Can I Use An Old Crib For My Baby?

Why Used Cribs Are a Health Risk

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) rightly lists outdated cribs as one of their "Most Wanted" hazardous items. Baby and toddlers should not use an old crib because of the potential threats it presents.

Babies who are able to stand on their own should be kept away from corner posts because of the risk of strangling if their clothes gets caught on them. A child's head might get stuck in spaced-apart slats or in decorative cutouts in headboards.

As an added safety precaution, cribs manufactured prior to 1978 may have a toxic lead paint finish. Determine if your used crib still meets the CPSC's safety standards.

• The maximum height for corner posts is 1/16 ".
• Baby cribs are required to have closed sides. The use of cribs with drop sides is prohibited in the United States.
• You shouldn't go much higher than 2 and 3/8 inches for the slats "apart (about the width of a soda can).
• There should be no give or sag in the mattress. It is not safe to use a crib and mattress together if more than two fingers fit into the space between the mattress and the crib's side or end.
• The headboard and footboard should not have any decorative cutouts.
• Both the hardware and the slats must be in good condition, with neither missing or broken.

No matter how lovely and meaningful an antique crib may be, it should not be used if it does not adhere to current safety regulations. Cribs that don't fulfil safety requirements should be either destroyed or utilised purely for decoration.

The Case Against Drop-Side Cribs

You should be aware of the safety concerns with drop-side cribs if you were planning on using an older crib for your baby. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued obligatory crib safety regulations, which included a prohibition on the production of new drop-side cribs, in response to more than twenty recalls (affecting more than 4 million cribs since 2007).

The 2011 implementation date for these regulations marked the end of the era of voluntary safety recommendations. New standards call for more stringent evaluations as well as stronger fasteners, more robust slats, and more reliable mattress supports.

However, not all concerns about the security of vintage or antique cradles may be placed on the manufacturers.

Since many parents retain their cribs for a long time or resell them, the CPSC and other crib safety organisations point out that they are disassembled and reassembled multiple times.

Hardware wears out or becomes loose, parts go missing, or the crib is improperly assembled. In the case of drop-side cribs in particular, these factors can contribute to the collapse of the structure. A infant might become imprisoned if the drop-side were to become damaged or become loose. It's not advisable to disassemble and rebuild a crib of this kind more than once.

Regulations and Guidelines for Baby Crib Safety

The CPSC warns against utilising a previously used crib due to possible safety issues. If so, they advise against utilising a crib that is older than ten years. If you're thinking about getting or giving away a used crib, check that it satisfies these criteria:

• Didn't get forgotten: Since 2007, the CPSC has issued a recall on over 11 million potentially hazardous new and secondhand cribs. For information on whether or whether a crib has been recalled, either contact the manufacturer directly or check the CPSC's Recalls and Product Safety News page (Canadian users can visit the Recalls and Product Safety Alerts page on the Healthy Canadians website to check for recalls).
• Manufactured on and model number label: There is no way to check for recalls on the crib without these.
• Not too old: Older cribs no longer comply with current safety regulations that have been put in place (see below for more information about safety standards). Older cribs that have been taken apart and rebuilt multiple times may also contain hardware that has worn out and become loose, posing a safety risk for the baby.
• Included with directions: Even if it's the safest crib available, improper assembly might result in serious harm or death. The crib's assembly and completion, as well as the presence or absence of any necessary components, depend on the inclusion of written instructions. If you need assistance locating a manual, please use our Manuals and Parts Locator.
• Contains the whole thing: Many times, while purchasing a used crib, you will find that it is missing essential components. If there are pieces missing, you should contact the maker to be sure replacements are available. Use our Instructions/Manuals and Replacement Parts Index if you need assistance identifying certain components.
• Contains no broken parts: Don't bother fixing up a broken baby crib.
• Are all the parts present and in the right places? Verify that no screws, brackets, or other hardware are missing, loose, broken, or put incorrectly in a pre-assembled crib.

The CPSC researched and produced new mandated safety requirements for full-size and non-full-size hard-sided cribs under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. (products with mesh, netting or other non-rigid sides, such as play yards, fall under different standards).

