Crib Recalls Got you Nervous? Create a Safe Sleep Environment With These Simple Rules

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a fully functional, properly assembled crib. This statement hits on the two main issues at hand with the recent recalls. Far too many people have been trying to “rig” their crib as they either didn’t have all the hardware or something was broken. Since December 2009, manufacturers have been producing cribs to a new standard that restrict traditional drop sides. This same requirement will most likely be part of a new mandatory federal requirement in the future.

To create a safe sleep environment for your baby follow these 6 simple rules:

1. Properly assemble crib with approved hardware. Regularly check stability to ensure nothing has loosened over time.
2. Place crib in the room away from windows, window coverings and wall hangings.
3. Use a firm crib mattress that fits snug in the crib. There should be no more than 2 fingers width between mattress and crib on all sides.
4. Place your baby on their back to sleep. This has reduced the incidents of SIDS by over 50% in the past 15 years.
5. If your crib is damaged, DO NOT try to repair it without manufactured approved hardware or parts.
6. DO NOT purchase a used crib with any missing, loose or damaged parts. This includes purchases from thrift stores, online auctions or garage sales.

For more information on safe sleep for your baby check out JPMA’s consumer website at http://www.cribsafety.org/.  For more information on the recent recalls to repair, refer to the list of manufacturers involved below. The drop-side and fixed-side crib recalls announced recently are of units manufactured between 2000 and 2009 by the companies listed below. Not all manufacturers are included in this recall to repair. Consumers should contact these firms directly for the appropriate remedy:

• Delta Enterprise Corp., of New York, N.Y.- 877-342-3418
• Evenflo, of Miamisburg, Ohio - 800-356-2229
• Jardine Enterprises, of Taipei, Taiwan - 800-295-1980
• LaJobi, of Cranbury, N.J. - 888-738-5676
• Million Dollar Baby, of Montebello, Calif. - 888-673-6488
• Simmons Juvenile Products Inc. (SJP), of New London, Wis. 877 342-3439
• Child Craft, (this firm is out of business): Fixed-Side/Drop-Side 866-614-0557

The Childcraft brand was purchased by Foundations Worldwide in 2009. Childcraft is providing a decal kit and supplemental instruction sheet for certain models. Separately, they are offering a rebate coupon for the purchase of a new crib for select drop side models produced between 2000 and 2009.