In early 2025there were several crib recalls that raised concerns among parents and caregivers. In Januarythe CPSC warned consumers to immediately stop using a certain brand of 6-in-1 convertible cribs that violated federal crib safety standards and posed multiple risks.
In the latter part of 2024 and early 2025South Shore issued a recall of certain crib models because of risks related to infant entrapment. Although no related incidents were reportedthe company still recalled the product in exchange for a refund.
Crib recalls are not uncommon. In factdozens of cribs have been recalled over the past decade due to structural defectschoking hazardsand failure to meet the latest safety standards. Although regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) continue to update safety standardsnot all hazards can be effectively prevented before cribs are put on the market.
This guide is not only about recallsbut also about practical protection measures. We’ll explain how to check if your crib is affectedwhat to do if it isand how to choose a safer crib in the ever-changing market of 2026.
What Is a Crib Recall and Why Does It Happen?
A crib recall is an official action—typically issued by government safety agencies like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or Health Canada—that removes a hazardous crib from the market and alerts parents to stop using it immediately.
When the CPSC determines that a crib poses a safety risk or violates a federal safety standardit may require the manufacturer or distributor to recall the product. This is a mandatory recalland it is usually the result of an injury reporta consumer complaintor a failed safety inspection.
Sometimesmanufacturers voluntarily recall cribs after discovering a defect internally or working with the CPSC. In these casesthe manufacturer works with the CPSC to issue a public recall notice.
Typicallythe baby bed manufacturer is responsible for processing the claim and offering appropriate remediessuch as a repairreplacementor refund. They may also instruct consumers on how to safely dispose of or return the recalled product.
Recalls happen when a crib’s designmaterialsor manufacturing defects pose an unacceptable risk to infantssuch as:
- Entrapment or suffocation from slats spaced too widely
- Collapse hazards due to weak joints or failing hardware
- Lead paint or toxic material violations
- Strangulation risks from loose screwsdetached drop-sidesor faulty mattress supports
Why do so many cribs get recalled? Crib regulations have tightened dramatically in recent years—especially after the 2011 ban on drop-side cribs in the U.S. and Canada. Howeversome manufacturers still cut cornersusing cheaper materials or designs that barely meet (or sometimes violate) current rules.
Additionallysome products may pass initial safety testing but fail after a few months of useand some hazards only become apparent over time. Perhaps most frustrating are the recalls that only happen after parents report problems. There’s often a lag between when a hazard appears and when officials take action.
Notable Crib Recall Events
1. Jardine Cribs (2008)
In 2008Jardine Enterprises recalled three models of wooden cribsabout 320,000 cribsafter receiving multiple reports of broken slats and side rails. The reason was that the slats broke and gaps could entrap babies (approximately 19 incidents).
2. Delta Drop-Side Cribs (2008)
In 2008Delta recalled up to 1.6 million drop-side cribs following two infant deaths and several reports of hardware failure. The cribs are being recalled because they are missing safety latcheswhich could cause the side rails to fall offcreating a gap between the mattress and the crib wallleading to entrapment or suffocation of an infant.
3. Stork Craft (2009)
In 2009a major recall was issued for 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs following multiple reports of the drop-side detaching from the crib frame. The defect was linked to plastic hardware that could wear outbreakor malfunction over timeleading to the drop-side detaching from the crib frame.
4. Fisher‑Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper (2019 Recall – Legacy in 2025 Standards)
The Rock ‘n Play Sleeper was associated with approximately 100 infant deathsprimarily due to suffocation risks posed by its inclined designwhich can cause a baby’s airway to become restricted during sleep. It was officially recalled in 2019. Subsequent congressional investigations and revised safety rules led to new regulations banning inclined sleep productsculminating in 2023’s Safe Sleep for Babies Act.
5. Generation 2 Worldwide / ChildESIGNS Drop‑Side Cribs (February 2010)
This was a mandatory recall by the CPSC affecting around 500,000 drop-side cribsfollowing reports of three infant deaths attributed to suffocation after being trapped in collapsed drop-sides. Another 28 incidents of hardware failure were recorded.