Two changes were made to the full-size crib standards (ASTM F 1169-10) and four changes were made to the non-full-size crib standards (ASTM F 1232-10). Otherwise, these new standards are identical to the voluntary standards published by ASTM (ASTM F 406-10a). Updated from the CPSC's 1982 regulations, the following new obligatory standards have been in effect since June 28, 2011:

• Drop-side rail cribs, which have been the standard for decades, should be banned.
• Fix weak crib slats and mattress supports
• Raise the standard of hardware.
• It's time for stricter product testing requirements.

The most talked about change to the federal crib requirements is the elimination of the option for "drop-side" cribs. Many different brands of drop-side cribs have been recalled owing to faulty hardware that allows the drop-side wall to become partially disengaged from the crib.

Because of the space that is created between the drop-side wall and the rest of the crib, a kid can easily become trapped there and suffer from asphyxia or strangling. At least 32 child deaths from suffocation or strangling have been linked to detachable sides of drop-side cribs during the year 2000.

Some makers of cribs sell an attachment that can be used to prevent the drop side from being opened. In spite of the fact that the drop-side detachment hazard is eliminated, the crib will likely fail to fulfil the other, stricter CPSC crib criteria that were previously discussed.

It is not possible to tell whether or not a crib complies with the new regulations by simply looking at it. Talk to the maker to make sure your crib is up to code with the new government regulations laid forth in 16 CFR 1219 for full-size cribs and 16 CFR 1220 for other sizes.

Some of the existing crib standards date back to before June 28, 2011, and this can be verified by inspection. Among these are:

• You shouldn't be able to fit more than 2 3/8 inches of space in there between the crib's slats or spindles (about the width of a soda can, which should not be able to pass through easily). A baby's head can become trapped between two slats if they are too wide apart, or the newborn can fall through the slats completely.
• Neither the headboard nor the footboard of the crib should have any kind of decorative cutout in them, as this could cause a baby's head to become stuck.
• The maximum height that a corner post should protrude past the headboard and footboard is 1/16 of an inch (unless the posts are over 16 inches for a canopy). The baby's clothing can become entangled in the corner posts, causing a strangulation hazard.
• When the mattress is at its lowest position, the top rails of the crib's side should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress support.
• When the drop gate is in its lowest position, the crib's side should be at least 9 inches above the mattress support. This is different from the drop side, which is prohibited. The purpose of this is to ensure the safety of the baby and stop it from escaping.
• Neither cracking nor peeling paint is acceptable. A possible lead paint hazard exists in cribs that were manufactured prior to 1978. If you want to make sure there is no lead in the paint, you'll need a special test kit.
• There shouldn't be any sharp corners or splinters in the crib.

When a mattress is included with the crib:

• There should be no air gaps between the mattress and the crib walls where a baby could get stuck and suffocate.
• A firm mattress is recommended.

To learn more about the CPSC's June 28, 2011 crib guidelines, please visit their Crib Information Center.

Spacing of Slats

If the slats in your baby's crib are poorly made, they could pose a serious danger to your child. According to the law, these voids must be no more than two and three-eighths inches. No ruler on hand to measure with? The slats can be easily measured with The Soda Can Trick:

You know the slats are too big if a standard soda can fits through them. What this means is that it is not a safe place for a baby to sleep. Your baby's legs, arms, or torso could become trapped between the bars if they are too widely apart.

Depth

Your baby's crib should be deep enough that he or she cannot reach the top rail and climb out. When the bed is in its lowest setting, the top rails must extend a minimum of 26 inches above the surface of the mattress.

Your baby's crib must meet standards for both its depth and the height of its corner posts. Except for a canopy, these components shouldn't rise more than a sixteenth of an inch over the headboard. Children could be strangled if their clothes gets hooked on these posts if they are too high.

Materials

Baby cribs and crib accessories like mobiles are subject to stringent restrictions set forth by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. What they're on the lookout for is as follows.

