The Canadian federal government has announced regulations that will make cribs, cradles and bassinets safer for infants and young children.

“The health and safety of young children is a top priority for the Harper Government, which is why Canada’s requirements for cribs and cradles are already among the most stringent in the world,” said Minister of Health, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq.

“These amendments further strengthen our existing safety requirements and introduce new standards for bassinets, which were previously unregulated in Canada.”

“As a parent, I know that these new regulations will relieve the minds of many parents – especially new moms,” said Shelly Glover, MP for Sain Boniface. “These regulations will make it easier for parents to help keep their newborns, babies and toddlers safe.”

Since 2009, almost three million cribs have been recalled in Canada, most of them of the drop-side variety, because of potential suffocation risks.

While the new regulations don’t address drop-side cribs, they will broaden the definition of a crib by eliminating the distinction between standard and portable cribs, and include stand-alone bassinets. 

The regulations will eliminate toeholds that could enable a young child to climb out of a crib and fall to the floor causing a risk of injury; and add new flammability and side-height standards.

“These amendments further strengthen our existing safety requirements and introduce new standards for bassinets, which were previously unregulated in Canada,” said Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq.

The government is also continuing its consultations on drop-side cribs. Proposals before the government would ban the controversial cribs, along with any with sides that are not rigidly attached.

It is important for Canadians to remember that second-hand cribs that are being sold or given away must meet the current regulations. Cribs, cradles and bassinets without a label or instructions may not be safe and should not be sold or purchased. Cribs with visible signs of damage, missing parts or missing warning information should be destroyed.

More information on crib safety is available on Health Canada’s website. A Fact Sheet highlighting the changes to the Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations is also available.