Sling Carriers

The regulation seeks to minimize the risk of child deaths and injuries associated with the use of sling carriers, including those related to caregiver falls, infant falls from carriers, structural and design problems of carriers, and deficiency of consumer education regarding product use.

The regulation was originally published at 82 FR 8671 and codified at 16 C.F.R. part 1228. The regulation incorporates by reference ASTM F2907, and 16 C.F.R. § 1228.2 identifies the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2907 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 sling carrier is a product of fabric or sewn fabric construction, which is designed to contain up to two occupant children with a child being defined as between full-term birth and 35 lbs. (15.9 kg), though manufacturers may provide a higher weight limit, in an upright or reclined position while being supported by the caregiver’s torso.

The designs of infant slings vary, but the designs generally range from unstructured hammock-shaped products that suspend from the caregiver's body to long lengths of material or fabric that are wrapped around the caregiver's body. Infant slings normally are worn with the infant(s) positioned on the front, hip, or back of the consumer, and with the infant(s) facing toward or away from the consumer.

As stated in the “sling carrier” definition, these products generally allow the infant(s) to be placed in an upright or reclined position. However, the reclined position is intended to be used only when the infant(s) are worn on the front of the consumer.

The ability to carry the infant(s) in a reclined position is the primary feature that distinguishes sling carriers from soft infant and toddler carriers.

The requirements for frame child carriers are as follows:

• General requirements
  • Laundering
  • 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
  • Locking and latching
  • Labeling
    • Warning labels attached to the fabric with seams to remain in contact with the fabric around the entire perimeter of the label, see 16 CFR § 1228.2(b)(1)(ii)
  • Opening
  • Scissoring, shearing, and pinching
  • Monofilament threads
  • Flammability
• Performance requirements
  • Structural integrity
  • Restraint system
  • Occupant retention

For details on the individual requirements, firms should review the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2907 as well as any modifications referenced at 16 C.F.R. § 1228.2. 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 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.