This is a bit gruesome, but please read if you have a toddler bed in your home. I don't want another child to get hurt like this.
We just got back from the hospital this evening, Maddie broke her femur Sunday morning. How does a 2 year old break her leg? Her toddler bed. She woke up Sunday morning, and when Nate opened the bedroom door she tried to get out of bed. Her leg got caught in the "safety railing" of her bed, and she fell. We didn't think it was a serious fall until she started screaming bloody murder. When we laid her flat on the floor her left leg was much shorter than the right. Since her leg had twisted a bit as she fell, we thought her hip was dislocated, and called 911. The medics couldn't get a good assessment of her injury, so they had me hold her on my chest and transported us to the hospital. After X-rays, they discovered she had a spiral fracture of her left femur, and the bone had shifted causing the uneven length. ALL FROM GETTING OUT OF HER BED! She was transferred to another hospital with a better pedi ward, and they really were wonderful. They managed to realign it last night with traction (HORRIBLE experience!), and cast her this morning, so she didn't need surgery. She has a spica cast, which means both legs and her hips are cast, with a bar between the legs. She is going to be in the cast for at least 4 weeks. She has been a trooper, I'm amazed at how well she is handling it. Please keep her in your thoughts, it's going to be so hard for my poor baby to be immobile like this. FYI, here is a link to the bed she has, you can see a picture of the side rails, it's SO easy to get their little ankles caught in the bottom ones. Please be careful if you have this crib, or one like it!!!! graco/simplicitycrib

By Amy~moderator on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 03:31 am:

Crystal, oh my goodness, my heart skipped a beat when I saw it was you posting this! My poor Maddie!!!! Are you going to contact Graco about this particular bed model? I am glad that she got good medical care and that you all were able to avoid surgery - that is a blessing. I can't believe it will be 4 weeks! Will she have to go through physical therapy after the removal of the cast? Oh, this is so much to go through! I will be thinking of you all. You must be going through so much emotionally yourself - seeing your little girl in a cast, immobile. I will be praying for a speedy recovery.

By Ladypeacek on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 04:07 am:

Those rails have always scared me...especially the way my kids flop around at night and get up and down..i have one that has netting wrapped around the poles so they cant get stuck in between rails and netting and the holes are barely big enough for a finger much less anything else. there are not rails though like on the crib. But now my question is that if those rails got your dd...what about a baby in the crib? If you have a 6 month old that is rolling about hwo easy is it for them to get stuck in those rails? Now i am all to pieces...my first 2 survived but i still have one on the way. This is a scary thought...

I will definitely keep your dd in prayers...mine was in lower body cast as well at 3 and its not fun! Mine had a run in with the dog (literally while the dog was sleeping) and the slippery hard wood floors!

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 06:38 am:

MANY {{{HUGS}}} and prayers! Poor Maddie! I hope recovery goes smoothly. Does she fit OK in her car seat or did the hospital provide one that accomodates a spica cast? Please keep us posted.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 07:35 am:

I'm so sorry. I would contact Graco, too. Yikes!

By Ilovetom on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 07:44 am:

Goodness. Hugs to her and you.

By Feona on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 07:46 am:

Oh yes I can see that is no good with the rails. Usually they are solid plastic.


I would call a lawyer. I could definitely see this happening to others too...

John was in the hospital for a week. It was so hard. Are you sleeping at the hospital?

Gosh, just hope she feels better soon. I feel bad for her....

By Kittycat_26 on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 07:49 am:

Oh Crystal! What a nightmare to have to go through for you and everyone.

As Trina asked before I'm curious about how you are going to transport her.

FYI. If she does not fit in her carseat you may have to have an ambulance transport her to any doctor appointments. Your medical insurance should pay for this if she can not safely and legally be transported in a private car.

By Tunnia on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 08:27 am:

Oh my! Your poor little girl! I hope she heals quickly! She'll be in my prayers.

By Mara on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 08:39 am:

This is the exact crib that my dd has! Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear about your little one. I've always had the same thoughts about my ds's top bunk railings, but it never crossed my mind to think of a toddler bed doing this. I hope she has a speedy recovery.

