So, new crib or used crib? Well, you should carefully consider the advantages of buying a new crib because of the following reasons:
Safety experts recommend that you don’t use second hand products for your baby. New cribs are almost always safer than used ones. This is true for several reasons.
- Cribs are continually being redesigned to improve their safety features, both as a result of changes in the Federal Government safety standards, and as a result of improvements made independently by manufacturers. A new crib will ensure optimal safety for your baby.
- Older cribs may have been stored in poor climatic conditions such as in attics or garages, where temperatures can reach cold and hot extremes. Wood furniture cannot withstand this type of temperature change without risk of damage to its joints. Ask how and where the crib has been stored, and look closely to ensure tight fitting, well operating, and solid parts.
- Older cribs may have been repaired or modified by a previous owner in a way that makes them less safe than they were originally. As obvious as it sounds, in inspecting a used crib for use by your baby, always err on the side of safety.
- Older cribs may simply be worn out. With long use, joints can come loose, wood parts can become cracked or splintered, and metal or plastic parts can break or bend out of shape.
Finally, if you must use an old crib, have a professional check it out carefully to ensure that it meets all the current safety standards. Never use a crib that was manufactured before 1990. Never use a crib if you can’t identify the manufacturer as well as the model number and date of manufacture.