Injuries and Deaths Lead to Cribs Recalls
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Certain cribs are going to the crypt. Simplicity Inc. is now out of business. As of July 12, 2009 at least 13 children have died in cribs and basinets recalled by Simplicity. Considering the popularity of drop-side cribs, it is vital to get the warning out about drop-side crib related product recalls.
While cribs are often thought of as a safety zone for our children, federal regulators have become more and more alarmed by the safety problems related to cribs, causing millions of cribs to be recalled. According to federal records, more than 4.6 million cribs have been recalled since 2007. The Simplicity drop-side crib happens to be one of several on the list. In order to address the suffocation dangers of Simplicity’s drop-side cribs, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a product recall. According to federal officials, the risk of suffocation comes from the product’s ability to break or deform, which creates a death trap between the crib’s drop side and the mattress. In an effort to reduce injury and death, the CSPC is trying to reach consumers, day care providers, thrift stores, and online sellers to inform them to either discontinue use or stop selling this product. Unfortunately, product recalls only go so far. Many individuals never receive information about the risk associated with a product. In light of today’s economy, getting these warnings out becomes even more vital. Many people receive hand-me-down cribs, furniture, and child-related products.
While only 13 deaths have been reported in relation to Simplicity, dozens of deaths have been associated with drop-side cribs in the past few years. The most common problems with cribs today are:
1-Drop sides of the crib don’t stay on their tracks, creating a dangerous gap: Also, safety pegs create a problem. When the drop-side fails to miss these safety pegs it creates a dangerous risk along the drop side. Often, the reassembly of these cribs (whether someone moves, or passes the crib on to a friend) is finished without the safety pegs.
2-Mattress support failures; A dangerous gap can also result from mattress support failures, which can entrap the child and suffocate him/her. For example, Stork Craft cribs have been recalled due to fact that their metal mattress support brackets can crack and break.
3-Vertical slats/spindles on cribs can become broken, resulting in gaps where babies can get stuck: For example, cribs produced by Jardine Enterprises have been recalled three times due to the dangers presented by broken slats. The CPSC received more than 90 reports associated with this issue.
While the federal government makes an effort to regulate cribs, their requirements are somewhat bare-bones. In fact, most of the safety standards placed on crib manufacturers are voluntary ones that have been developed by ASTM International. And the only benefit from complying with these “voluntary standards” is that the crib manufacturer gets to place a JPMA, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, seal on their cribs. The ASTM International, which is a nonprofit manufacturing standards organization, plans to hold a meeting on July 21 to discuss crib safety. They are considering a proposal that aims to eliminate the manufacture of drop-side cribs. The effort to eliminate drop-side cribs from the market stems from the belief that there is no “fix” for the problem.
It is important to remember that just because a product is on the market it does not mean that it is safe. Parents should make a strong effort to keep themselves informed of product recalls. Even before product recalls are issued, parents should make their own evaluation of a product’s potential hazards. Don't forget, product recalls are issued on the basis of reported injuries and death. Stay alert as to known risks and potential problems when it comes to the products you allow your child to play with, sleep in, or be around.