This regulation sets forth performance requirements and labeling intended to minimize hazards to children associated with the use of children’s portable bed rails.
The regulation was originally published at 77 FR 12182 and codified at 16 CFR Part 1224. The regulation incorporates by reference ASTM F2085, and 16 C.F.R. § 1224.2 identifies the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2085 that is mandatory as well as any potential modifications.
Note that the CPSC enforces different regulation for adult portable bed rails.
A portable bed rail is a device intended to be installed on an adult bed to prevent children from falling out. Portable bed rails are intended for children who can get in and out of bed unassisted (typically from 2 to 5 years of age). They include bed rail designs that have a vertical plane that presses against the side of the mattress but does not extend over it (adjacent type bed rails), as well as bed rails that sit near the edge of the sleeping surface of the mattress (mattress-top bed rails).
There are also products that differ from traditional, rigid portable bed rails because they are constructed of nonrigid materials, such as foam or inflatable materials. Although these foam and inflatable products do not use the term “bed rails” in their packaging or labeling, the products meet the definition of a “portable bed rail” and are included in the scope of the standard.
The requirements for chidlren's portable bed rails per ASTM F2085 are as follows:
- General requirements
- 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
- Wood parts
- Surface coatings – see also our lead in paint business guidance page
- Labeling
- Captive installation components
- Captive hardware
- Performance requirements
- Structural integrity
- Openings
- Enclosed openings
- Openings created by bed rail displacement of adjacent style portable bed rails
- Openings created by displacement of mattress-top portable bed rails
- Openings created by displacement of portable bed rails intended for use on specific manufacturers’ beds
- Protrusions
- Openings between bedposts (headboard, footboards, etc.) and ends of portable bed rails
- Misassembled products
For details on the individual requirements, firms should review the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2085 as referenced at 16 C.F.R. § 1224.2. Read-only copies of ASTM standards that are incorporated by reference can be viewed at ASTM’s electronic Reading Room.
Yes. There are general requirements for child care articles and durable infant or toddler products that apply:
- 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.