Killer Cribs

The current recall of cribs with faulty and dangerous drop-sides was large enough to make it into all the major media outlets (list of manufacturers at the end of this article). But the problem with cribs that cause injury or death has been plaguing the industry for some time. Why aren’t they able to make a safe, functional crib?

The current round of problems comes with the drop-side mechanism – this is the side that folds or slides down so that mothers can easily reach their infants. If this moving side isn’t properly manufactured, infants can get fingers, hands, feet or toes caught between the sections. A crushing injury or amputation is the likely result.

Worse than this, the faulty products have been blamed for 32 deaths.

Old dangers still around

Since 2005 there have been 11 recalls by the Consumer Products Safety Commission for cribs with problems. They now recommend avoiding this style of crib altogether in favor of one with permanent sides. They are less convenient and less popular with mothers who have to reach over the side to remove their baby, but the number of recalls makes this a safer option.

In November of 2009, Stork Craft recalled more than a million cribs (sold under the Fisher-Price logo) because the sides could fall unexpectedly. This was in response to 110 incidents of failure that caused 15 entrapments (4 resulted in death from suffocation) and 20 falls. A fall occurs when the side of the crib drops down when there is no one around and the infant rolls or crawls off the edge.

The problem was worn or cheaply made plastic tracks and stops. Here it is a half a year later and finally, other manufacturers with similar products are responding.

Current recall information

Manufacturer (with website link where available) and contact number for the recall. These links will generally include pictures of the recalled cribs along with model numbers. The main CPSC contact number for recall questions is (800) 638-2772.

• Stork Craft (also Fisher-Price logo; includes some fixed-side models) -- (877) 274-0277
• Child Craft (sold at Baby's R Us and elsewhere; includes some fixed-side models as well) -- (866) 614-0557
• Delta Enterprise Corp (sold under the Delta Crib brand) -- (877) 342-3418
• Evenflo (sold as Jenny Lind cribs) -- (800) 356-2229
• Jardine Enterprises (Imported by Toys R Us) -- (800) 295-1980
• LaJobi (sold under various brand names) -- (888) 738-5676
• Million Dollar Baby (also under Da Vinci or Baby Mod) -- (888)673-6488
• Simmons Juvenile Products Inc. -- (877) 342-3439

Other important crib information

Cribs are often bought, sold or traded on the secondary market and because the recalls date as far back as 1999, it is important to check any crib that is currently in use at the CPSC website.

Find any manufacturer information on the item and search their site for information. Do not assume that no result means you have a safe crib. Do not use a crib unless you are confident it is working properly!

• Cribs that are assembled incorrectly or have broken or missing parts should not be used.
• Crib sides that do not stay securely fastened need repair or replacement.
• Do not attempt a home-fix or alter the manufacturer’s safety features. If the crib is not functioning properly you risk more than any inconvenience or expense – you are putting your infant at risk of injury or death.
• Cribs that are more than ten years old should be replaced.
• If you doubt the safety of your crib, a bassinette or playpen can be used temporarily.
• Do research the links above to see pictures and descriptions of the recalled cribs.
• Do pass this information along to anyone you know who is currently using a crib for their child.
• Do report any incidents with faulty cribs to the CPSC. Your information could inform the next recall and perhaps save a baby from harm.

Personal injury attorneys handle too many cases that involve an amputation or even the death of an infant. We would all prefer to never see another case. The tragedy and guilt can last a lifetime.

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