Government of Canada introduces new Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations

Stronger requirements will better protect infants and young children from potential injury or death

OTTAWA, June 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada introduced new Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations (CCBR) to improve the safety of these products for infants and young children. The new Regulations, which will come into force on December 29, 2016, include a prohibition on the sale, importation, manufacture or advertisement of traditional drop-side cribs. While traditional drop-side cribs are mostly unavailable in the Canadian marketplace, they may still be found as remaining inventory in some new and second hand stores, and at garage sales. The new CCBR also introduce new requirements and test methods for accessories and stands that are used with cribs, cradles and bassinets.

The new Regulations will replace the current CCBR to strengthen the requirements for these sleep products.

Quick Facts

• Canada's safety requirements for cribs, cradles and bassinets are among the most stringent in the world.
• Between January 2000 and May 2016, Health Canada received 104 reports involving drop-side cribs associated with 94 non-injury related incidents, eight reports of bumps, scrapes and bruises, one report of a concussion, and one death.
• Between January 1, 2010 and May 1, 2016, there were 38 voluntary recalls for cribs, cradles and bassinets, including 14 recalls related to crib drop-sides.

Quotes

"When parents tuck their kids in at night, they should have confidence that they will be safe and sound. These new Regulations will further strengthen safety requirements for cribs, cradles and bassinets, and better protect infants and young children."
Jane Philpott
Minister of Health

"Choosing the right crib, cradle or bassinet is one of the most important decisions you can make to ensure your baby sleeps safely. The new Regulations further strengthen Canada's requirements for these products, giving parents and caregivers additional assurance of the quality of children's products available on the market."  
Louise Logan
President and CEO, Parachute.

Related Products

Backgrounder - Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations   

Associated Links

Cribs, cradles and bassinets: What every parent should know
Is Your Child Safe – Sleep Time

Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media

SOURCE Health Canada

For further information: Andrew MacKendrick, Office of Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations: Health Canada, 613-957-2983; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866 225-0709