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Online sellers may still be selling unsafe cribs

On Behalf of | Aug 12, 2011 | Product Liability

In June, we wrote that the Consumer Product Safety Commission had introduced new crib safety standards in order to prevent injuries to infants. That change was long overdue. However, many potentially dangerous cribs are still on the market.

The CPSC has found that drop-side cribs manufactured before June 28 are dangerous products and unsafe for children to sleep in. The CPSC found that cribs manufactured before this date do not have the hardware, mattress supports, or slats that are needed to stand up to long-term use. Based on this information, the CPSC introduced new safety standards that effectively banned most cribs that were made before June 28. Despite the new safety standards and the 32 deaths that have resulted from inadequate drop-side cribs, Craigslist and eBay still have some of these cribs for sale.

It is easier for conventional stores that operate out of a physical storefront to halt the sale of products. They have systems that help the stores to take the banned or recalled products off the shelf immediately. It is not the same with online stores, especially ones where individual users control what items go for sale on the site.

According to the CPSC, eBay has promised that all listings selling the drop-side cribs will be blocked within the next few weeks and that the process has already started. However, a number of users are still selling the illegal cribs. Craigslist, however, is not adhering to the ban as well as eBay. The site replied to the CPSC’s concerns by stating that they have “updated” their prohibition notices and information page, but that listings have been and will be controlled by site users.

There are a number of other websites for parents that have had the illegal cribs for sale, such as MyStrollers.com and Babyhaven.com. However, upon becoming aware of the CPSC’s warning, these sites have removed all listings of the dangerous cribs.

Source: USA Today, “Illegal used cribs still for sale on Craigslist, eBay,” Jayne O’Donnell and Oliver St. John, Aug. 8, 2011

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