Crib Safety is not just about drop-side rail cribs. There are new federal requirements to make cribs safer.

 5 New Federal Requirements:

1. Traditional drop-side cribs cannot be made or sold; immobilizers and repair kits not allowed

2. Wood slats must be made of stronger woods to prevent breakage

3. Crib hardware must have anti-loosening devices to keep it from coming loose or falling off

4. Mattress supports must be more durable

5. Safety testing must be more rigorous

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. Click Here for additional information. (Spanish)

Additionally, more detailed answers to questions about the new standards and crib safety are at CPSC's OnSafety blog, and at the Crib Information Center on CPSC's website.

What about when my child is at child care?

Beginning December 28, 2012, any crib provided by child care facilities and family child care homes must meet new and improved federal safety standards. Also, on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website, child care providers can find an informational sheet outlining how the new requirements affect them. The sheet is available in English and Spanish. Please be sure to share this information with your provider.

Car Seat Safety can go a long way...

NHTSA's 2009 child fatality data found that, in 2008 motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death for young people ages 3 to 14. In 2009, an average of four children age 14 and younger were killed and 490 were injured every day. To learn more about keeping your child safe in the car Click Here.

Fun In The Sun

Babies under 6 months:

• The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For All Other Children:

• The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against UVB and UVA rays.
• Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

Source: The American Academy of Pediatrics 

Consider Safety Before Opening Windows:

To help prevent injuries and tragedies, CPSC recommends the following safety tips:

• Safeguard your children by using window guards or window stops.
• Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows.
• For windows on the 6th floor and below, install window guards that adults and older children can open easily in case of fire.
• Install window stops so that windows open no more than 4 inches.

• Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.
• Whenever possible, open windows from the top - instead of the bottom.
• Keep furniture away from windows to discourage children from climbing near windows.
• Some jurisdictions require landlords to install guards. Check your local regulations.

FDA Drug Safety Communication: Reports of a rare, but serious and potentially fatal adverse effect with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) benzocaine gels and liquids applied to the gums or mouth such as Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, Orabase, and store brands. Click Here for additional information.

You can sign up to be notified about recalls from the US Consumer Product and Safety Commission by simply Clicking Here. It's the best way to stay informed and helps keep your child safe.