Product Hazards – Toddler Beds

Many newer cribs convert into toddler beds by replacing one side rail with lower rails, open in the middle, that allow children to get into and out of bed by themselves. Some parents buy stand alone toddler beds that fit the crib mattress. Toddler beds are unnecessary, however, as children can be moved directly from the crib to a twin bed. Putting the mattress on the floor to prevent falls until the child is used to the bed is a possibility. Since 2005, there have been 4 toddler bed recalls totaling more than 1.2 million units.

CPSC has now issued a mandatory standard on toddler beds to avoid hazards associated with the product in the past. Since the end of 2011, all toddler beds manufactured have to meet the new, stronger standard.

A recall or a corrective action has been issued for toddler beds for various reasons including:

• Entrapment in the guard rail or between the side guard rail and mattress that may create risk of asphyxiation
• Entrapment between slats in guard rails or footboard resulting in broken bones, sprains and other injuries to young children
• Head entrapment risk if a child becomes entrapped in the headboard or footboard or in the spacing between the mattress and the headboard or footboard