Are Drop Side Cribs Safe? Get the Facts!

The answer is Yes! How is that for getting right to the point.

Understandably, the recent voluntary recall of 2.1 million drop-side cribs, made by a well known and trusted company, has caused concern amongst many parents that have purchased a drop-side crib for their baby from other manufacturers.

If you are in this group, do not panic. The Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association (JPMA) has come out with a statement that will answer all of your questions about your drop-side crib. Find the facts below.

We, at Simply Baby Furniture, are dedicated to providing our visitors with all the information you need to make the best nursery furniture choices for you and your baby. We hope that this post will provide you with all the information you need to ensure that your baby stays safe and you remain confident in your baby furniture selections. Please let us know if we can assist you with any other questions you might have.

JPMA Statement

JPMA Responds to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding “Drop Side” Cribs

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J November 24, 2009 – To alleviate confusion that is in the media regarding the recently announced recall of certain drop side cribs, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), the not for profit trade association that promotes infant safety and the development of recognized ASTM International product safety standards, provides answers to some frequently asked questions by parents and caregivers.

Questions 1 of 3:

As a parent or caregiver, should I discontinue use of my drop side crib?

Answer:

As long as they are properly assembled, full functional and not subject to a recall, drop side cribs can be safely used.

If you own a Stork Craft crib that is part of the recall announced on November 24, 2009, we strongly recommend that parents follow corrective action of the company (Stork Craft) and the CPSC relative to this recall. For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 or log on to www.storkcraft.com.

Question 2 of 3:

What should I inspect on my drop side crib?

When using a drop side crib parents and care givers should check to make sure the drop side or any other parts are not missing or damaged and that they operate properly. Parents should be sure that hardware is installed properly. When assembling and disassembling drop side cribs, parents should always confirm that the crib is reassembled following the manufacturer’s instructions. Instructions are attached to all cribs when sold; if they are missing, contact the manufacturer for a replacement copy.

Question 3 of 3:

Should I stop using a properly working drop side crib?

Answer:

No. The safest place for a child is in a full functional, properly assembled crib that is not part of a recall that is in good condition as it provides the safest sleep environment for children. This is true for ALL cribs. Each year hundreds of deaths occur when children are placed to sleep in an environment that is not specifically designed for them. Many times more infants die each year when they are placed in unsafe sleep environments.

NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep. NEVER place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.

JPMA reminds parents and care givers, that when you assemble a crib to the manufacturer’s instructions and use it properly, a crib provides the safest sleeping environment for baby.

About JPMA

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is a national trade organization of more than 250 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. JPMA exists to advance the interests, growth and well-being of North American prenatal to preschool product manufacturers, importers and distributors marketing under their own brands to consumers. It does so through advocacy, public relations, information sharing, product performance certification, and business development assistance conducted with appreciation for the needs of parents, children and retailers. Each year, JPMA sponsors Baby Safety Month in September. JPMA initiated Baby Safety Month to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of the safe use and selection of juvenile products.

For more information, please visit www.jpma.org. For additional information regarding product recalls, please visit www.cpsc.gov.