The New Crib Standard: Questions and Answers

www.CPSC.gov

Since CPSC approved a new crib rule, your questions have been flowing into us. While most questions have revolved around the drop side, it’s important for you to know that the new standard affects far more than the drop side. A crib’s mattress support, slats, and hardware are now required to be more durable and manufacturers will have to test to new more stringent requirements to prove compliance.

Here are some of your questions along with answers:

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1.      What is the new standard for cribs?

Beginning June 28, 2011, all cribs manufactured and sold (including resale) must comply with new and improved federal safety standards. The new rules, which apply to full-size and non full-size cribs, prohibit the manufacture or sale of traditional drop-side rail cribs, strengthen crib slats and mattress supports, improve the quality of hardware and require more rigorous testing. The details of the rule are available on CPSC’s website at www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr11/cribfinal.pdf.

The new rules also apply to cribs currently in use at child care centers and places of public accommodation. By December 28, 2012, these facilities must use only compliant cribs that meet the new federal safety standards.

2.      When will the new, safer cribs be available for purchase?

Beginning on June 28, 2011, all cribs sold in the United States must meet the new
federal requirements. After that date, it will be illegal to manufacture, sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, offer, provide for use, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce a crib that does not comply with the CPSC’s new standards for full-size and non-full-size cribs. This includes manufacturers, retail stores, Internet retailers, resale shops, auction sites and consumers.

3.      What if I need to purchase a new crib prior to June 28, 2011?

Some compliant cribs may be available before the required date. However, you will not be able tell if the crib is compliant by looking at the crib. So, you may want to ask the retail store or the manufacturer whether the crib complies with 16 CFR 1219, the new federal standard for full-size cribs or with 16 CFR 1220, the new federal standard for non-full-size cribs.

4.      Is this new regulation simply a ban on all drop-side rail cribs?

No, these are sweeping new safety rules that will bring a safer generation of cribs to the marketplace in 2011. CPSC’s new crib standards address many factors related to crib safety in addition to the drop-side rail. A crib’s mattress support, slats, and hardware are now required to be more durable and manufacturers will have to test to the new more stringent requirements to prove compliance.

5.      Are all drop-side rail cribs “recalled” because of the new regulation?

There has not been a specific “recall” of all drop-side cribs due to the new regulation. Instead, some manufacturers recently have recalled their cribs in cooperation with the CPSC because a specific defect or risk of harm has been discovered relating to a particular crib. Although these recalls are separate from CPSC’s new crib standards, traditional drop-side cribs will not meet the new crib standards that will take effect on June 28, 2011, and cribs with traditional drop-sides cannot be sold after that date.

CONSUMERS

6.      As a consumer, what can I do if I have a drop-side crib?

Some drop-side crib manufacturers have immobilizers that fit their cribs. Drop-side crib immobilizers are devices that are used to secure drop sides to prevent dangerous situations in which the drop-side either partially or fully separates from the crib. As part of a recall, CPSC staff works with companies to provide fixes, or remedies, for products. For drop-side cribs, that remedy has been immobilizers.

Check the CPSC’s website for companies that have recalled their cribs and are providing immobilizers to secure the drop-side on the cribs. These immobilizers were evaluated and approved by CPSC staff for use with these particular drop-side cribs.

If your drop-side crib has not been recalled, you can call the manufacturer and ask if they are making an immobilizer for your crib. Remember, though, that those particular immobilizers have not been tested or evaluated by CPSC staff for use with your specific crib.

Note that a drop side crib, even with an immobilizer installed, will not meet the new CPSC crib standards.

7.      Is a sturdy, non drop-side crib okay for a consumer to use?

It is unlikely that your current crib will meet the new crib standards. The new standards require stronger hardware and rigorous testing to prove a crib’s durability. If you continue to use your current crib, you are encouraged to check the crib frequently to make sure that all hardware is secured tightly and that there are no loose, missing, or broken parts. Note that after December 28, 2012, child care facilities, family child care homes, and places of public accommodations, such as hotels and motels, must provide cribs that comply with the new and improved standards.

8.      My drop-side crib has not been recalled, but I am worried about using it with my baby. Can I return it for a refund?

Manufacturers and retailers are not required to accept returned drop-side cribs or to provide a refund. However, individual retailers and manufacturers may conduct promotions or incentives for their customers.

