A drop-side crib is built so that at least one side slides up and down (hence the “drop” in the name), so that a parent can access their baby without reaching so far over the side. Unfortunately, the feature that made drop-side cribs so convenient for parents also inadvertently made them dangerous for babies.
Why is a drop side crib dangerous?
The Dangers of Drop-Side Cribs
Children can get stuck in these gaps in a variety of positions and can become seriously injured or suffocate and die. These deadly gaps can form for various reasons, including: Screws, tracking, pegs, and bolts, on the drop-side (especially plastic) can warp or break.
Are cribs with drop sides Illegal?
It is now also illegal to resell a crib with drop sides, even if it’s at a yard sale or a garage sale. The banning of all drop-side cribs is just one of the new tougher standards implemented on Tuesday. It is a new era in child safety. The United States now has the strictest standards for crib safety in the world.
Do you need a cot with a drop side?
Despite their initial popularity, drop-side cots have now been banned in the USA and Canada, and in Europe drop-side cots are required to lock in the dropped position for additional safety.
What do you do with a drop side crib?
Families should not sell or donate a drop-side crib, even if it has been been fitted with immobilizing hardware. Disassemble and discard the crib instead. Parents can see if their particular drop-side crib has been recalled, and request a free hardware kit to immobilize the drop-side.
Can you take the side off of a crib?
Take the sides off your cot bed when your child is ready for the transition to a toddler bed, according to experts. This usually happens between 18 months and 3 years.
What age do you move baby to crib?
While there’s no hard-and-fast age when a toddler is ready to move on from the crib, little ones generally make the switch any time between 18 months and 3 1/2 years old, ideally as close to age 3 as possible.
How do you remove the drop side of a crib?
Lift the rail, then press the bottom part with your knee to loosen it. Slide it all the way down and out of the bottom of the crib assembly. You may have to lift the crib or wiggle the side rail to free it completely.
Are drop side cots banned in UK?
Drop side cribs: Are they safe and legal? … So while EN716 drop-side cots might be banned in the UK, they are in fact safe and legal in the UK and due to the many years of testing and increased requirements, parents continue to buy them everyday.
Are drop side cots banned in Australia?
But when it comes to warning parents against the dangers of drop-sided cots, we’re trailing other nations. The cots are still legal in Australia, however both Kidsafe and the ACCC are both adamant that parents be aware of their potential dangers.
Are second hand cots safe?
Second hand cots: are they safe? Yes – if you stick to a few checks and rules: Make sure the cot – even if old – conforms to current safety standards. If it’s vintage, it might need to be stripped down and repainted with paint that you’ve checked does not recommend against use on items like cots.
Can I use an old crib?
– Older wood cribs can be rough and cause splinters. For all of these reasons, we recommend purchasing a new crib, and making sure it is approved by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. For advice on choosing a crib, visit HealthyChildren.org.
How do I dispose of a crib?
If you don’t have the time to take your crib to a donation center yourself or are unsure if they will take your old crib, just call on the baby gear recycling pros at LoadUp. With eco-friendly disposal alternatives to the landfill, we always try to donate as much of your used nursery furniture as possible to charities.
Are cribs with wheels safe?
But in terms of safety, portable or mini cribs are fine as long as they meet the current safety standards, Davis says. The important thing is that the mattress is the right size for the crib, because you don’t want space between the pad and edges of the crib.