Old Cribs Illegal: What Parents Need to Know About Safe Baby Sleep

When it comes to baby sleep, old cribs, used infant beds often passed down through families or bought secondhand. Also known as hand-me-down cribs, they may look sturdy—but many are illegal to sell or use in the UK and US today because they fail modern safety rules. The problem isn’t just wear and tear. It’s design. Older cribs often have drop-side rails that can detach, slats spaced too far apart, or finishes with lead paint—all things that have led to serious injuries and deaths.

Since 2011, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission banned drop-side cribs entirely, and the UK followed with strict guidelines under BS EN 716. Even if a crib looks fine, if it was made before 2011, it likely doesn’t meet current standards. Crib safety, the set of design and material rules that protect infants from suffocation, entrapment, and falls. It’s not optional. A nursery hazard, any object or feature in a baby’s sleeping area that increases risk of harm. can be something as simple as a broken slat or a loose mattress. You don’t need to buy the most expensive crib—just one that’s new, certified, and built to today’s standards.

Many parents think, "It worked for me, it’ll work for my baby." But safety standards changed because babies got hurt. In 2007 alone, over 100 infant deaths were linked to faulty cribs. Today, the safest cribs have fixed sides, slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and a firm, snug-fitting mattress. No bumper pads. No pillows. No soft bedding. These aren’t suggestions—they’re life-saving rules backed by pediatricians and safety groups.

If you’re using a crib from your parents’ basement or found one at a garage sale, check the manufacturer’s label. Look for the date and certification code. If it’s missing or says "meets ASTM F1169-10" or older, it’s outdated. Even if it’s wooden and looks perfect, the internal hardware might be worn. A crib that wobbles when you shake it? Throw it out. A mattress that doesn’t fit tightly? Replace it. You’re not being overly cautious—you’re being smart.

There’s no need to spend hundreds. Look for cribs with the British Standard mark (BS EN 716) or the US CPSC certification. Many affordable, safe options exist. What matters isn’t the price tag—it’s whether your baby can sleep without risk. The same goes for secondhand mattresses, bedding, or toys in the crib. If it’s not new, it’s not safe.

Below, you’ll find real advice from parents and experts on what to avoid in a nursery, how to check if your crib is safe, and why some "classic" baby gear is no longer acceptable. You’ll learn how to spot hidden dangers, what to do if you already have an old crib, and how to create a sleep space that’s truly safe—not just nostalgic.