Would you use a homemade crib from the 80s?

Question

I am a First time mom and my mother in law mailed me a crib (must have cost a fortune to ship) that was handmade by my husband’s grandfather when he was a baby. My MIL wants us to use the crib bc my husband and his brother and cousins used it when they were babies in the 80s. I am worried about the safety of it.. I don’t know anything about cribs bc I’m only 3 months pregnant but aren’t cribs safety rated? Is it safe to use a handmade crib? Would u be comfortable using that?

Answer

Yes they are safety rated and regulated. The bars have to be a certain distance apart, the rails can't go up and down, no wheels... and more. You can find it on the internet. I am sure the regulations are different by country. With that being said, I am currently using a crib that my grandfather made in the early 80s. All my cousins and sister and I used it and now my son is. BUT it is not the 'same' crib as it was. My husband had to do some work on it to bring it up to the proper safety regulations of today. So if you have someone handy you can fix it up, if needed, it may be much cheaper than purchasing a new one and it does hold sentimental value. Totally up to you and how you feel.

Answer

Call me lazy, but I would not bother with it. I’d rather stick with something that has been measured for safety. I’d hate for someone to lose money over it, but it’s kind of crazy to assume someone would want a crib that almost 30 years old without discussing it first.

Answer

Personally I would do some crazy research. Measure the open space in between the rails and compare it to the regulations for this year! I’m not sure the style or what not of this crib but maybe you can add new pieces to it?

Answer

The safety of your child is not worth someone's feelings getting hurt. Buy a crib and tell her someone surprised you with it or... tell her the truth. Even if it was up to standards (I doubt it), I can't imagine the paint lasting that long. Babies chew on EVERYTHING. Just the thought of my baby eating 30 yo paint makes me gag! Tell her it's just too much to have it re-done. If that didn't work, you best believe the crib would have some unfortunate accident and "break" before the baby came lol

Answer

I would definitely see if it follows updated safety guidelines, but if not find another use for it! See if maybe they wouldn’t mind you DIYing it into something else! Here’s some ideas from Pinterest:

Answer

Use it! What a thoughtful gesture ❤️ my husband’s grandfather made our rocking chair when he was a baby

Answer

My MIL had a 30 year old wooden bassinet/cradle that her grandad made for her dolls and stuffed animals when she was young. Apparently, she had my hubby in it for a bit when he was born. She gifted it to us when she found out about the pregnancy. She bought a special mattress and sheets for it and everything... So I feel bad that I don’t feel comfortable using it for our baby to actually sleep in! I just don’t trust it, being an antique and all, and having solid wood sides (not very breathable!)... add to that the fact that it wasn’t initially intended for a baby to sleep in, and the fact that it surely doesn’t live up to modern crib safety standards, and I just cannot have my baby use it! We’ll still be using it to store her stuffed animals and dolls, but I haven’t yet had the heart to tell my MIL that we don’t plan to have the baby actually sleep in it... But I suppose it’ll eventually come up when she comes to visit after the birth and sees a Halo bassinet at our bedside instead of the antique cradle!

Answer

I would just use it. 
All these super strict (and ofter weird) safety ‘rules’ is what we say: ‘only in America’
I guess if you set it up you’ll notice it when it would not be strong enough but it’s probably just fine and a nice background story.
I’m using my 30y old crib and the dressing table my granddad used to lie on when we was a baby! 
My mom is just painting them.

Answer

I wouldn’t use it. Cribs were made differently back then. They’re much safer now. And in case it has a drop down front: I’d Definitely not use it. Those things are outlawed because they’re not safe.

Answer

Cribs are safety rated, and I’d only use it if it was sturdy and met the quality and safety standards in place today.

Would you use a homemade crib from the 80s?

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