Press Release

For Immediate Release
May 26, 2010

Crowley Introduces Legislation to Protect Children from Dangerous Cribs

Bill would ban the sale or resale of drop-side cribs

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) announced the introduction of legislation to ban the sale or resale of drop-side cribs, which have been responsible for 32 infant and toddler deaths in the past 9 years, including that of a 9-month-old in the Bronx. Congressman Crowley’s legislation (H.R. 5386) would prohibit the manufacture, sale, resale or public use in hotels or daycares of drop-side cribs.

“We can’t take chances with the safety and health of our children,” said Congressman Crowley. “Drop-side cribs have been shown to be unsafe, and unsafe equipment has no place in the nursery. These cribs have led to too many deaths already, and we have a responsibility to make sure that no more children and families suffer the consequences when these cribs malfunction.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who earlier this week introduced identical legislation (S. 3400) in the Senate, said, “I am so pleased to have Congressman Crowley join me in this effort.  Together, working with our colleagues, we can prevent any further senseless deaths and stop these dangerous and deadly products from reaching any more homes, nursery rooms, stores, and day care centers.”

Drop-side cribs are those that have at least one side that moves up and down.  Despite strict standards, drop-side cribs have proven very dangerous.  The numerous moving parts are known to break or fall apart frequently, which can lead to the drop side detaching in one or more corners from the crib. Small children have slipped into the gap created by a partially detached drop side and become entrapped and suffocated. Since 2007, 6 million drop-side cribs have been recalled – including 14 different recalls from 8 different crib companies. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning about the dangers of drop-side cribs and is considering issuing new mandatory federal standards on this issue. CPSC investigations have shown that overall, most drop-side cribs are more prone to mechanical failure than similar designed fixed-side cribs, and older cribs tend to have more safety problems than new cribs.

Congressman Crowley represents sections of the Bronx and Queens; he serves as a member of the exclusive House Committee on Ways & Means and Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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