The CPSC, in conjunction with Caramia Furniture and Mother Hubbard Cupboard’s, has voluntarily recalled approximately 1,000 Diane drop-side cribs. There have been 18 reports of slats detaching from the rails of the crib posing fall and entrapment hazards to children.

As a remedy, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Diane crib and contact Caramia Furniture at (877) 728-0342 to receive a free replacement drop side. Consumers can also visit their website at www.caramiafurniture.com. The free replacement will be available beginning March 2010.

This is the latest in a long string of drop-side crib recalls — a design that is no longer allowed under ASTM voluntary standards. It is troubling that the repair won’t be available for another 2 months — we wonder where these companies think the baby will sleep in the meantime. It seems that if a recalled product can’t be repaired immediately, especially when it is a sleep environment, the company should be required to provide a refund or replacement so parents can get a safe sleep environment.

Another note, the newest of these cribs are four years old — if you have this crib in the attic or have passed it along, please make sure the current user is aware of the recall. We would recommend destroying it if it is not currently in use.