how do you make an old crib safe

How do you make an old crib safe?

• Test for Lead. If the old baby crib is painted, you need to test the paint already on it.
• Check Current Safety Guidelines.
• Add More Slats.
• Use a Non-toxic Paint Stripper.
• Paint the Crib.
• Replace the Mattress.
• Install Hardware.

Full Answer

How do I Keep my Baby Safe in the crib?

With any crib, bassinet or play yard, follow a few simple rules to keep babies sleeping safely. Back to the Basics! • To prevent suffocation, never place pillows or thick quilts in a baby's sleep environment. • Make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress.

What to do with an old crib?

Y’all know I love a good up-cycle, and cribs are perfect for this because what else are you going to do with an old crib once baby is too big? Typically, you can turn a crib into a toddler bed, but after that it’s not very useful. Before you toss the baby crib, consider using a little DIY magic and up cycle it into a bench, desk, craft organizer...

Is my old crib safe?

If you are familiar with all current baby cribs safety standards and your older crib meets them, then it is as safe as any new crib on the market! All cribs sold in the United States must meet new federal requirements for overall crib safety!

What do you put inside of an antique crib?

Cynthia built simple garden box to fit inside of the antique crib. Instead of a baby bed, it’s a garden bed. For more details, check out Cynthia Weber.

Are 20 year old cribs safe?

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What can you do with outdated cribs?

Turn old cribs into furnitureChild'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.More items...•

Why can't I use an old crib?

Older cribs are less likely to meet these standards, which makes them more of a hazard. They might have slats that are too far apart, have lead paint or cracked or splintered wood, or have unsafe corner posts. It's also possible that the crib could have been recalled, especially in the case of drop-side models.

How do you make a crib safer?

Place baby on his/her back in a crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib. Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket. If you do use a blanket, place baby with feet to foot of the crib.

Do baby cribs expire?

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 you fix a drop side crib?

Lay the crib down on the stationary side. While making sure the drop side is pushed up to its highest, most secure point, place one L-bracket on each crib leg directly underneath the drop side railing. The bracket should be flush against the crib leg on one side and the bottom of the railing on the other side.

Are old wooden cribs safe?

– Older wood cribs can be rough and cause splinters. For all of these reasons, we recommend purchasing a new crib, and making sure it is approved by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. For advice on choosing a crib, visit HealthyChildren.org.

Is it safe to use an old crib mattress?

Baby gear is recalled all the time, and sometimes there are specific risks to different items that you might not even be aware of. This is especially true when it comes to crib mattresses, and the short answer is: no, it's not a good idea to reuse a crib mattress.

Are there safe crib bumpers?

In the US, there is no national safety standard on crib bumpers, but they are banned for sale in several states. Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that they “have no place in a safe sleep environment.”

Are rocking cribs safe?

A safe, snug infant sleeper or baby bassinet rocker should never be inclined because letting babies sleep with their head elevated, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes, can lead to accidental suffocation and strangulation.

Can you put a crib against a wall?

Pull your crib at least one foot away from all furniture and walls. Never place your baby's crib next to a drapery or window blind cord.

Why do baby 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.

What happens if a drop side crib breaks?

If the drop-side breaks or loosens, it can create a gap where a baby can become entrapped.

Can a corner post cause a baby to stand up?

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.

Can you put a mattress on a drop side crib?

Drop-side cribs are no longer allowed in the US. Slats should be no more than 23/8" apart (about the width of a soda can). The mattress should be firm and tight-fitting. If you can insert more than two fingers between the mattress and the sides or ends of the crib, the crib and mattress combination should not be used.

Is it safe to use an antique crib for a newborn?

Others search for a beautiful antique crib or a super thrift store find. However, old cribs can be dangerous for babies if they don't meet modern crib safety standards. ​ 1 .

Can an old mattress fit a crib?

The mattress may be too soft or broken down, which could pose a suffocation risk. If it was made prior to federal sizing standards, it may not fit the crib frame. Improper mattress and crib compatibility could allow a baby to slip between the frame and the mattress—a type of entrapment that can be deadly.

Is it safe to use an old crib?

However, old cribs can be dangerous for babies if they don't meet modern crib safety standards. ​ 1 . The Consumer Product Safety Commission, an agency of the U.S. government, is charged with protecting the public from dangers associated with more than 15,000 types of consumer products, including cribs.

Do antique cribs have to be taken apart?

However, not all of the safety issues with older or antique cribs lie with the manufacturers. CPSC and other crib safety organizations note that parents tend to keep cribs for a long time or resell them, meaning they get taken apart and re-assembled several times.

How to make a baby safe in a crib?

Crib Safety Tips. Place baby on his/her back in a crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib. Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket. If you do use a blanket, place baby with feet to foot of the crib.

How many inches between crib slats?

No missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or mattress support. No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby's body cannot fit through the slats; no missing or cracked slats.

What size is a baby's mesh?

Mesh less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby's clothing. Mesh with no tears, holes or loose threads that could entangle a baby. Mesh securely attached to top rail and floor plate. Top rail cover with no tears or holes.

Can you put pillows in a crib?

Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib. Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket. If you do use a blanket, place baby with feet to foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, covering baby only as high as his/her chest.