By Conni on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 09:58 am:

Oh Crystal, I am so sorry!! Fortunately, children heal so quickly and bounce back fast. I am glad you posted the pics of the bed. That is certainly something to share with others that may have this model of bed. ugh!

Give her extra huggies and kissies and give them to shane for me too-- I know it has to be upsetting for him as well. Twins are so connected.

((((Crystal))))

By My2cuties on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 10:27 am:

I am so sorry that your dd has to go through this. I hope she has a quick recovery. Thanks for the info, my girls do not have this bed but it worried me for a little while until I seen the picture. Thanks for posting.

By Eve on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:06 am:

Oh my goodness, I never would have thought this could happen with a toddler bed! How scary! I hope she is feeling better very soon. ((HUG))

By Cat on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:10 am:

Wow! Poor Maddie! Thanx for sharing. I'd absolutely call the company. They need to know things like this. Hugs to you both.

By Insaneusmcwife on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:18 am:

I am so sorry for your dd. That has got to be very scary. Maddie will be in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. I would call the manufacturer and make them aware of this.

By Jelygu on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:27 am:

I am so sorry you had to go through this. I know it was hard! She sounds like a brave little girl, I hope the 4 weeks isn't too hard on her!

By Tink on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:33 am:

FYI, Maddie was released from the hospital last night. From my understanding, she was not put in any special carseat for the trip home, but it wasn't something that specifically came up when we talked. Shane was a great kid while they spent all that time in the hospital. Crystal and Nate are both exhausted but they were very impressed by the doctors and staff at the hospital with the better pedi ward. Crystal is planning on contacting Graco about what happened so that they are aware of the problem.

I don't know how much time Crystal will have online so I wanted to give you as many details as possible.

Crys, lots of hugs and let me know if you need anything! Give the dks a hug for me and a kiss for Maddie's ouchie.

By Rayanne on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:35 am:

OMG!!! I am so sorry. I would contact Graco too. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:54 am:

Thanks everyone! She is resting comfortably today, propped up on a bean bag chair in the living room. We did transport her in Nate's arms to get home last night, I kept asking them if they were going to help make ambulance arrangements (Nate's company does transports like that, they did the transfer from Metroplex to Scott & White), but the doctors didn't seem too concerned. I am REALLY uneasy about making the weekly trip to the hospital for follow-ups without properly restraining her. I'll be calling the insurance today to see if we can make transportation plans. I'll also be contacting Graco, and my lawyer to inform them of the incident. I bought the bed at Wal-mart after the cribs the twins originally had broke. (When I let *that* company, Cosco, know, they were disinterested since they had already discontinued those cribs... now I find out they have been fined for not reporting accidents!) Wal-mart was not showing the Graco cribs for sale any longer, so something may already be suspected about them. Just a disaster all around, she really is being such a brave girl. Mara, and anyone else with this bed please consider taking it apart. We were lucky, but this could have been MUCH worse!

By Debbie on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 12:04 pm:

Crystal, I am so glad to hear she is doing okay and surgery wasn't needed. Sounds like she is being a real trooper.

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 12:20 pm:

I need opinions. I just called Simplicity, and let them know what happened. They asked exactly what caused the injury, and apologized, the rep was very polite and sympathetic. At the end of the call he asked me what I would like them to do for me, and I told him my main concern is making sure no one else gets injured. He assured me he would report this to the people who design the bed. Now he didn't take ANY of my personal information, not even a name... After I hung up I wondered if I should ask them to replace both beds for us. I'm still going to let my lawyer know, but I don't know what I should ask for. Also, I found out Graco doesn't have any connections with Simplicity, Inc, they just lend their name to Simplicity's product. This seems shady to me, since I trust Graco, and it's a well-known name.

By Dana on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 12:46 pm:

Hope your baby heals safely. That is just awful. And that is VERY strange they didn't take any info at the makers company. I would call them back just incase to make sure they have a permanent record of you call and concern. That way if it does go further you are covered. I have learned the hard way that what appears to be something you only need to tend to once (the cast for healing) can often lead to more problems later on.

