Defects Identified by CPSC Early Warning System Prompt Crib Warning to Parents: CPSC to Consider Rulemaking to Address Crib Defects

Check out Recall Roundup on the Fayette Front Page to see the Delta Crib Recalls Due to Infant Deaths.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to closely inspect the hardware and stability of their cribs to ensure all parts are in place and secure. The warning by the CPSC comes after the agency's Early Warning System has identified concerns with the durability of cribs, especially those with drop sides that can disengage and lead to dangers of entrapment and strangulation.

Since the creation of the CPSC Early Warning System in fall of 2007, the agency has conducted five crib recalls where the hardware was broken, missing or otherwise failed to function. Cribs with drop sides are the type most likely to experience hardware problems. They contain more moving parts and have more non-rigid connections than static, or non-drop side cribs. In many cases the drop side corners disengage from the tracks located on the crib ends, or safety stops become nonfunctional permitting the drop side to detach from the crib. These types of defects are often undetected by parents or caregivers and can worsen when the baby pushes or leans against the side of the crib.

"The CPSC is committed to making sure a baby's sleep environment is as safe as possible," said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "It is that ongoing commitment that is driving the agency to explore new crib requirements and educate the public of the dangers associated with some cribs."

Safety Tips for all cribs:

* Parents should not use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts.

* Hardware should be inspected from time to time and tightened to keep the crib sturdy.

* When using a drop side crib parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly on its track.

* Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Any disengagement can create a gap and entrap a child.

* Do not try to repair any side of the crib without manufacturer approved hardware or with tape, wire or rope.

* Putting a broken side up against the wall does not solve the problem and can often make it worse.

While the mandatory and voluntary crib standards have succeeded in preventing many deaths and injuries, the agency staff believes the performance requirements can be strengthened to deal with the problems identified by the Early Warning System. Therefore, agency staff will be recommending that the Commission vote to issue an Advanced Notice of Proposed (ANPR) rulemaking to examine and assess potential design and durability issues and possible mandatory performance requirements to prevent future entrapments and strangulations to children. If approved, the ANPR will seek input and information about hardware systems, other hardware issues, assembly and instructional problems and wood quality/strength issues for cribs with both stationary and drop side construction.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

CPSC Focuses On Safety in the Nursery and Around the House for Baby Safety Month Pillows Pose One of the Greatest Dangers Where Babies Sleep

As parents prepare for a new baby with love and care, CPSC urges keeping safety in the mix. One area of great concern for the CPSC is pillow use in cribs. The CPSC is urging all parents to forego putting any kind of pillows in the crib due to the high risk of suffocation and entrapment. The CPSC is aware of at least 47 infant deaths between January 2006 and May 2008 associated with pillow use in the sleeping environment. In the 16 years between January 1992 and May 2008, pillows and cushions have been associated with 531 infant deaths.

"Parents should be especially vigilant when preparing for a new baby," said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "Babies represent our most precious and vulnerable population."

Nursery Safety

To reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation, place baby to sleep on his or her back in a crib that meets current safety standards.

To prevent suffocation never use a pillow as a mattress for baby to sleep on or to prop baby's head or neck.

Infants can strangle to death if their bodies pass through gaps between loose components, broken slats and other parts of the crib and their head and neck become entrapped in the space.

Do not use old, broken or modified cribs.
Regularly tighten hardware to keep sides firm.

Infants can suffocate in spaces between the sides of the crib and an ill fitting mattress; never allow a gap larger than two finger widths at any point between the sides of the crib and the mattress.

Never place a crib near a window with blind or curtain cords; infants can strangle on the cords.

Safety Around the House

Properly set up play yards according to manufacturers' directions. Only use the mattress provided with the play yard. Do not add extra mattresses, pillows or cushions to the play yard, which can cause a suffocation hazard for infants.

Look for a toy chest that has a support that will hold the hinged lid open in any position in which it is placed or buy one with a detached lid or doors.

Small Parts - For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

Magnets - For children younger than age eight, avoid building sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.

For all children younger than age eight, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.

Verify that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor to the floor or attach to a wall.

Use outlet covers and outlet plates to help prevent electrocution.

CPSC encourages parents to routinely check toys and nursery products against CPSC recall lists and remove recalled products from your home.

_____
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page