Question about drop side cribs

[slimy72]

We have a drop side crib. It was on the recall list, I ordered the repair kit, and installed it. At the time all this happened I wasn't too worried, ds was 2 years old so we just took the side off, no big deal. DS still sleeps in it converted to a toddler bed. We're now looking at moving him to a twin bed. We're hoping to add to our family soon. I keep hearing that it's illegal to sell drop side cribs. What's the deal? I thought if you got the repair kit they were safe? But if it's not safe, I really don't want to use it. Can someone point me to some information on this? I mean why would they send out repair kits if that didn't make them safe. It's not immediately pressing as I'm not even pregnant, but I don't want to keep this crib sitting around here waiting if I'm not going to be able to use it with the next LO. So I'm at the cross roads of save it or throw it out.

[TaraR]

I don't think you can sell it even with the repair kit. I think it is something you can give away with full disclosure of the recall and repair kit but I don't think anyone is going to want it. I tgok my 10yr old drop side crib and traded it in at babies r us for the 25% coupon on a new one.

[slimy72]

Originally Posted by TaraR I don't think you can sell it even with the repair kit. I think it is something you can give away with full disclosure of the recall and repair kit but I don't think anyone is going to want it. I tgok my 10yr old drop side crib and traded it in at babies r us for the 25% coupon on a new one.

I really have no intention of selling it. If it's not safe enough for me to use than it's not safe for anyone else either. I'm just trying to figure out if it's safe to keep using. If it's not than thanks for the idea of the BRU trade in, great thought.

[TinyHineyDiapers]

I just went through the same thing. I ended up keeping it, for now at least. (I'm 2 years away from our next LO) I have the repair kit installed in it and only use it correctly so feel it is safe. A lot of the reason for the recall is because the cribs affected were not put to gether safely or correctly. I have 2 kids and went through 3 cribs because they kept recalling them. By the 3rd one (the one I still have) I gave up. I can't afford to keep replacing cribs because some parents can't use them the way they are intended and cause them to be recalled.

[stevensmom]

If I heard correctly...you can sell it w/ the repair kit until June or July of this year...then you will no longer be able to sell it.

As far as using it...I don't think the police are going to come knock on your door and ask if you have a dropside crib.

[mommyfrog]

http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2011/03...s-and-answers/ This answers many questions about drop side cribs.

[Sha-nanagins]

Originally Posted by mommyfrog http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2011/03...s-and-answers/ This answers many questions about drop side cribs.

Basic summary of this website: it's not just the drop side issue that's affected - the new cribs have to have stronger slats/rails and stronger mattress supports as well as eliminating the drop sides. If you already own a drop-side crib and want to keep using it in your home for your own child, you can, but you need to call the manufacturer and see if there is an "immobilizer" for your specific crib model (this "locks" the drop side in place so it doesn't move). If not, you can still use the crib, but must check it frequently to make sure all the hardware is secure and unbroken.

After June 28, you cannot sell, donate, or otherwise give away your old crib. If you are not using it for your own children, it must be disassembled and thrown away.

[slimy72]

Originally Posted by stevensmom If I heard correctly...you can sell it w/ the repair kit until June or July of this year...then you will no longer be able to sell it. As far as using it...I don't think the police are going to come knock on your door and ask if you have a dropside crib.

Good to know, as for the police comment, that made me But I'm really more worried about safety than legality.

Originally Posted by Sha-nanagins Basic summary of this website: it's not just the drop side issue that's affected - the new cribs have to have stronger slats/rails and stronger mattress supports as well as eliminating the drop sides. If you already own a drop-side crib and want to keep using it in your home for your own child, you can, but you need to call the manufacturer and see if there is an "immobilizer" for your specific crib model (this "locks" the drop side in place so it doesn't move). If not, you can still use the crib, but must check it frequently to make sure all the hardware is secure and unbroken. After June 28, you cannot sell, donate, or otherwise give away your old crib. If you are not using it for your own children, it must be disassembled and thrown away.

That all makes sense me. Thanks so much. Now that I have all the info dh and I can make an informed decision. When I goggled it all I got was info on the recall, not really the why or anything.

[jenbengtson]

I wish that I could get a new crib, or if the darn company would send me the repair kit...I have called 5 times and no one ever does any thing about it...and we can't afford a new crib right now....

[slimy72]

Originally Posted by jenbengtson I wish that I could get a new crib, or if the darn company would send me the repair kit...I have called 5 times and no one ever does any thing about it...and we can't afford a new crib right now....

That stinks, I called last summer when it first came out and had it here in two days. My SIL tried but the company that made hers went out of business and they sent you to a service to get the kit and after a month or so gave up and just bought a new crib.