SENATOR GOLDEN TAKES LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO INCREASE AWARENESS ABOUT CRIB SAFETY TO PROTECT NEW YORK BABIES

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today is announcing that the New York State Senate has approved legislation he sponsored, S. 6730, that will require that crib safety information be distributed to maternity patients throughout the Empire State. This signifies a legislative agreement, as the Assembly has also approved this legislation, A. 356, sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan). 

The legislation will  require hospital and birthing centers to distribute a leaflet detailing crib safety information to maternity patients at the time of discharge. The leaflet will be required to be available on the State Department of Health website and printed in English and the top six spoken languages in New York.  Hospital staff will also be required to find out if maternity patients have a new crib at home, and distribute information on obtaining a new crib.

Senator Marty Golden stated, “Today with the passage of this legislation, we have added a protective measure to make sure that infants get the best chance at a good start to life.  The agreement between the Senate and the Assembly to require parental crib safety education maintains our commitment to protect our children. We all know that knowledge is power, and information is key, and this bill if signed into law by Governor Cuomo will prevent injuries and save lives.”

There is currently no laws in New York requiring the distribution of such information to parents regarding cribs and crib safety. The pamphlet will detail information regarding unsafe cribs, such as drop-side cribs, as well as safe sleeping procedures, product recalls and federal standards regarding the manufacturing of cribs.