More drop-side cribs recalled due to safety hazards

Drop-side cribs manufactured by Shermag, Incorporated, and sold in The Land of Nod specialty stores and other US and Canadian children’s retail stores, are being recalled due to the potential for multiple safety hazards. Approximately 2,300 units in the USA and another 800 cribs in Canada are being taken off the market in response to evidence that entrapment, suffocation, and fall hazards may exist. No child-involved injuries have occurred, but there have been twenty-one reports of the drop-side rails failing or detaching from the crib frame.

As of June 28, 2011, traditional drop-side cribs were banned and stronger safety and testing requirements are mandated. This historical decision was made as a result of a comprehensive study of crib-related infant deaths reported to CPSC between January 2000 and early 2010. Shermag, located in Quebec, Canada, sold the high-end cribs from September 2004 and through December 2008 at a retail price of $400 to $800.

According to the September 29^th CPSC recall, “The drop-side rail hardware on the cribs can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop-side rail and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing risks of suffocation and strangulation. In addition, children can fall out of the crib when the drop-side rail falls unexpectedly or detaches from the crib. Drop-side rail failures can also occur due to incorrect assembly or with age-related wear and tear.”

The wooden Shermag drop-side crib styles involved in this recall include:

• Model 202647
• Model 211047
• Model 272547

The model number is labeled on the crib’s headboard or footboard.  For more details go to Shermag’s website at http://www.shermag.com.  You can also call them at (800) 567-3419.  They are offering a no-cost repair kit that will immobilize the movable side.

Canadian consumers can view Health Canada's press release here.  

To see if your crib has been subject to a safety recall, go to www.cpsc.gov.