SAN ANTONIO - More than five million cribs made by different manufacturers have been recalled over the last two years. They are called drop side cribs. The rail on one side goes down, making it easier to put down or pick up a child. Parents love that feature but the cribs could be banned next year because of the threat they pose to babies.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the hardware on the side that drops down can break, creating a gap between the side of the crib and the mattress. A baby could roll into the gap, become entrapped and suffocate. Over the past few years, a number of manufacturers have had to recall some of their drop side cribs because of the problem.
The News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooters checked stores and second-hand shops all over San Antonio and found a recalled crib made by Delta for sale at Sweet Repeats on West Bitters Road. The model was recalled two years ago after one child and 11 others were hurt. To correct the problem, the manufacturer sent out special tabs to stabilize the railing and make it safe but the crib we found had empty holes where those tabs should be. The owner of Sweet Repeats told us she has the tabs and will install them when someone buys the crib.
If you're not sure whether the crib in your home has been recalled, get the model number. You can usually find it on the headboard or footboard or on the board that's under the mattress. Google the model number or check cpsc.gov. You should do the same thing before buying or accepting a used crib. You can also get the information by calling 1-800-638-2772.
