Drop side cribs now banned in US-

emiliemadison · December 2010

It's about time.

MexiCali · December 2010

Every fiber in my cruel little body wants to send this to my MIL. We fought tooth and nail with them about their drop side crib. We ended up giving them our PNP for him to sleep in. They still have the crib and I *think* one of the other kids in their daycare sleep in it.

emiliemadison · December 2010

MexiCali:
Every fiber in my cruel little body wants to send this to my MIL. We fought tooth and nail with them about their drop side crib. We ended up giving them our PNP for him to sleep in. They still have the crib and I *think* one of the other kids in their daycare sleep in it.

If your MIL has a home daycare, she will be required by law to replace any drop side cribs (I think by June). So she can say she doesnt want to, or doesnt understand why, etc, but if she wants to remain in business then she doesnt have a choice.

ToledoDeux · December 2010

Excellent.

hterry85 · December 2010

StarAnnice:

Ok, this, I just find silly. We had a drop-side crib for DS1 and didn't have any problems. (Yeah, yeah, jump me for that one)

A majority of these deaths, if I understand completely, was from the cribs beign put together improperly. So...somebody didn't follow the directions, and blamed somebody else. If parents would take more responsibility in making sure they are assembling the crib properly, and checking the structure, frequently, this may not be happening. Too many people don't take responsibility for their own actions (or inactions) these days and are quick to blame manufacturers/service industries.

This. I read an article back when a lot of the recalls happened saying that the majority of the deaths (and the the others, the circumstances were unknown) were a result of the crib being assembled for the 3rd plus time, and usually with missing hardware.

Lanny02 · December 2010

StarAnnice:

Ok, this, I just find silly. We had a drop-side crib for DS1 and didn't have any problems. (Yeah, yeah, jump me for that one)

A majority of these deaths, if I understand completely, was from the cribs beign put together improperly. So...somebody didn't follow the directions, and blamed somebody else. If parents would take more responsibility in making sure they are assembling the crib properly, and checking the structure, frequently, this may not be happening. Too many people don't take responsibility for their own actions (or inactions) these days and are quick to blame manufacturers/service industries.

This.

Honestly, we have a drop side crib and never have a problem with it. And, oh my word, we got it used. We followed the directions and it's just fine.

cobabymama · December 2010

StarAnnice:

Ok, this, I just find silly. We had a drop-side crib for DS1 and didn't have any problems. (Yeah, yeah, jump me for that one)

A majority of these deaths, if I understand completely, was from the cribs beign put together improperly. So...somebody didn't follow the directions, and blamed somebody else. If parents would take more responsibility in making sure they are assembling the crib properly, and checking the structure, frequently, this may not be happening. Too many people don't take responsibility for their own actions (or inactions) these days and are quick to blame manufacturers/service industries.

I agree to a point. However I think the manufacturers should make sure in the event that it isn't put together properly there isn't a gaping hole for the child to get stuck in.

That said, my Brother has a dropside crib that his 10month old is in. He screwed bolts into the frame so it doesn't "drop down" and he made sure he put it together properly as well.

cobabymama · December 2010

StarAnnice:

Ok, this, I just find silly. We had a drop-side crib for DS1 and didn't have any problems. (Yeah, yeah, jump me for that one)

A majority of these deaths, if I understand completely, was from the cribs beign put together improperly. So...somebody didn't follow the directions, and blamed somebody else. If parents would take more responsibility in making sure they are assembling the crib properly, and checking the structure, frequently, this may not be happening. Too many people don't take responsibility for their own actions (or inactions) these days and are quick to blame manufacturers/service industries.

I agree to a point. However I think the manufacturers should make sure in the event that it isn't put together properly there isn't a gaping hole for the child to get stuck in.

That said, my Brother has a dropside crib that his 10month old is in. He screwed bolts into the frame so it doesn't "drop down" and he made sure he put it together properly as well.

MexiCali · December 2010

StarAnnice:

Ok, this, I just find silly. We had a drop-side crib for DS1 and didn't have any problems. (Yeah, yeah, jump me for that one)

A majority of these deaths, if I understand completely, was from the cribs beign put together improperly. So...somebody didn't follow the directions, and blamed somebody else. If parents would take more responsibility in making sure they are assembling the crib properly, and checking the structure, frequently, this may not be happening. Too many people don't take responsibility for their own actions (or inactions) these days and are quick to blame manufacturers/service industries.

Wear and tear can also cause the bolt to loosen up and when the child is hanging on it then it can be an issue.

