Those 138 incidents resulted in 12 deaths and 5 serious injuries. It seems the side rail slats on the cribs become loose, break, or fall out during use. CPSC has decided to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking.
Crib manufacturers indicate the problems are poor quality control.
CPSC is looking at a slat strength test used by Canada to test cribs. Furniture manufacturers, on the other hand, indicate that the Canadian strength test does not detect unsatisfactory glue joints. The standards included requirements relating to side height, slat spacing, and mattress fit. In 1982, the CPSC amended the standards to also include prohibiting hazardous cutouts in crib end panels. Parents of infants and toddlers need to be aware of the potential hazards.