Drop Side Cribs Banned in the U.S.

In a unanimous vote Wednesday, traditional drop side cribs were decided to be banned in the United States.

The Consumer Protection Safety Commission voted 5 to zero to ban cribs with a traditional drop side in the United States. The ban is to address the high number of infant deaths in connection with the cribs.

Along with banning the drop side design, the regulations also call for stronger crib mattresses, sturdier hardware and more rigorous safety testing on cribs.

Drop side cribs have been at the center of infant deaths recently, with 36 deaths from entrapment or suffocation from November 2007 to April 2010. There have also been millions of drop side crib recalls in the U.S.

The nationwide ban will begin in about six months, or by June, said CPSC spokeswoman Patty Davis to news reports . When the ban occurs, manufactures will no longer be able to sell or make the drop down style cribs.

As a North Charleston personal injury attorney , I’m glad to see the U.S. take action on these dangerous cribs causing infant deaths. Even though the recall doesn’t take place for another half a year, I urge you to stop using these drop side cribs now to ensure child safety .