Simplicity finally has repair ready for dangerous cribs

Four weeks ago, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the largest crib recall in its history.  One million Simplicity and Graco cribs were recalled because they have a design flaw that could cause the drop-side to detach, creating a dangerous gap that can entrap and suffocate infants. The September 21st recall notice advised consumers with affected cribs to contact Simplicity for a free repair kit.  Unfortunately, as many consumers have learned, an approved repair kit was not available. 

Today, the CPSC and Simplicity finally announced that an approved repair kit is ready. However, some parents may not be happy with the announced fix because it involves immobilizing the drop-side. "After an intensive effort to develop a repair that would allow safe use of the drop-side, CPSC staff and Simplicity have determined that the safest repair option is to immobilize the drop-side," the CPSC said in its press release announcing the fix. We hope that won't deter parents from going ahead and repairing their cribs even if it means giving up the convenience of using the drop-side.

Despite the possible inconvenience, this is a serious hazard that needs to be eliminated. The agency says it now knows of three infant deaths, seven entrapments and 56 incidents associated with these cribs.

Parents should register on Simplicity's Web site or call the toll-free hotline: 1-888-593-9274  to get the free repair kit. The company will have operators available to provide technical assistance to consumers as well as a video version of assembly instructions. Simplicity will also send crib owners a rebate coupon for a future purchase if they send in a reply card indicating successful installation of the repair.

So far, Simplicity says more than 45,000 customers have requested a repair kit. Compared to the one million affected cribs out there, that is a dismal response to the first recall notice, particularly considering all the media attention surrounding this huge recall. That means there are a lot more parents and caregivers who need to follow up and fix their cribs. The first recalled crib models were sold in January 1998 and the last of the models were sold in May 2007. For a full list of the cribs involved, visit Simplicity's Web site.