Tougher crib regulations now in effect

Washington – New crib safety standards issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission went into effect June 28. All cribs sold in the United States now must comply with these stricter safety standards.

The mandatory standards are aimed at stopping the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs, which have been associated with at least 32 infant deaths since 2000. The standards also seek to make crib mattress supports stronger, improve slat strength, make crib hardware more durable and improve safety testing.

It is unlikely that cribs in use prior to December 2010 will be in compliance with the new standards. Consumers who choose to use their current crib rather than purchasing a new one should check the CPSC crib recall list and frequently inspect all hardware on the crib to ensure it is secure. Do not use a drop-side rail.

Consumers are not permitted to resell or donate a crib that does not comply with the new standards. Old cribs should be disassembled and discarded.

Short-term crib rental companies, family child care homes, Head Start centers, and hotels and motels have until Dec. 28, 2012, to comply with the new standards.