[Picture of CPSC Logo and screen reading: "CPSC Moms Ask Questions About Crib Safety"]

CPSC Mom Patricia: What is a drop-side?

Patricia Edwards, CPSC Engineer: A drop-side is a movable side of the crib that gives mom, dad, grandma or any caregiver easier access to the inside of the crib.
[Video; example of a drop-side crib and its operation]
A traditional drop-side slides up and down.

CPSC Mom Lisa: Are all drop-side cribs bad?

Patricia Edwards: Not necessarily. CPSC only hears about cribs with problems, not the ones that are fine.
[Video of a drop-side crib showing the drop-side movement, with the caption "Many manufacturers have agreed to stop selling drop-side cribs in the U.S. as of June 1, 2010".]
On the whole, a drop-side crib has a tendency to be less structurally sound than an identical fixed siding crib and thus it is more susceptible to problems from use, being moved, storage, and assembly.

CPSC Mom Amy: How can I tell whether my crib is safe for my baby?

Patricia Edwards: Every time you change the sheets, check that all visible hardware - every bolt, screw, track and clamp - is securely in place.
[Video showing the tightening of a crib screw] Make sure the drop-side is on its track and functions well.
With the mattress out of the crib, wiggle all the crib to see how tight all the joints are.
[Video showing a crib being wiggled as a check to see if it is wobbly]
If the crib remains wobbly after tightening all hardware, look for loose wood-to-wood joints that may be causing the problem.
[Video showing a wood-to-wood joint being checked by inserting a pencil in the gap]
Stop using the crib if loose wood-to-wood joints are found or if you cannot fully tighten any screw.

Also, if one side of your crib is loose, do NOT push that loose side against a wall and continue to use the crib.
[Video showing how a child can be smothered in a space created by pressing the loose side of a crib against a wall]
The wall, along with a loose side, can create a space in which a child can get caught and smother.

CPSC Mom Patricia: What are immobilizers? Should I use one?

Patricia Edwards: Immobilizers are protective devices that stop drop-sides from moving up, down, and outward.

If your manufacturer makes an immobilizer specifically for your crib, CPSC staff recommends that you get one and install it on your crib.
[Video illustrating one type of immobilizer]
Only use immobilizers on cribs that don't have missing or broken hardware. These devices protect your crib's hardware and limit movement so that a child can't get stuck between the drop-side and the rest of the crib.

CPSC Mom Mary: Can I just fix my crib myself?

Patricia Edwards: Do NOT try to fix your crib. Do-it-yourself crib repair can be very dangerous and the results can be deadly.
[Video showing how a child can be trapped in crib as a result of an attempt to repair a crib with tape]
Infants and toddlers have died in cribs with makeshift repairs. Untested screws can loosen and all kinds of tape, wire, and zip ties stretch -- no matter how tight they may be at first.

CPSC Mom Daisha: My crib has a drop-side but I don't use my drop-side. Do I still need to check my crib?

Patricia Edwards: Yes, you should always do regular checks on your crib to make sure that components are tight and are not broken. Parts can still break and become loose, even if the drop-side is not used.

CPSC Mom Amy: My crib has broken or missing pieces. Now what?

Patricia Edwards: Stop using the crib and contact the manufacturer and report the problem to the CPSC.

CPSC Mom Daisha: Stop using my crib? So where do I put my baby to sleep?

Patricia Edwards: If your baby is less than six months old and is not yet able to push up on their hands and knees, you can put your baby in a bassinet. If your child is older, you can use a play yard.
[Video showing a play yard]
If you believe your child is too big or able to climb out of a play yard, use a mattress on the floor or a toddler bed.

[Final Screen reading: "For more information go to cpsc.gov"]