Be careful of dangerous drop side cribs when shopping for baby furniture online. The detaching drop side rails have been associated with at least 32 infant deaths since 2000. Over the past five years, more than 9 million drop-side cribs-which have a side rail that moves up and down so that parents can more easily lift their babies-have been recalled. Although heightened safety standards no longer allow the manufacture and sale of so-called drop side cribs, unfortunately, shoppers can still find these dangerous products offered for sale on sites like Craigslist and eBay.
The CPSC says there have been a reported 3,520 incidents and injuries, including infants falling from cribs, skull fractures and babies getting their limbs caught between the crib slats from November 1, 2007 to April 11, 2010. Child injuries and deaths have occurred because furniture was assembled incorrectly or because it had loose, defective or missing hardware. A child's head can become trapped in small gaps and in between broken slats, causing strangulation.
The CPSC recommends:
- Cribs should have no cutouts in the headboard or footboard.
- The mattress should fit snugly so that a baby's head can't get trapped beneath it.
- Corner posts should not protrude more than 1/16th of an inch, so they can't snag an infant's clothing.
Some online sellers inadvertently list substandard cribs for sale, not realizing that the products were recalled. Many times these cribs are sold before the host website can take corrective action. Although it is not illegal to use a dropdown crib in your home, it is important to be aware that these are potentially dangerous products that can kill or seriously injure a baby. Parents can find more information on how to keep your child safe in their crib, by checking out the CSPC Crib Information Center and the SIDS factsheet from the NIH.
Sources:
USA Today, "Illegal used cribs still for sale on Craigslist, eBay," Aug. 7, 2011
CNN Health, "Dangerous drop side cribs no longer for sale," August 9, 2011