For myself I don't want to take a chance at all of it being hazardous to my child. If it went this far as them banning it from the U.S. then I feel it is a serious matter. It's just like all things that are recalled. They recalled diapers and I decided to invest in CD's. They recalled the humphreys and I threw them away even though we weren't misusing them. I would hate for my name to be quoted in one of these articles for whatever the reason is. I'm all about safety first.

curlychic · December 2010

Lanny02:
StarAnnice:

Ok, this, I just find silly. We had a drop-side crib for DS1 and didn't have any problems. (Yeah, yeah, jump me for that one)

A majority of these deaths, if I understand completely, was from the cribs beign put together improperly. So...somebody didn't follow the directions, and blamed somebody else. If parents would take more responsibility in making sure they are assembling the crib properly, and checking the structure, frequently, this may not be happening. Too many people don't take responsibility for their own actions (or inactions) these days and are quick to blame manufacturers/service industries.

This.

Honestly, we have a drop side crib and never have a problem with it. And, oh my word, we got it used. We followed the directions and it's just fine.

This, and it was a hand-me-down used by three of LO's cousins and was originally purchased 12 years ago.

To OP, just as a precaution, you may want to post this on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tri boards so that they know the new info...

emiliemadison · December 2010

Sigh. Of course there have to be the obligatory "But we have one and nothing bad ever happened, so this is stupid!" responses. Tongue Tied

BellaAmor215 · December 2010

It says on the link you posted, that if you have a drop side crib that wasn't recalled and it is properly put together then it should be fine. DD has a drop side crib. I check it every time before I put her in it. I have ever since the recall when DD was a month or so old, even though her crib wasn't recalled.

simplyatomic · December 2010

StarAnnice:
You missed my point. A majority of these deaths and injuries were due to an error made by the parent not putting the crib together properly and not checking to make sure it was still up to par.

I'm with Annice. I used drop down cribs for all of my kids except Liam and Lola. We are a society of people who believe someone else should pay regardless of if it is our fault or not.

epphd · December 2010

I agree that in many cases user error is to blame, but how many of these parents thought they had made an error in assembly? Is it possible that YOU made an error in assembly? Is there some sort of assurance that the crib is assembled exactly according to manufacturer's specifications? I sincerely doubt that the parents of injured or dead children though "eh, I'm not sure it's assembled properly but I'm sure it's good enough."

All it takes is ONE time, one error that you may not even be aware of for a fatality to occur. Given that your child may spend 12 hours a day in the crib, is it appropriate to say "well, it's your own fault!" when a child dies?

I don't know - I usually think that recalls are often giant CYA exercises and that parents should take more responsibility (like, if kids fingers can get pinched in collapsing strollers, don't let your kid stick their fingers there), but I actually applaud this decision. We put our babies in cribs for hours a day, close the door and don't watch them every second. Why not just make sure their environment is as safe as possible?

rnfromtn · December 2010

emiliemadison:

It's about time.

ARTICLE

This was EXACTLY what I was just about to post. Seriously, walkers won't be too far behind.

MexiCali · December 2010

epphd:

I agree that in many cases user error is to blame, but how many of these parents thought they had made an error in assembly? Is it possible that YOU made an error in assembly? Is there some sort of assurance that the crib is assembled exactly according to manufacturer's specifications? I sincerely doubt that the parents of injured or dead children though "eh, I'm not sure it's assembled properly but I'm sure it's good enough."

All it takes is ONE time, one error that you may not even be aware of for a fatality to occur. Given that your child may spend 12 hours a day in the crib, is it appropriate to say "well, it's your own fault!" when a child dies?

I don't know - I usually think that recalls are often giant CYA exercises and that parents should take more responsibility (like, if kids fingers can get pinched in collapsing strollers, don't let your kid stick their fingers there), but I actually applaud this decision. We put our babies in cribs for hours a day, close the door and don't watch them every second. Why not just make sure their environment is as safe as possible?

Well put and better than I said it.

emiliemadison · December 2010

simplyatomic:
StarAnnice:
You missed my point. A majority of these deaths and injuries were due to an error made by the parent not putting the crib together properly and not checking to make sure it was still up to par.
I'm with Annice. I used drop down cribs for all of my kids except Liam and Lola. We are a society of people who believe someone else should pay regardless of if it is our fault or not.

No I understand your point, and it's valid. Mistakes often lead to injuries. But when it comes to issues like this where the potential to MAKE a mistake can be avoided, why isnt it in everyone's best interest to change?

