Question about re-finishing a crib

I'm a but of a DIY dummy, so forgive this question if it's a stupid one!

A friend of mine has offered to give me her old crib, which we're contemplating, but the thing is I hate the color/finish of the wood. It's very light in color but it's not a nice light wood, if that makes sense, and it doesn't match the other furniture we have.

So, my question is, is it possible to re-stain wood to another color (dark wood color). OR, can I strip the varnish off the wood and paint it white or something other color?

I'm almost embarrassed to ask this lol!

TIA ladies!

Re: Question about re-finishing a crib

Since it's a crib, and it's very likely that DC will be gnawing on it at some point, it's important to get safe products to put on it. I've used this stain on all of the new wood in my house. Very nice colors, good penetration, and they also have good clear coats, that I've even used on my deck outside.
It's soy based
http://www.ecosafetyproducts.com/Concrete-Wood-Stains-s/117.htm

If you are going to paint it, make sure you get as low a VOC paint (zero VOC is best, of course) as you can.

Re: Question about re-finishing a crib

Thanks so much for this!