What's New About Cribs?

            Upon learning about the new regulations for infant cribs in child care facilities, most program directors’ first comments seemed to be disbelief, followed by concerns about where the money would come from to replace all the cribs, and a resounding WHY!

            No one, including directors, wants to put any children, least of all a little baby, in something that might cause them harm in any way. The new regulations are first and foremost meant to keep our young ones safe. As providers, we want the best for the children in our care. These new regulations address more than just the drop-side issue with cribs. They address many issues with cribs that make today’s manufactured crib actually a great deal safer than its predecessors.

     Cribs manufactured and sold after June 28, 2011, must adhere to these new Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations (16 CFR 1219 or 16CFR 1220):

1.      The elimination of the traditional “drop-side” rail cribs.

2.      Improvements to the strength of crib slats to avoid breaking.

3.      Increase the mattress support durability.

4.      Changes in the quality of the hardware to prevent anti-loosening.

5.      Require more rigorous testing.

6.      Better labeling and instructions to avoid errors in assembly.

The new regulations also require ALL cribs to meet these new standards by

December 28, 2012. That means that unless your cribs were manufactured after June 28, 2011, and have date code labeling establishing that, they will need to be replaced. Retailers and manufacturers should be able to provide a letter of compliance as well that states the new purchased cribs meet the new regulations. There is not a way to “re-fit” a crib to make it compliant. Also, the cribs must be disposed of, they are not being recalled, nor are they safe for any other infants to occupy.

            The CPSC will be enforcing the crib standards. Anyone who is covered by the new crib standards and does not comply commits a prohibited act under section 19(a)(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and is subject to possible civil penalities.

            The important fact to remember is that this new generation of cribs will be safer for the little ones that slumber in them. Even though the new regulations are causing budgets to stretch, saving just one baby from harm makes it all worthwhile.

            Constructive Playthings® is committed to providing the highest quality early childhood educational supplies, preschool furniture, and daycare furniture.