6. Pottery Barn Kids “Penny” Convertible Crib (July 2023)
Around 310 units of the Pottery Barn Kids “Penny” convertible crib were recalled in mid-2023 due to loose end panels with exposed sharp edges. Although no injuries were reportedtwo consumer complaints triggered the recall.
7. South Shore Cribs (November 212024)
In late 2024the CPSC announced a recall of approximately 1,200 South Shore Balka and Olena full-size wooden cribs. The spacing between slats exceeded the federal limit (no more than 2 3/8 inches)posing an entrapment hazard for infants.
8. Hermixa 6‑in‑1 Convertible Crib (January 302025)
The CPSC issued a safety warning for this Amazon-exclusive convertible crib. Multiple hazards were identified: slat spacing exceeded limitsbassinet mode lacked necessary bed attachmentsthe included mattress was too thickand it included a banned padded bumper.
9. Anna Queen Play Yards (November 202025)
In November 2025the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall and stop-use notice for Anna Queen Play Yardsmodel P700following reports of serious safety hazards. The product was recalled due to entrapment and suffocation risksas gaps could form between the mattress and the play yard’s sidewalls. Consumers were instructed to immediately stop using the product and follow the recall remedies provided by the manufacturer.
10. KEAWIS Crib Mattresses (January 152026)
In January 2026the CPSC announced a recall of KEAWIS crib mattresses (model XX-BM-01) due to entrapment and suffocation hazards. The recall was issued after it was determined that the mattresses could fail to properly fit certain non-full-size cribs and play yardsleaving dangerous gaps between the mattress edge and the crib frame. The KEAWIS mattresses were found to violate mandatory federal safety standards for crib mattresses.
How to Know If Your Crib Has Been Recalled?
Discovering that your baby’s crib might be unsafe is a frightening thought—but fortunatelythere are clearreliable steps you can take to check whether your crib has been recalled. Staying informed and proactive can help you prevent potential injuries before they happen.
Check the CPSC Recall Database
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the official U.S. government agency that oversees consumer product safety and serves as the primary authority for issuing product recall notices. To check if your crib has been recalledvisit the CPSC recall page: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
You can enter key information such as brandmodelor crib type in the search bar on this page.
Each recall notice provides comprehensive informationincluding product imagesspecific hazardsmanufacturing date rangesand the corrective actions consumers should take.
Register Your Crib After Purchase
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay informed about crib recalls is to register your product with the manufacturer soon after purchase. When you register your cribyou’re giving the manufacturer a direct line of communication to notify you about any safety issuesdesign defectsor recall alerts that may arise in the future.
Most modern cribs come with a product registration card in the packagingwhich you can fill out and mail. Alternativelymany manufacturers now offer online registration through their websites—usually requiring just your contact informationthe model numberand the date of purchase.
If a safety issue is discovered down the lineonly those who have registered will be directly alerted by the company.
Sign Up for Recall Notifications
CPSC offers a free subscription service that sends recall alerts directly to your email inbox. This ensures that you’re notified as soon as a crib recall—or any baby product recall—is announcedwithout needing to search manually.
You can visit www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/Subscribewhere you’ll find options to receive alerts by product categoryincluding infant and children’s products. Once subscribedyou’ll receive official updates with recall summariessafety concernsand steps to take if the product affects you.
When in DoubtContact the Manufacturer
Even after checking recall databases and inspecting labelsyou may still find yourself unsure about your crib’s safety—especially if the information you have is incomplete or unclear. In those situationsthe most direct and reliable step you can take is to contact the crib’s manufacturer.
Most reputable manufacturers maintain customer service lines or email supportand they are generally responsive when it comes to safety-related concerns.
When reaching outit’s helpful to provide any identifying details you have: the model numberdate of manufacturea description of the criband where it was purchasedif known. Photos of the crib and its label (if still attached) can also speed up the process.
What Should You Do If Your Crib Is Recalled?
Finding out your crib has been recalled can send any parent into panic mode—but take a deep breath. Here’s exactly what to do nextbased on my experience helping families navigate these situations.
