Cribs

Beginning June 28, 2011, all cribs, full-size and portable cribs, manufactured and sold (including resale) in the United States must comply with new and improved federal safety standards. You cannot tell from looking at a crib whether it meets the new standards. You can tell the date the crib was made by looking at the label on the crib.

It is recommended that you use a crib that meets the new standards. However, if you have an older crib that does not meet the new standards and you are unable to purchase a new one, you are encouraged to:

• Only use a crib with a drop-side rail if an immobilizer has been installed. Request a free immobilizer from the manufacturer.
• Make sure the space been slats is less than 2-3/8 inches (about the width of a pop can).
• Make sure the crib does not have corner posts over 1/16 of an inch high.
• Make sure the crib does not have cutout designs in the headboard or footboard.
• Not use a crib that is more than ten years old.