Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's list of recalls to ensure the one you're considering isn't on the list.Ĭribs, bassinets, and cradles are often for sale at used furniture stores, flea markets, consignment shops, and thrift stores at a fraction of the price you'd pay for new. Only use rocking models, including heirloom cradles, while your child is supervised, and check any vintage bassinet or cradle for the same hazards as cribs.įor more safety notes, see our guides on the best cribs and bassinets or cradles. Older cribs are also more likely to have lead paint or decorations that pose strangling or choking hazards.Īlso avoid cribs with drop sides (which have been illegal to sell since 2011, but are still in circulation), mattresses that don't fit snugly, crib bumpers, and crib slats that are wide enough to pass a can of soda through.īe sure to carefully evaluate any used bassinets and cradles, too. Be especially wary of cribs made before 1974, when federal crib-safety standards outlawed designs that could allow a child to fall or get stuck between the slats or against the mattress. Always let the seat and all its parts air-dry outside if possible to remove any odors. If the harnesses and straps are removable, unstring them and lay flat for more meticulous cleaning. Wipe them down first with slightly soapy water, then with clean water to remove the soap. Don't put harnesses and straps in the washing machine or dryer. Seat covers usually come off wash by hand or in the machine using the cold/gentle cycle, then let drip-dry. Clean thoroughly with a soft cloth and a few drops of dish soap mixed in a couple cups of warm water, then rinse with water. If you get a secondhand car seat, do so only from someone you trust completely.Ĭarefully inspect the seat and read the product manual (most are available online) before accepting it. Also check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's list of recalls to make sure the one you're considering hasn't been recalled. ![]() If you're offered a secondhand seat you feel confident about, be aware of certain defects to check for – see our buying guides on infant car seats, convertible car seats, and booster seats for important safety notes. That's why car seats come with expiration dates. Plastic parts and fabric belts break down. Even if the seat is accident-free, it may have been sitting in a car for years, baking in the summer and freezing in the winter. ![]() A used seat may look perfectly fine, but there's always a chance it's been in a car accident, which can compromise performance.
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