By the end of 2010, it became illegal to sell or use drop-side cribs.
And public places such as daycare centers and hotels are now prohibited
from using them. Under federal guidelines, violators face a range of
penalties, from an order to stop use to criminal sanctions for repeat
offenders. Although as individuals we probably would not face
penalties, we do need to be aware of the dangers.
Drop-side cribs, which have one side that lowers to allow caregivers
easy access to a baby or toddler, have caused at least 32 deaths in the
United States since 2000, according to the Consumer Product Safety
Commission. Another 14 fatalities might be related to drop-side cribs,
but investigators lacked information to make a clear link, according to
agency officials.
Since 2005, more than 7 million drop-side cribs have been recalled by
manufacturers because of suffocation and strangulation hazards.
Many deaths associated with drop-side cribs occurred when the moveable
side partly detached, trapping the infant between the mattress and wood
slats of the crib. In some cases, caregivers unwittingly installed the
drop side incorrectly. In other cases, the crib hardware apparently
failed and the side detached.
Whether this is due to a design flaw or incorrect installation by the
caregiver is really irrelevant because the design of the item should
include safety as a part of the installation process. Often, too, when
cribs are second-hand, the hardware or instructions may be missing.
Knowing these hazards and the tragedy that results from them leads us to
recommend that our members do not give or accept these cribs. Because
we cannot evaluate every post that comes through we leave it up to your
sense of responsibility to not offer or accept these cribs.
Thank you.
LindaOntario California FreecycleLead Moderator
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