On a side note, I knew someone who's 2yr old was in a similar cast and they troubles keeping the area between each leg inside the cast clean. Personally, I think it was their own improper daily care of that area, but you never know until you deal with it yourself. So just watch out that no dampness gets down there causing infection.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 01:21 pm:

I would report this to CPSC. There is a section where you can report unsafe products.

CPSC.gov

I'm surprised the doctor didn't discuss the car seat issue. Perhaps that particular doctor isn't aware. ?? Supposedly, most hospitals have loaners for such situations. Below is more information about transporting kids with special needs. Taken from CCMC (the Childrens Hospital in my area). In fact, Eileen Blake, the Director of Safe Transport, was one of my CPS Tech Instructors.

CCMC Safe Transport

By Boxzgrl on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 01:45 pm:

(((HUGS))) to Crystal and Maddie! I hope everything is going well today. I would definitely make a big complaint to make sure no other child is hurt.

By Fraggle on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 01:56 pm:

OMG, this is so horrible. Grystal, I will be praying for your little girl to recover quickly. I would also send a letter in writing to Simplicity to follow up on your call-that way you know they have your name and address.

By Bellajoe on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 04:11 pm:

Aww, the poor baby! I hope everything works out with her healing which is the most important thing, but also with the lawyer and the company who makes the toddler bed.

It is going to be so hard for her to be immobile for four weeks! I can't imagine. Good luck to you and hugs to you and maddie!

By Andi on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 05:01 pm:

Ouch....poor thing, I hope she starts feeling better soon. That should make for an interesting picture with Santa...

By Unschoolmom on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 05:38 pm:

Palmbchprincess - Whether a name is well known or not means little these days I think.

When (not if ) you talk to the rep again I think replacing the beds is reasonable. Also paying medical and transportation (to and from hospital and any special arrangement that might cost you) bills, and action towards a recall of the bed would all be suitible. I'd definately call a lawyer as well (and let the rep know that) to ensure some action. If they don't treat this seriously it will happen to other kids.

Sort of ironic that a design meant to keep a child from a relatively harmless tumble out of a bed could do so much damage.

Goodness, I'm sitting here steamed at the company involved.

By Kay on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 05:53 pm:

Oh, that poor little thing! And her poor mommy, because we all know how much you hurt for your baby.

It sounds like you're doing all the right things, crossing the t's, dotting the i's...I'm not a litigious person, but the legal system is there for the purpose of righting wrongs. You stay on them until you're satisfied.

Sending lots of gentle hugs!

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 06:28 pm:

Thank you again, everyone!! She is holding up well, I bought her some new coloring pages, and one of her grandmothers is sending a tray for her to eat and play on. We've been decorating her cast, and just hanging out. As far as the bed company, I called them back, and asked them to refund the cost of the beds, since all of their beds have the same railing. They got a bit defensive, and said they would call me back after speaking with a supervisor. I have no plans to file a suit, but did let our lawyer know what was going on. If they refuse to take proper measures for safety, and reimburse us, I'm going to let them know I've already spoken with my attorney, which will hopefully get their attention. IMO, they are lucky because I am not incurring expenses since we have military healthcare for the kids. CPSC is on my list of people to call as well. Trina, we are going to get authorization to have ambulance transport for appointments, thankfully the military healthcare is good. Dana, the cast is going to be difficult to keep clean, but the surgeon said using infant diapers is best since they can be squeezed into the small opening. Again, I appreciate all of your well-wishes and parayers!!! I'll keep everyone posted!!

By Melanie on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 07:55 pm:

How awful! I am glad you have arranged for ambulance transportation. I wouldn't feel comfortable otherwise, either.

Good luck dealing with the company. I hope they do the right thing.

(((HUGS)))

By Colette on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 08:01 pm:

(((Crystal)) this must be a terrible thing to go through for all of you.

By Fionadeassis on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 08:33 pm:

((((((HUGS))))))).......and right before Christmas too!!!!!

fiona

By Bobbie~moderatr on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:19 pm:

Oh Crys... Big hugs to both you and Maddie... I so hope that everything goes smoothly. Poor baby.....

