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Baby and children's furniture is often passed down from parents or passed around between siblings or cousins. However, second-hand children's furniture may pose serious safety risks.
Q. My mom saved my old crib and is insisting that I use it for my baby. She says it's still in perfect condition and it would mean a lot to her if I used it. Is this safe?
A. Thank mom for thinking of you and your baby, but in this situation safety wins over sentimentality. Since the Consumer Products Safety Commission started in 1973, government-manufacturing standards for children's furniture have changed tremendously. These standards are established through vigorous product testing and affect everything from the design and construction of the furniture to the materials used (wood, paint, varnishes, hardware.) Chances are your old crib does not meet the current safety standards. Simply explain this to mom. Surely she'll agree that the best crib for her grandchild is a safe crib.
In addition to second-hand cribs, pediatricians and safety-experts strongly advise against the use of rocking cradles. Cribs with wheels should lock securely or be removed if they do not lock.
Q. My sister offered me the crib she used for her kids. It's only a few years old, so it's probably fine, right?
A. Although a crib is only a few years old, it may be unsafe due to normal wear and tear. Even if it was a good quality crib and appears to be in good condition, parts like screws, slats, spindles and rails may have loosened or weakened over time.
There is also a chance that the crib has been recalled. Of course, your sister wouldn't give you a crib she knew to be unsafe. But the truth is, most people simply aren't aware when a product they own has been recalled, especially if they are no longer using it. In fact, despite manufacturer recalls, there are still an estimated 25 million unsafe cribs out there today.
If you do decide to use a second-hand crib, please check to see if it was recalled at www.cpsc.gov. |
