Maryland Accident Law Blog
Beginning today, the federal government’s new crib safety standards are in effect, which means that drop-side cribs can no longer be sold, manufactured, or distributed. Manufacturers, retailers, and distributors must also adhere to the other new requirements, including:
• Stronger crib slats
• Tougher mattress support
• More durable crib hardware
• More rigorous testing
Our Baltimore products liability law firm is pleased to hear about the tougher measures that are now in effect and hopefully decrease the chances of child injuries or deaths in a crib, which is supposed to be one of the few safe places a parent or guardian can leave their child unsupervised. However, this has not been the case in recent years. The CPSC has had to recall over 11 million cribs since 2007 because of possible safety hazards and over the last decade, defective cribs and faulty crib hardware have caused at least 32 deaths involving suffocation or strangulation.
Drop-side cribs have proven especially dangerous, with their sides that risk of becoming detached or collapsing. Fall accidents resulting in head injuries, entrapment from a baby getting stuck between the side of the crib and the mattress, and other serious injuries have also occurred.
Even with these new standards now in effect, it is important to note that hotels, day care providers, and crib rental companies still have until December 28, 2012 to comply with them, which means that your child could end up in a defective crib if you don’t double check to make sure that the crib does in fact meet the new safety standards.
Safer Cribs for Babies Available Starting Today, CPSC, June 28, 2011
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA)
Crib safety tips, Consumer Reports
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
More Blog Posts:
Nearly 800,000 Dorel Child Safety Seats Recalled, Washington DC Injury Lawyers Blog, February 16, 2011
Preventing Maryland Injuries to Children: Latest CPSC Baby Product Recalls Include Recliners, Pacifiers, Playards and Drop-Side Cribs, Maryland Accident Law Blog, July 26, 2010
Simplicity Drop-Side Cribs Linked to Eleventh Infant Death, Maryland Accident Law Blog, December 21, 2009
Contact our Maryland child injury lawyers to request your free consultation.