I just heard a news brief that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has made it illegal to sell drop-side cribs in the United States. No crib that has sides that can be raised or lowered are allowed to be manufactured or sold. From this point on, all new cribs will have to meet tougher safety standards and testing requirements before sale is approved.
Photo Credit – CPSC Website – modified by M$M |
Starting today, all new cribs for sale in stores must be compliant with the new federal requirements. Companies that provide cribs (daycares, hotels, rental agencies) have until December 28, 2012 to comply with new regs. I think that is a very lenient date. Infants are typically alone in cribs and I would think in a daycare setting, with a ratio of 1 provider per 4 infants, the daycare would want to comply immediately.
Over the past 10 years, 32 infant deaths due to suffocation or strangulation were associated with drop-side cribs. 11 million cribs have been recalled in the United States, alone, since 2007. Vist the CPSC website for a full list of recalls in the United States.
Here is the part you really want to pay attention to. The new standards apply to used cribs, too. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is claiming that they are scanning classified websites like Craigslist and auction sites like eBay to try to let people know the drop-side cribs they are selling are not safe. They will contact them by email to make sure they are aware of the new regulations and follow up with large operations to ensure compliance and infant safety.
This will be a big blow to the pregancy care centers, used furniture and thrift stores who offer these items at free or low cost to families in need. Now, is a great time to help your community by making others aware of the new laws and finding ways to help agencies and families procure safe cribs for their children.
You can read the full story and watch video here on cnn.com. The video is interesting. I haven’t had a baby in a crib for over 13 years, but even then I didn’t use bumper pads, for fear of suffocation and in the video the cribs in use, have bumper pads??
Laura O in AK says
Well, I'm NOT getting rid of my crib anytime soon. Personally, I find it almost ridiculous that they are regulating this. Yes, any child dying is awful. But, 32 deaths in 10 years is not anywhere as high as other rates of infant death (drowning, falls, car accidents.)
Mama Spaghetti says
Thanks for sharing this. Whether or not I agree with the fact that they're regulating it, it is important for me to know (and pass along to my friends who are pregnant/have small children.)
Michele says
Thanks for sharing your opinions. I don't think I would get rid of my drop side crib, if I still used a crib either. Resale which is a big part of saving and making money is going to take a big hit with the new regulations. That's the biggest part of the story to me!
Michele
Anonymous says
I find it very conserning that Mother's would even take a Chance that their baby could be hurt or KILLED in an item that the government has deemed dangerous.
Some kids dart across busy streets, and some are killed and some are not. Would you take the chance?
One of our Grandchildren was in a pack n play until he went into a toddler bed. No bumpers to suffocate him, no crib rails to come down, no springs to dis-lodge, etc.
It's not just the drop-side that the government is concerned with!
They are actually suggesting people use pack-n-plays until they can get a safe crib!.. but still how safe is it once you add the bumper pad??
If people will sell you a crib that they KNOW may not be safe…then they'll sell you CARSEATS that have been in wrecks!
Please, love your kids enough to keep them safe!