out of it regularly when he was around 18-24 months old. I think they are the most convenient things for getting kids in and out of. But I'm also using bumper pads... o_0

Yeah that whole comment is rediculous. Convenient does not equal safe. There is a reason drop side cribs have not only been recalled but you can be fined if caught trying to sell one on the internet or at a garage sale. You can get cribs for $100-150 that are made very well. No amount of money you save by using an unsafe crib is worth your child's life.

cfemiani · September 2011

We bought a new crib, just to make sure we were totally in compliance. I would be worried about using a drop-side crib. But that is just me.

aleksmar · September 2011

I think the issue was that a lot of cheap Made in China cribs were a safety hazzard because they were poorly made. Personally, I'd rather have a more expensive and sturdy drop side crib that I can stabilize than a cheap $100 'safe' crib.
If your crib is sturdy and you make sure that the sides have no way of dropping down and injuring the baby when he/she shakes them, you should be fine.
In fact I was hoping to find a drop side crib because I'm pretty short and it would be more comfy for me, but I couldn't find one...and THAT'S when I found out that they weren't selling them anymore. Bummer!!
Good luck!! Just make sure that when you set it up, you can shake the sides and it stays in place.

nichellemybelle · September 2011

As long as the hardware is good then I'd say go for it. My mom had me and my brother in a drop side crib when we were babies. People have been using drop sides FOREVER! There is nothing wrong with them unless they are put together wrong or parts are crap.

jeanniez · September 2011

nichellemybelle:
As long as the hardware is good then I'd say go for it. My mom had me and my brother in a drop side crib when we were babies. People have been using drop sides FOREVER! There is nothing wrong with them unless they are put together wrong or parts are crap.

Amen. People can be so paranoid sometimes. They were recalled because of stupid people that couldn't figure out how to put them together correctly and then sued when the side fell.

wickedjes · September 2011

Agree completely! I received a lovely drop down crib and if I were to let The Man dictate, then I would simply go to the local hardware store purchase some fine wood bolts and fix it so the side can no longer drop down.

My mother had a drop down for both my brother and I, we are no worse for ware, so I see no reason to worry about it regarding my little one.

I do think the breathable bumpers that are around now are wicked cool however, so I will use one of those more likely than the old school ones. That is more of a personal taste then a worried mom thing, however.

2-Step · September 2011

aleksmar:
I think the issue was that a lot of cheap Made in China cribs were a safety hazzard because they were poorly made. Personally, I'd rather have a more expensive and sturdy drop side crib that I can stabilize than a cheap $100 'safe' crib.

This is exactly how I feel. DH and I went out to look at cribs when the standards changed and anything below about $400 seemed super cheaply made when compared to our drop side that is a really nice solid wood crib by a well-known furniture manufacturer. IMO a cheap made in china crib has a lot more potential to be dangerous than a solid wood one with a drop side and metal hardware supporting it even if it does comply with current standards.

Janimal · September 2011

jeanniez:

nichellemybelle:
As long as the hardware is good then I'd say go for it. My mom had me and my brother in a drop side crib when we were babies. People have been using drop sides FOREVER! There is nothing wrong with them unless they are put together wrong or parts are crap.

Amen. People can be so paranoid sometimes. They were recalled because of stupid people that couldn't figure out how to put them together correctly and then sued when the side fell.

Oh brother. Yes, lots of babies SURVIVED drop side cribs. That doesn't mean they are safe. Plastic is not made to last. So unless you are an expert on checking the plastic parts that are holding the drop side in place, including being able to gauge the tensile strength of said plastic parts, AND are able to use that expertise every night you put your kid in it, you are taking a chance. It's a small risk, sure, but a risk nonetheless. To assume that the people who lost their children or had kids hurt were all stupid is inappropriate. Plastic parts do not maintain their integrity.

bergs720 · September 2011

We are. We got rid of the first crib we were given because it was cheap and the parts were plastic and we were not comfortable using it, even after we immobilized it Then we were given a very expensive and well made crib and it has been fine. It has a metal track for the drop side, so I am comfortable using it. We have used it for DD and will use it for DS. We never really used the drop side that much though.

babyAutumn · September 2011

We are reusing ours also built in 2007. The parts are all metal so DH doesn't see the necessity to purchase a new one. There hasn't been a recall on it either.

crzygirl · September 2011

There is NO WAY I would use a drop side crib for my children. When we were shopping, the drop sides were flimsy at best. I prefer solid large wood pieces that can support heavy jumping 2 year olds.

mabst196 · September 2011

I just can't see why you'd want to take the chance. Seems stupid to me.

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