9.      Is it okay for me as a consumer to resell, donate or give away a crib that does not meet the new crib standards?

A consumer should not resell, donate or give away a crib that does not meet the new crib standards, such as trying to resell the product through an online auction site or donating to a local thrift store. CPSC recommends disassembling the crib before discarding it.

10.     Is the answer different if a piece (“immobilizer”) has been added to my drop-side crib to prevent the side from moving up and down?

Consumers should not sell or give away a drop-side crib that has an added immobilizer because it still will not meet the new crib standards.

11.     If I am unable to purchase a new crib, what can I do to keep my baby safe?

If you continue to use your current crib, you are encouraged to:

a. Check CPSC’s crib recall list to make sure that your crib has not been recalled.
b. Check the crib frequently to make sure all of the hardware is secured tightly and that there are no loose, missing, or broken parts.
c. If your crib has a drop-side rail, stop using that drop-side function. If the crib has been recalled, request a free immobilizer from the manufacturer or retailer (particular immobilizer will vary depending on the crib).
d. Another option is to use a portable play yard, so long as it is not a model that has been recalled previously.

CHILD CARE CENTERS AND HOSPITALS

12.     My child care center still has drop-side cribs. Are they in violation of the regulation?

No, child care facilities, family child care homes, and places of public accommodation, such as hotels and motels, have until December 28, 2012, to ensure that the cribs used in their facilities meet the requirements of the CPSC’s new crib standards.

After this date, places of public accommodation may no longer use traditional drop-side cribs or noncompliant cribs and must use cribs meeting the new federal safety standards.

Parents should talk with management about the new standards and the facility’s plan of action for replacing the cribs. Parents also should make sure their baby is not being placed in a recalled crib.

Note: Child care facilities, family child care homes, and places of public accommodation should not resell, donate or give away a crib that does not meet the new crib standards, such as trying to resell the product through an online auction site or donating to a local thrift store. CPSC recommends disassembling the crib before discarding it.

13.     Are hospitals required to provide cribs that comply with the CPSC’s new crib regulation?

The CPSC crib rules require only certain facilities to provide cribs that comply with CPSC rules. Those places include child care facilities, family child care homes, and places of public accommodation such as hotels and motels. Hospital cribs are regulated by the FDA, and are thus considered to be medical devices. Cribs used in hospitals as medical devices are not required to comply with the new CPSC crib standards.

However, a child care facility that is owned or operated by, or located in, a hospital is required to provide cribs that meet the new crib standards by December 28, 2012.

If you have additional questions, please e-mail them to feedback@cpsc.gov.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Mutsy Transporter Light-Weight Stroller

By:  Marie E. Moody

Mutsy Transporter Light-Weight Stroller a light-weight, full-sized stroller is acknowledged by its simplicity in handling the product, it’s size when folded, and an adjustable push bar. A tremendous value for your hard earned money, and it’s all about baby!   Speaking of which your child will be very comfortable in a very deep and padded seat, and can be used by infants from 3 months through 55 pounds.  The reclining seat and large, protective hood can be used for the privacy of napping, keeping harmful sun rays away from baby, or any sudden changes in the weather.

Being that it is lightweight, it’s the perfect stroller if you have to go up, and down the stairs, to lift in and out of the trunk of your car or maybe you’re going on a trip and you have to carry it through the airport.  No strain on the back here, and it’s so easy to fold and very compact.  It also has an optional bassinet that can be easily attached to the frame, and strolled into room to room so baby can be right by your side.  The bassinet has a convenient handle when lifting off the frame of the transporter.  The basket underneath the stroller is quite the size in case you want to do a little mall shopping.  The Mutsy Transporter Light-Weight Stroller is the perfect thing to get for the baby’s grandmother who needs that extra concern of lifting a heavy-weight, and the steering and wheels on this stroller are great. Going over bumps and uneven sidewalks don’t wake the sleeping baby. The stroller also strolls smoothly over grass and dirt.

PROS:

  • Interchangeability
  • Light and flexible
  • Combi-buggy
  • Can be used in combination with a carry cot, a seat cover, and different car seats
  • Steering
  • Flexible and maneuverable
  • 2 front swivel wheels
  • Catches above the front wheels for locking wheels into position
  • Removable wheels
  • Folds quickly
  • Compact form
  • Frame folds with or without the seat attached
  • Weight capacity : 50 lbs

SPECS:

  • Overall Dimensions: 110″ H x 65″ W x 79″ D
  • available in gray, sand, red and black

MRSP:  $399.00

Leave a Comment

Filed under Stroller, Uncategorized

Rock Star Baby Play Yard

By Marie E. Moody

The Baby Play Yard by Rock Star Baby is lightweight, can be moved from room to room, and is a must-have for the backyard. The Rock Star Baby Play Yard is both stable and versatile. The base is solid wood, no phony stuff, and the wheels allow it to be moved from one room to the next, so baby can be wherever you are, whether washing dishes, watching a movie, or just reading a book.

