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The Biggest Parenting Trends of 2011: the '80s, Sex-Starved Wives, High-Tech Tots + More!

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iVillage on Jan 3, 2011 at 7:26AM

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The Biggest Parenting Trends of 2011: the '80s, Sex-Starved Wives, High-Tech Tots + More!

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The End of Drop-Side Cribs

For decades, moms (especially vertically-challenged ones) have been relying on cribs with slide-down sides to reach their babies without straining their backs. But this year marks the end of an era. Starting in June, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will no longer allow cribs with the drop-side mechanism to be manufactured or sold in the U.S. In 2010, more than 2.5 million drop-side cribs were recalled due to safety issues -- they're simply not as sturdy as fixed-side models and if they break, the side can slide down and baby can get seriously injured.

To compensate for their absence, we’re predicting more moms will find smart solutions for reaching their babies -- and for putting them down without waking them up. These include cribs with one side lower to the ground, bassinettes or play yards, cribs with a side that folds down (rather than slides), or using an old-fashioned, sturdy stepstool.