Crib Recalls

Drop-Side Crib Ban and New Safety Standards

Drop-side cribs have proven to be extremely dangerous. A comprehensive review conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) made the agency aware of 32 infants and toddlers who died from suffocation and strangulation between the years 2000 and 2010 as a result of these retractable crib sides becoming detached.

In some cases, incorrect or confusing directions led to the improper installation of drop-side cribs, which ended up causing a baby harm. There have been recalls of millions of cribs as a result of these problems.

In July 2011, CPSC approved a new crib rule, which says that all cribs made and sold in the United States must follow new federal safety standards. This even applies for the resale of cribs. Under the new rule, it is no longer legal to make or sell traditional cribs with traditional drop-side rails, according to CPSC's website.

There are also new requirements, which include strengthening crib slats and mattress supports, enhancing the quality of hardware and conducting better testing of the cribs. Cribs in child care centers and in places that serve the public were given a requirement to comply with the changes by Dec. 28, 2012. According to CPSC, any person or company that does not comply with the new standard will be subject to potential civil penalties and injunctions.

While the new standard is a step toward greater safety for consumers, it does not guarantee safety for all consumers. Some retailers might disregard the law in order to make a profit—they might continue selling the outlawed cribs and therefore place innocent babies and their families in danger.

In other instances, manufacturers might be at fault for continuing to make cribs using substandard designs. There might also be other design defects that have not yet received national attention but are still harmful to consumers and their children.