The Rock Star Baby Play Yard also has a handy carrying bag allowing you to take this show on the road. The baby can sleep and travel just like a rock stars in star-like style.  My husband is in a band, and if I happen to be watching my grandson it would be a breeze.  The best part for me is its lightweight.  I wouldn’t need anyone’s help carting this baby around. Plus it even has a removable changing table, and then for the music sheets or something after baby is in your lap clapping to the beat of the drum. Get down with your bad self.

Tico Torres, an actual rock star and drummer for the world-famous band Bon Jovi, is the founder of Rock Star Baby. At a show one day Tico noticed the adults were looking cool, but their kids were missing that coolness, that something special. As Tico’s fellow band members began having children of their own, he once again noticed the lack of cool baby products, and so Rock Star Baby took life. The collection is Tico’s own individuality of his creativity, combining traditional and classical values with passion and excitement of the rock lifestyle. It has individual designs, high-quality fabrics and a totally wide variety of hot colors, including black, white, gray, silver, and gold. Tico, now the proud father of his own little boy, Hector, thinks that “every baby is considered a Star,” and with the Rock Star Baby collection your son or daughter can be like one too.

PROS:

  • Light weight portable design
  • Easy to change into pram
  • Extra padding for maximum comfort
  • Sturdy base
  • Removable easy clean change table

STATS:

  • Weight: 30 pounds

MRSP: $229.00

Leave a Comment

Filed under Baby Safety

Rock Star Baby Candy Stroller- New Design

When I saw Rock Star Baby Candy Stroller I immediately thought of Pink, who recently announced that she’s eating for two, pregnant and will give birth sometime in the summer of 2011. Who knows what stroller the rock star will choose to push her new-born baby in, but I can tell you that the Rock Star Baby Candy Stroller would be fitting.

The Rock Star Baby brand was founded by a rock star, Ticco Torres, drummer for the band Bon Jovi.  Oh how I loved Bon Jovi back in the day. The newly designed lightweight umbrella stroller comes in two colors: black and red.  And a really creative  logo design.  Stroller combines classical and traditional values along with the rockstar lifestyle.

The lightweight stroller rolls in with eight wheels and rocks at a mere 14 lbs.  The canopy, fabric and wheels have all been upgraded to give you the ultimate umbrella stroller with convenient features for mom, dad and your little rock star.

When searching for Rock Star Baby Candy Stroller reviews I found a video review on YouTube. The stroller looks very  similar to this particular stroller and in red.  The video shares how to easily fold this stroller one handed and it looks very clever.  She loves the recline on the stroller and the canopy offers wonderful shade. She uses it a lot for airline travel and says it’s one of her better stroller purchases for her child. Her child weighs over 35 lbs and says the stroller does take some maneuvering with the weight and  the comfortable handle grips are great when pushing baby.

At a Glance:

  • Aluminum Frame
  • Lightweight
  • 4 Position Recline Seating
  • 2 Position Adjustable Foot Rest
  • Shopping Basket
  • 5 Point Safety Harness
  • Locking latch and Carrying handle

Rock Star baby Candy Stroller Stats
Child weight limit: up to 40 lbs
Stroller weight: 14 lbs
Dimensions: 31.5 x 18.5 x 40.9
Colors available: Red and Black
Price: $159.00

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Baby Gift Baskets

Baby gift baskets can take the guess work out of shopping for baby. Pre-made gift baskets can cover several occasions:  baby showers, newborn gift baskets, and even educational baskets.  They are all put together with the appropriate age of baby in mind.

Many find that the perfect shower gift or welcoming home baby gift is a gift basket or a diaper cake.  I received a diaper cake at my shower and I loved how creative it was. She made it out of disposable diapers stacked side by side making a wheel out of them. There were 3 layers all of newborn diapers that I used once baby arrived. I love practical gifts. Practical gift baskets full of items you know new moms can use. Themed baskets are always fun.  Educational baby gifts can offer a fun and creative way for parents to help guide their child along.  Fun games, daily use items that have eye catching patterns are said to enhance baby’s site and increase brain activity.

