Buying A — Used Crib

Never "wing it" with hardware from a local hardware store. Cribs require specific, high-strength bolts and brackets. If a screw is missing, you must be able to order the exact replacement from the original manufacturer.

Safety standards for cribs changed drastically on . On this date, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enacted much stricter requirements for crib structural integrity.

Never buy or accept a crib manufactured before June 2011. Even if it looks "brand new" or was barely used, it does not meet modern safety standards. You can usually find the manufacture date on a sticker or stamp on the mattress support or the inside of the headboard. 2. Say "No" to Drop-Sides buying a used crib

When buying used, you are often responsible for transporting and reassembling the crib. This is where things can get tricky.

Mattresses can harbor mold, bacteria, or bedbugs that aren't visible to the naked eye. Never "wing it" with hardware from a local hardware store

Additionally, check that every single slat is rock-solid. Give them a firm tug; they should not rotate, wiggle, or pop out. 4. Inspect the Hardware and Construction

Slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about 6 centimeters). Safety standards for cribs changed drastically on

If you do use a secondhand mattress, ensure there is no gap larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib walls. 6. Questions to Ask the Seller