Deaths from Simplicity Baby Cribs Catapults to Eleven

The number of reported deaths from Simplicity baby cribs has increased to eleven! The most recent death involved a seven-month-old child in Kentucky who became trapped in the crib when part of it broke, as reported by theNew York Times article. These cribs, which are equipped with a drop down side, were recalled beginning December 2005. The recall is due to issues with the drop side. The plastic hardware that allows the side to function is prone to breaking, which causes a gap to form between the side and the mattress. Small children become trapped in the gap, tragically suffocating them.

Eleven deaths is a huge increase from the previously reported four deaths, proving the drop side cribs to be a huge safety risk. In addition to the deaths, 25 other incidents involving drop side parts detaching have been reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission that, thankfully, did not end in death. Parents are strongly encouraged to discontinue the use of drop side cribs and to and to check if their specific crib is a recalled Simplicity crib. Some of the cribs display a "Graco" logo and Winnie the Pooh motif. Consumers should stop using recalled cribs immediately rather than attempting to fix the cribs. These cribs do not provide a safe environment for our children!