By Laurazee on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:45 pm:

OMG. (((HUGS))). Poor little one.

By Truestori on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 - 12:35 am:

Crystal,

I am so sorry about this accident. I can't even imagine what you guys are going through. How scary..
Just a heads up about the femur bone, I broke mine when I was 4 months pregnant with my daughter and it has caused one leg to be a half and inch shorter then the other. I have lots of health issue because of this. I hope I'm not scaring you, I just want you to know that I feel this company should be held accountable because you don't know the outcome of all of this quite yet. I didn't realize how breaking my leg would affect me the rest of my life, not to mention the lifts that have to be put on any pair of shoes that I wear. It can be very costly, so I guess I'm just saying don't let this comapany off to easy. I'm partial to this issue, and I hope she recovers 100%. Many well wishes

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 - 01:07 am:

Wow Stori... I had no idea! I mean they warned us it could happen (uneven legs), but told us it was unlikely, and the reason they opted against surgery was to avoid stunting her growth. I realized today it may really affect her, because of how quickly toddlers grow, and how unforgiving the cast is. I'll definitely keep all that in mind as we get through the next couple weeks, and document everything, just in case.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 - 05:31 am:

Crystal, I would definitely contact a good products liability attorney, which is what you want. If you tell me where in Texas you live, my bosses (who do a LOT of products liabiity plaintiff's work) can give me a list of attorneys who do that kind of work and are good at it. If your attorney doesn't practice this kind of law, s/he can contact an attorney who has a good track record on this kind of law. In fact, my bosses handle lawsuits all over the country, but whether they would want to deal with a case in Texas depends upon the final extent of damages ($$$, sorry to say).

And keep the bed. I know you don't want to use it, but don't get rid of it until you decide what you want to do. I don't know what the Statute of Limitations is in Texas for personal injury (the date by which you must file a lawsuit if you intend to sue) but I do know that because your daughter is a minor, she has until at least her 18th birthday and some period after that, so that is not an issue.

Remember,I AM NOT A LAWYER. But I have worked for lawyers who do products liability work, so I know some of the routine.

If she heals quickly and with no long term effects, most likely there is no reason to sue. But if she has any long term effects, that's another story. And go to the Consumer Products Safety web site and see if there have been complaints about that bed. Given how "easily" the injury happened, I would not be surprised if other kids have been injured the same way.

I see you've already talked to the company. But, you don't know if you will want to sue later on or not, and they will want you to make all kinds of statements (which could be used against you later) and will want to inspect and maybe take away the bed, and you don't want that. Especially if they refund your money, they will take the bed away. You really need to be talking to your lawyer and your lawyer, if s/he does not do much product liability work, needs to be talking to someone who does. If nothing else, your lawyer can use Martindale Hubbel (sp?) to check on lawyers nearby whom s/he may know who have this kind of law practice listed in their resumes.

Believe me, the company would like nothing better than to make this go away for just a few bucks. But since you don't know what long term damage there may be, think very hard before you trade possible future medical and other needs for an immediate replacement of the beds and payment of current medical bills. Ask your lawyer if s/he is willing to handle the immediate contact with the company and, if so, tell the company (when they call, and they will) to talk to your lawyer. If your lawyer doesn't want to handle it, please put your town or nearby major city in this thread and I will immediately get some lawyers for you to talk to.

Also, Crystal, sorry to say, be prudent about what you post on the board about this whole incident. I am thinking like a legal secretary and about possible evidence. What you've already posted is there, but be careful in the future.

By Feona on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 - 07:04 am:

My mom fell in a pot hole 20 years ago and got 7-10,000 dollars. (It took very little effort for her to get the money - the case was settled 10 years after it happened. My mom just contacted a lawyer like ginny said - a lawyer who did it for free the lawsuit and then took like a 1/3 of the settlement afterwards - (maybe more I don't remember.) Why should not your child have some money for her college?

That bed is dangerous. I don't know how they could have sold it. I am looking at the bed and I can see the accident happening...

By Kim on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 - 07:34 am:

I am sorry this happened to your dd! Many prayers!

