Stork Craft Drop-sided Crib Recall After Deaths Reported

by Heidi Stevenson

24 November 2009

In the largest recall of its type in history, Canada and the US joined forces to recall as many as 2.1 million cribs manufactured by the Canadian firm Stork Craft. They are all of the drop-side design, in which one side can be quickly detached to drop down for quick access.

At least four children have died after being trapped between the crib's bed and the railing, either suffocating or falling to the floor. 110 cases of the sides becoming detached have been reported, with 67 in the US and 43 in Canada.

Nancy Cowles of the Chicago advocacy group, Kids in Danger, stated, "This has certainly been a hazard that we've been aware of for some time." She says that dozens of deaths have been associated with these cribs since they were first introduced in 1993.

The coordinated recall has been issued by Health Canada and the US Consumer Product Safety Center. There is little information on how to deal with it, though. The release was supposed to have been voluntary, with coordination between Stork Craft and governmental agencies. However, it was leaked early, and havoc has ensued.

Concerned parents in both the US and Canada were supposed to be able to call 1-877-274-0277 to request a free repair kit. Unfortunately, though, most have only heard busy signals. The manufacturer's website appears to be gone. So, what recourse parents may have is unknown at this time.

Other drop-sided cribs have been recalled recently, including 400,000 made by Simplicity and 600,000 made by Delta Enterprise. Parents are advised to assume that all drop-side cribs are dangerous.