CPSC puts 'world's toughest' crib standards into effect

WASHINGTON, D.C. - They're one of the most important things you buy before you bring home a new baby.  And now new rules are in place to make sure cribs are safe when you lay down your little one. 

The new rules were implemented by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which actually approved the stronger standards back in December.  The biggest change involves drop side cribs, which according to the CPSC, have prompted more than seven million recalls in the last five years as well as 32 deaths.  Under the new regulations, drop side cribs can no longer be made or sold here in the United States.

More rigorous safety testing, improvements in crib hardware durability and strengthening of crib mattresses and slats are also part of the new standards. 

Although retailers and manufacturers must comply with the new rules as of today, places like day cares and hotels get a little more time to come in line.  The CPSC has given child care facilities and hotels until December of 2012 to get rid of their old cribs and replace them with new ones that meet the latest requirements.

The agency believes these standards are the toughest in the world when it comes to crib safety.  The CPSC hopes the changes will decrease deaths and injuries to babies.