If possible, avoid buying or accepting a used secondhand crib. While someone offering you a crib is generous and well-meaning, it may not be the best option for the safety of your child. The simple truth is that a used crib can be hazardous. Older cribs might not comply with current safety regulations.
Why should you not use old cribs?
– Antique cribs can have lead in the finish. – Slats in older cribs could be more than 2 3/8 inches apart, or there can be cutout designs in headboards or footboards. These conditions can also lead to entrapment. – Older wood cribs can be rough and cause splinters.
How do you know if a baby crib is safe?
How do I know if my crib is safe?
- The crib is the right size.
- The corner posts are smooth.
- The hardware is firmly secured.
- The paint color is nontoxic.
- The mattress fits snugly inside.
- Avoid soft toys and bedding.
- Stay away from headboard and footboard cutouts and drop-sides.
Is it safe to reuse a crib mattress?
A new crib mattress for every new baby is the safest option. However, it is possible to use a second-hand crib mattress safely. If you’re considering a second-hand crib mattress, check the mattress for firmness and edge support, mold and stains, recalls, third-hand smoke, bed bugs, and allergens.
Do cribs have an expiration date?
Although cribs don’t technically expire (unlike car seats, which have an expiration date printed on them, according to Parenting), safety regulations do change and recalls occasionally happen, as well.
Can I use a 20 year old crib?
Cribs used today should be manufactured after June 2011 (when the current safety standards banning the manufacture or sale of drop-side rail cribs became effective). Though an antique crib may be beautiful and sentimental, if it doesn’t meet modern safety standards, it should not be used.
Are hand me down cribs safe?
Dr. Bexfield: Yes and they can actually get trapped under that side of the crib, they can get pinched on that side of the crib, and like you said, it’s pretty dangerous for them to be out roaming around when you think they’re safe in their crib and asleep.
Are cribs from the 80s safe?
Dangers of Vintage Cribs
Dangerous posts, decorative cutouts, and other features that do not meet modern safety regulations are common and could kill or seriously injure your child.
Can I use a 7 year old crib?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends against using a secondhand crib. If you do, they recommend not using a crib that is more than 10 years old.
What can you do with a used crib?
Turn old cribs into furniture
- Child’s desk. Simply remove the side rail, and raise the bottom of the crib up to turn it into a desk.
- Chair. This crib transformation takes a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it!
- Bench.
- Dog crate.
- Plate rack.
- Magazine rack.
- Cork board alternative.
- Jewelry organizer.
Can cribs be reused?
Cribs can be reused with a few important precautions. If your kids will be close in age, then a crib used previously by an older child may be perfectly acceptable. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission cribs does not recommend using a crib older than 10 years.
What can I do with used crib mattress?
a few suggestions below on how you can donate, reuse or repurpose your crib mattress.
- Donate your used crib mattress to a shelter.
- Donate your crib mattress to local furniture banks where people in need can gather good, used products for their home.
- Sell the crib mattress components to a recycler.
Do you need new mattress second baby?
If you’re borrowing a crib or a cot, or using one that’s been used by another of your children, you should ideally buy a new mattress. If you cannot do this, use the cot mattress you have, as long as it’s firm (not soft), flat, fits the cot with no gaps, is clean, dry, waterproof and not ripped or torn.
Do crib mattresses expire?
Most are designed to last about five years, though some say longer. Keep the five-year rule in mind and decrease if the bed lived a hard life, and increase it if you’ve been proactive with care.
How do I disinfect my baby hand me downs?
To do so, soak in a mixture of warm water and baby-safe detergent (just follow the directions on the label), then be sure to rinse thoroughly. Air dry as you would with machine-washed clothing until completely moisture-free.
What do you do with drop side cribs?
While using an old drop-side crib might be convenient, its mechanisms pose a significant danger to your infant. If you can, it’s best to dispose of or destroy it altogether. If you’re unable to do this, be sure to regularly check for detachment and gapping issues, and evaluate the nails, screws, and pegs often.
