So I grew up as the oldest of five children. I was 8 and almost 10 when my younger brothers were born, so I helped a lot with getting babies (and toddlers) in and out of the crib. This wouldn't have been possible had my mom not had drop side cribs. The babies couldn't fall out, but we could let the side down so we could get them out safely since we were too short to reach over the side. I understand why they got banned, but miss the idea.

In looking up information about why drop sides were banned I came across something that suggested the drop gate cribs as an alternative. The problem is they seem few and far between and not nearly as popular as the drop sides were (although I can't figure out why). Does anyone here have experience with one of these cribs and can give me pros and cons before I purchase one? My husband and I would like to have a larger family, so I really like the idea of the older kids being able to help out like I did. TIA

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