• Crib slats and spindles should be crafted from durable wood. The glass won't crack if you do this. When your toddler pulls on the wooden pieces, they shouldn't come free or break. Babies, as any parent can attest, have surprisingly firm grasps.
• The mattress must be durable and difficult to tear.
• Crib mattresses ought to be firm and have a nice, snug fit within the crib's structure. Check to see whether your existing mattress can fit inside the crib. A infant could get caught between the frame and loose parts of the crib.
• There shouldn't be any decorative holes in the headboard or footboard.

Increasing the Security of an Old Crib

Inspecting a used crib thoroughly will help you determine whether or not it can be put to good use again after it has been in storage for some time. Be on the lookout for deterioration, such as

• Chipped paint
• Splitting wood
• Cracks and gaps
• Rough spots on the baby bed

As a last resort, you can rough up the crib by shaking its components (including the side slats) to check for looseness and missing screws.

If you're a do-it-yourselfer who is set on recycling an old crib, you can make a few changes to make it safer:

If the crib has been disassembled and reassembled more than once, you may wish to replace the hardware. Get rid of the worn-out screws and switch them out for brand-new, secure fasteners.

If your crib does not have enough space for a standard soda can to fit inside, and you are handy with woodworking tools, you can add more slats to make the space between them smaller.

Invest in a brand new bed; an old one might sag, become excessively soft, and even harbour germs, so it's best to avoid sleeping on it if at all possible. Get a new one that will fit your crib's frame perfectly.

You may buy kits from hardware stores that will allow you to check the paint for lead. Getting rid of lead by stripping everything and starting over is tempting. Unfortunately, even if the paint layer is removed, the lead can still seep into the wood and cause damage.

The use of a non-hazardous paint remover is recommended if it is safe to repaint once the old paint has been stripped away. Ensure that it is both ecologically friendly and safe for your child. Look for a new paint that is lead- and chemical-free and designed for use on children's furniture.

Conclusion

Pediatricians at Willows Pediatrics advise against utilising a crib that is more than ten years old. Drop-side cots pose a suffocation risk for infants and young children. Older wooden cribs often cause injuries due to splinters. The slat spacing on some antique and vintage cribs may be larger than 2 3/8 inches. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for ensuring the safety of over 15,000 different consumer products, including cribs.

Older models that predate modern safety standards may not be up to code. Make sure a used crib hasn't been involved in any accidents or injuries before letting your infant sleep in it. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lists outdated cribs as one of their "Most Wanted" hazardous items. Determine if your used crib still meets the CPSC's safety standards. Cribs that don't fulfil safety requirements should be either destroyed or utilised purely for decoration.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued crib safety regulations, which included a prohibition on the production of new drop-side cribs in 2011. Since 2007, the CPSC has issued a recall on over 11 million potentially hazardous new and secondhand cribs. Older cribs that have been taken apart and rebuilt multiple times are not safe to use.

