Business Guidance FAQ

The regulation addresses many of the general hazards associated with the use of crib mattresses, such as sharp points and sharp edges; small parts; lead and other toxic substances in paints; finger entrapment; mattress dimension conformity; mattress thickness; and marking and labeling. The rule includes additional requirements to address suffocation due to overly soft mattresses, entrapment because of poor mattress fits, laceration(s) from exposed coil springs, and labeling to address suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 

The was originally published at 87 FR 8640 and codifies 16 C.F.R. part 1241. The regulation incorporates by reference ASTM F2933, and 16 C.F.R. § 1241.2 identifies the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2933 that is mandatory as well as any modifications.

Read-only copies of ASTM standards that are incorporated by reference can be viewed at ASTM’s electronic Reading Room.

Crib mattresses within scope of 16 CFR part 1241 include full-size crib mattresses, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) non-full-size crib mattresses (provided with the crib), and after-market mattresses for play yards and non-full-size cribs (sold separately from the crib or play yard). 

A “mattress” is “ticking filled with a resilient material used alone or in combination with other products intended or promoted for sleeping on it”. Further:

• A full-size crib is a crib with dimensions of 52⅜ in. ± ⅝ in. (1330 mm ± 16 mm) by 28 in. ± ⅝ in. (711 mm ± 16 mm).
• A non-full size crib is a crib with interior length dimensions either greater than 55 in. (1397 mm) or smaller than 49¾ in. (1264 mm), or an interior width dimension either greater than 30⅝ in. (778 mm) or smaller than 25⅜ in. (645 mm), or both.
• A play yard is a framed enclosure that includes a floor and has mesh or fabric sides. Play yards are intended for use in or around the home, for travel, and other purposes. Play yards provide sleeping and playing accommodation for a child who cannot climb out and is less than 35 in. (890 mm) in height. Inflatable play yards are not covered by the regulation. Play yards are similar to, but should not be confused with, non-full-size baby cribs; play yards have non-rigid sides.

The general requirements for crib mattresses are as follows:

• Sharp points and edges – see also 16 C.F.R. §§ 1500.3(b)(4)(i)(D) and 1500.3(b)(15)(i)(A)
• Small parts – see also our small parts business guidance page
• Surface coatings – see also our lead in paint business guidance page
• Openings
• Labeling
• Mattress dimensions
• Mattress seam stitching
• After-market mattress for play yard
• Mattress firmness
• Coil springs

The following table summarizes the requirements for each category of crib mattress:

¹ Only sections for Stability, Cord/Strap Length, Mattresses for Rigid Sided Products, and Crib Side Height

² Only sections for Stability, Cord/Strap Length, Mattresses, Height of Sides, Floor Strength, and mattress Vertical Displacement; for aftermarket mattresses intended to be used in a bassinet of a play yard with a bassinet attachment, the mattress must ALSO meet sections for Pad Thickness for Fabric or Mesh Sided Products, Pad Dimensions, Side Height, and Bassinets with Segmented mattresses

OEM crib mattresses sold separately and after-market crib mattresses must be tested with the product(s) for which it is intended to be used or using a fixture with equivalent interior dimensions of the product(s) for which it is intended to be used.

Yes. There are general requirements for mattresses, child care articles, and durable infant or toddler products that apply: 

• Flammability: Mattresses must not create a char length greater than 2 in. (5.1 cm) during the smoldering test. Mattresses also must not release a peak rate of heat exceeding 200 kW at any time during the 30 minute open flame test and a total head exceeding 15 MJ for the first 10 minutes of the test. There are also labeling and recordkeeping requirements that apply to mattresses.
• Small parts: Products intended for children under 3 years of age must not contain small parts or liberate small parts after use and abuse testing.
• Lead in paint and similar surface coatings: Children’s products must not bear paint and/or similar surface coatings that contain more than 0.009 percent (90 ppm) lead.
• Total lead content: Children’s products must not contain greater than 100 ppm (0.01 percent) of total lead content in any accessible component part.
• Phthalates: Children’s toys and child care articles as defined per 16 C.F.R. § 1307.2 must not contain greater than 0.1 percent (1000 ppm) of any regulated phthalate in any accessible plasticized component part.
• Third-party testing: Children’s products must be tested for compliance with applicable safety rules by a third-party, CPSC-accepted laboratory.
• Certification: Domestic manufacturers or importers of children’s products must generate a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) certifying compliance with the applicable safety rules and ensures that a CPC accompanies the distribution of the product.
• Labeling: Children’s products must bear distinguishing, permanent marks on the product and any packaging (tracking label) that allow consumers to ascertain certain information. Durable infant or toddler products are required to have product markings in addition to the tracking label. This chart summarizes the specific labeling and registration requirements that durable infant and toddler products must meet.
• Registration form: Durable infant or toddler products must have a product registration form (also known as registration card) permanently attached to the product. There must also be an option to register via a website or, in the absence of a website, via email.