New Federal Crib Rules Go Into Effect Tomorrow

“These long-awaited changes are much needed, and I’m pleased that we will be seeing a whole new generation of safer cribs in the consumer marketplace,” Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said today.

The Department of Consumer Protection is the state agency responsible for enforcing the Connecticut Child Protection Act along with numerous federal child safety laws.

After June 28^th, it will be illegal to manufacture, sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, offer, provide for use, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce any crib or portable crib that does not comply with the CPSC’s new standards. This rule applies to all makers and sellers, including consumers.

The new standards address mattress supports, crib slats, and hardware quality. Manufacturers will have to test to the new more stringent requirements to prove compliance. Child care centers and public lodging accommodations have until December 28, 2012, in order to replace existing cribs with cribs that meet the new federal safety standards.

Commissioner Rubenstein noted that product inspectors will be checking retailers and resellers for compliance. Consumers who find a drop-side crib for sale are encouraged to contact the Department at  1-800-842-2649 to report the store and location.   

If you must continue to use your current crib, you are encouraged to:

1. Check CPSC’s crib recall list to make sure that your crib has not been recalled.
2. Check your crib frequently to make sure all of the hardware is secured tightly and that there are no loose, missing, or broken parts.
3. If your crib has a drop-side rail, stop using that drop-side function. If the crib has been recalled, request a free immobilizer from the manufacturer or retailer (the particular immobilizer you need will vary depending on the crib).
4. Once your child grows out of the crib to a bed, dissemble and discard the crib.

The Department of Consumer Protection website (www.ct.gov/dcp) has posted an information sheet outlining the new requirements. The sheet is available in English and Spanish.

More detailed information about the new standards and crib safety are on the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov and at the CPSC Crib Information Center (http://www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/index.html).