Simplyatomic's comment about believing that "someone else should pay" isnt really the point of the change, though. This has nothing to do with getting someone to pay. This is simply a design change so that parents CANT make a mistake and crib manufactures know that their products are more user friendly and safer.

Timeg · December 2010

StarAnnice:

Ok, this, I just find silly. We had a drop-side crib for DS1 and didn't have any problems. (Yeah, yeah, jump me for that one)

A majority of these deaths, if I understand completely, was from the cribs beign put together improperly. So...somebody didn't follow the directions, and blamed somebody else. If parents would take more responsibility in making sure they are assembling the crib properly, and checking the structure, frequently, this may not be happening. Too many people don't take responsibility for their own actions (or inactions) these days and are quick to blame manufacturers/service industries.

Yes We've safely and successfully slept both girls in the same drop-side crib.

epphd · December 2010

Again, for all of you saying "the cribs were safe for us" - well thank you, captain obvious. How many people are going to say - well, it only killed of our kids. Or "well his injury was relatively minor". If 99% of users put them together properly, that is still 1% of millions of kids who are still at risk. Why should thousands of children suffer injuries or the potential of death for an easily remedied problem? No one is asking anyone to give up their cribs - new drop side cribs just won't be made anymore. Why the kerfuffle?

shortstuff15 · December 2010

simplyatomic:
StarAnnice:

You missed my point. A majority of these deaths and injuries were due to an error made by the parent not putting the crib together properly and not checking to make sure it was still up to par.

I'm with Annice. I used drop down cribs for all of my kids except Liam and Lola. We are a society of people who believe someone else should pay regardless of if it is our fault or not.

I'm in this camp as well. We have a drop-side and will keep it for use on all of our kids. I am short and it is very difficult for me to be able to reach my kid on the second level (which it is on now) let alone the bottom level. If I was pregnant it would be pretty much impossible. So we use our drop-side and I love it. We read the directions carefully and made sure that it was together properly and I have no doubts about it's safety.

shortstuff15 · December 2010

emiliemadison:
simplyatomic:
StarAnnice:

You missed my point. A majority of these deaths and injuries were due to an error made by the parent not putting the crib together properly and not checking to make sure it was still up to par.

I'm with Annice. I used drop down cribs for all of my kids except Liam and Lola. We are a society of people who believe someone else should pay regardless of if it is our fault or not.

No I understand your point, and it's valid. Mistakes often lead to injuries. But when it comes to issues like this where the potential to MAKE a mistake can be avoided, why isnt it in everyone's best interest to change?

Simplyatomic's comment about believing that "someone else should pay" isnt really the point of the change, though. This has nothing to do with getting someone to pay. This is simply a design change so that parents CANT make a mistake and crib manufactures know that their products are more user friendly and safer.

Actually, this just makes cribs less user friendly for those of us who are short. I am very glad that I was able to buy a drop-side crib when I did and I feel for those who are short and won't be able to buy one in the future.

emiliemadison · December 2010

dhviel:
emiliemadison:
simplyatomic:
StarAnnice:

You missed my point. A majority of these deaths and injuries were due to an error made by the parent not putting the crib together properly and not checking to make sure it was still up to par.

I'm with Annice. I used drop down cribs for all of my kids except Liam and Lola. We are a society of people who believe someone else should pay regardless of if it is our fault or not.

No I understand your point, and it's valid. Mistakes often lead to injuries. But when it comes to issues like this where the potential to MAKE a mistake can be avoided, why isnt it in everyone's best interest to change?

Simplyatomic's comment about believing that "someone else should pay" isnt really the point of the change, though. This has nothing to do with getting someone to pay. This is simply a design change so that parents CANT make a mistake and crib manufactures know that their products are more user friendly and safer.

Actually, this just makes cribs less user friendly for those of us who are short. I am very glad that I was able to buy a drop-side crib when I did and I feel for those who are short and won't be able to buy one in the future.

Many manufactures who have already begun to put out mostly solid sided cribs have CHANGED the height of the crib overall, and this is where the rest of the market is headed as well. Ikea has had the right idea from the start- make a crib that's not so tall in the first place!!

shortstuff15 · December 2010

emiliemadison:
dhviel:
emiliemadison:
simplyatomic:
StarAnnice:

You missed my point. A majority of these deaths and injuries were due to an error made by the parent not putting the crib together properly and not checking to make sure it was still up to par.

I'm with Annice. I used drop down cribs for all of my kids except Liam and Lola. We are a society of people who believe someone else should pay regardless of if it is our fault or not.

