In the March issue of ShopSmart, put out by the publisher of Consumer Reports, experts analyzed used baby gear to determine “when you can gratefully say yes and when you should gracefully say no thanks.”  I am devoting several  posts to discussing their findings.  I’ve already written about baby bath tubs and car seats.

ShopSmart discusses secondhand cribs:

Safe: Any crib that was manufactured after the year 2000 should be fine, as long as it is not broken or missing any pieces.

Not Safe:  Prior to 2000, cribs were held to different safety standards, and will not be acceptable for your baby, even if you slept soundly in them. Any crib with cutouts in the headboard, and corner posts over sixteen inches pose serious risks for a child’s safety.


My sister, daughter, first cousin once removed, and I all slept in this crib (not at the same time!). 

Wow, I’ve got to say that I find this advice rather extreme.   I do think child safety is important, but it’s hard for me to think that every crib manufactured before the year 2000 needs to go straight to a landfill.  I used my own crib (from the seventies!) for my daughter.   It meets all the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, so I felt fine about using it.  Almost everyone I know with kids–which, admittedly, is not that many people–has a hand-me-down crib, too.  Are we just nuts?  Would you consider a used crib (if your baby slept in a crib)?

I have to say that using my old crib for my daughter worked for me and her.  For more Works for Me Wednesday ideas, go to We are THAT Family, the new WFMW host!