Buying a Used Crib Safely
A crib is where your baby sleeps unsupervised, so a used one needs careful checks. Here's a practical, safety-first checklist before you buy.
By IPF Editorial Team · Last updated 1 June 2026
Why cribs need a careful look
A crib is one of the few places your baby spends long stretches unsupervised, so its safety matters more than almost any other piece of nursery furniture. The good news is that a sturdy, well-made crib can be passed between families many times. The catch is that crib safety standards have changed over the years, and an older or damaged crib can carry risks that aren't obvious at a glance. A few minutes of checking before you buy makes all the difference.
Check the slat spacing
The gaps between crib slats should be narrow enough that a baby's head or body can't slip through or become trapped. The widely-accepted guidance is that slats should be no more than about 6 cm (roughly 2 3/8 inches) apart — a common rule of thumb is that a standard soft-drink can shouldn't be able to pass between them. Measure the spacing yourself rather than assuming, and check that no slats are loose, cracked or missing. A crib with wide, damaged or missing slats is not safe to use.
Avoid drop-side cribs
Older cribs with a side rail that slides up and down — "drop-side" cribs — are no longer considered safe and have been phased out, because the moving hardware can loosen or fail and create a dangerous gap. If the crib you're looking at has a drop-side mechanism, the safe choice is to not buy it, regardless of how good a deal it seems. Look for a crib with four fixed sides.
Check recalls and hardware
Search the brand and model together with "recall" before buying, and only proceed if any recall has a confirmed fix. Then inspect the hardware: all bolts, screws and brackets should be present, the right ones for that crib, and able to tighten firmly with no stripped threads or rust. Give the assembled frame a gentle shake — it should feel solid with no wobble or creak. Ask the seller whether they still have the original assembly instructions, which make safe reassembly far easier.
Check the mattress fit
A mattress that's too small leaves gaps where a baby can become trapped. The mattress should fit snugly against all four sides of the crib — the common guidance is that you shouldn't be able to fit more than about two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame. If you're buying the crib and mattress together, check the fit; if you're reusing a mattress with a different crib, measure both first. A firm, well-fitting mattress in good condition is part of safe sleep.
Inspect the paint and finish
Babies chew on crib rails, so the finish matters. Check that the paint or coating is intact, with no chips, peeling or flaking that a baby could put in their mouth. Be cautious with very old cribs whose finish you can't verify, as older paints may not meet today's safety expectations. Look over the wood for splinters, sharp edges or rough spots, and make sure there are no decorative cut-outs or protruding hardware where clothing could snag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should crib slats be?
Slats should be no more than about 6 cm (roughly 2 3/8 inches) apart so a baby can't slip through or get trapped — a common test is that a standard soft-drink can shouldn't fit between them. Measure the spacing yourself and check that no slats are loose, cracked or missing.
Are drop-side cribs safe to buy used?
No. Drop-side cribs are no longer considered safe and have been phased out because the moving hardware can loosen or fail. Choose a crib with four fixed sides instead.
How do I check a crib for recalls?
Search the brand and model name along with "recall". If the model has been recalled, only buy it if the seller can confirm the corrective fix was carried out.
How well should the crib mattress fit?
Snugly. The mattress should sit firmly against all four sides — as a guide, you shouldn't be able to fit more than about two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame. Gaps are a trapping hazard.
What should I check on a used crib's hardware and finish?
Make sure all bolts and brackets are present, correct and tighten firmly with no rust or stripped threads, and that the assembled frame feels solid with no wobble. Check the paint or finish is intact with no chips or peeling a baby could chew, and look for splinters, sharp edges or snag points.
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