Problems With Antique Cribs

Paint

• If your antique crib is painted, be sure to have the paint tested for lead even if you intend to strip or repaint the crib. Lead poisoning from ingesting paint chips can be lethal to an infant. In 1977, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a ban, preventing manufacturers from using lead-containing paint and on toys and furniture. If you're using a freshly painted antique crib, keep in mind that it still might have a coat of lead paint underneath the most current coat of paint. You need to check for this. Kits to test for lead are available at hardware stores. If you find lead in the paint, contact your local extension office or health department for further instructions.

Depth of Railing and Mattress Safety

• It's important to check the height of the safety rail. When the safety rail on the side of a crib is too low, a standing infant can fall over it, incurring serious injuries. According to the National Safety Council crib safety tips, the railing of the bed should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress. Also, if you are using an antique crib, you should probably replace the mattress. Old mattresses are often so soft that they pose a suffocation risk. Ensure that the mattress fits the crib frame, so your infant can't slip between the frame and mattress.

Slats and Cut Outs

• The Safety Council also clearly states that the slats of the crib must be no more than 2 3/8-inches apart to make sure that a baby's head will not get stuck between them. Do not use cribs that have headboards with large cutouts as the same type accident might occur. Keep in mind that corner posts must be no more than one-sixteenth inch high so your child's clothing won't get caught on the projections.

Stability

• Older cribs may not be in the best working condition and as such, it's essential to check all hardware and parts of the crib. Replace any rusted hardware and tighten or replace any loose hardware. If you know the manufacturer of the crib, check to ensure that there were no recalls or safety warnings concerning the model. When examining your antique crib and determining whether you want to use it, you might want to consider federal requirements concerning crib safety that were put into effect June 28, 2011 by that U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to these regulations, manufacturers can no longer make drop-side cribs or immobilizers and repair kits for drop-side cribs. If your antique crib has a drop side, you should consider not using it as drop sides are considered safety hazards due to the amount accidents associated with them. Federal requirements also call for heavy-duty wood slats and mattress supports, as well as anti-loosening devices on all crib hardware. Utilizing these criteria for your antique crib can help ensure the safety of your infant.