What is sudden infant death syndrome?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as “cot death” – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby. In the UK, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year. This statistic may sound alarming, but SIDS is rare and the risk of your baby dying from it is low.
How long can I use a crib?
In general, most toddlers make the move from a crib to a bed between the age of 18 months and 3 years old. This wide age range means there are a few factors to consider before making the change.
How do you refurbish a crib?
Here are the steps for painting the crib:
- Lightly sand the crib.
- Apply a primer to the crib.
- Allow the primer to dry thoroughly.
- Consider lightly sanding again with fine sandpaper.
- Begin painting the crib.
- Paint a second coat.
- Dry once more before use.
Can you take the front off of a crib?
So, what are your options? You have a few options in regards to what they can sleep in. For us, it was most logical to simply remove the front panel of the crib and create a “toddler bed.” You also have the option of buying a true toddler bed frame, which most likely will fit your current crib mattress.
Can you use second hand baby mattress?
There is some evidence to suggest that bringing in a mattress from another home might increase the risk of sudden infant death very slightly. When using your own mattress for a second (or more) time, ensure it is still firm and flat with no tears or holes, and is not sagging in places.
Can cribs be resold?
No cribs may be manufactured, sold, or resold that do not meet these more stringent standards.
Can crib mattresses get bed bugs?
Crib mattress encasements can help prevent bed bugs from getting into baby’s mattress. Look for an encasement that has been laboratory tested and approved to be 100% bed bug proof for the ultimate in protection for your little one.
Can plastic crib mattresses get bed bugs?
Bed bugs will hide in the smallest of spaces, namely in the linings of your mattress, sheets, and other fabrics. A plastic mattress, or plastic mattress cover, will either deter bed bugs from getting comfortable on your bed, or trap any existing bed bugs and keep them from spreading further.
Can I reuse pacifiers for second baby?
Pacifiers and nipples – TOSS/RECYCLE
Pacifiers and bottle nipples are mostly made of silicone or rubber, both of which break down after time, use, and exposure to heat. It’s best to toss these out and buy new for your next baby.
At what age can babies sleep on soft mattress?
Experts recommend a ‘firm’ sleep surface for babies aged 0–12 months, even babies that are positioned face up (as they should be).
Can you reuse baby bottles after 3 years?
As long as they’re not broken or warped, bottles are fine to reuse. You’ll just need to buy some new teats.
How do you deep clean a crib mattress?
How to Clean Your Baby’s Crib Mattress
- Remove the crib mattress cover or any bedding.
- Check for a care label on the mattress or find the manufacturer’s site.
- Vacuum the crib mattress to get rid of dust or dirt.
- Scrub the mattress all over with warm water and a gentle detergent.
Do you need to sterilize baby bowls?
A baby less than six months old should have all feeding equipment sterilised. After six months of age baby bowls and spoons should be clean but do not need to be sterilised, however feeding bottles and teats should be sterilised for as long as they are used.
Is it OK to use hand-me-down pacifiers?
If someone hands you a box of used pacifiers that are discolored and worn down, you can probably pass on that baby hand-me-down. There could be germs and bacteria hidden on pacifiers after several uses. It’s the same situation when you’re looking at old bottle nipples.
Why are drop side cribs illegal?
Dec. 15, 2010 — The Consumer Product Safety Commission is banning cribs with drop-down sides because they have been blamed for the deaths of at least 32 infants since 2001.
Are all drop side cribs unsafe?
If an infant or toddler rolls or moves into the space created by a partially detached drop side, the child can become entrapped or wedged between the crib mattress and the drop side and suffocate. Infants can also strangle in the “V” shape formed by a drop side that detaches in an upper corner.
How common is SIDS 2021?
Here are the statistics on SIDS and SUID based on information gathered from the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health’s monitoring programs: About 3,400 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly each year. About 1 in 1,000 babies die from SIDS every year.
