Re-painting a crib.....?

first scuff the old paint with a red scotchbrite pad,(so the new will stick) use a tack cloth to wipe off dust, in a well ventilated area(away from any and ALL pilot lights or ignition sources) you can use a spray can with great results, they offer some very good variaties of spray cans these days, look around and ask at a local home improvement center to find a safe brand for your purpose

There are a few methods:

If you want that aged/used look just paint right over it with some Krylar spray paint. It comes in semi-gloss or flat. Use nice even strokes by keeping and even distance away from the piece and going back and forth. Spray from different angles to get good coverage.

If you want a clean/sharp/refinished look. Get different grit sand paper and go to tow on the furniture. Start with a course grit working your way to a fine grit. The transition in grit really makes a difference so this will take time. Once everything is smoothed out and you like the product get the Krylar spray cans and go to town. What is key in applying the paint are even strokes back and forth. Keep the arm moving, if you hold in one spot to long you might get a runny spot.

Finally any paint you use MAKE SURE a baby can be around it!! Krylar might not be your brand (unsure) on that. You might have to use a latex (like a Home Depot brand). If you have to apply with a brush ask the paint guy for this chemical add that removes paint brush strokes. People use is when painting cabinets. It doesn't look as good as a spray paint job but this chemical additive really helps in hiding the paint brush strokes.

you don't have to sand all of the old paint first, but sand it first with a sponge type sanding block or use a scotchbrite pad to rough it up.....PRIME it first. You have to rough up that old paint and dull the shine.

It's best to use very good quality primer, then paint it with something that is not too glossy. I recommend a satin or an eggshell finish enamel paint. Glossy paint shows way too many imperfections when you are trying to repaint something.

Whenever we repainted something, we always sanded it down first to give us a smooth even surface first. You would then want to check with your local hardware store and make sure you get the correct paint for your project.