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  1. #1
    kathsmom is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
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    Default Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    Hi, everyone! We have a 6 year old Delta Luv crib and Kolcraft coil spring mattress. Neither have been recalled (at least I didn't see any at the cpsc.gov website). They have been stored in our attic for the last 5 years (I live in Atlanta, GA, so it gets quite hot here!). Any advice from Alan and Denise or any other posters would greatly be appreciated.

    Toni - mom to Katherine (5/19/96) and baby boy on the way (9/30/02)

  2. #2
    penny31 Guest

    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    Hi there!
    I know you aren't supposed to use an "old" crib, but we are going to use one that is 16 years old - It went through both of my step-daughters and both of their cousins. I checked it out pretty thoroughly. It was a really nice one and seems really sturdy. I did decide to chuck the mattress and get a new one - ours had been stored in our basement and I was worried about the mold, etc.... Plus, I wouldn't mind using a used bedframe for myself, but wouldn't want to sleep on a used mattress, so...
    I know there is a place on the internet to check what the current crib safety standards are (b/c I looked at it when considering this crib), but I can't remember what is is... I know some of the standards were that the slats should be very secure and should be no more than 2 3/8" apart (you shouldn't be able to put a soda can between them), they shouldn't have any posts that stick up that the baby could get caught on (when standing) and they need to have at least 2 positions, so you can lower it when the baby is standing. Also the mattress should fit snugly in the crib (you shouldn't be able to fit more than 2 fingers between the mattress and sides.).
    Best wishes!
    Penny
    edd November 3. (girl)

  3. #3
    ct Guest

    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    I would check out the mattress to see if it has any warranty of any type. I had a Sealy (made by Kolcraft) mattress that was 2 years old and was beginning to crack on the surface. I sent them an email (at Kolcraft's website) about it since the label on the mattress said 'lifetime warranty'. They responded very quickly that all I needed to do was send them the label off the mattress and the law tags and they would send a new mattress right out. I got the mattress less than a week after mailing them the required tags/labels. Granted I'm a little disappointed in the quality of the mattress since it started cracking so soon (and DD is not an active sleeper or a crib jumper) however, I was very impressed with their warranty and customer service. Worth a try if the mattress is warrantied and there are any problems with it. Best wishes...

    ct


  4. #4
    penny31 Guest

    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    I just found this info:

    The Safe Nursery: Choosing a Safe Crib, Bassinet or Cradle


    If You're Buying a New Full-Size Crib
    1.
    Corner posts should not extend more than 1/16 inch (1 1/2 mm) above the top of the end panel. Corner posts can be catchpoints for items placed around a child's neck or clothing worn by the child.


    2. Mattress support hangers should be secured by bolts or closed hooks. All crib hardware should be securely tightened and checked frequently.

    3. Bumper pads, if used, should (a) fit around the entire crib, (b) tie or snap into place, and (c) have straps or ties at least in each corner, in the middle of each long side, and on both the top and the bottom edges. To prevent your baby from becoming entangled in the ties, trim off excess length after tying. Use the bumpers until the baby can pull up to a standing position, then remove them so that the baby will not use them to try to climb out of the crib.

    4. Remove and destroy all plastic wrapping materials. Never use plastic bags as mattress covers. The plastic film may cling to a baby's face and cause suffocation.

    If You Already Have a Crib
    1. CPSC discourages the use of used cribs. Use a crib that meets Federal safety regulations and industry voluntary standards (ASTM) and make sure it has a tight fitting mattress. Check the labeling on these products to make sure they meet safety requirements.

    2. Check the crib and replace any missing parts, such as screws, bolts or mattress support hangers, before placing your child in it. Make sure all screws or bolts are securely tightened. Any screw inserted into a wood component that cannot be tightened securely should be replaced by one that fits. On cribs where the mattress support is suspended by hangers attached to hooks on the end panels, check frequently to be sure they have not become disconnected. Never use a crib with broken or missing parts

    3. Use a mattress that fits tightly. If you can fit more than two fingers between the edge of the mattress and crib side, the mattress is too small. An infant can suffocate if its head or body becomes wedged between the mattress and the crib sides.

    4. Avoid older cribs with headboard and footboard designs that may allow an infant's head to become caught in the openings between the corner post and the top rail, or in other openings in the top edge of the headboard structure. These openings may lead to strangulation.