What month is SIDS most common?
About 1,360 babies died of SIDS in 2017, the last year for which such statistics are available. Most SIDS deaths happen in babies between 1 month and 4 months of age, and the majority (90%) of SIDS deaths happen before a baby reaches 6 months of age. However, SIDS deaths can happen anytime during a baby’s first year.
At what age does SIDS stop?
Although the causes of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) are still largely unknown, doctors do know that the risk of SIDS appears to peak between 2 and 4 months. SIDS risk also decreases after 6 months, and it’s extremely rare after one year of age.
What baby items should you not buy used?
6 Baby Items You Should Never Buy Used
- Baby Car Seats. A car seat is one of the most important items you buy for your baby.
- Crib for your Newborn. Image via Bigstock.
- Baby Crib Mattress. Just like the crib, you shouldn’t buy a used crib mattress.
- Second Hand Breast Pumps.
- Infant Formula.
- Use Baby Toys.
Can newborns sleep in a crib?
Yes, a newborn can sleep in a crib, and our article offers plenty of advice on how to make that a little easier. Some parents, however, choose to have their newborns sleep in a bassinet for the first month or so (until they outgrow the bassinet).
What kind of paint is safe to use on a crib?
Baby safe paint for baby cribs should be either low or zero VOCs because infants spend most of their time in these cribs, exposing them to the paint for long periods of time. A great way to find zero VOC paint is to look at water-based paints or milk paints.
Do you have to sand a crib before painting it?
Disassembling the crib can help create a more professional looking finish, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Lightly sand (scuff) all surfaces. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the dust. You shouldn’t need to remove the existing surface, just roughen it up so the new coat of paint adheres properly.
Can you turn any crib into a toddler bed?
A standalone crib is just your basic, traditional crib that doesn’t come with any extras and can’t be converted to a toddler bed. On the other hand, with convertible cribs, you can convert them into toddler beds when your little one outgrows their crib.
How do you turn a 4 in 1 crib into a toddler bed?
Steps
- Choose an appropriate guardrail. Unless your child’s crib came with its own toddler bed rail, you’ll need to purchase a separate rail.
- Remove one side of the crib.
- Remove the bedding.
- Attach the brackets to the rail.
- Position the rail.
- Fix the rail to the bed.
- Make the bed.
How do you dismantle a crib?
To disassemble the crib, first remove the crib mattress, blankets, pillows, sheets, bumper, toys and any other items inside the crib. While your partner holds the crib in place, unscrew the bolts on all sides of the crib. Once disassembled, pack the crib’s legs separately from the crib’s sides.
How do I know if my crib mattress is safe?
A full-size crib mattress should be at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 1/4 inches and be no thicker than 6 inches. Also, if the mattress is new, pull off that plastic and throw it away immediately. Make sure, too, that the mattress itself is firm, since soft mattresses raise the risk of SIDS.
Can a second hand mattress cause cot death?
Second-hand mattresses could increase the risk of cot death, experts have warned. The risk is increased if the mattress was previously used by a child from another home, according to Scottish researchers. They added that the risk was also higher if the infant was sleeping on the used mattress at time of death.
Are cribs from the 90s safe?
Old cribs pose a number of dangers to babies and toddlers. Corner posts can pose a risk to babies who are able to stand up, as loose clothing could become caught on the posts, which is a strangulation risk. 2 Slats that are too far apart or decorative holes in the headboards can trap a child’s head.
How do I know if my crib has been recalled?
Checking Crib Safety
- Periodically checking crib hardware to ensure it has not loosened, broken, or gone missing.
- Checking the CPSC website to see if your baby’s crib has been recalled (Get an official repair kit or exchange the crib if it is under recall; do not try to repair a recalled crib on your own.)
Why do cribs have slats?
The idea was that nursing women would share a bed with their newborns but, to avoid rolling over and crushing them, place a half whiskey barrel with three slats over their children, forming a sort of protective shell.