SafetyCraft Drop-Side Crib Hardware Linked to Deaths, CPSC Warns

Generation 2 Worldwide “SafetyCraft” drop-side cribs contain parts that are identical to those used in other cribs that were recalled after being linked to infant deaths and injuries, product safety officials are warning. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning to users of the SafetyCraft drop-side cribs, indicating that they have parts that appear to be the same as those used in cribs recalled a year ago after at least three infants died in the cribs and 20 more were injured.

It was determined that the hardware on the cribs may break, causing the drop side to detach and potentially entrap and suffocate infants.

The manufacturer, Generation 2 Worldwide, went out of business in 2005. The “SafetyCraft” trademark was bought by Foundations Children’s Products of Medina, Ohio, but those cribs are not affected by this warning.

The CPSC warns that because Generation 2 Worldwide no longer exists, there is limited information on the cribs or where they were sold. However, they all have the name “SafetyCraft” on a label affixed to the headboard or footboard, and will be labeled as made in either Indonesia or Dothan, Alabama. The warning applies to all SafetyCraft cribs made by Generation 2 Worldwide.

The recall comes about five months before a drop-side crib ban enacted by the CPSC goes into effect in June. The commission voted in December to ban all drop side cribs from the market, including the sale, resale and manufacture of the cribs. The vote came after the drop-side crib design has been linked to 32 infant and toddler deaths since 2000, and are suspected in 14 other fatalities.

Drop-side crib safety issues have resulted in millions of cribs being recalled in recent years. 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.

Problems with the designs of many drop-side cribs have allowed the moving parts to become loose or fall out, creating a gap that can trap or suffocate the infant. Problems with drop side cribs have involved malfunctioning retractable pegs, metal locking pins that came loose, broken slats and other issues.

Many major retailers previously agreed to stop selling drop side cribs, and a number of drop side crib lawsuits have been filed against both manufacturers and retailers who sold defective cribs.