Drop-Side Crib Ban, New Crib Safety Standards in Effect Today

Starting today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is enforcing strict new safety standards for cribs, including banning the manufacture, sale and resale of traditional drop-side rail cribs.

All cribs manufactured and sold in the United States – including resale – must now comply with new and improved federal safety standards.

The five new federal requirements for cribs are:

• Traditional drop-side cribs cannot be made or sold; immobilizers and repair kits are not allowed.
• Wood slats must be made of stronger woods to prevent breakage.
• Crib hardware must have anti-loosening devices to keep it from coming loose or falling off.
• Mattress supports must be more durable.
• Safety testing must be more rigorous.

The new crib standards also apply to owners and operators of child care facilities, family child care homes and places of public accommodation such as hotels and motels, which have until Dec. 28, 2012 to comply with the new standards.

Additionally, the CPSC says is unlikely that your current crib will meet the new crib standards. If you continue to use your current crib, you are encouraged to check the crib frequently to make sure that all hardware is secured tightly and that there are no loose, missing, or broken parts.

Source: www.cpsc.gov