The Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing one of the largest crib recalls in United States history. This recall involves those crib that have dropdown sides. The CPSC fears that these cribs are dangerous and possibly deadly. CBS News reported that there will be more details about the recall including the specific cribs recalled on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.

Many of the nearly 5 million cribs recalled by the federal government over the past two years have been those with dropdown sides. Some such cribs have caused death when a child gets his or her head stuck in a gap between the side rail and headboard. The Chair of the CPSC, Inez Tenenbaum says that relying on voluntary standards is no longer enough and that the CPSC will be proposing mandatory federal regulations for cribs. "Parents like the convenience of having the side drop down," said Tenenbaum, adding that the many manufacturers use hardware for the cribs that is not "substantial." http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/23/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main5746142.shtml

Some local governments, such as the legislature of Suffolk County, New York, have banned the sale of dropdown side stye cribs. Retailer Toys 'R' Us has stopped selling dropdown side cribs and the organization that sets safety guidelines for crib makers has made cribs with dropdown sides a violation of voluntary industry standards. The CPSC recommends that parents who have such cribs check to see it has been recalled. If not and they are still using such a crib, the CPSC suggest checking to see if the hardware feels solid and to keep the rail up, not sliding it down when taking the child out. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/23/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main5746142.shtml