CPSC vs. drop-side cribs

Lenore Skenazy: “As for cribs, one reason the drop-side models seem so ‘dangerous’ is because they are so popular. When you have millions of people using anything, no matter how safe, the odds of an accident go up because the odds go up with the numbers. … These products are not deadly. There’s a difference between a deadly product (cyanide) and a product that sometimes results in death (a grape). We keep obscuring that difference, and congratulating the folks who act as if it is only a lack of vigilance that allows anyone to die of anything other than old age.” More: Nick Farr, Abnormal Use; Rick Woldenberg.


  • The real story here is that the crib manufacturers will make a fortune because all daycare centers will have to replace their cribs and millions of used drop-side cribs will be kept off the market.

    In this case, however, the CPSC had its hand forced by Congress. That is because the CPSIA requires the CPSC to enact mandatory standards that are at least as restrictive as the industry’s voluntary standards. Naturally, shortly after the CPSIA was enacted, the industry tightened its standards and banned drop-side cribs.

  • Oh, my aching back!

    What fun this is going to be, all that bending and reaching, not only to put the baby down, tend to the baby – but also to change the bedding.

    I guess only tall people have kids.

  • It is almost too easy to predict actual consequences of nanny state decrees:
    1) cribs will cost more
    2) more babies will die, not less, because the alternatives to cribs (sleeping on the floor, sleeping in bed with parents) are more dangerous
    3) more decrees will be made to address items 1 and 2