7 Tips for Restoring an Old Baby Crib
- 1. Test for Lead If the old baby crib is painted, you need to test the paint already on it. ...
- 2. Check Current Safety Guidelines Safety guidelines for cribs are constantly changing and evolving. ...
- 3. Add More Slats ...
- 4. Use a Non-toxic Paint Stripper ...
- 5. Paint the Crib ...
- 6. Replace the Mattress ...
- 7. Install Hardware ...
Full Answer
How to pick a crib for a baby?
What is the hardware needed for a crib?
How to know if a mattress is a good fit for a crib?
How wide should a crib be?
Why should Moses baskets be avoided?
Can you put a mattress in a bassinet?
Do cribs have to meet CPSC standards?
See 4 more
About this website
Can an old crib be made safe?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends NOT using hand-me-down cribs more than a decade old or cribs that have been modified.
Are cribs from 30 years ago 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.
How do you make a baby crib safe?
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.
What can I do with an expired crib?
Below are 21 things you can do with an old crib including create new furniture and even organize with crib rails....OrganizersPlate rack. ... Magazine rack. ... Wall hanging. ... Jewelry organizer. ... Fabric organizer. ... Craft organizer. ... Book shelf.
Can I use a 40 year old crib?
Do not use cribs older than 10 years or broken or modified cribs. Infants can strangle to death if their bodies pass through gaps between loose components or broken slats while their heads remain entrapped.
Why can't you use an old crib?
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.
Is it safe to use a used crib?
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.
What can I use instead of a crib bumper?
Mesh crib liners are the most common crib bumper alternative that people make use of. These are safer for your baby than the normal solid crib liners. The mesh design allows air to flow through and this significantly reduces the risk of suffocation.
Are cribs without slats safe?
Most of the cribs sold in the USA are designed following the guidelines established by CPSC. So, a crib without slats or with slats is safe for a baby.
How do you turn a crib into a bench?
0:4010:04Turn Your Old Crib Into A Crib Bench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you'll cut the length of these down so that they're a little more narrow connect those to theseMoreSo you'll cut the length of these down so that they're a little more narrow connect those to these and then i simply build a kind of a frame box out of two by four for the seat to sit on uh.
How do you turn a crib into a dog crate?
See how easy and inexpensive it is to upcycle a baby's crib into a chic dog crate....Step 1: Cut Down the Legs. ... Step 2: Add Locking Mechanisms. ... Step 3: Remove Screws. ... Step 4: Close the Throw Bolts. ... Step 5: Add Handle.More items...•
How do you convert a crib?
StepsChoose 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.
What year did crib safety standards change?
On Dec. 28, 2010, the Commission issued new mandatory standards for full-size and non-full-size baby cribs as mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). The federal crib standards had not been updated in nearly 30 years and these new rules ushered in a safer generation of cribs.
How many years can you use a crib?
Crib safety While most kids can easily make the transition between 18 months and 3 1/2 years, it really depends on your child. If at all possible, try to wait until your child is closer to 3 years old to give them a chance to develop the maturity it takes to stay in a big bed at night.
Is there an expiry date on cribs?
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.
Is it safe to use a used crib?
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.
How To Check If Your Old Baby Crib Is Safe - Simply Baby Furniture
How To Check If Your Old Baby Crib Is Safe By Chantal Maddocks. Many parents enjoy keeping their baby cribs to save money on the next child, or passing it down as a family heirloom. But the truth of the matter is that your old crib is highly unlikely to meet the new requirements set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Baby Crib Safety Standards - Complete Guide for First Time Parents
Hence, it is even more important to pick a safe crib that is certified to meet the safety standards as per the federal regulations. If you are preparing for your baby and just added a crib to your registry , you must familiarize yourself with the latest crib safety standards to buy the best one.. Even if you purchase the least expensive crib that is certified to meet the minimum government ...
Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products | CPSC.gov
Bare is Best. 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.
Federal Register :: Review of the Safety Standards for Full-Size Baby ...
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission or CPSC) is conducting a review of the safety standards for full-size baby cribs and non-full-size baby cribs under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). That section requires the CPSC to review, within 10 years after their...
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.
What to use instead of blanket?
Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket.
Can a baby's head get trapped in a headboard?
No cutouts in the headboard or foot board so a baby's head cannot get trapped.
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.
Can you cut a baby's choking hazard?
there are no loose parts, wood or anything else than can become a choking hazard or cut your baby
Is it safe to use a drop side crib?
Although the drop-side crib recalls and new crib standards have been some what of a nightmare for parents, the new generation of baby cribs adhere to the safest standards in the world. Even if your old baby crib does not have a drop-side rail, you still can run into the following risks: mattress may be too soft and can become a suffocation hazard.
How to make sure your baby's crib is safe?
To ensure that your baby's crib is safe, you need to obtain a copy of the latest safety guidelines and make sure your hand-me-down is either up to current standards or that you can easily adapt to meet the necessary requirements. 3. Add More Slats.
How to prevent a baby from biting into a crib?
You can’t risk a baby’s finger becoming trapped in the hardware. You should also install a chew guard all around the top guards of the baby crib when you restore it. This can prevent a baby from biting into the wood.
How to make sure wood is smooth after stripping?
TIP: To be on the safe side, wear a respirator mask while applying the paint stripper and make sure the room has proper ventilation before starting work.
How to test if baby crib paint is lead?
