Frequently Asked Questions: Stork Craft Cribs Recall

Q1 - Why were the cribs recalled? Where were these cribs sold? What should be done if someone has an affected crib? What are the details of the reported incidents in Canada?

A1 - In close collaboration with the Government of Canada and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Stork Craft has voluntarily recalled all of their drop-side cribs, as they pose both a potential entrapment risk, which could lead to suffocation, and a potential fall risk.

Please consult the recall notice for more details.

Q2 - Is this the largest crib recall ever in Canada?

A2 - Yes, this is the largest crib recall in Canadian history.

Q3 - How long will it take to receive my free replacement kit?

A3 - Affected consumers are advised to contact Stork Craft to acquire the kit. Upon receipt of a request for a kit, Stork Craft will mail it to consumers through regular post. Depending on the consumer's location, it should take approximately three to five business days to receive the kit.

Q4 - Can I get a refund?

A4 - If consumers are interested in a refund, they should contact Stork Craft directly.

Q5 - Was this recall initiated because of a complaint, notice by the company or the US?

A5 - These cribs were tested by Health Canada as a part of the Department's cyclical enforcement program and met current safety standards. However, reports of incidents in Canada and the United States, including deaths in the US, have demonstrated that the plastic hardware can break or fail over time. Therefore, Stork Craft, in cooperation with Health Canada and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.

Q6 - Will Health Canada be conducting sampling and testing to ensure that all Health Canada consider prohibiting all drop-side cribs? Should Canadians get rid of all drop-side cribs?

A6 - Health Canada regularly tests children's products on the Canadian market and will continue to conduct monitoring to keep children safe. Health Canada is testing cribs and cradles available on the Canadian market as part of a new round of cyclical testing. Health Canada has no reason to believe that any other drop-side cribs, other than the recalled Stork Craft models, are unsafe. Health Canada is actively participating in discussions, involving US manufacturers, safety advocates and government officials concerning the safety of these types of cribs.

Q7 - Did Health Canada perform testing on the retrofit kit?

A7 - Health Canada has assessed the retrofit kits to confirm that the solution would comply with Canadian requirements.

Q8 - If I own one of the affected cribs, where can my child sleep, before I receive the retrofit kit?

A8 - Consumers should consult the graphics, video and details in the recall notice to help determine if there are signs of permanent damage to the crib's plastic drop-side hardware or the drop-side is installed upside-down.

If consumers determine that their drop-side has been installed up-side down or the drop-side hardware is broken, loose, missing or deformed, they should immediately stop using the crib, find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby and contact Stork Craft to receive replacement parts as well as the general retrofit kit. In the interim, parents and caregivers should make an effort to acquire another crib, either by purchasing a new crib or borrowing a crib (manufactured after September 1986) from a friend or a relative. Please consult Health Canada's safe sleep safety bulletin for more details on recommended safe sleeping environments.

Q9 - Are there Canadian regulatory requirements for drop-side cribs sold in Canada?

A9 - All cribs sold, advertised or imported into Canada must comply with the requirements of the Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). These Regulations include requirements relating to the safety of crib drop-sides, which specify the criteria a drop-side must meet to function properly with normal use.

While the recalled cribs are compliant with these standards, some unforeseen risks posed by the potential breakage or failure of the plastic drop-side hardware are of concern to the Government of Canada. The requirements established in the Regulations are intended to simulate, on an accelerated basis, the wear and tear to which a product is normally subjected. These requirements do not take into account unanticipated circumstances of use, such as the undue stress caused by the drop-side being installed up-side down, or improper functioning of hardware parts, or issues with a company's quality control.

Health Canada regularly tests children's products on the Canadian market and will continue to conduct monitoring to keep children safe. The Department also continually monitors complaints related to specific products and pursues voluntary recalls for products that have been demonstrated to pose a potential threat to health and safety.

Health Canada is actively participating in discussions, involving US manufacturers, safety advocates and government officials, concerning the safety of these types of cribs. Canada is considering future steps, and a public consultation would take place before any regulatory steps would be taken.