Backgrounder- Cribs, Cradles and Bassinet Regulations

Backgrounder

June 2016

Canada’s new Cribs, Cradles and Bassinet Regulations (CCBR),which will come into force on December 29, 2016, are designed to better protect infants and young children from potential injuries and fatalities related to these sleep products. The Regulations will apply to all cribs, cradles and bassinets that are manufactured, sold, advertised or imported into Canada.

Even though Canada’s previous CCBR requirements were among the most stringent in the world, Health Canada identified hazards that needed to be addressed, such as those associated with traditional drop-side cribs, crib mattress supports, and entrapment hazards from openings in fabric-sided products. The new CCBR largely align Canadian regulatory requirements with those already put in place by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S. CPSC). 

The new Regulations include a prohibition on the sale, importation, manufacture or advertisement of traditional drop-side cribs, and the introduction of performance requirements and test methods for accessories and stands used with cribs, cradles and bassinets.

As a result of the U.S. prohibition of traditional drop-side cribs, already these products are mostly unavailable in the Canadian marketplace, because many industry members no longer manufacture or sell them in the U.S. or Canada. However, these cribs may be found in the inventory of new and second hand stores, or at garage sales, etc. In addition, some Canadians may already have them in their homes.

It is important to note that:

• the new CCBR will apply to all cribs, cradles and bassinets that are manufactured, sold, advertised or imported into Canada; and
• once in force, the Regulations will also apply to all cribs, cradles and bassinets that are given away or sold second-hand.

Health Canada advises parents and caregivers to verify that any crib, cradle or bassinet that they use meets current Canadian safety regulations. For more information, please consult Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time.

Hon. Jane Philpott Health Canada Health and Safety