health canada is requesting input by 15 december on a regulatory proposal that would tighten the safety requirements for domestically-produced and imported cribs by further aligning canada's safety standards for cribs with those currently in place or under consideration in the united states. among other things, the proposal would ban the sale, importation and advertisement of traditional drop-side cribs as well as other cribs with sides that are not rigidly attached to the crib ends.
health canada notes that the hardware on these types of cribs can break or fail, allowing the drop-side to detach from the crib. when the drop-side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop-side and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing a risk of strangulation and suffocation. in addition, children can fall from the crib when the drop-side detaches or fails to latch and lock in the manufacturer's recommended use position. in the united states, the cpsc is considering a separate proposal that would also prohibit the sale of traditional drop-side cribs.
if approved as currently drafted, the proposal would:
● include a requirement that only the uppermost portion of a crib may fold, pivot or move with
respect to the frame in order to provide easier access to the occupant;
● amend the test method for the impacting of cribs and cradles such that it is more
repeatable, which would align with the crib requirements proposed by the cpsc;
● add a performance requirement and test method for slat strength from the crib requirements
proposed by the cpsc;
● include a provision from the crib requirements proposed by the cpsc to further safeguard
against the incorrect assembly of key components;
● include performance requirements and test methods from the crib requirements proposed
by the cpsc for accessories such as bassinets or changing tables that attach to cribs;
● include performance requirements and test methods for the maximum rest angle and
maximum flatness angle of bassinets, which would align with the proposed cpsc
requirements, and;
● clarify the performance requirement and test method relating to completely bounded
openings for fabric sided cribs, cradles and bassinets.