Test for Lead. If the old baby crib is painted, you need to test the paint already on it. Buy a kit to test for the presence of lead in the paint. If there is lead in the existing paint, you can’t strip it and reuse it because the lead will be ingrained deep into the wood.
What does it mean to prepare for a new baby?
Preparing for a new baby, especially a first baby, means acquiring a crib. Many parents-to-be will find or inherit one that needs to be restored from friends or family. Since your crib will be holding special cargo, you will want to take precaution in the products you use in the restoration.
Is paint safe for babies?
Instead, you should contact the EPA or your local municipality to learn how to dispose of the baby crib properly. 2. Check Current Safety Guidelines. Safety guidelines for cribs are constantly changing and evolving.
Can you use an old mattress on a baby crib?
It’s important that the mattress you choose for your restored baby crib is a good fit, but you should never use an old mattress. Buy a new mattress that fits the frame. It needs to butt up against all the sides and should also have ties to keep it in place.
How to improve crib safety?
If you are a DIY-er and determined to get some more use out of that old crib, here are some things you could do to improve its safety: Install new hardware – If your crib has been taken apart and put back together multiple times, you may want to take a close look at the hardware.
What is the best way to keep a crib from dropping down?
If you have one of these cribs and still wish to use it, some manufacturers offer an immobilizer. This nifty piece will fit on the crib to keep the drop-side in place and prevent it from dropping down. Check your manufacturer’s site to see if this is an option for you.
How deep should a crib be?
Cribs should be deep enough so that your child cannot climb up and over the rails. CPSC requires that the top rails of a crib be 26 inches or more above the top of the mattress support when it is in its lowest position.
What are the rules for a baby crib?
Here is what they look for: Slats or spindles on cribs must be made with strong wood. This will prevent breakage.
How to tell if a crib is not recommended?
To determine whether your used crib is not recommended for use, start by checking if it has been recalled. To check for a recall, visit the crib manufacturer’s website and enter the crib model number. You can also visit the CPSC website to browse their Recalls and Product Safety News section.
How big should a crib slat be?
The slats on the walls of your baby’s crib are a safety hazard if they are not properly manufactured. Law requires these spaces to be less than 2 ⅜ inches. Don’t have a ruler handy? Use The Soda Can Trick to easily measure the slats:
When did the CPSC release the crib safety standards?
New products are being manufactured each year, so they must keep up with new technology and parents’ needs. In June 2011, CPSC released modern standards that crib manufacturers must uphold. Cribs sold in America any time after this date must adhere to these modern safety standards.
Why is my crib not working?
Hardware wears out or loosens, pieces go missing, or the crib is put together incorrectly, and all of these things can lead to a crib failure, particularly when it comes to drop-side cribs. If the drop-side breaks or loosens, it can create a gap where a baby can become entrapped. This style of the old crib can be particularly dangerous if it's moved and reassembled several times.
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.
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.
Is there a safety ban on drop side cribs?
If the older crib you were hoping to use is a drop-side crib, you should know about the warnings relate to the safety of this style of cribs. After more than twenty recalls (affecting more than 4 million cribs since 2007), CPSC created mandatory crib safety standards that included a ban on the manufacture of new drop-side cribs .
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 .
Is it safe to use a crib made before 1978?
Additionally, cribs made before 1978 may have a finish that contains lead which poses a significant health hazard. Use the following list of CPSC crib safety guidelines to decide whether your old crib is safe to use.
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.
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.
How to make a bookshelf with a crib rail?
All you need to do to make this simple bookshelf is turn a crib rail vertically and lean it against the wall. Voila! For more pictures, check out Makely .
Why did Amy anchor a crib rail to the wall?
Amy anchored a crib rail to the wall to store her collection of vintage sheets. For the complete tutorial, check out Gabriel’s Good Tidings .
What kind of frame did Holly use for her crib?
Holly used an old metal crib frame as cork board alternative. Adorable! Fore more pictures, check out Life as a Thrifter.
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 pick a crib for a baby?
But while you're thinking about colors, fabrics and overall look, don't forget to think about safety too. Opt for as new a model as possible that's up to the most recent and strictest safety standards established by the CPSC. Following the most up-to-date crib safety guidelines will not only help your baby sleep more safely — it will help you sleep more soundly.
What is the hardware needed for a crib?
The hardware is firmly secured. In a safe crib, the hardware — bolts, screws, etc. — should be firmly secured, with no sharp edges or rough areas and no spots that can pinch or otherwise injure your beautiful babe. The crib's wood should be free of cracks or splits.
How to know if a mattress is a good fit for a crib?
The mattress fits snugly inside. Make sure the mattress fits snugly against the inside of the crib. To ensure crib safety, try the two-finger test: If you can fit more than two fingers — Mom's, not Dad's if he has big hands — between the mattress and the crib, the mattress isn't a good fit. (The harder it is for you to make the bed, ...
How wide should a crib be?
The crib is the right size. The crib bars or slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches wide (about the width of a can of soda), and none of the bars should be cracked or missing. The top of the crib rail should be at least 26 inches from the top of the mattress.
Why should Moses baskets be avoided?
Wicker bassinets and Moses baskets should be avoided entirely because they have jagged parts that can cause splinters or other injuries and pieces that can break off and become choking hazards for babies.
Can you put a mattress in a bassinet?
using only the mattress that comes with or fits that specific model).
Do cribs have to meet CPSC standards?
All cribs manufactured since 2011 have been required to meet strict safety standards set by the CPSC. That said, it’s still a good idea to double-check that the crib you’re planning to buy ticks all the boxes.
