Buying a used crib at a garage sale, in a thrift shop or from a neighbor is a great way to save some money on your baby's nursery. Cribs tend to be used fairly gently for only a few years, so you may be able to find a gorgeous crib that looks new for a fraction of the cost. Older cribs, and even newer ones that have been misused or not maintained well, can be a safety hazard, though. Before buying a used crib, check it over carefully to be sure the budget savings are not at the cost of safety. Be aware that crib safety standards may be changing soon - you may want to stick with stationary side cribs only for now.
Don't Buy A Pile Of Crib Pieces
Look at a used crib while it is set up, so you can check it over carefully. When the crib is dismantled, it's hard to see where all of the pieces go, or even if all of the important pieces are there! With the crib set up, you can give it a shake to test the sturdiness, check the caster wheels and give it a good visual inspection. Used cribs rarely come with a return policy, so protect your budget by making sure you see the crib fully set up before money changes hands.
Check Crib Safety Basics
All cribs sold in the U.S. are supposed to meet certain crib safety standards. Right now, those standards are voluntary, and sometimes mistakes happen. Check the crib slats to be sure there is no more than 2-3/8" space between them, which is about as wide as a soda can. Decorative cut-outs in the headboard and footboard also pose a safety hazard. If the crib has corner posts, they should not be higher than 1/16".
Check For Crib Recalls
Find the crib's manufacturer and model number, ahead of time if possible, and check for recalls. There are many reasons a crib might be recalled, anything from hardware that could break to a lead paint issue. Model numbers are often found on the inside bottom of the headboard or footboard, or on a mattress support rail. If the crib is recalled, that may not have to be a dealbreaker. Talk with the manufacturer and find out what the repair or replacement policy was for the recalled crib. The problem may be easily remedied.
Check For Missing Crib Parts & Pieces That Don't Work
With recent safety concerns over re-assembly of drop-side cribs, I don't recommend buying a used drop-side crib. If the crib has lots of moving parts, there are many chances for hardware error. Check to be sure all of the mattress supports on any crib are in place and that they aren't sagging or broken. Are all of the pieces there to allow you to move the mattress to a new height? Check the caster wheels to be sure they work, too, and be sure all other moving parts work and all hardware is in place or accounted for.Used Convertible Cribs
Many cribs today can be made into toddler beds, daybeds and even regular size headboards and beds to accommodate your child as he or she grows. If the used crib you're looking at is a convertible crib, check to see if the conversion kits are already there, and whether or not they are included in the price. If they were not included with the crib initially (some conversion kits are sold separately), contact the manufacturer to find out if the kits are still available, if the convertible aspect of the crib is important to you.Used Crib Mattresses
If the used crib includes a mattress, be sure that it fits properly in the crib. The mattress should be firm, the cover should be free of tears, and there should be no gaps around the edge when it is fitted inside the crib. It should sit level inside the crib and not shift around. Most crib mattresses have a waterproof cover, and some have a completely sealed cover, so you should be able to wipe down or spray the crib mattress with a mild disinfectant if you're concerned about its cleanliness. If you have any doubts about the mattress, it may be worth it to buy a new one. They can be found for less than $100.Check And Double Check Hardware And Moving Parts
New warnings from CPSC indicate that used drop-side cribs may be dangerous due to missing hardware, mis-assembly or simply because they aren't durable enough to withstand multiple owners. It's possible that these issues may even lead to a ban on manufacturing new drop-side cribs. If you're looking for a used crib, steer clear of drop-side cribs until more information is available. If you do purchase a used drop-side crib, be absolutely sure to check for recalls, make sure you have all of the hardware and assembly instructions, and check all hardware periodically to be sure it still works properly.
