Gillibrand bill would outlaw drop-side cribs
This drop-side Graco crib is under recall because its hardware is not holding up, causing a risk of strangulation and suffocation to babies. (Undated) Credit: Handout
WASHINGTON - Drop-side cribs with a side rail that moves up and down may soon be banned.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has introduced a bill to outlaw the sale and manufacture of the cribs following the deaths of at least 32 infants and toddlers who suffocated or were strangled in drop-side cribs since 2000. The cribs are suspected in another 14 infant fatalities during that time.
Similar legislation is expected to be introduced in the House.
The industry has started phasing out drop-sides and big retailers have taken them off sale floors. Yet there are still plenty for sale on the Internet and being used in homes.
The industry says drop-side cribs that haven't been recalled are safe as long as they are used and assembled properly.
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