The regulation seeks to minimize the risk of child deaths and injuries associated with the use of frame child carriers, specifically incidents related to structural integrity, such as poor quality stitching on straps, detachment of the cloth component from the frame, loose screws, and breakage of the frame, stability of the frame child carrier, leg holes that are too large and allow a child to slip out or almost slip out of the carrier, and inadequacy of restraints.
The regulation was originally published at 80 FR 11113 and codified at 16 C.F.R. part 1230. The regulation incorporates by reference ASTM F2549, and 16 C.F.R. § 1230.2 identifies the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2549 that is mandatory as well as any potential modifications.
Read-only copies of ASTM standards that are incorporated by reference can be viewed at ASTM’s electronic Reading Room.
A frame child carrier is typically a product of sewn fabric construction on a tubular metal or other frame, which is designed to carry a child in an upright position on the back of the caregiver. The intended users of frame carriers are children who are able to sit upright unassisted and weigh between 16 pounds and 50 pounds. Frame carriers are intended to be worn on the back and suspended from both shoulders of the caregiver’s body in a forward- or rear-facing position. This type of carrier is often used for hiking and closely resembles hiking/mountaineering backpacks not intended to be used for child transport.
The requirements for frame child carriers are as follows:
- General requirements
- Hazardous 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
- Lead in paint – see also our lead in paint business guidance page
- Wood parts
- Scissoring, shearing, and pinching
- Openings
- Exposed coil springs
- Locking and latching
- Unintentional folding
- Labeling
- Protective components
- Flammability of frame child carriers
- Toys – any toy accessories must meet the applicable requirements for children’s toys
- Performance requirements
- Leg openings
- Dynamic strength
- Static load
- Stability
- Retention system
- Handle integrity
For details on the individual requirements, firms should review the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2549 as well as any modifications referenced at 16 C.F.R. § 1230.2. 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 to 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.