Need Help Refinishing/painting Used Toddler Bed

I would start by just really washing it well. If that didn't get rid of the stuff then I would sand it and do what Tracy K said. The final coat of Polyurethane is the deal breaker though. If you don't do that it will pretty much be in vain. That finish will allow you to wipe it down and keep it clean without having to do this much work again.

BYW, all of my grand-kids went to toddler beds around 15 months. They didn't realize they could get up and get in to things so they just thought it was for sleeping. We didn't have any issues at all. I also just kept a baby gate in their doorway so if they did get up they did not have access to any other part of the house. I did keep door know protectors on the bathroom doors and those doors shut at all times though as an extra precaution. Kids can't get their big heads up out of the toilet if they fall in, their necks are not strong enough until they are older than 2 1/2 to 3.

I would sand and refinish it. After you stain it, let it sit a few days and really dry all the way out. Then add a layer of polyeurethane and let it fully dry for a few days. Wash with mild soap and water before using. Or you can buy green products. More expensive but takes all the worry out of it.

http://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/Public/Non-ToxicFinish...

You can do any of those things. Be sure to get a product that is compatible with use on a kitchen table. I want to say it's called food grade, because it's safe to eat foods that have been on it, but I'm not 100% positive. An unfinished wood furniture store can guide you.

We did that with a couple of beds we found at goodwill. They started out with light wood, real dingy looking. My hubby sanded them and put a cherrywood color stain on them. They came out really really nice!

I personally would paint it a color, that's more fun. Isn't your baby past the crib-chewing stage?

Paint doesn't have lead these days, use acrylic. Ask at the paint center. Me, I would feel safer having a kid chew on something painted than something varnished.