DropCribs that have movable drop-down sides were banned by federal regulators Wednesday after reports of more than 30 infant deaths in 10 years.
Drop-side cribs make it easier to get babies in and out, but can also trap children, especially when the cribs have broken pieces or missing hardware.
In addition to at least 32 deaths in drop-side cribs, there were 14 deaths because of entrapment that could have been caused by a drop-side, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which issued the new crib standards.
More than 9 million drop-side cribs have been recalled since 2007, CPSC says.
Early next year, drop-side cribs are expected to be banned for sale and prohibited for use in hotels or day care centers. Several states already ban them, companies have stopped making them and many retailers have stopped selling them.
What to do if YOU have a drop-side crib in your home:
The Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests checking its website, cpsc.gov, to see if the model is on the agency’s recall list.
Other CPSC drop-side tips:
•Avoid using cribs that are 10 years or older. The CPSC says these older models might not be up to current safety standards.
•Follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions closely. If the directions are hard to understand, call the company. If there are pieces left after the crib is assembled or if a piece isn’t fitting right, call the manufacturer before using the crib.
•Check the crib routinely. Every time you change the sheets, make sure all screws and bolts are tight and that the drop-side is on track. Also, look for any gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib. If there’s a space wider than two fingers, stop using the crib.
While the mattress is out of the crib, gently shake the crib. If the crib seems wobbly or loose, tighten every piece of hardware and check the crib again. If it still feels loose, look to see if there are any wood-to-wood joints that appear unstable.
Even if you don’t use the drop-side regularly, CPSC recommends checking it often.
•Don’t try to repair the crib yourself. About 30% of crib deaths are caused by broken cribs with homemade repairs, CPSC says. Replacing the crib’s hardware with your own could be risky, because screws and bolts in your toolkit haven’t been tested for use with the crib and could become loose and fall out.
Propping a loose side of the crib against a wall could create a small opening for a child to get caught. Consumers also shouldn’t use wire, tape or other ties to fix gaps, because they could stretch and create an opening.
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Child Safety – January 2011 Recall List
