As you may know, all drop down side cribs have been recalled in the US. My son's crib is not only a drop down crib, but the actual maker and model number is specifically on the recalled list. So, we sent away for the "repair kit" and now the drop down crib is now stationary. Here's my problem. I am 5'2" (on a good day) and I can no longer reach my baby! The reason why I got a drop down was so that I could reach my child when the mattress is at the very lowest setting. My son is now 9 months old, very active, and likes to stand up and hold onto the rails of his crib. So it's good that we made it stationary, but now I can't reach him when I'm putting him down to sleep. I can "sort of" reach him when he's standing up and wanting to get out (his "willingness to get out of his crib" also helps). BUT when he's not like this, the crib rail is up to my arm pits!! Do you have a suggestion of how I can reach my baby? He's also about 20 pounds! Right now, I'm using an Amazon.com box, filled with bricks as a "platform" so that I can put him in the crib and pull him out. The box is wide and flat enough so that it provides enough of a surface area for me. The bricks are solid and provide stability. However, the box now weighs about 75+ pounds! I was thinking that maybe I could use several of those "steps" that they use in Step Aerobics. What do you think? I just need a wide, sturdy, solid, non-slip platform to put next to his crib. I've tried step stools and foot stools but they are either too short or not sturdy enough to support my weighs and my baby's (when I'm holding him).
I have been using the Pack 'N Play as a temporary solution, but he doesn't seem to like it as much as his crib (he wails when I put him in it) and I'm not sure it's too comfortable for him. It's just that carboard/particle board piece with a little padding. I plan on keeping him in the crib for at least two years, if not longer...
Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. Thanks!
I'm 5'3" and using a drop-side as well, and I'm not even considering using anything else. It's an older model; I used it when I was a baby, and it's been used by my sisters as well (I'm 33). I don't even think mine has a model number or even a brand name for that matter. I agree with Crystal T; not every crib will have that problem. Just go with your gut, like a lot of other things when it comes to parenting, and be mindful of safety.
I feel for you. I'm only 5 feet and also have a drop-side, which I an thankful for b/c I don't know how I would get my baby out either. I don't have any ideas, but I noticed that you're in San Jose. I'm in Milpitas and I actually have the step plus the risers. Send me a private message if you'd like to borrow the step and risers to try it out before you buy. I'm a personal trainer so I have the equipment, but I'm not using it right now as I'm currently on leave w/ my second.
There are plastic step stools at Walmart and some hardwares stores likes Lowes that you can get that are sturdy and for up to 300 lbs. You can push it back under the edge when not using it and then slip it out with your foot when needing to use it.
Maybe start using a pack and play instead of a crib.
You could put these round slippery disks under the box so that it will slide with a push of your foot.
I'm not clear about why the drop down crib has been recalled. I wonder if you could make the side permanent at a lower setting. It would be more like a toddler bed. I suggest that your baby will start trying to climb out of the crib anyway soon and it will be less of a fall with the side set lower. You could try to train him to not climb out, tho that wouldn't be easy. :)
You could get a exercise step that comes with risers. It will give you a longer base for balance and you can adjust the height to your needs. How about cuting the legs of the crib to change the height? Then if your child starts to climb out of the crib, he won't have too long of a trip down.
