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If I didn't want to use it, I wouldn't.

I refused the in-laws family christening gown. I was told all the boys in the family wore it (I have two boys). I asked what about the girls, and was told that it was only for the boys. I declined. Lol

Knowing how much your in laws do for you guys, I would use it if it meant a lot to them

Why dont they set it up at their house and you take baby over there for a nap one afternoon?

We also have a family cradle that I'm on the fence about using for this babe, its just too big for our bedroom now! The crib has an engraved plaque for the name and dates of of each baby who used it so I'll feel really bad if this child isn't on there. Now that I think about it, maybe we should just use it, if only for a couple weeks.

Use it for a few weeks to keep the tradition going in the family?

My parents saved both my crib and bassinet and my dad couldn't believe I didn't want to use it. I know it's a different situation, but I wanted something new. Plus safety issues freaked me out a little.

I would not, but more out of safety concerns than how it looks...

I think you've mentioned before that your in laws are really helpful to your family, mine are too. So for that reason I'd use it for a few weeks. Unless there is a safety reason that concerns you, then I'd say no. But if it's just ugly, I'd probably go along with it.

My uncle gave me something like this. It sat in our bedroom unused for 4 months then we returned it with a thank you note and photo.

As long as there is no safety issue I would use it.

@Cherrybee: As much as it might be a pain, it is kind of a cool tradition/ legacy. As long as it isn't unsafe, I would use it a little while to keep the peace.

I find it a little annoying that SIL refused and "doesn't want anything second hand" for her baby. It isn't second hand, it is like... what, 4th or 5th generation hand?! 12th hand?

We were given a similar item (white painted wicker bassinet), complete with some crazy fluffy bedding that MIL made specifically for it (definitely not within current SIDs guidelines). DH couldn't refuse MIL when she gave it to us so it ended up at our house but we never used it. Eventually we told MIL that our LO preferred the Rock and Play and the swing and that we weren't using the bassinet, so we returned it to her. It was a white lie but it got us out of it. In our case, our LO was the first baby in several generations not to use the bassinet.

I'm in a different situation because we have pretty much NO space, and family isn't local, so nothing comes into the house just for a few weeks then is easily removed. But in your situation (and SIL's, if hers is more like yours than mine) I would use it as long as it seemed safe. I have zero problem with second hand stuff but am pretty paranoid about safety.

The plaque is a really nice idea as a thank you!

LOL - I didn't read the other posts but could have written this except the family crib is in my family (everyone has used it since my great aunt) and my SIL just refused it for baby #2. We used it for a few weeks ceremoniously. Now we're done having babies and it is in my garage. GTFO, crib.

My parents are going to email my 35 year old cousin and ask her if and when she's going to have kids because she should take the crib now. It's her turn. OMG - I am horrified for what is about to go down.

We have a family bassinet...its not the cutest but it means a lot to my mom and it is safe so we use it.

MIL also asked us to use the christening gown for DD1 - which I agreed (assuming she fit in it) and will do the same for DD2.

I guess for me - its not worth the battle. They do a lot for us and if it makes them happy then so be it!

We have a family wooden bassinet. It is beautiful, but heavy and just not practical. We took it out if he attic and kept it in the living room for a couple of months, took pics, exit. Now it's back in the attic.