Post # 1
Member
339 posts
Helper bee
I plan to buy a new crib mattress/bedding but was thinking about a used crib. I’ve been doing a bit of research and I’d love to get some thoughts/opinions on a few things that have been on my mind:
- I am looking at buying a used Pottery Barn crib which was drop-side but includes a fixed gate conversion kit that was issued following a recall. Would you buy one with the fixed gate conversion kit, or would you only consider fixed cribs?
- Any other safety factors you’d consider when looking at a used crib?
Post # 3
Member
1285 posts
Bumble bee
I love the idea of buying used, especially for baby. Just keep in mind that to sell something used, it doesn’t have to follow recalls, so be diligent about checking for any recalls on the specific model of crib before you buy.
Post # 4
Member
1721 posts
Bumble bee
Just remember that cribs must not have drop down sides. 🙂 They are illegal.
Post # 5
Member
3106 posts
Sugar bee
@RunningGal: Crib and carseat are the two items I would absolutely buy brand new.
Post # 6
Member
664 posts
Busy bee
I bought a used crib. I think as long as it has the conversion kit to make it safe then there’s no problem.
Post # 7
Member
1470 posts
Bumble bee
I would buy a used crib with the conversion kit to make it not drop-sided. Otherwise, make sure the space between slats follows current regulations. Otherwise, I think you’re safe.
Post # 8
Member
971 posts
Busy bee
Ok forgive my ingnorance…but I’ve been doing some googling after reading this thread and I am confused…
What exactly is a drop down side crib?
And if they are illegal…how do short people (like myself) get a baby in a crib without well for lack of a better word dropping it from as low as you can reach.
I assuming I’m missing something but I am confused.
Post # 9
Member
6884 posts
Busy Beekeeper
I bought a used crib and have had no issues whatever with it. I couldn’t justify paying 500 + dollars for a crib.
Post # 10
Member
1178 posts
Bumble bee
@ames12708: the side of the crib that you put the baby in used to be able to drop down for us short people, they made those illegal becaues toddlers were able to get them down and they became unsafe. Now the crib has to stay up on all sides…. But the mattress has 3-4 levels so with a newborn you barely bend over. They also offer cribs that have kind of a slope on the front side of the crib so you can bend over it easier. If you are VERY short you may need a step stool… lol but i think that is highly doubtful. But you will want to look at the crib youre getting and perhaps stay away from cribs that have a straight front side and look for one that slopes down slightly.
Post # 11
Member
339 posts
Helper bee
It’s good hearing other people’s opinions and I appreciate all the insights.
I hadn’t considered whether this crib wouldn’t have the different levels of mattress settings because it had been a drop-side one before so maybe it doesn’t. That’s something I will definitely want to investigate because I’m not that tall at 5″3
Post # 12
Member
4354 posts
Honey bee
I would buy a used crib as long as it had all stickers with it that way you can use the model and serial number to contact the manufacturer and double check for recalls. I agree with buying your own mattress and linens though.
I think personally, the only thing I would absolutely never buy secondhand is a carseat.
Post # 13
Member
664 posts
Busy bee
Mine’s a converted drop-down and it has 3 levels for the mattress. I think that most do whether or not they used to be drop-downs. You’re probably fine.
Post # 14
Member
971 posts
Busy bee
@RunningGal: Sorry I thread jacked a little…personally I am planning to find a discounted or used crib I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as you feel comfortable with it.
Post # 15
Member
3625 posts
Sugar bee
I personally would not be against a used crib, but it would definitely depend on the age of the crib. Safety standards change and new/newer cribs are more likely to comply than older cribs. In addition, depending on the cost of the used crib, you may be able to get a cheap, but new, one for the same price. For example, an Ikea crib, which meets both current US and EU safety standards can be purchased for around $100 which is definitely less than your average crib. It can also be converted into a toddler bed easily without shelling extra money for a conversion kit. Since you mentioned you were short, the Ikea crib has two heights for the mattress.
Post # 16
Member
1966 posts
Buzzing bee
Technically we’re planning on using a used crib since it was dd. She’s 4 so it’s not that old, we’re planning on painting & replacing the screws to make sure its nice & secure. If I was going to buy a used crib or get one from a friend I’d look into how old it was. The condition & do some research on quality & how well they hold up.