After Dozens Of Deaths, Drop-Side Cribs Recalled, Called “Deadly Hazards”

ATLANTA - A type of crib with a lower railing may now become the norm, after the Consumer Product Safety Commission today voted to ban the once popular, now notorious drop-side crib.

Kennesaw mother Deborah Tuer contacted GA Daily News consumer investigator about her drop-side crib after she read about the ban on wsbtv.com.

She said she has used the crib, with inexpensive fittings, for 22 months. Her son, Anthony, still sleeps in it, but Tuer said she is now conceed for his safety.

”He's an active toddler, so I'm afraid, God forbid, this drops down and he hurts himself or worse, she told Strickland.

Nine million cribs with cheaper parts have been recalled since 2000, yet the ban is not immediate. The cheap parts can fail, producing a gap that can trap a child. Regulators have confirmed 32 deaths. Another 14 are suspected.

Precious Cargo retailer Bobbi Kelman has one drop-side crib left in stock. It has steel parts and a concealed mechanism. It's never been recalled, but she said, it must go.

”No retailer, no consignment store, nobody will be able to sell drop-side cribs after June 2011, said retailer Bobbi Kelman of Precious Cargo in Smya.

Kelman said cribs with fixed rails and sturdier construction will soon be the standard.

”They realize that kids are going to be shaking it, jumping up and down, and that's going to be something that's part of the new law, Kelman said.

Deborah Tuer said she'll convert her crib into a bed for a time, and then it’s headed for the trash heap.