No I understand your point, and it's valid. Mistakes often lead to injuries. But when it comes to issues like this where the potential to MAKE a mistake can be avoided, why isnt it in everyone's best interest to change?

Simplyatomic's comment about believing that "someone else should pay" isnt really the point of the change, though. This has nothing to do with getting someone to pay. This is simply a design change so that parents CANT make a mistake and crib manufactures know that their products are more user friendly and safer.

Actually, this just makes cribs less user friendly for those of us who are short. I am very glad that I was able to buy a drop-side crib when I did and I feel for those who are short and won't be able to buy one in the future.

Many manufactures who have already begun to put out mostly solid sided cribs have CHANGED the height of the crib overall, and this is where the rest of the market is headed as well. Ikea has had the right idea from the start- make a crib that's not so tall in the first place!!

To be honest, I would trust a drop-side crib before I would trust any Ikea furniture! And apparently when we were crib shopping we didn't run into any of these new cribs (and we only crib shopped last year) because every single one that we looked at was almost too high for me to reach a baby on the highest level. Maybe Canada is just that far behind the states, I don't know, but I still trust my drop-side thanks!

naflmj · December 2010

Honestly, DS uses the crib my mom used for my sister 17 years ago.There are no plastic parts on it; it's all solid wood and metal and we leave the sides up anyways. There have been no recalls and it meets all current safety standards so I have no problems putting him in it each night. It isn't even possible for it to create the "V" they talk about in the article. While I realize a lot of newer models have had recalls, I think this overgeneralization is a bit absurd in my opinion.

AggieGrl · December 2010

epphd:
I don't know - I usually think that recalls are often giant CYA exercises and that parents should take more responsibility (like, if kids fingers can get pinched in collapsing strollers, don't let your kid stick their fingers there), but I actually applaud this decision. We put our babies in cribs for hours a day, close the door and don't watch them every second. Why not just make sure their environment is as safe as possible?

Bravo. After looking at a lot of these cribs, I'm not about to trust my kid's life to that little drop side mechanism, often made of plastic. My son, like many children his age, is a monkey. He bounces, jumps, kicks and pulls on the front of his crib. There is no guarantee that his antics won't cause broken hardware in the middle of night AFTER I've checked the crib. He is much less likely to cause damage to his solid sided crib made of heavy wood and bolts.

AggieGrl · December 2010

dhviel:
To be honest, I would trust a drop-side crib before I would trust any Ikea furniture!

Why? I don't think IKEA has ever had a crib recall, and Baby Bargains gives them a very high rating (A or A+, I don't have the book anymore). They meet the same safety standards as all other cribs in the US and Canada, are are made of solid wood.

dionnemd10 · December 2010

we have had a drop side for 4 years--we used it with child #1 and use it now for child #2--it converts to a toddler bed and a twin size bed so we'll continue to use it for years to come as well--just not as a drop side of course. never have we had any problems with it and our crib has never been part of any recall-everytime one came i out i looked to make sure---still would have used it anyway (yep recalls just don't phase me much)

epphd · December 2010

dhviel:

To be honest, I would trust a drop-side crib before I would trust any Ikea furniture! And apparently when we were crib shopping we didn't run into any of these new cribs (and we only crib shopped last year) because every single one that we looked at was almost too high for me to reach a baby on the highest level. Maybe Canada is just that far behind the states, I don't know, but I still trust my drop-side thanks!

Yes, because you know safety measures for products made in China are vastly superior to those made in Sweden. Confused Ikea cribs routinely get exceptional marks for safety and quality - moreso than the very expensive yet still made in China crap we get here.

Honestly, if height is that big a problem, consider a Montessori floor bed.

ETA: here's an example of a gorgeous Montessori nursery

onislandtime · December 2010

We have a dropside crib, but we replaced all the hardware with metal and it is bolted in place - the only way to drop it (which we don't) would be to get out the wrench and un-bolt it.

anabell0920 · December 2010

Makes me wonder if the people that are in the " I use it and my kid is safe camp" would be singing the same tune if something happened. Would then they say oh it only happened once so it's ok. Probably not. Oh and my MIL use to use a drawer for a makeshift crib and he turned out ok maybe I should just do that from now on!

anabell0920 · December 2010

Dup

simplyatomic · December 2010

anabell0920:
Makes me wonder if the people that are in the " I use it and my kid is safe camp" would be singing the same tune if something happened. Would then they say oh it only happened once so it's ok. Probably not. Oh and my MIL use to use a drawer for a makeshift crib and he turned out ok maybe I should just do that from now on!

