The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced an upcoming ban on drop-side cribs in the light of several years' worth of recalls involving more than 10 million defective units. New crib standards will likely be finalized in December, after which time drop-side cribs will no longer be sold and must be removed from hotels and daycare centers. Though the move was anticipated by many consumer watchdog and advocacy groups, the CPSC's action is rare; the new rules are appearing more than two years ahead of a congressional mandate to regulate the cribs.
Why Are These Cribs Being Banned?
Drop-side cribs have been widely used since the 1970s. They are unique in that one side of the crib can be lowered, making it easier for parents to get their little ones in and out. Many parents heralded them, touting the back-saving benefits associated with the drop-side feature. They were used for years with little fanfare, but, around the year 2000, complaints were rising about children being injured or even killed after the cribs malfunctioned. The design of the crib is such that the drop-side can disengage without warning, allowing a child to become trapped between it and the mattress.
In the past decade alone, at least 32 children have died in drop-side cribs. An additional 14 deaths are suspected, but no conclusive link has been drawn tying those to the faulty cribs. The CPSC and individual manufacturers have received hundreds of complaints from consumers whose cribs have malfunctioned.
What Happens Now?
Even though millions of the cribs have been recalled, many more are still being used in private homes, daycare centers, hotels and hospitals around the country. If you own a drop-side crib, either stop using it or take steps to secure the movable side. If your child has been injured - or has tragically been killed - you have legal rights. Consult an experienced products liability attorney in your area to learn more about your options.
