Parents should pay extra attention when using cribs with drop-sides.
A drop-side is a movable side of the crib that gives parents or caregivers easier access to the infants in the crib. However, starting from June 2011, the sale of cribs with drop-side feature will no longer be allowed in the United States for the safety of infants.
Between January 2000 and May 2010, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received 32 reports of infant suffocation and death associated with the loosened drop-side of cribs.
When the drop-side is loosened and detached from a crib, there is a risk that the infant may get stuck in the gap between the crib mattress and the drop-side, causing injury or even death of the infant.
The detachment of drop-side may be caused by improper installation or wear and tear of the hardware. It is also found that the tracks and rails, drop-sides and stabilizer bars are more likely to be assembled incorrectly.
The Consumer Council found in a recent market survey that there are many drop-side baby cribs being sold in Hong Kong and most of them required the consumers to carry out the assembling after the purchase. However, some of the assembling instructions were far too simple and lacked indication of the proper orientation either on the hardware or in the instruction manual. This may increase the chance of improper installation such as assembling the parts upside down or inside out.
Suppliers of baby cribs are urged to provide clear instruction with steps and precautions to avoid improper installation of all hardware of the baby cribs. Consumers should check the types, numbers and condition of all hardware and read the instruction carefully.
When using a drop-side crib, parents should check the drop-side regularly and make sure that it operates smoothly and can be locked securely. Do not leave the infant in the crib with the drop-side lowered and remember to lock the sides into place after putting the infant in the crib.
The Council also reminds parents to be aware of the potential risk and after-sales service when buying second hand and displayed cribs. The Customs & Excise Department pointed out that, according to the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, if a product is indicated as used (second-hand) goods at the time of sale, the seller might be excluded from liability.
Parents should look out for the followings when shopping for cribs:
- Make sure the size of the crib will fit in where it will be placed and the gap between slats would not be wider than 6cm.
- Check if the mattress base is adjustable to cater for the growth of the infant.
- The height of the sides should be at least 60cm when measured from the mattress base at its lowest position.
- Use bumper pad to prevent the infant from bumping into the sides of the crib. Make sure the strings for tying the pad are kept to the shortest possible and cannot be reached by the infant.
- The size of the mattress should match with the crib, not too big or too small. The mattress should not be too thick and it is advisable not to use more than one mattress.
- Some cribs can be fixed with wheels. Check if there is locking device on the wheels and try out if they work properly.
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