JPMA responds to NY senator's call for drop side crib ban

View Associated Press report of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's (D-NY) call to ban
the sale and resale of drop side cribs.


MOUNT LAUREL, NJ -- The Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA) responded to Sen. Kirsten's Gillibrand's (D-NY) call for a federal ban on drop-side cribs, saying it believes the ASTM crib safety standard established late last year "also accomplishes this goal."

In its press release issued Sunday, May 23, the JPMA reiterated its position that the ASTM crib safety standard should be adopted as "a uniform mandatory federal standard."

“JPMA members are always looking for ways to improve and enhance cribs and other baby products,” said Michael Dwyer, CAE executive director of the JPMA. “By participating in ASTM meetings and the consensus standard setting process, our members are able to review incident data, and provide suggested product enhancements and financial, engineering and manpower support that otherwise would not be available to help expedite the process.”

The JPMA's press release noted that "crib manufacturers have also contributed to improving the safety of infant products by offering the additional testing and the engineering expertise necessary to create the highest safety standard available anywhere in the world." The association pointed out that the new ASTM voluntary crib safety standard "continues to eliminate drop side cribs from the marketplace in the U.S. while also establishing improved performance standards for the strength of crib slats and/or spindles and adding more tests to verify a crib's structural integrity.

"Our mission is to promote the industry and the safe use of juvenile products and ensure manufacturers’ continued review and evaluation of baby gear to produce the safest products for children. Manufacturers not only support the standards, but have provided extensive financial and manpower support to expedite the process," the JPMA said.

Read the JPMA's press release.

Related items:
Illinois Attorney General subpoenas JPMA for crib certification records

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's press release asking Craigslist to stop listing Simplicity drop side cribs

JPMA supports CPSC's crib safety efforts

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