Crib mattress safety recalls are rare, but it’s essential to check before you buy. Here, we look at why crib mattress safety recalls happen and what to do about them.
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Why crib mattress safety recalls happen
Most crib mattress safety recalls are due to two potential safety issues:
- Fire safety
- Mattress size and fit.
With regards to fire safety, recalls happen when mattresses are found to violate federal fire safety regulations. This can mean that the mattress too easily catches fire or has been treated with chemicals not approved as chemical flame retardants.
Fire safety is the primary reason for crib mattress recalls.
Most other crib mattress safety recalls occur because of improper sizing. For instance, a crib mattress may be smaller than advertised or too small for most standard cribs, which leaves potentially dangerous gaps between the crib and the mattress. Those gaps create entrapment and suffocation hazards, especially for very small babies.
When and how to check for crib mattress safety recalls
It’s always important to check that any mattress you’re considering buying, especially if buying second hand, has not been subject to safety recalls.
The easiest way to check is to look up ‘crib mattress’ on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list of recalls. And, while you’re there, check that your crib and any other new baby gear isn’t subject to recall either!
A hand-me-down mattress can be a great way to save money and be environmentally friendly. The previous owner may not be aware of a safety recall, however, so always check before using a second hand mattress.
Which crib mattresses have been recalled?
Several companies have been subject to forced recalls of crib mattresses. The good news, though, is that there hasn’t been a crib mattress safety recall in the U.S. since 2017!
This doesn’t mean we can be complacent, of course. You can always check the most up to date list of recalls at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). We also aim to keep the list below as current as possible for crib mattress safety recalls:
- Stork Craft – foam crib and crib/toddler mattresses with model numbers 06710-100 and 06710-200 and a date of manufacture between August 2014 and January 2015. More details here.
- IKEA – VYSSA style crib mattresses with the following five model names: VACKERT, VINKA, SPELEVINK, SLÖA and SLUMMER. The involved mattresses were manufactured on May 4, 2014 or earlier. More details here.
- IKEA – VYSSA SPELEVINK crib mattresses. More details here.
- Dream On Me – spring and foam mattresses for cribs and toddler beds. More details here.
These mattress recalls were all for failure to meet federal flammability standards. In addition, the VYSSA crib mattresses from IKEA were subject to recalls because they could leave dangerous gaps between mattress and crib.
What to do about a crib mattress safety recall
Given that the last crib mattress recall was in 2017, chances are that you won’t have to deal with a mattress recall. However, if by some terrible luck you do end up with a crib mattress that’s subject to a recall, you’ll likely hear about it first from the manufacturer. This is one of the reasons it’s best to register new products using the little card often included in the product packaging. You can also often register online for updates on any safety issues.
If your crib mattress is subject to a recall, the manufacturer typically offers a repair or replacement program. This might mean you can apply with proof of purchase to receive a new mattress cover to bring the mattress up to federal flammability standards.
Other recalls, especially where a mattress is improperly sized, may require you to send the mattress back to the company. This should get you a full refund or a replacement that is approved as safe.
What about if you’re planning to use a second hand crib mattress? If you check with the CPSC or our list above and discover that the mattress was subject to a safety recall, there’s unlikely to be much you can do, other than not use the mattress. Ideally, you’d also recycle or destroy the mattress, so that it won’t inadvertently be used by someone unaware of the safety recall.
Never miss a crib mattress safety recall
Crib mattress safety recalls demonstrate the importance of checking a product, whether new or second hand, against the list of safety recalls at the CPSC website before use. You can also subscribe to product safety recall emails with the CPSC, although this is a blanket subscription that covers all kinds of products, not just crib mattresses.
Check out our top picks for tried and tested non-toxic, organic crib mattresses here.