How to Make Older Cribs Safe
Hand-me-down and used cribs are often given to expecting parents. Using an older crib is a simple way to save money, but soon-to-be parents should take precautions. New cribs are all held to rigorous safety standards, whereas an older crib may not meet current safety regulation guidelines. Before using an older baby crib, ensure that the crib is safe for your child.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Nails
- Screws
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
Instructions
Check with the manufacturer of the crib to see if the crib has had any safety recalls before buying or accepting an older crib. If it has been recalled, the crib should not be used. Recall lists can be found on company websites or by contacting the company directly. Measure the slates on the crib with your measuring tape to be sure that the crib meets minimum safety standards. There should be no slats or cutouts on the crib that are more than 2 3/8 inches apart, because an infant can get stuck between the spaces. Measure the spaces between the slats. Do not use a crib with cutouts on the ends, as your baby can get stuck in them. Buy a mattress that is tight and form-fitting within your crib. The mattress should fit the inside of the crib without sliding around or shifting. Measure the inside dimensions of the crib and buy a mattress that will fit those measurements exactly. Check all screws, nails and fixtures on the crib. Examine all slats and fixtures on the crib by tugging on them. If they are loose, tighten the screws with a screwdriver or replace the piece with a new one. Move the crib back and forth once it is put together to see if the legs are attached tightly. They should not shift or bend at all. If they do, tighten all of the screws with a screwdriver and ensure that any nails in the crib are hammered all the way in. Check all wooden and metal parts for wear and tear; replace any broken, rusty or shaky pieces of the crib. Look at the screws, bars, nails and slats of the crib to make sure they do not shift or bend when pushed on. Replace any rusted pieces of the crib, such as nails or screws. Replace any slats that bend or shift if pulled on. Do not use a crib that shows a high level of disrepair.
This will keep your baby from sliding off the mattress or becoming stuck beneath it. Use sheets or linens that fit the mattress and cannot be pulled off of the mattress by the baby.
