Rock-a-Bye Safely

Bedtime will soon become much safer for infants when a federal ban on drop-side cribs takes effect in June.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned drop-side cribs—those with sides that can be raised or lowered to easily lift babies in and out—in December 2010 after it was determined that the devices caused more than 30 infant deaths since 2000. Numerous recalls of drop-side cribs have occurred in recent years because they expose children to risks of strangulation and suffocation when the movable side partially separates from the frame, which can cause babies to become trapped between the mattress and side rail.

This summer, new regulations will prohibit the manufacture of drop-side cribs, as well as the sale of new and old ones. The rules will also require sturdier mattress supports and crib components, as well as more extensive safety testing of the structures in cribs that are being produced.

Choose Wisely
If you’re an expectant parent, buying a crib is one of the most important purchases you can make for your little miracle. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to buy new cribs certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Don’t purchase or inherit used cribs, as they may not adhere to current safety standards. Ensure the crib has small spaces between its slats—no more than 2-3/8 inches apart—and that all pieces fit together tightly.