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Keeping Baby Safe in a Drop Side Crib

Millions of American parents prefer drop side cribs for their little ones.  These cribs can be extremely convenient, especially for parents who find it easier to pull the side down to reach their baby.  However, over the past year, there has been a lot of concern generated over the safety of these cribs.

Most of the concerns have to do with entrapment, suffocation and strangulation risks to infants when the drop side detaches from the crib, creating a vacant space that the baby can roll into.  These cribs are also associated with higher fall hazards.  In fact the risks are so great, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is soon likely to ban these cribs altogether.  Until then, if you already have a drop side crib at home, there are steps you can take to make sure that your baby continues to be safe in the crib.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that parents only buy cribs that are less than 10 years of age.  Older cribs were not manufactured according to the newer stringent safety standards and are likely to be a safety hazard to an infant.

California product liability attorneys also greatly discourage parents from buying used and secondhand cribs.  These cribs may have undergone plenty of wear and tear and this could compromise the crib’s integrity.  There may be missing parts, and these could pose a serious safety risk.

However, if buying a new crib is out of the question for you, make sure that you research well before you buy a used crib.  Before buying the crib, make sure that it’s relatively new.  Check all the parts and components of the crib.  Make sure that all the screws and bolts are in place.  Shake the crib a little to see if it wobbles.  If the crib looks worn out or battered, look for another crib.

Most drop side cribs have to be assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully can result in a drop side crib accident that can leave your child with a serious injury.  Follow all instructions carefully.  If you have any questions about the instructions, contact the manufacturer on their toll-free number or look up the company’s website.

Check your drop side cribs frequently to make sure that all screws and bolts are safely and tightly secured.  Do this every time you change the sheets.  Check if there is a gap created between the drop side and the mattress.  Experts recommend a gap of not more than the width of two fingers.

Drop sides typically become loose after heavy use.  If you notice that your drop side has become loose, don’t attempt DIY repairs.  Often, serious crib-related in injuries are caused because parents used wire and tape to secure loose side to the crib.  Other times, parents believe they have secured a loose side by pushing the crib against the wall.  These are highly dangerous practices, and you could place your child at serious risk of injury or death.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of product liability. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

The Reeves Law Group is not representing any party in the matters discussed in this posting.

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