New Crib Safety Standards in Effect

Since 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled more than 11 million dangerous cribs. These recalls follow 3,584 reports of crib incidents, which resulted in 1,703 injuries and 153 deaths.

In response, U.S. Senators and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioner, Robert Adler, today joined consumer advocates in applauding the first day that tough new federal standards for cribs go into effect.

The new, mandatory standards will stop the manufacture and sale of traditional drop-side cribs. In addition, the standard requires stronger mattress supports and slats, more durable hardware and rigorous safety testing.

The new standards apply to all importers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers. Child care facilities, including family child care homes and infant Head Start centers, as well as places of public accommodation, such as hotels and motels, and rental companies have until December 28, 2012 to comply with the new crib standards.

The standards were mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), legislation enacted to prevent dangerous products from entering the marketplace.

“The cribs for sale today in baby stores nationwide are stronger and safer than ever before,” said CPSC Commissioner Robert Adler. “They no longer have dangerous drop-sides that can loosen and trap infants; they do have stronger slats, mattress supports, and hardware; and they have gone through more rigorous testing. These new requirements mean that parents, grandparents, and caregivers can now shop for cribs with more confidence—confidence that the rules put the safety of infants above all else.”

Don Mays, senior director for product safety and technical policy at Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, said, “As an organization that tests and rates cribs, we have long advocated for tougher crib standards. These new standards mean consumers — and their babies — can now rest easier. Parents can buy cribs and put their children to sleep at night with the knowledge and peace of mind that these are the strongest standards in the world.”

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and The Consumer Federation of America