CPSC Rolls Out Crib Safety Requirements

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) rolled out new crib regulations, mandating that drop-side cribs are no longer allowed to be sold. Manufacturers are now also required to strengthen crib slats and mattress supports, make more durable crib hardware and subject their products to tougher testing. Childcare providers and hotels have until the end of 2012 to make the switch.

Some small retailers had sought an extension to the regulation, to determine which of their current merchandise met the specifications, but the CPSC voted it down. “After dozens of babies had tragically been entrapped and died, and millions of defective cribs had been recalled, the actions of this commission to ensure the swift movement to market of only safer cribs undoubtedly was justified,” said Inez M. Tenenbaum, CPSC chairwoman.