The ABC's of Cribs

New Crib Requirements

New federal safety requirements approved by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) for cribs went into effect on June 28, 2011.  There have been numerous changes to the previous standard for crib safety requirements.   Virtually all components of a crib must prove to be more durable than in previous years. 

• Look for the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification on all new cribs.

While cribs are perhaps the best and safest place for your young children to sleep, the CPSC states that in the last decade, 32 infants deaths have occurred in association with cribs that have drop-sides.  These “fluke accidents” needed to be addressed which is why parents, legislators, and the CPSC advocated so strong for the drop-side crib ban.

The new law prohibits the manufacture or sale (whether public or private) of drop-side rail cribs.  Drop-side cribs are those which have a side rail that can be raised and lowered.

·         Cribs with movable-side rails will still be manufactured and sold. 

o   These differ from drop-side cribs by having only a portion of the rail fold down allowing easier access.

·         Tip: Before discarding any crib which does not meet the new standards, the CPSC recommends dissembling the old crib before throwing it out

What about cribs that we borrow/rent from hotels and resorts?

·         Child-care facilities, hotels, and other institutions which provide cribs will have until December 28^th, 2012 to comply with the new regulations

What if I have a drop-side crib?

·         Contact the crib manufacturer – some manufacturers have immobilizers that fit their cribs to secure the drop-side

o   Note: even with an immobilizer installed, the crib will not meet the new CPSC standards

Other tips:

·         Check your child’s crib frequently for signs of wear – loose fittings, wobbly parts

o   Never attempt “homemade fixes”

§  Do not use a crib which is broken or has missing parts

§  Contact the crib manufacturer if there are any broken or missing parts

·         Crib slats should have no more than 2.62 inches of space between them

o   Larger spaces between the slats can lead to serious injury or death

·         Mattresses should fit snug into the crib

o   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no more than 2 fingers be able to fit between the mattress and the side of the crib

·         All toys, including stuffed animals should not be in the crib at any time

o   Make sure mobiles and other items are out of reach

·         Always put your baby to sleep on their back

For more tips and information about the new crib regulations, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission or ask your pediatrician.

Check the crib recall list to see if you have a crib which has been recalled

§  11 Million cribs have been recalled since 2007!

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