Although beautiful to look at, antique iron cribs, present a serious problem regarding their use today. Unlike antique iron beds that have become more and more popular over time, for many reasons……..antique iron cribs have become less and less popular because of todays serious safety standards they don’t meet. The decrease in SID’s over the years is due to more and more safety standards regarding furniture and toys that newborns and young children have access to.
One of the glaring problems with the use of cribs, with new borns is the width of the spokes……. Todays standards state..No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby’s body cannot fit through the slats. Also…No corner posts over 1/16th inch high so a baby’s clothing cannot catch. Another issue is, a crib should never have a drop-side rail: The side rails should not be able to move. Most old iron cribs have metal latches that hold the side’s in the upright position. Regrettably these latches are famous for malfunctioning an allowing the side to, without warning, drop to the floor and potentially injuring a child’s small arms legs or head.
So if you’re not able to use the old crib from your grandmother thats been in the family for a number of generations……what do you do with it…….throw it away ? Of course not. Take a look at the attached photo. More and more of my clients over the years that realized the potential hazards involved in antique iron cribs being used today, have turned to using them as small settees or couches. One of the side panels, that is put in its upright position, is a great means of support for lots of pillows.
You can still enjoy and use your Grandmothers old crib………..just not for your newborn.
Hope this blog has been interesting and informative. Also hope you’ll take the time to circle back around to our website to see all the things we have to offer when it comes to antique iron beds.
