s/o old cribs

[cdmay]

When I told my grandma about the baby she excitedly told me about this little wooden doll bed my parents have.  We had it growing up and played with it sometimes, but knew it was special b/c it was really old and hand made.  She went on to explain that she wants us to use it as an extra crib for downstairs (baby will sleep upstairs) and told me the story.  I didn't catch whether my grandpa made it or it was older than that, but the used it when my dad/aunts/uncle were babies; my grandpa would keep it next to his chair and keep the baby happy while he read the paper, or my grandma would bring it in the kitchen while she cooked.  I love that story, and we'll send her a picture of the baby in it, but obviously won't be using it.

[sarack]

My sil has a basinet that they still use. I think it's crazy, but I think if you feel like it's safe, then you can use it..

[7costanza]

That's really sweet of your grandma! Is the issue with cradles and bassinets the solid sides and SIDS/suffocation risk? We're planning on using a Rock n Play and a non-drop side crib from 2010 so I haven't done any research on this issue.

[cdmay]

Costanza, I can't recall seeing solid-side bassinet, but old cradles were, and that may be the issue, but i'm not sure. 
Structurally, this would be fine for a tiny baby under supervision; it's not much different than a bassinet or moses basket... It's sturdy and close to the ground and the slats are close together. The mattress, though, is made of whoknowswhat and is around 70 years old. But it's part of it (like an upholstered chair), so it can't really be changed without damaging the piece.

[jennlin]

this is a really sweet thing to have in the family.