Are Drop-Side Cribs Illegal?
Yes. CPSC banned the manufacture, sale, and resale — including donation — of traditional drop-side cribs nationwide, effective June 28, 2011, after the moving side rail was linked to dozens of infant suffocation and entrapment deaths.
The one thing to know: CPSC banned the manufacture, sale, resale, and even donation of traditional drop-side cribs nationwide effective June 28, 2011, after linking the moving side rail to dozens of infant suffocation and entrapment deaths.
What the ban actually covers
The ban is not limited to store shelves. It is illegal to manufacture, sell, resell, or donate a traditional drop-side crib — which is why they still turn up at yard sales and in hand-me-downs despite being illegal to pass on. Child care facilities and public accommodations were given 24 months from the rule to replace non-compliant cribs.
Source: CPSC OnSafety — The New Crib Standard: Questions and Answers (2011).
What replaced them
New full-size cribs are covered by the federal safety standard 16 CFR Part 1219 (non-full-size cribs by Part 1220), which fixed-side cribs sold today must meet — including the 2 3/8 inch maximum slat spacing. Because pre-2011 and recalled cribs remain in circulation secondhand, Crib Lab does not recommend used cribs at all.
Shopping for a compliant crib?
Search the fixed-side category new — never secondhand — and check the crib against the crib safety standards before you buy.
Always follow your product's manual and current CPSC/NHTSA guidance; this page summarizes published standards and is not a substitute for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. CPSC banned the manufacture, sale, and resale (including donation) of traditional drop-side cribs nationwide, effective June 28, 2011.
The moving side rail was linked to dozens of infant deaths from suffocation and entrapment, and CPSC voted unanimously to ban the design.
Yes. The ban covers resale and donation, not just new sales -- a drop-side crib cannot legally be sold secondhand or donated.
Yes. Child care facilities and public accommodations were given 24 months from the rule to replace non-compliant cribs.