The regulation seeks to minimize the risk of child deaths and injuries associated with the use of soft infant and toddler carriers, including those related to caregiver falls, infant falls from carriers, or structural and design problems of carriers.
The regulation was originally published at 79 FR 17422 and codified at 16 C.F.R. part 1226. The regulation incorporates by reference ASTM F2236, and 16 C.F.R. § 1226.2 identifies the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2236 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 soft infant and toddler carrier is a product normally of sewn fabric construction designed to carry a child (a full-term infant to a toddler), generally in an upright position, in close proximity to the caregiver.
Soft infant and toddler carriers differ from sling carriers in that a primary feature for sling carriers is the ability to carry the infant(s) in a reclined position.
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
- Locking and latching
- Labeling
- Flammability of textile products
- Toys – any toy accessories must meet the applicable requirements for children’s toys
- Performance requirements
- Leg openings
- Dynamic and static load
- Unbounded leg opening
- Fastener strength and strap retention
For details on the individual requirements, firms should review the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2236 as well as any modifications referenced at 16 C.F.R. § 1226.2. 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.