Stork Craft Manufacturing Recalling 2.1 Million Drop-side Baby Cribs
Four Suffocations Prompt CPSC to Order Recall Action
The drop side cribs are designed to have a side that moves up and down, allowing parents to lift their infants from the crib without having to reach over and down into the crib mattress. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recalls late Monday, November 23, 2009, and includes crib sales that date back to 1993. In addition to the four tragic suffocations, the CPSC also is quoted as stating that 110 reports have been noted where the drop sides have actually detached from the cribs, which can create a dangerous gap between the drop down piece and the crib mattress. This gap can lead to entrapment of the child.
The sale of these cribs has been very widespread, starting in January 1993, and ending in October of this year. Many retailers, including Wal-Mart, Sears, and BJ's Wholesale Club have sold the cribs in store, and Target and Costco carried the cribs online. If you have one of these cribs, you should stop using it immediately. A free repair kit is available from Stork Craft, which will convert the drop down side to a permanently fixed side.
This is the second recall this year for Stork Craft cribs. 500,000 cribs were recalled last January when metal brackets supporting the mattresses developed problems. The CPSC reported that some of these earlier recalled cribs are included in this most recent recall.
Ironically, consumer advocates have been complaining about the design of cribs for several years. Recalls have exceeded 5 million over the past two years. Sadly, these recalls were the result of the tragic deaths of at least 12 infants.
In yet another ironic timing, ASTM International just approved last week a new standard for the design and construction of baby cribs. (ASTM is an organization that adopts safety and quality standards for many products and materials. They have rigid testing standards for everything from crayons to concrete. You will find the "Meets ASTM Standard" seal on many of the products you use daily.) The new ASTM standard calls for four fixed sides for full sized cribs. This would eliminate any drop side cribs. If the CPSC agrees to use new rules for crib safety, it could adapt the ASTM standard as compulsory, which would ban drop side cribs.
It is such a shame that once again tragedies dictate company action. While some recalls are caused due to unexpected problems, it would seem that there has been a history of safety issues with not only this design of baby cribs, but also with this particular manufacturer. I'm sure the company stance will be one of concern and regret, but neither will bring back the precious children who lost their youg lives while in what should have been a sanctuary of safety in their homes.
Sources:
Associated Press
http://www.storkcraft.com 877-274-0277.
Published by Major Jester
Happily married baby boomer with a beautiful wife, 5 children, 3 grandchildren: the best family one could ever hope for. View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentJust stopped in to Wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Day! Keep up the Great Work!
We tried rooming in with baby on our fourth child. Wish I'd done it with the others. Vincent is so right. Sad, but important info, MJ.
Very important topic! Well done!
If people weren't so "design conscious" they could develop one crib that would never kill anyone then not change a thing. But that won't happen...
Good reporting, Major.