Infant and Baby Needs

You may find that a quality used crib or hand-me-down crib, as opposed to purchasing a new one, makes better sense for your household and finances.

But when shopping for used cribs, or even new cribs for that matter keep safety in mind.

1. Make sure that the crib you choose is in good shape, and is fairly new (to avoid potential for lead paint). Antique cribs should be avoided as they were not built to the safety measures in place today.
2. Measure the space between the slats. This gap should be no more than 2-3/8 inches.  Not to be graphic this is to keep sensitive body parts from slipping through and getting stuck. And be sure that there are no slats missing.
3. Check the rail height on the crib you are purchasing. To do this, lower the mattress to its lowest position and raise the sides of the crib. Then, measure from the top of the side rails down to the mattress support.  Make sure that there are at least 26 inches between the top of the rails and the mattress.
4. Although cut-outs in the head or foot of the crib are cute and lovely to look at please do avoid cribs that have them.  Your baby’s head can get caught and trapped in these open spaces and that is just not okay.
5. Check the four corner posts of the crib to make sure they are even with the end panels. They can be as much as 1/16th of an inch above the end panels, but no more. This lessens the risk of your baby’s clothing catching which could be a strangulation hazard.
6. Is all the hardware to the crib included? If there is any hardware missing go ahead and pass on this crib and move on to the next.

Crib Recalls

• CPSC Crib Recall Repair Center
  

Buy Your Crib

• Buy baby cribs from The Land of Nod
• Posh baby cribs from Dimples and Dandelions
• Baby Cribs on eBay