June 23, 2010

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) recently called for a federal ban on the sale, re-sale, manufacture, and distribution of all drop-side cribs.

Gillibrand's legislation would also ban drop-side cribs in public places such as daycare centers and hotels. Three counties in New York – Nassau, Suffolk, and Rockland – have already passed similar bans.

Over the last three years, more than six million drop-side cribs have been recalled, including more than 1.5 million this year. Drop-side cribs have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 infants since 2001.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has pledged to ban the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs by the end of the year with a new performance standard that would make fixed-side cribs mandatory.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, which represents over 90 percent of the crib industry, has stated that drop-side cribs are safe when "assembled and used properly."  However, late last year, crib manufacturers voted to voluntarily eliminate the drop-side design in favor of four fixed sides.  

Library of Congress Website.