Family heirloom safety!

[firsttimer78]

Can anyone help me with this? When I was born (30something years ago!), my grandparents bought a wooden crib that's been used for all babies in our family since. It was last used about 11 years ago. Now I'm pregnant and would like to use it, but am a bit worried about any potential safety aspects arising from old varnishes etc. Anyone know, or know where I can find out, about this? Ta!

Check the gaps between the bars as lots of old cots/cribs not safe. Also you need a mattress that fits well. Is it painted (could be lead paint?).

Sorry don't know about varnishes, only old cots - the cot that was bought for my grandma in 1919 was then used for my dad and me, but when my mum came to offer it for my kids we discovered the spars too far apart and paint was probably lead.

As far as I can remember it's varnished. How far apart should the spars be, do you know?

You shouldn't be able to get anything much bigger than your fist through them, anything more is too wide.

Ok, thanks for your help! Will get it out the loft and do some investigating...

I'm sure I read somewhere that, as a guide, a can of pop should not be able to fit through the gaps.