By Kaye on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 - 09:34 am:

Crystal, in general I am against lawsuits. They get frivilous fast. However, it the company knew this could be an issue and put this bed out anyway, they deserve to pay. Also if you have long term issues with this then absoulutely she should be compensated. That being said, I do think you should have a lawyer to deal with this. That doesn't mean to sue. But you should at least consult with one. Toddlers typically heal very fast, so there is less chance of complications because of that. Also your main goal is to get these beds off the market. Contacting the CPSC is a big step in that. Unfortunately they don't recall things until it has hurt a certain number of kids or killed several. There are set numbers. Just think of those water yo yos. There are at least 100's of documented injuries, there are at least 3 deaths that I have read, but they still aren't recalled. Matter of fact kids have them and play with them still.

By Mrsheidi on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 - 10:22 am:

Sorry, Crystal! I don't have a toddler as of yet but I can't even imagine... {{HUGS}} Sounds like you've had some good advice on here though! Hope Maddie makes a wonderful recovery!

By Amecmom on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 - 02:35 pm:

Crystal!!!

I am so sorry to hear this! You must be beside yourself. Just keep your positive attitude.

A word of advice ... don't accept anything the crib manufacturer wants to offer without talking to your lawyer first. There may be a case here (speaking as a personal injury attorney's wife) especially if the company has had reports of other accidents. Regardles of long term damage, you still have a toddler who suffered a massive injury because of a product that may not have been safe.
Hugs to you and prayers for Maddie's quick recovery.

By Angellew on Thursday, December 2, 2004 - 09:31 am:

{{{Crystal}}} I am so sorry to hear about all this! {{{Big time hugs to Maddie}}}} I hope she's feeling a bit better.

By Emily7 on Thursday, December 2, 2004 - 01:58 pm:

(((Maddie)))
I have a crib/toddler bed similar to the one you have, it is just scary.

By Breann on Thursday, December 2, 2004 - 02:56 pm:

We had a similar bed to this one. But, we never used it as a toddler bed. I was worried about them getting their arms or legs tangled in it when they slept. I figured that I would just let them tumble off the side a time or two. It wasn't that far down. I never even thought of the scenario that your daughter went through. That is scary. I hope she is doing good. Poor little thing. Did she get a pink cast?

By Palmbchprincess on Thursday, December 2, 2004 - 07:40 pm:

Just letting everyone know Mads is doing better today. She's figured out how to roll over, and scoot a bit, but she'll have to get her strength up in her arms in order to get around like that. Breann, that's the advice my mom gave me, she never used a toddler bed for me or my siblings, and she's of the opinion a little tumble won't hurt them. Maddie didn't get a pink cast, but we are decorating it. Ginny and Ame, the company blew me off, and since my current lawyer is taking some time off from his private practice, I'm going to ask him for a referral to a personal injury lawyer. Thanks for your advice!!

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 06:36 am:

Crystal, email me your town and I will email you some referrals to lawyers who are good at this. Any lawyer can say they do personal injury law. But you want someone with experience in products liability, and this is a speciality. It sounds like your lawyer is a sole practitioner, which is OK, but limiting in many ways. And if s/he does a lot of domestic law, which has been your need before this event, s/he won't have had much time for personal injury law. Personal injury law is an expensive practice, as it means hiring experts and conducting depositions, which means the lawyer lays out a lot of money in advance for a case where s/he won't get paid until/unless a recovery is made on behalf of the injured person.

By Debbie on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 08:28 am:

Crystal, I am so glad that Maddie is doing better. Before you know it she will be all over the place. That is horrible that the company blew you off. I am glad you are getting a referral and I hope you get things resolved soon!

By Brandy on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 08:51 am:

I'm glad to see she is getting around also i was so sad to hear of this = ( i hope she heals all the way quickly and give you your strong little girl back = ) prayers for Maddie = )

By Breann on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 09:17 am:

It sounds like she's a trooper! I'm glad she is learning to get around.

By Amecmom on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 04:03 pm:

Glad she's doing better.

I'm surprised your lawyer doesn't want to take the case and then forward it to another attorney who handles products liability PI. Then, he would get the forwarding fee...

