Both the Ciriglianos and the Wittes said their children were not counted among drop-side crib deaths by the CPSC because of technicalities. Susan Cirigliano said her son was not counted because the commission tallied only deaths that occurred when the left side of the crib became loose, while Bobby was trapped on the right side.

"The point is -- bottom left, bottom right -- Bobby was asphyxiated and died when his drop-side rail detached, and he was trapped between the mattress and the side rail, just like infants before him and infants after him," Cirgliano said.

Michele Witte pointed out that children often use the slats of a crib for support as they learn to stand, and said that if this behavior puts them at risk of death because of a design flaw, the product must be outlawed.

A CPSC spokesperson provided the following statement in response to drop-side crib concerns: "CPSC is very concerned and working with the standards community to address the risks relating to drop-side cribs. In addition, Chairman [Inez] Tenenbaum has asked staff to expedite crib rule-making and work on a final rule by the end of 2010."

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