First things first—get your baby out of that crib immediately. Even if it looks fine todayrecalled cribs have fundamental flaws that can’t be ignored. Move them to a temporary safe sleep space like a Pack ‘n Play or bassinet that meets current safety standards.
Nextlocate the official recall noticewhich you can usually find on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website or the manufacturer’s site. Oftenmanufacturers will offer one of the following remedies: a repair kitreplacement partsa refundor a brand-new replacement crib.
When it comes time to dispose of the cribdon’t just leave it on the curb intact. You’d be shocked how often recalled cribs get scooped up by well-meaning neighbors or dumpster divers. Take the extra time to break it down completely—saw through the side rails if necessary—and mark pieces clearly with “UNSAFE” in permanent marker.
Finallynever attempt to fix a recalled crib yourself unless you receive a repair kit and instructions directly from the manufacturer. Home repairs or hardware substitutions can compromise the crib’s integrity even further and make it more dangerous.
Avoiding Recalled Cribs When Buying Used
That beautifully crafted vintage crib at the consignment shop might tug at your heartstringsand the “barely used” model listed online for half the retail price seems too good to pass up. But before you hand over your moneythere’s something crucial you should know—the secondhand crib market is where recalled and unsafe models go to find new homes.
The reality is sobering. Government data shows the majority of recalled baby products never actually get removed from homes. They get passed along at garage salesdonated to thrift storesor resold online by owners who either never knew about the recall or chose to ignore it.
The first step is to insist on checking the manufacturer’s labelwhich should include the brand namemodel numberand date of manufacture. Without this labelyou have no reliable way to confirm whether the crib meets current safety standards or has been recalled.
Once you have the model detailsvisit the CPSC recall database to search for any reported safety issues. It’s a quick and free way to verify the crib’s history and confirm whether it’s still considered safe for use.
One major red flag is the drop-side designwhich was banned in the U.S. in 2011 due to its role in numerous injuries and deaths. If you come across a drop-side crib—even if it looks intact or has been “fixed”—it’s not safe to use.
How to Choose a Safer Crib in 2026?
The crib aisle can feel overwhelming—dozens of nearly identical optionsall plastered with reassuring safety certifications. HoweverI can tell you those labels don’t always tell the full story.
When evaluating cribsstart by examining the side rails. The safest options feature one-piecestationary sides without adjustable height mechanisms.
The crib materials used in construction tell an important story about durability. Solid hardwood cribswhile sometimes more expensivemaintain their structural integrity far better than composite materials that can warp or weaken with humidity changes.
Alsoavoid cribs that include bumperssoft beddingor inclined sleeping surfaces. Despite their aesthetic appealthese add-ons increase the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Finallytake time to read verified customer reviews and safety ratings from trusted consumer organizations. If you’re unsure about a crib’s safetycheck whether it appears on any government watchlists or has had past recall activity.
Conclusion
Crib recallswhile unsettlingare a vital part of a safety system that works to prevent injuries and save lives. By staying informed about past and current recallschecking reliable databases like the CPSCand knowing how to respond if your crib is affectedyou’re taking an active role in protecting your baby.
In 2026crib safety is stronger than everbut that doesn’t mean risks have disappeared. Recalls can still happen—sometimes due to unexpected design flawsmanufacturing oversightsor evolving safety standards. Whether you’re shopping for a new cribevaluating a secondhand oneor already own a crib in your homethe key is to stay alert and ask the right questions.
Recommended Related Articles:
- When to Lower the Crib Mattress?
- When to Transition Baby to Crib?
- What Is a Convertible Crib?
- What Is a Mini Crib? A Complete Guide
- Are Cribs with Changing Tables Worth It? Complete Parent’s Guide
- Are Drop-Side Cribs Safe? What Parents Need to Know
- How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in the Crib After Co-Sleeping?
- Can Twins Sleep in the Same Crib? A Complete Guide for Parents
- Are Crib Bumpers Safe? Latest Pediatric Guidelines
- Crib Alternatives: What Can a Baby Sleep in Besides a Crib?
- Mini Crib Vs Crib: Which Is Best for Your Baby?
