Canada

Health Canada released the new Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations, SOR/2016-152. We would like to take this opportunity to give you a brief overview of this new standard that went into effect on December 29, 2016. All cribs that are manufactured, imported and sold in Canada after December 29, 2016 MUST be compliant to this new crib standard of SOR/2016-152.

Per the regulation, the objective of this new standard is "to improve the protection of the health and safety of young children with regard to the use of cribs, cradles and bassinets, including a specific focus on preventing injuries related to traditional drop-side cribs, and to further align Canada’s safety requirements with those of the United States." These new Regulations of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act replace the Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations SOR/2010-261.

The major areas of focus of this new standard include (but are not limited to) prohibiting drop side cribs, updated mattress support, slat strength, stability, and corner post height requirements, prohibiting use of restraints in the products, revisions to labeling, and the inclusion of statements to include cribs with textile components. (For an all-inclusive list of changes please refer to the standard text.)

Foundations® SafeReach® Side-Rail

PLEASE NOTE:

The prohibition of drop sides does NOT include crib designs with access sides, such as Foundations SafeReach® cribs.

Per the regulations published by Health Canada, all license child care centres in seven provinces and one territory (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon) must use cribs that meet these federal requirements. Provincial and territorial governments are responsible to dictate the enforcement plans of this new federal crib standard in licensed child care centres. Please consult with your local health ministry or provincial office to learn of enforcement proceedings.

Please be advised that Foundations has addressed any necessary changes for this new standard.

Should you have any questions regarding regulatory compliance for Canada on any Foundations® or Child Craft™ product please feel free to contact us at 330-722-5033 ext. 102 or [email protected]. Thank you.