Are Old Cribs Illegal? What Parents Need to Know in 2025
Crib Safety Checker
Check if your crib meets 2025 safety standards according to Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and Health Canada guidelines. Enter your crib's measurements and check compliance status.
Legal Crib Standards
Slat spacing ≤ 6 cm
Mattress height ≤ 6 cm above rail
CSA or CPSC certification required
No recall history
Common Violations
Slat spacing > 6 cm
Mattress height > 6 cm
Missing safety certification
On recall list
Enter your crib measurements and check the results.
When you find a vintage crib at a garage sale or inherit one from relatives, the first question is often, “Can I still use it?” In 2025 the short answer is: it depends on whether the crib meets today’s safety standards. If the design violates current rules, it can be considered illegal to sell or rent, and using it could expose you to liability if an injury occurs.
Quick Takeaways
- Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) applies to all cribs sold or rented after 2010.
- Key illegal features include slat spacing over 6cm, mattress height above the recommended level, and missing safety certifications.
- Even if a crib passes basic checks, provincial child‑protection agencies can deem it unsafe for use in day‑care settings.
- Replace or retrofit a non‑compliant crib; you won’t be penalized for owning an older model as long as it’s not used for profit.
- Keep records of inspections and receipts; they help if questions arise from authorities or insurers.
How Regulations Define a Legal Crib
Old crib is a piece of nursery furniture that was manufactured before the most recent safety standards were introduced. In Canada, the governing document is the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), which references the Health Canada Technical Standard for Infant Sleep Surfaces (HS‑236). The United States follows a similar framework under the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines.
Both agencies require that cribs sold, rented, or advertised after January12010 meet the following baseline criteria:
- Slat spacing no greater than 6cm (2½inches).
- Side rail height at least 5cm (2inches) above the mattress.
- Mattress thickness no more than 6cm (2½inches).
- All hardware must be securely fastened and free of sharp edges.
- A valid certification label (e.g., CSA or CPSC) indicating compliance with the current standard.
Cribs that were manufactured before these rules can still be sold as “vintage”but only if the seller clearly states that the item does not meet modern safety criteria and is not intended for infant use.
Key Features That Can Make a Crib Illegal
Below are the most common reasons a crib is deemed illegal for new sales or rental:
- Excessive slat gaps: Older models often have 1inch (2.5cm) spacing, which can trap a baby’s head or limbs.
- Adjustable mattress bars that allow the mattress to be set too high, increasing the risk of falls.
- Non‑metallic slats such as wood that can split under weight.
- Missing safety labels: No CSA or CPSC certification means the manufacturer never had the product tested to current standards.
- Recall history: Cribs that appeared on Health Canada or CPSC recall lists (e.g., certain Fisher‑Price and DaVinci models) are prohibited from resale.
Checking Your Crib’s Compliance
Before you decide to keep or discard a family heirloom, run through this checklist. It mirrors the requirement list above and adds a few practical tests you can do at home.
| Feature | Old Crib (Pre‑2010) | Modern Crib (Post‑2010) |
|---|---|---|
| Slat spacing | Often >6cm | ≤6cm, measured with a ruler |
| Mattress height | Adjustable to 4inches above the side rail | Maximum 6cm (2½inches) from rail |
| Safety certification | Rarely present | CSA or CPSC label required |
| Hardware integrity | Wood screws may loosen | Metal fasteners, tamper‑proof |
| Recall status | Check model number on Health Canada database | Usually cleared before market release |
If any of the “Old Crib” columns apply to your unit, you have a strong indication that the piece is non‑compliant.
What to Do If Your Crib Fails the Test
Finding a violation isn’t the end of the road. Here are practical steps you can take:
- Retrofit: Install approved slat spacers, replace broken hardware with metal brackets, and use a certified infant mattress that meets the 6cm thickness rule.
- Sell as non‑infant furniture: If you’re set on keeping the vintage look, market it as a decorative piece for toddlers over 2years, a reading nook, or a pet bed.
- Donate to a museum or collector: Some heritage museums accept safely stored antique cribs for display only.
- Replace: A modern, certified crib typically costs between $150 and $400 CAD in 2025. Look for sales during major holidays; many retailers offer a “baby safety guarantee” that includes free inspection.
Remember, you’re not breaking the law by owning a non‑compliant crib, but you could be violating the CPSA if you sell it as a safe infant product.
Legal Consequences and Enforcement
Enforcement is generally focused on manufacturers and retailers. Health Canada can issue a stop‑sale order, seize inventory, and levy fines up to$1million CAD for repeat offenders. For private owners, the risk lies in civil liability: if a child is injured because a known non‑compliant crib was used, insurance companies may deny claims, and you could face a negligence lawsuit.
Provincial child‑protective services may also inspect daycare facilities. In British Columbia, the Office of the Children’s Advocate has the authority to require removal of any crib that does not meet current safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a safety label on a crib that’s been in my family for decades?
A label isn’t required for a privately owned heirloom, but without it you can’t prove the crib meets modern standards. If you plan to sell or rent the crib, the lack of a label makes the transaction illegal under the CPSA.
Can I use an old crib for a toddler over two years old?
Yes, as long as the child can safely climb out and the crib is sturdy enough for a larger body weight. You should still check for broken slats, sharp edges, and stable hardware.
What’s the difference between a crib and a cradle in legal terms?
Cradles are designed for newborns and usually have very shallow sides. In Canada, they fall under the same safety standard as cribs, but the allowable slat spacing can be slightly larger because the infant doesn’t roll over yet. However, most modern cradles now meet the same 6cm slat rule.
How do I check if a specific crib model was recalled?
Visit the Health Canada recall database and enter the model number. The CPSC website offers a similar search for U.S. products. If the recall was issued for a safety defect, you must stop using the crib immediately.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover injuries from an old crib?
Insurance policies often include a clause that excludes coverage for injuries caused by known safety violations. If you can show you performed a compliance check and made necessary upgrades, the claim is more likely to be honored.
Bottom line: old cribs illegal to sell or rent if they don’t meet today’s safety standards, but owning one isn’t a crime. Use the checklist, retrofit where possible, and keep documentation. That way you protect your child, stay clear of legal trouble, and still enjoy that vintage charm.