Take care,
Ame

By My2cuties on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 05:36 pm:

Glad she is learning to get around!

I was thinking, isn't it a law that the slates in crib beds have to be only a certain measurement apart. I thought I had always read that the bed rails are supposed to be no more than (?) apart and no more than (?) high and all that, does that bed meet those standards? Just a thought, and if they do meet the requirements then I wonder how her LEG got caught in between the rails. Correct me if I am wrong, please anyone, because I don't want to have the fact wrong. Good Luck finding a good lawyer that will work with you!!

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 07:42 pm:

They do have to be within a certain range, but these are. The general rule is if you can fit a soda can between the slats, they are too big. However, her ankle is smaller than a soda can, and therefore got caught because of the position of the bars. And Ame, I knew as of last week that my lawyer was leaving his practice for a few months, to study for the Florida Bar, so I'm not surprised. He's also a friend of ours, so he'll certainly point me in the right direction. Ginny, I'll be emailing you later tonight.

By Brandy on Thursday, December 9, 2004 - 02:39 pm:

How is Maddie doing now crystal is she running around yet = ) since she's so young and all lol = ) ...

By Palmbchprincess on Thursday, December 9, 2004 - 04:36 pm:

LOl, she is definitely mobile now! It's like having a baby all over again, she figured out how to roll, then scoot on her belly, and now there is no stopping her! She's in really good spirits, and not taking prescription pain meds anymore, which is good because they were causing unpleasant side effects! Thanks for asking, Brandy!

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, December 9, 2004 - 09:34 pm:

I'm glad she is doing okay! I don't think kids can be held down for long! They are pretty adaptable!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Thursday, December 9, 2004 - 11:28 pm:

Glad she is doing well too. No stopping kids..

By Brandy on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:53 pm:

That's awesome news crystal = ) keep going baby girl = ) ....

By My2cuties on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 02:35 pm:

Good to hear she is getting around and doing well without the meds.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 03:33 pm:

I'm just seeing this so I'm late responding.....WOW!

I hope she heals well and quickly. My X-SIL's DS had the same injury from climbing a bookcase when they were in the process of moving years ago. She turned her head to close a box and he tried to climb up an empty bookcase just that quick.

Same injury - he had to be in traction for several days before they could cast him, and he was in his body cast for 2 months. I believe he was around 2 y/o at the time. She had to fly with him in that body cast. The diapering thing was a problem for them too, but it didn't take long for her to figure it all out.

By Trisa on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 06:42 pm:

Oh my gosh!! My dd just last month got her
leg caught in her toddler bed! It was not the rail
but the lower part of the bed. I guess what you
might call the footboard part. It has slats
and she got stuck! I was getting scared because
I could not get her out! I prayed and finally was able to get her foot out. gee do they make anything safe anymore? Look at all the recalls
you are aways hearing about! I saw those pics you posted of her. Poor little thing!

By Katie on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 12:26 am:

YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE with your story. My 18 mo old son is in a crib that converts to a toddler bed (without rails). BUT, in the garage, we have my elder son's toddler bed, which is just as you described. We were holding onto it "Just in case." Guess what? Not only am I not going to "hold onto it," but I"m going to dump it, rather than sell it or hand it down. So there's one toddler bed out of circulation! Thank you. My elder son (now five) used this one for a long time but I imagine it was only a matter of time before he hurt himself too. Thank you thank you thank you!

By Tink on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 01:36 am:

Katie, one suggestion that also applies to old carseats is to destroy it or write "do not use" in large permanent letters in an obvious place. This is so that no one else uses a potentially dangerous item. Personally, I did take a sledgehammer to a booster seat that was dangerous and, shhh...it was kinda fun! Just a word of advice.

By Trisa on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 09:54 am:

Great Idea Tink! I could relieve some stress
but beating the heck out of something LOL!

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 12:36 pm:

Katie, I'm glad to know I can help at least one child be safer. My DD is doing well, and with any luck she'll get her cast off on the 28th, but this has been incredibly difficult for all of us, not to mention the pain she went through! Also, Cori has a great suggestion, perhaps you can dispose of the screws in a separate place as well... to help insure no one uses it!