Cribs are supposed to be the safest place to put a baby, keeping her in a confined and comfortable place to sleep in peace. Co-sleeping with infants is always an option and research shows it has numerous benefits (Ask Dr. Sears), although it remains a controversial subject for some.
But the recall of more than 5 million cribs and bassinets (US Consumer Product Safety Commission) should serve as a wake-up call that no baby product's safety claims should ever be taken for granted.
There is nothing sadder than news reports of babies who died or were seriously injured as a result of poor crib designs. CPSC's press release about the recall of Stork Craft cribs (CPSC) states that there were 110 incidents with its products, including 15 entrapments and four suffocations (but no details about fatalities).
The problem with Stork Craft cribs is the drop-side plastic hardware, which can break and create a small space for babies to become entrapped or even suffocated. Anyone with one of the recalled cribs is advised to stop using it immediately and wait for the free repair kit.
Here's a report on the recall by CBS News:
Stork Craft is facing a class action lawsuit in Canada (Consumer Affairs) made up of about 1,000 customers (with similar suits in the United States. After facing criticism that it moved way too slow (FindLaw) before finally recalling the cribs, CPSC finally acknowledged its errors.
Parents whose child has suffered an injury as a result of using one of the defective cribs should contact an Illinois injury lawyer as soon as possible.
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CPSC chief concedes it moved slowely on crib safety (AP, via FindLaw)
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Product Liability Overview (FindLaw, provided by Hartley Hampton)
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Chicago Injury Attorneys (FindLaw)
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