The new Federal regulations regarding cribs, and the knowledge that all existing cribs utilized in places where caregivers are paid have to be replaced by Dec. 28, 2012, has opened a floodgate of questions and concerns.
Where may I obtain a copy of the new crib standards? Links to the new standards and other pertinent crib information posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission follows:
The Law
CPSC’s Crib Information Center
Does my church have to have new cribs? If you are a licensed child care facility or if any of your childcare workers are paid, then “yes” you have to have new cribs.
Christopher T. Melchert, Compliance Officer, U.S Consumer Products Safety Commission: “Thus, we believe that a child care facility (or family child care home) includes locations where someone is paid to provide care to children and where cribs are provided. There is no exclusion for churches.”
May we use a portable crib like a pack and play? Yes, portable “pack and play” types of cribs are in compliance with the new federal regulations. Each state can have their own policy on use of these in licensed facilities but as of now they are legal.
The portable units are more difficult to sanitize but they do provide an affordable option for churches sharing community facilities like schools and movie theaters or small churches that don’t often need cribs.
** Note – you must use the thin built in mattress that comes with this crib and not try to add additional padding on top of it. Also note that there are some nice wooden and metal folding cribs available as well.
Read the Baptist Press article for background information.