    5. Corner posts should be less than 1/16 inches high. (1-1/2 mm) unless the crib has a canopy. Do not use a crib that has decorative knobs on corner posts. If you already have a crib with such knobs, the knobs should be unscrewed or sawed off flush with the headboard or footboard. Sand off splinters and sharp corners.

    6. Never use a crib that has loose or missing slats. Be sure that all slats are securely fastened in place and the space between slats is no more than 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) to avoid head entrapment/strangulation.

    7. If you paint or refinish the crib, use only high quality household lead-free enamel paint and let it dry thoroughly so there are no residual fumes. Check the label on the paint can to make sure the manufacturer does not recommend against using the paint on items such as cribs.

    Some Safety Tips
    1. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and prevent suffocation, put your baby to sleep on his/her back in a crib on a firm, flat mattress. Make sure there is no soft bedding underneath your baby.

    2. Temporary beds: Never place your infant to sleep on an adult bed, water bed, or bunk bed. Infants up to 18 months can suffocate in their sleep when their bodies or faces become wedged between the mattress and bed frame or the mattress and wall

    3. Never put a crib, child bed, or furniture near window blinds or drapery. Children can strangle on window cords or can fall through screens. If local fire codes permit window guards, install them. Make sure that all drapery or window blind cords are out of the child's reach. CPSC has received numerous reports of strangulation deaths on window blind cords over the years. To keep cords out of reach of children, use these devices: clamp or clothes pin, tie the cord to itself, tie-down device, or take the cord loop and cut it in half to make two separate cords.

    4. Never use strings to hang any object, such as a mobile or a toy or a diaper bag, on or near the crib where a child could become caught in it and strangle. If you have toys with cords or elastic for hanging, cut the strings/cords off.

    5. To prevent strangulation, NEVER tie pacifiers/teethers around your child's neck. Remove bibs and necklaces whenever you put your baby in crib or playpen.

    6. Always lock the side rail in its raised position whenever you place your child in the crib. As soon as your child can stand up, adjust the mattress to its lowest position and remove the bumper pads. Also, remove any large toys-an active toddler will use anything for climbing out of the crib

    7. When your child reaches 35 inches (890 mm) in height, he/she has outgrown the crib and should sleep in a bed.

    8. Never use plastic bags as mattress covers. The plastic film may cause suffocation.

    9.
    Check all crib hardware; tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws frequently. After a crib is moved, be sure all mattress support hangers are secure. Check hooks regularly to be sure none are broken or bent. Open hooks may allow the mattress to fall.


    10.
    Secure bumper pads around the entire crib and snap or tie in place at least in each corner, in the middle of each long side, and on both the top and the bottom edges. Cut off any excess string length.


    Checklist for Crib Toys
    Crib gyms and other toys that stretch across the crib with strings, cords or ribbons can be a hazard for older or more active babies. The Commission knows of cases in which infants strangled or became entangled in crib gyms or other toys stretched across their cribs.



    Make sure that crib gyms are installed securely at both ends so they cannot be pulled down into the crib.

    Make sure that you remove crib gyms and mobiles from the crib when your baby is 5 months old or begins to push up on hands and knees.


    Mobiles and any other toys that hang over a crib or playpen should be out of reach of a child.


    Do not use crib toys with catch points that can hook clothing

    If You Are Buying a Bassinet or Cradle
    The most frequent injury associated with bassinets and cradles involves children falling either when the bottom of the bassinet or cradle breaks or when it tips over or collapses. Suffocation has also been reported in products that are not structurally sound or when pillows or folded quilts were under baby.

    1. Look for one with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base.

    2. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the appropriate weight and size of babies who can safely use the bassinet or cradle.

    3. Check to make sure that spaces between spindles are no larger than 2-3/8 in. (60 mm).

    Some Safety Tips
    1. Check screws and bolts periodically to see if they are tight.

    2. If the product has legs that fold for storage, make sure that effective locks are provided to ensure that the legs do not accidentally fold while in use.

    3. Mattresses and padding should fit snugly and be firm and smooth. Never use pillows.

    4. Decorative bows and ribbons should be trimmed short and stitched securely to prevent strangulation.

    5. Swinging cradles should have a way to keep them from swinging once a baby is asleep

    About this article: This material was prepared by The Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Commission has several ways to keep you informed. The Commission publishes Safety Alerts and recall notices, has a Hotline service (1-800-638-2772, TTY: 1-800-638-8270) and has a Website page (www.cpsc.gov).



