Purpose To describe the epidemiology of injuries associated with cribs, playpens, and bassinets among children<3 years of age in the United States.

Methods A retrospective analysis was performed by using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for children<3 years of age who were treated in emergency departments (EDs) for an injury associated with a crib, playpen, or bassinet (2009’“2015). Cases involving the direct use of these products were analysed (n=3,120). Mechanism of injury was coded by reviewing case narratives. Sample weights were used to calculate national estimates and rates of injuries over time were analysed using linear regression.

Results An estimated 90 490 (95% CI: 63,068–117,911) children<3 years old were treated for crib-, playpen-, or bassinet-related injuries in EDs during the study period. The rate of injury associated with these products was nearly 11 per 10 000 children and did not change significantly over the seven-year study period (p=0.1). Children 6–11 months old were most frequently injured (30.2%). The head/neck was the most commonly injured body part (50.1%) and concussion/closed head injury was the most frequent diagnosis (38.1%). Falling from the crib, playpen, or bassinet was the most common mechanism of injury (68.4%). Children ≥18 months old were 1.25 times (95% CI: 1.17–1.33) as likely to be injured from falling out of these products compared to children<18 months old.

Conclusions These findings demonstrate that crib-, playpen-, and bassinet-related injuries remain an important source of injury for children. The high frequency of falls highlights the potential hazards of products that children use daily.

Significance Investigating the epidemiology of injuries associated with cribs, playpens, and bassinets is critical as parents rely on these products for safe sleep areas for infants and young children. Long-term surveillance of injuries is needed after crib safety standards were updated in 2011.