Can a baby get trapped in a crib?

Check Your Crib for Safety. There should be: A firm, tight-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib. No missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or mattress support.

Is inclined sleep safe for infants?

Dr. Mannen found that none of the inclined sleep products her team tested is safe for infant sleep. Dr. Mannen’s report was conclusive that products with inclines 10 degrees or less, with flat and rigid surfaces, are likely safe for infant sleep. Dr.

Is it safe to sleep in a nursery?

If you just had a baby, are expecting, or are taking care of a young infant it's important to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. Because babies spend much of their time sleeping, the nursery should be the safest room in the house. Take a few moments to learn about safe sleep. Think Bare Is Best!

Shopping for a Crib: Worth Every Minute Spent on Safety & Research

While most parents begin searching for the best crib as per their budget, desired crib features, shape and design to complement their nursery theme, crib safety should be their most important concern. Also, there aren’t many alternatives to a crib when it comes to offering a safe sleep environment to babies who have outgrown their bassinets.

Why Crib and Sleep Safety Is Important?

It is important to choose a safe crib for your tot to protect them from risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), entrapment, strangulation, choking, and suffocation. The crib must be well built without any loose fittings or sharp hardware that can potentially injure your child.

How to Choose a Safe Crib?

Talking so much about crib safety, let us first understand the crucial factors you need to consider while purchasing the ideal crib for your little bundle of joy.

Essential Crib Safety Standards to Look for

If you have found a crib model that looks great and accommodates all the important factors listed above, here are the major certifications you must look for to ensure the crib is safe for use:

How to Ensure Your Crib Mattress is Safe?

Not just cribs but crib mattresses must meet the federal government regulations too. Hence, we recommend buying a crib mattress right along with the crib to ensure it fits the crib perfectly. Here is an important checklist of things you must look for while purchasing a crib mattress.

How To Check If Your Crib Is Safe?

All cribs that were manufactured after June 28th, 2011 are certified to meet the safety standards set by the CPSC. However, it is a great idea to cross-check your crib for the features, safety guidelines, and certifications listed above.

Effective Tips & Baby Sleep Safety Guidelines For Maximizing Crib Safety

Since your baby will spend most of their time in their crib, here are some useful safety tips and recommended sleep guidelines you can follow to prevent injuries in the crib.

How to keep a baby from choked in a crib?

Avoid putting plush toys and any comforters in the crib with your baby. Be careful that the cord from a baby monitor is not close to the crib, as the baby can strangle or choke. Keep the crib away from blinds and windows or anything else that baby when he gets a bit older can pull down.

How high should a crib be?

The crib shouldn’t have corner posts over 1/16th inch high, so a baby’s clothing cannot catch. There shouldn’t be any cutouts in the headboard or footboard, so a baby’s head cannot get trapped.

How to test if a mattress fits in a crib?

Fitting test: Place the mattress in the crib and check if there is a gap between the mattress’s edge and the crib’s side. If it doesn’t fit snuggly, place two fingers there. The space between mattress and crib’s frame shouldn’t be bigger from two fingers!

How to test if a crib mattress is firm?

If you have a crib mattress already at home, you can make two simple tests: Firmness test: Press on the mattress’s surface with your palm.

Why are drop side cribs banned?

2. Traditional drop-side cribs are prohibited! Because of numerous injuries and even tragic baby death, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of the cribs with a side that drops down. The drop-side mechanism can break or deform, causing the drop-side to detach.

What is the recall list for cribs?

1. Recall list. Unfortunately, sometimes a potentially hazardous safety issue occurs when the product is already in use. The manufacturer must immediately recall such crib, notice customers, and CPCS (Consumer Product Safety Commission) place it on its recall list.

Can you put a baby over the crib rail?

That is an excellent feature, particularly for short moms! It’s hard to place a sleeping baby over the upper rail to the bottom of the crib. Believe me, I know, and I am not even short. Anyway, setting the mattress higher ...

How to make a crib into a desk?

1. Child’s desk. Simply remove the side rail, and raise the bottom of the crib up to turn it into a desk. I also love that she added chalkboard paint to the desk top. Check out Little Learning for Two for more pictures and details. 2. Chair.

Can you turn a crib into a toddler bed?

Typically, you can turn a crib into a toddler bed, but after that it’s not very useful. Before you toss the baby crib, consider using a little DIY magic and up cycle it into a bench, desk, craft organizer, or even a wagon!

Can you turn a crib head into an easel?

A crib head and foot board can easily be turned into an easel wit ha few hinges. You could also consider attaching one side to the wall or fence for a simple chalkboard for the kids. For more details, check out Prodigal Pieces. 15. Easel. Turn a crib headboard and footboard into an easel with a few hinges.

How to make a crib spring memo board?

Create a beautiful collage of pictures by creating a wood frame and wrapping it with fabric. You can use pins to secure each photo or because the crib spring is made of metal, you can glue magnet sheets on each photo to secure them instead.

Can you use a baby crib as furniture?

Every parent has bought at least one crib but instead of throwing it away, turn into a piece of upcycled furniture you can use for many more years. For many parents, baby cribs are also a sentimental piece of baby furniture and making a DIY project allows you to cherish it and make it part of your home. The goal is to be creative as there are ...