  5. #5
    kathsmom is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
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    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    Penny31 and CT,

    Thank you so much for the information. I have measured the slats and they are less than 2 3/8" apart. The headboard and footboard are curved with no posts. I just hope we have all the parts! The only part of any concern is what I read in the Baby Bargains book - Delta uses a board for its mattress support, not a spring. The Fields said that a spring would be better. We had no problem with the board support with DD, so hopefully, we won't with our new baby!

    I may go ahead and get a new mattress (but don't tell my husband! He's already upset that we had to get a new stroller and have to buy a new car seat!). Our mattress has a 10 year warranty, but like I said in my earlier post, it has been in the attic and the vinyl cover looks a little yucky.

    I am just concerned with all the changes made in the baby industry that I will miss something and put our new baby in danger unknowingly. A lot has changed since my daughter was born 6 years ago!!

    Thanks so much for all the helpful information and suggestions!

    Toni

  6. #6
    ct Guest

    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    Hi Toni! I would still contact Kolcraft about the mattress since it is within the warranty period. I got their email address from their website. They don't ask to see the mattress, only to have you send in the label and the law tags from it. Besides - I'll bet if you look closely you could find some rips in it or something that would put the warranty into effect. Worth a try since it'll save you about $100 (won't your husband love that!!) if it works. Since our second is due in Nov. I have been going through all my baby stuff and checking if there are warranties to get it all fixed prior to baby coming home (and evaluating what needs to be purchased) so I feel for you. It's almost easier the first time around when you know you just have to buy it all :D!! Best wishes...

    ct


  7. #7
    kathsmom is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
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    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    CT,

    Thanks for the information about how you are going through your stuff before your second one comes. I have friends and family who have loaned me a high chair, swing, exersaucer, etc. I have been checking those things for recalls and/or damages. I went into the attic 2 days ago (which is stupid of me since I am now the clumsiest person on earth right now!). We got down the crib, mattress, clothes, etc. It's amazing what the heat of an attic (along with bugs!) can do to stuff. Everything looked fine with a little washing, except the mattress. The cover is yuck and the coils don't look like they are laying flat. I'll have to see if that's the case once we get the crib up. My husband would LOVE to get something replaced for free!!
    Thanks for the advice!

    Good luck with your new baby!

    Toni

  8. #8
    Melanie is offline Red Diamond level (10,000+ posts)
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    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    We have a 9 year old Delta Crib that we "use" (okay, it sits in his room, he hates it). I had to replace the locks and the teething rails. If you call Delta you can order these things over the phone. Mine actually was missing the model number so I took photos and emailed them to someone who identified which it was so I would get the correct parts.

    I wonder if the lack of springiness has to do with Ds' dislike, the firmness of the mattress or it's just the overall "caged" feeling he hates. He sleeps fine on our bed, even alone. Anyway, good luck!


    Mommy to Jonah
    Boy - 10 years, Girl - 6 Years Old!, (What am I still doing here?! LOL) Dog - Eternal Puppy , Me - Done .

  9. #9
    kathsmom is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
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    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    Melanie,

    Thanks for letting me know about Delta and their customer service. We are hopefully going to get the crib put together this weekend. That way, if we don't have the parts, we can call Delta and get them before the baby comes. I am glad to know that your Delta crib is holding up. I am so sorry that your DS does not like the crib. Are you going to try to put him in a toddler bed? Our Delta crib has a removable side to make a toddler "daybed". DD did not do too well with that - she kept rolling out of the bed. She got our old queen size bed when she was almost 2 years old and we have had no problems with her rolling off.

    Thanks again!

    Toni - mom to Katherine and baby boy on the way

  10. #10
    Melanie is offline Red Diamond level (10,000+ posts)
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    Default RE: Should I use a 6 year old crib and mattress?

    I'm not sure what we're going to do. I don't think ours is designed to be a toddler bed, though. His daddy wants to get him a race car bed. ;)


    Mommy to Jonah
    Boy - 10 years, Girl - 6 Years Old!, (What am I still doing here?! LOL) Dog - Eternal Puppy , Me - Done .

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