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CPSC considers new rules to address crib defects

by Sandy Maple (Subscribe to Sandy Maple's posts)
Oct 27th 2008 5:00PM

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cribIn the fall of 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission created the Early Warning System to alert parents and caregivers of unsafe cribs. Since that time, the agency has conducted five crib recalls due to hardware that was broken or missing or otherwise failed to function properly.

While the Early Warning System has been deemed a success in preventing many deaths and injuries, CPSC is now looking at ways to strengthen crib performance requirements to deal with the problems that these recalls have brought to light. To that end, they are now considering an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to "examine and and assess potential design and durability issues and possible mandatory performance requirements to prevent future entrapments and strangulations to children. If approved, the ANPR will seek input and information about hardware systems, other hardware issues, assembly and instructional problems and wood quality/strength issues for cribs with both stationary and drop side construction."

That is all rather jargony, but it sounds to me like they are trying to say that an updated standard for crib safety is in order. In the meantime, CPSC would like to remind all parents and caregivers of the following crib safety tips:
  • Parents should not use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts.
  • Hardware should be inspected from time to time and tightened to keep the crib sturdy.
  • When using a drop side crib parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly on its track.
  • Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Any disengagement can create a gap and entrap a child.
  • Do not try to repair any side of the crib without manufacturer approved hardware or with tape, wire or rope.
  • Putting a broken side up against the wall does not solve the problem and can often make it worse.
As always, you can report a dangerous product or a product-related injury by calling CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or by visiting their Website.

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