Content Summary

1. Even though you grew up and thrived in the same crib your baby will use, it is likely no longer up to par with today's safety standards.
2. Pediatricians at Willows Pediatrics advise against utilising a crib that is more than ten years old, despite the fact that it may be tempting to accept a hand-me-down crib from well-meaning friends and family whose children have outgrown theirs.
3. You should avoid them whenever possible, including your own home, daycare, and grandma's.
4. The following are some of the problems that can arise with regular cribs: A drop-side cot poses a suffocation risk for infants and young children.
5. At least 32 infants and toddlers have been killed and hundreds more injured due to injuries received in drop-side cribs, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
6. In December, the Consumer Product Safety Commission ordered a prohibition on their sale.
7. Cribs made before the 1970s may have been stained or painted with lead-based materials.
8. The slat spacing on some antique and vintage cribs may be larger than 2 3/8 inches, and there may be ornate cutouts in the headboards and footboards.
9. This means that entrapment can also happen from these situations.
10. Older wooden cribs often cause injuries due to splinters.
11. Many future parents see their newborn sleeping in a cherished family heirloom crib.
12. Still others browse thrift stores in search of a unique antique crib or a steal of a deal on modern furnishings.
13. But older cribs can be dangerous for infants if they do not meet modern safety standards.
14. ​ The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of over 15,000 different consumer products, including cribs.
15. The agency's goal is to prevent injuries to children and property damage and fires caused by unsafe items.
16. The majority of modern consumer goods are made to be used only once before being thrown away.
17. Unfortunately, cribs, along with the rest of our infant gear and furnishings, must meet current safety regulations to be regarded appropriate for the protection of our young.
18. Consequently, it's not always a good idea to rely on pre-existing items.
19. Once do old age cribs become unsafe for infants?
20. Technically speaking, there is no such thing as a "expiration date" on a baby crib, although older models that predate modern safety standards may not be up to code.
21. Make sure a used crib hasn't been involved in any accidents or injuries before letting your infant sleep in it.
22. Read on for information about the modern safety standards for cribs, as well as suggestions for weighing those standards against the cost savings offered by an antique bed.
23. Why Used Cribs Are a Health Risk The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) rightly lists outdated cribs as one of their "Most Wanted" hazardous items.
24. Baby and toddlers should not use an old crib because of the potential threats it presents.
25. Babies who are able to stand on their own should be kept away from corner posts because of the risk of strangling if their clothes gets caught on them.
26. A child's head might get stuck in spaced-apart slats or in decorative cutouts in headboards.
27. As an added safety precaution, cribs manufactured prior to 1978 may have a toxic lead paint finish.
28. Determine if your used crib still meets the CPSC's safety standards.
29. The maximum height for corner posts is 1/16 ".
30. Baby cribs are required to have closed sides.
31. The use of cribs with drop sides is prohibited in the United States.
32. You shouldn't go much higher than 2 and 3/8 inches for the slats "apart (about the width of a soda can).
33. There should be no give or sag in the mattress.
34. It is not safe to use a crib and mattress together if more than two fingers fit into the space between the mattress and the crib's side or end.
35. The headboard and footboard should not have any decorative cutouts.
36. Both the hardware and the slats must be in good condition, with neither missing or broken.
37. No matter how lovely and meaningful an antique crib may be, it should not be used if it does not adhere to current safety regulations.
38. Cribs that don't fulfil safety requirements should be either destroyed or utilised purely for decoration.
39. The Case Against Drop-Side Cribs You should be aware of the safety concerns with drop-side cribs if you were planning on using an older crib for your baby.
40. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued obligatory crib safety regulations, which included a prohibition on the production of new drop-side cribs, in response to more than twenty recalls (affecting more than 4 million cribs since 2007).
41. The 2011 implementation date for these regulations marked the end of the era of voluntary safety recommendations.
42. New standards call for more stringent evaluations as well as stronger fasteners, more robust slats, and more reliable mattress supports.
43. However, not all concerns about the security of vintage or antique cradles may be placed on the manufacturers.
44. Since many parents retain their cribs for a long time or resell them, the CPSC and other crib safety organisations point out that they are disassembled and reassembled multiple times.
45. Hardware wears out or becomes loose, parts go missing, or the crib is improperly assembled.
46. In the case of drop-side cribs in particular, these factors can contribute to the collapse of the structure.
47. A infant might become imprisoned if the drop-side were to become damaged or become loose.
48. It's not advisable to disassemble and rebuild a crib of this kind more than once.
49. Regulations and Guidelines for Baby Crib Safety The CPSC warns against utilising a previously used crib due to possible safety issues.
50. If so, they advise against utilising a crib that is older than ten years.
51. If you're thinking about getting or giving away a used crib, check that it satisfies these criteria: Didn't get forgotten: Since 2007, the CPSC has issued a recall on over 11 million potentially hazardous new and secondhand cribs.
52. For information on whether or whether a crib has been recalled, either contact the manufacturer directly or check the CPSC's Recalls and Product Safety News page (Canadian users can visit the Recalls and Product Safety Alerts page on the Healthy Canadians website to check for recalls).
53. Manufactured on and model number label: There is no way to check for recalls on the crib without these.
54. Not too old: Older cribs no longer comply with current safety regulations that have been put in place (see below for more information about safety standards).