Health Canada bans sale, import, advertisement of drop-side cribs

The federal government is banning the sale of drop-side cribs.

Starting Dec. 29, it will be prohibited in Canada to sell, import, manufacture or advertise drop-side cribs.

Drop-side cribs are already prohibited in the United States, and are mostly unavailable in Canada.

However, Health Canada notes they may still be found in new and second-hand stores, and garage sales.

Health Canada says it knows of one death, one concussion and eight reports of bumps, scrapes and bruises involving drop-side cribs between January 2000 and May 2016.

It received 94 other reports that didn't result in injury.

The new rules also introduce new requirements and test methods for accessories and stands that are used with cribs, cradles and bassinets.

Health Canada advises parents and caregivers to verify any crib, cradle or bassinet that they use meets current Canadian safety regulations.