Frequently Asked Questions about the New Crib Laws

The new regulations set up by CPSC at the end of 2010 have generated many questions, and CPSC has been actively making every effort to help answer these questions. The New regulations are in place for the safety of babies in the U.S., and L.A. Baby are commited to helping you understand what the new regulations are about and how they affect you. If you have any further questions, please contact us. Below are some of the questions from the CPSC site that have to do with the new regulations. The following questions are the ones we get asked the most frequently by Child Care center administrators and staff people.

General Questions

What is the New Standard for Cribs?
Starting June 28, 2011, all cribs manufactured and sold (including resale) must meet the new standards which were established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on December 28, 2011. The new standards require stronger construction of crib slats, mattress support panels, and improved hardware of both full and non-full size cribs. Part of the new regulations also prohibits the sale of traditional drop side cribs. Businesses that provide accomodation to infants (daycare centers, hotels) and provide rentals of cribs are required to have all their cribs in compliance by December 28, 2012. All L.A. Baby Cribs currently being shipped are compliant with the new regulations.
What if I need a crib before June 28, 2011?
You may be able to find compliant cribs prior to the implementation date. You cannot tell by looking if a crib is compliant with the new standards. Ask the retailer or manufacturer if their crib is compliant with CPSC 16 CFR 1219 (full size cribs) or CPSC 16 CFR 1220 (non-full size cribs). L.A. Baby's currently shipping cribs are compliant with the new CPSC standards. Find out if your crib is compliant with the new standards.
Is this simply a ban on Drop Side Cribs?
No, the new regulations go above and beyond merely banning drop sides on cribs. The regulations, in addition to banning the drop sides, require that new cribs be much stronger and have durable hardware for increased safety of baby. Also, in order to be compliant, a production sample must be submitted to a third party testing lab that puts the crib under stresses that are far beyond what would be placed on the cribs in normal usage.
Are all drop side cribs “recalled”?
There has not been a specific “recall” of all drop-side cribs due to the new regulation. However, some manufacturers recently have recalled their cribs in cooperation with the CPSC because a specific defect or risk of harm has been discovered relating to a particular crib model. Although these recalls are separate from CPSC’s new crib standards, traditional drop-side cribs will not meet the new crib standards that became effective for retailers on June 28, 2011. Cribs with traditional drop-sides cannot be sold after that date.
How do I know if my cribs are compliant with the new standard?
You cannot tell by looking at the crib if it is compliant with the new regulations. You will need to contact the manufacturer of your crib if you have a crib that was made before December 28, 2010 to find out if yours are compliant with the new regulations, as many cribs from before that date will not be compliant with the new regulations.

Consumers

I have a drop side crib in my Home, What can I do?
Many manufacturers have provided immobilizer kits to lock the drop side into the upper position. If you have a drop side crib, that has not been recalled due to defects, contact the manufacturer to verify if they have an immobilizer kit available for your crib. Since the new regulations require durability and strength on all components, be aware that the immobilizer will not make your crib compliant with the new regulations.
Is A Sturdy Non-Drop side Crib Okay to Use for a consumer?
The new regulations go far beyond merely banning drop-sides, they require the entire structure of the crib to be much more durable. If you continue to used your current crib, make sure to regularly ensure that the hardware is tight, secure and that no parts are loose or missing. The CPSC have produced a video that answers questions that have been brought up about existing cribs, it also demonstrates how to check your crib's hardware. Take note that after December 28, 2012 Day Care centers, rental outlets, family child care homes, and places of public acommodations, such as hotels and motels, must have compliant cribs in place.
My drop-side crib has not been recalled. Can I return it for a refund?
Manufacturers and retailers are not required to accept returns or provide a refund for products which have not been recalled.

Child Care Centers, Foster Homes, Churches, Hospitals

We still have drop side cribs in our day care center. Are we in violation of the regulation?
No, child care facilities have until December 28, 2012 to replace non-compliant cribs with cribs that are compliant with CPSC 16 CFR 1219 or CPSC 16 CFR 1220.
After that date, places of public accomodation may no longer use traditional drop-side cribs or non-compliant cribs and must use cribs meeting the new federal safety standards.
Note: Child care facilities, family child care homes, and places of public accomodation should not resell, donate, or give away a crib that does not meet the new cribs standards, such as selling through online auction or donating to a thrift store. CPSC recommends disassembling the crib before discarding it.
What about Portable Cribs or Play Yards?
The crib standards cover portable cribs, there is currently no finalized standard for play yards.
CPSC is currently developing a separate mandatory federal standard for play yards.
Are churches/church nurseries subject to the new crib standards?
The CPSIA does not provide any exclusion for churches. The language in the CPSIA considers a child care facility to be one that provides services for a fee. If volunteers take care of children during a church service without pay, CPSC crib standards do not apply to such an arrangement.

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