Is wife overly worried about outdated baby gear?

DEAR AMY: My problem is that my wife doesn't want our 9-month-old daughter to be cared for at my parents' house because she is worried about the outdated "baby gear" my mother has held onto. My mom has the crib that I slept in, the highchair that my grandmother had for her children, plus a number of toys that are more than 30 years old. My wife is concerned about the drop-side crib and the lack of safety strap on the highchair. My wife has no issues with my parents watching our daughter at our home, just at theirs. All of my nieces and nephews have used this equipment, and they are fine. My wife suggested that we buy a new highchair and crib for my parents' house, but I know my mother would be offended. How do I get my wife to realize that because something is old doesn't mean it's no good?Need Help in N.Y.

DEAR NEED HELP: I'm with your wife on this one. I also agree with you.

Just because something is old doesn't mean it's no good, but the reverse is also true: Just because something is old, doesn't mean that it is good.

Some of these older things are probably fine, while others should be replaced.

The older crib and highchair, which have seen decades of use, might no longer be safe. Just because other children have used these periodically and are "fine" doesn't mean these antiques are still suitable for your child to use.

You should apply the same judgment you'd use to the idea of your baby riding in a classic '57 Chevy without a child seat. Plenty of children in 1957 and afterward survived the experience, but - within reason - you should try to minimize avoidable hazards to your child.

Your wife is being careful. That's the job of every conscientious parent. It's not personal, and your mother should be encouraged to understand this.