JC Penny Drop Side Crib Recall Issued Due to Entrapment Hazard

About 16,700 drop-side cribs sold exclusively by J.C. Penny have been recalled due to defective drop sides, which may allow dangerous gaps to form between the side of the crib and mattress, potentially causing children to become entrapped and strangle. 

The J.C. Penny drop-side crib recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPC) on April 12, after the manufacturer, Nan Far Woodworking Co. Ltd., reported at least five incidents where the drop sides malfunctioned, including one that led to the entrapment of a child who suffered minor injuries.

It is now illegal for companies to make or sell drop-side cribs in the United States due to a number of infant deaths that have been linked to the design. However, this recall affects cribs that have not been sold by J.C. Penny since 2008.

The recall affects six models of Rockland Furniture brand drop-side cribs, including:

• Nightingale Spindle Drop-Side Crib, model number 343-8124
• Cottage Standard Drop-Side Crib Version 1, model number 343-8280
• Cottage Standard Drop-Side Crib Version 2, model number 343-8271
• Drop-Side Crib and Changer, model number 343-9105
• Renew Standard Drop-Side Crib, model number 343-8191
• Renew Convertible Drop-Side Crib, model number 343-8192

All of the recalled models are wooden cribs that use plastic hardware to attach the drop side. They have “Rockland Furniture” and the model number located on a label on the lower part of the headboard.

The cribs were sold at J.C. Penny stores nationwide and online at jcpenny.com from January 2005 through December 2008 for $150 to $400.

A drop-side crib ban enacted by the CPSC went into effect in June 2011, after the commission voted to stop the sale, resale and manufacture of all cribs featuring the drop-side design. The vote came after at least 32 infant and toddler deaths were associated with drop-side cribs since 2000.

The cribs are designed to allow easy access to the baby by having one side that can be unlocked and lowered. They have been particularly popular with shorter parents or those with back problems who have difficulty reaching over the rails of a standard crib.

The CPSC recommends that consumers stop using the cribs immediately and contact Nan Far Woodworking for a free repair kit. The kit will make the drop side immobile. In the interim, parents and care takers of children should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for any children currently using the recalled cribs. Consumers affected by the recall or with questions can call Nan Far Woodworking at (877) 967-5770 or visit the company’s website at http://www.rocklandimmobilizationkit.com/.