A recall of more than 1.6 million cribs was announced this week because of the suffocation deaths of two eight-month-old infants. Parents are warned to check their own cribs, even if they are not part of the recall. Here is what you need to know to ensure that your baby is safe in her crib.
The official crib recall concerns cribs that were manufactured by Delta Enterprises and encompassed many different models of drop side cribs. Some cribs contained safety pegs that were spring loaded. The cribs were sold at major retailers including Wal-Mart, Kmart and Target.com between January 1995 and September 2007.
The infants suffocated when they got stuck in gaps that were created when the movable drop-down side slipped off of its guide track. Normally, safety pegs are supposed to prevent the side from slipping down too far and out of its track. In one case, the pegs failed. In the other case, the pegs were never installed.
The Consumer Safety Commission is asking parents to check their cribs periodically, tightening up the hardware and inspecting the integrity. Moving parts on cribs should function well, sliding smoothly. They should be secure. Also, parents and caregivers shouldn’t try to make their own makeshift repairs to a crib.
Delta Enterprises will send anyone with any of these cribs additional safety pegs of a spring-loaded kit to repair the cribs. Cribs that are currently for sale are not part of the recall.
This recent safety recall may prompt the Consumer Safety Commission to develop new standards for crib safety.
I have just a quick reminder for anyone out there who may be purchasing or borrowing a used crib. It is always important to check recalls and safety standards to make sure that your crib is safe. Buying a used crib is not usually recommended because of safety issues.
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
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