Crib Safety Tips and Recent Dangerous Recalls

Crib Safety Tips and Recent Dangerous Recalls

The recent Delta Enterprise Inc. recall of faulty cribs and infant deaths

related to the cribs has induced a rash of panic and worry among many parents

of newborn babies.


The recall is expected to affect millions of families and included a recall

of 1.6 million potentially faulty cribs, according to a Chicago Tribune

special investigation. While the 1.6 million cribs recalled are no longer

available for purchase, the Chicago Tribune reported that many cribs are

often reused and the cribs affected may have been resold online. The faulty

cribs were produced from 1995 to 2007 from Delta, which has been deemed the

largest distributor of cribs worldwide.


Although the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Delta noted

that the recall stemmed from the deaths of two infants who were asphyxiated

following the malfunction of the drop side of the crib, on a closer

investigation by the Chicago Tribune, the company had an alleged lengthy

history of crib malfunctions.

Crib Safety Tips


The dangers associated with faulty cribs can be avoided or reduced, according

to the CPSC, by abiding by the following list of crib safety tips:


* Place infants on their backs and ensure that the crib is fitted with a

tight-fitting mattress.

* Avoid placing pillows, comforters, sheepskins, bumper pads, pillow-

like stuffed toys and blankets inside of the crib.

* Consider replacing blankets with sleepers.

* Place a tucked in blanket as well as baby’s feet at foot of bed and do

not place blanket higher than infant’s chest.

* Ensure that a fitted sheet covering the mattress is for crib use only.

Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) also advised that

parents use a set of standards when choosing a crib for their infant. The AAP

developed the following list to assist parents in choosing the safest crib

for their child.


* Ensure a Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA)

certification accompanies the crib.

* Slats should not be widely spaced, no more than 2 and 3/8 inches.

* Wooden cribs should be splinter free and parts/joints must fit tightly.

* Crib surfaces should contain lead-free paint and surfaces should be

smooth with no cracks or peeling paint.

* Avoid decorative cutouts on the end panels.

* Corner posts should either be very tall or flush with the end panels.

* Raised crib sides should be 26 inches above the mattress support and

lowered crib sides should be at least 9 inches above the mattress support.

* The mattress should be the same size as a crib in order to avoid

trapped limbs or body parts.

* There should be a hand-operated, locking drop side that does not

unintentionally release.


Dangerous Cribs


Individuals who have been a victim of a dangerous crib recall or crib defect

are encouraged to locate a personal injury attorney in order to receive a

free legal consultation on the potential development of a crib recall lawsuit.

Because of the severity of dangers and damage that can occur, it may be

necessary to develop a crib recall lawsuit in order to obtain the monetary

means to pay for damages incurred by a victim and their family.

Peter Kent is the best-selling author of 50 books and hundreds of articles for magazines and newspapers. He manages Legalview.info, a website hosting a variety of information on legal issues, including Delta Crib Recall.