Definition: A drop-side crib is a baby crib where one or more of the sides slides down to allow easier access to baby. The sliding side means that parents don't have to reach over as far to pick up a baby in the crib. Drop-side cribs can be single-drop, where only one side moves, or double-drop, where both of the long sides slide down.
Various types of hardware and drop-mechanisms are used on these cribs. A large number of recalls due to hardware and durability issues has prompted government agencies and other safety groups to consider a ban on drop-side cribs. When the drop-side of a crib fails, it can create a gap where a baby can become entrapped.
Safety groups also say that taking a crib apart and re-assembling it multiple times, whether for multiple children or because of resale, can also lead to drop-side crib failures. Loosened or broken hardware, missing parts or simple mis-assembly can cause the drop-sides of a crib to come loose, also creating a dangerous gap.