I used Hylands Teething Tablets for 21 years before I had a problem with it. Would I recommend them now? No. That said when it came to buying Wonderboy a crib we did our research and bought him one that was not a drop down side. We as parents felt it was safer for our child. Not everything stays wonderful because we used it back when.

shortstuff15 · December 2010

AggieGrl:

dhviel:
To be honest, I would trust a drop-side crib before I would trust any Ikea furniture!

Why? I don't think IKEA has ever had a crib recall, and Baby Bargains gives them a very high rating (A or A+, I don't have the book anymore). They meet the same safety standards as all other cribs in the US and Canada, are are made of solid wood.

Because there is a reason Ikea furniture is cheap - and this is all furniture from there, not just cribs - it's made from cheap wood and isn't a very strong product. I love Ikea style, but would never actually buy Ikea furniture to sit or sleep on. I have book shelfs from Ikea and lots of their decoration stuff, but the big stuff, not a chance.

shortstuff15 · December 2010

epphd:
dhviel:

To be honest, I would trust a drop-side crib before I would trust any Ikea furniture! And apparently when we were crib shopping we didn't run into any of these new cribs (and we only crib shopped last year) because every single one that we looked at was almost too high for me to reach a baby on the highest level. Maybe Canada is just that far behind the states, I don't know, but I still trust my drop-side thanks!

Yes, because you know safety measures for products made in China are vastly superior to those made in Sweden. Ikea cribs routinely get exceptional marks for safety and quality - moreso than the very expensive yet still made in China crap we get here.

Honestly, if height is that big a problem, consider a Montessori floor bed.

ETA: here's an example of a gorgeous Montessori nursery

There are many reasons why a Montessori floor bed is out.

1) I had no idea what Montessori was until I googled it a couple of minutes ago. From the very little I read I don't see much that peaks my interest.

2) I believe in boundries so therefore, no free crawling all over the place when she is supposed to be in bed. When my child goes to bed, she is there to sleep not explore her room. Exploring her room (and the rest of the house) is for playtimes - aka the rest of the day!

3) A floor bed would be just as difficult as a regular crib because you still have to get down on the ground to put a sleeping child there. I could never bedshare full-time for personal reasons so my children sleep in there own beds from day number 1. There have been times when she has slept in our bed (when we are travelling somewhere and she's not sleeping well), but mommy doesn't get sleep then so we have never bedshared at home.

4) I just don't like the looks of it. It honestly looks cheap (not the example you linked, but the floorbed style all together) and uncaring. To me, it looks like the parent could care less about the kid and just threw a mattress and a blanket on the floor for them. Again, this point doesn't come from your link, that room was alright and looked well thought out, but rather from my own personal decorating and furniture style.

epphd · December 2010

dhviel:
epphd:
dhviel:

To be honest, I would trust a drop-side crib before I would trust any Ikea furniture! And apparently when we were crib shopping we didn't run into any of these new cribs (and we only crib shopped last year) because every single one that we looked at was almost too high for me to reach a baby on the highest level. Maybe Canada is just that far behind the states, I don't know, but I still trust my drop-side thanks!

Yes, because you know safety measures for products made in China are vastly superior to those made in Sweden. Ikea cribs routinely get exceptional marks for safety and quality - moreso than the very expensive yet still made in China crap we get here.

Honestly, if height is that big a problem, consider a Montessori floor bed.

ETA: here's an example of a gorgeous Montessori nursery

There are many reasons why a Montessori floor bed is out.

1) I had no idea what Montessori was until I googled it a couple of minutes ago. From the very little I read I don't see much that peaks my interest.

2) I believe in boundries so therefore, no free crawling all over the place when she is supposed to be in bed. When my child goes to bed, she is there to sleep not explore her room. Exploring her room (and the rest of the house) is for playtimes - aka the rest of the day!

3) A floor bed would be just as difficult as a regular crib because you still have to get down on the ground to put a sleeping child there. I could never bedshare full-time for personal reasons so my children sleep in there own beds from day number 1. There have been times when she has slept in our bed (when we are travelling somewhere and she's not sleeping well), but mommy doesn't get sleep then so we have never bedshared at home.

4) I just don't like the looks of it. It honestly looks cheap (not the example you linked, but the floorbed style all together) and uncaring. To me, it looks like the parent could care less about the kid and just threw a mattress and a blanket on the floor for them. Again, this point doesn't come from your link, that room was alright and looked well thought out, but rather from my own personal decorating and furniture style.

OoooohK then. That's a lot more information than was warranted.

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