Many newborn gift baskets have colorful and fun toys along with many useful items for parents.  You can ship gift baskets directly to the hospital to welcome baby or send them to the new parents home for a “welcoming home” baby surprise.  In choosing a gift basket you can select a gender neutral basket or a basket put together especial for a baby boy or a baby girl.  Gift baskets offer a variety of items and choices to choose from all at a convenient low price for multiple items and put together in a reusable basket, box or wagon already wrapped for you.   Takes the guess work and the timeless shopping hours of wondering what to buy.

What type of gifts do you look for when giving gifts to new moms? As a new mom I love gifts that not only have something practical for baby but something for me, too.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Accessories

KidKraft Deluxe Firestation Set

Take your child on a fun adventure to a fire station. For the little fire fighter in your life how about a KidKraft Deluxe Firestation Set? Land a helicopter on top of the building, race off to fight fires in the firetruck, or play basketball while waiting for an emergency call. Pretend play in the firehouse let’s little boys or girls imaginations explore being a fire fighter. This large scale firehouse allows multiple children to play at once. The house has multiple levels to play on, along with fun construction and colorful detail. The firetruck’s design is very similar to what you would find at a real firehouse. It’s like a doll house for boys, but don’t tell dad. Slide down the fire pole and even take the firehouse dog for a walk, children will have hours of fun.

Features of and included in set:

  • 22 furniture pieces
  • 3 Firefighters
  • Helipad with Helicopter
  • Ambulance
  • Firetruck
  • Vibrant Colors
  • Sturdy Construction Made of Wood
  • Silver bells hang from the front of the fire house

In Kidkraft Deluxe Firestation reviews many of the parents say their child loves pretending to be a fireman. Their child played for hours and had lots of fun.  They say the structure is tall and sturdy and assembling was easy and didn’t take very long.  Their children especially enjoyed the firetruck and would drive the firemen all over the house.  However, there are several parents who have found that several pieces of furniture have broken easily with what they say was normal play. The sturdy house has stood up to the hours of play and they still feel this toy is fun, but wished it came with sturdier play pieces.

Measurements: 31.1 L x 17.3 W x 24.8 H
Construction: Made of wood
MDF molded plastic and fabric
Price: $ 116.00

Leave a Comment

Filed under Toys

Keekaroo Karoo Umbrella Stroller

Umbrella strollers with a nice recline are a great asset to mom’s on the run. The Keekaroo Karoo Umbrella Stroller has been referred to as  “highend without the big price tag” for umbrella strollers and let me tell you why. The Keekaroo Karoo offers  “awesome wheels, casters and suspension.”  It also offers a comfortable and large reclining seat with three positions and a leg support foot rest, too. Tall parents find the handle bars at a comfortable height for pushing and say they don’t kick the tires when walking. If you’ve ever experienced this you’d know that finding a stroller that offers a comfortable position for your hands so that you don’t have to slouch over to push is a wonderful thing.

Keekaroo Karoo umbrella stroller reviews say they would highly recommend this stroller for several reasons.  The recline seating is very impressive and the plush seat seems to be very comfortable for their child when seated. Several mention that they use this umbrella stroller with an older child over the age of 2 and find they too have plenty of room.  This umbrella stroller does accommodate a child up to 55 lbs so this would be great to have when those little legs get tired of walking on long mall trips or zoo visits.

One of the flaws mentioned with this particular stroller is that it does not come with a cup holder, but you can buy this and other accessories for the Keekaroo Karoo to make things more convenient. There were also a few complaints on the safety harness but nothing to be concerned about. The safety harness still remained secure enough to hold their child safe in the seat.

At A Glance

Pros

  • Removable and Adjustable Canopy
  • All Wheel Spring Suspension
  • 3 Position backrest recline
  • 2 Position Foot Rest
  • 5 Point Comfort Wrap Harness
  • Average Size Basket
  • Comfortable Padded Seat
  • Signature Head Rest
  • Easy to Fold
  • Comfortable Handle Height for Tall users

Cons

  • No Cup Holder
  • Flimsy Shoulder Straps

Keekaroo Karoo Umbrella Stroller Stats
Product Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 42
Stroller weight: 21 lbs
Child Weight capacity: 55 lbs
Price tag: $139.95

1 Comment

Filed under Stroller