Mandatory Safety Rules for Toddler Beds Approved

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has added new guidelines and protections for toddler beds in effort to prevent injuries to children.

The new federal standard requires the following:

• The upper edge of the guardrail must be at least five inches above the toddler bed's mattress.
• Spindle/slat strength testing for toddler beds must be consistent with the testing required for crib spindles/slats.
• Separate warning labels to address entrapment and strangulation hazards must appear on toddler beds.

From 2005 to 2010, 122 incidents associated with toddler beds have been reported to CPSC, including four deaths and 43 injuries.

The new safety rules were approved unanimously by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and will go into effect six months after publication in the Federal Register for toddler beds manufactured or imported on or after that date.

Messa & Associates is experienced in handling cases involving injuries to children as a result of products with manufacturing and design defects.  In addition to their research and knowledge, our attorneys work with highly regarded experts to prepare every case.  For more information or if your child has been seriously injured in a toddler bed, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.