16CFR 1508 Requirements for Full-Size Baby Cribs, (document available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission).


1.   Interior Dimensions. 28 +/-5/8 inches (71 +/-1.6 cm) wide by 52 3/8+/-5/8 inches (133+/- cm) long. Measure between the innermost surfaces of the crib end panels, slats, rods, or spindles.

2.   Height of the Rail and End Panel. 9 inches (22.8cm), measure from top of the rail or panel in its lowest position to the top of the mattress support in its highest position.

3.   Height of the Rail and End Panel. 26 inches (66cm), measure from the top of the rail or panel in its highest position to the top of the mattress support in its lowest position.

4. Spacing of Crib Components.
Straight Spindles. The distance between components (slats, spindles, crib rods, corner posts) shall not be greater than 2 3/8 inches (6cm) at any point. Contoured spindles. Measurement of distance between contoured or irregular spindles shall be done by a 2 3/8 inch wide (6 cm) by 4 inch high (10 cm) by a 4 inch long (10 cm) rectangular block which shall not pass through the space.

5.Locking or latching devices used to secure dropside rails shall require a minimum force of 10lbs (4.5 kg) to activate the release mechanism or shall consist of a double-action device requiring two distinct actions of release.

6.Construction and Finishing. All wood surfaces shall be smooth and free from splinters. Crib end panels and Sides shall have no horizontal bar, ledge, projection, or other surface accessible to a child inside the crib capable of being used as a toehold located less than 20 inches (51cm) above the mattress support in its lowest position when the side rail is in its highest position.

7. Caution : Any mattress used in crib must be at least 27 1/4 inches (69 cm) by 51 5/8 inches (131 cm) with a thickness not exceeding 6 inches (15 cm).

8. Requirements for Cutouts. Manufacturers testing is performed with a headform probe into any cutout located along the upper edges of an end or side panel. If the cutout is "V" shaped an additional test is performed.


American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Industry imposed standards. F 966-96, & F 1169-88.



A.   Design Requirements for Crib Corner Post Extensions. To minimize the potential for strangulation of infants and young children who may attempt to climb out of the crib.No corner post assembly shall extend more than 0.06 inches (1.5mm) above the upper edge of an end or side panel, whichever is higher, when measured from the lowest point on the upper edge of the end or side panel within 3 inches (76 mm) from the outermost contour of the post or elbow.

WARNING : Strings can cause strangulation! Do not place items with a string around a child's neck, such as hood strings or pacifier cords. Do not suspend strings over a crib or attach strings to toys.

B.   Mattress Support System Test. This test is performed by the manufacturer and assists in evaluating the integrity of the attachment of the mattress support to the crib. Upward motion of the crib will not be permitted during this test, (no mattress in crib), and must endure 25lb. force to the mattress support. Test failure occurs if the mattress support system becomes detached from the crib at any point of attachment, or if the force in 7.4.6 cannot be maintained for 10 seconds.

C. Assembly Instructions are to be kept for future use and referral.

[These points are provided as a guide only and not intended to be complete representation of The Standards referenced.]

FIND MORE SAFETY INFORMATION BY VISITING THE FOLLOWING SITES:

CJ Foundation for SIDS Information on the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS.
Danny Foundation founded to prevent injuries, conduct research, and provide leadership to set standards for safe nursery products.
JPMA Home of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
Kids In Danger non-profit foundation concerned with protecting babies and young children from defective products.
National Safe Kids Campaign National organization dedicated to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury.