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Hand-Held Infant Carriers

JULY 16, 2008

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff is providing technical support for voluntary standard activities related to hand-held infant carriers. CPSC staff is working with the ASTM F15.21 Infant Carriers, Bouncers and Baby Swings Subcommittee to revise performance requirements for ASTM F 2050-03 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Hand-Held Infant Carriers. Many hand-held infant carriers also serve as car seats. This standard is not intended to address incidents resulting from the use of the product in a motor vehicle.

In 2006, there were an estimated 14,200 carrier-related injuries (excluding motor vehicle incidents) treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. This figure includes infant car seats/carriers as well as frame and soft carriers (including slings). CPSC staff also has reports of 17 carrier-related infant deaths that occurred from 2002-2004.

CPSC staff is currently working with ASTM to address issues related to infant carrier safety including stability on soft surfaces and handle integrity.

Additional Information

Fact Sheets:

Incident Data:

Voluntary Standard and Code Activities:

CPSC Staff Reports, Memoranda and Contracts:

ASTM International:

  • For further information concerning ASTM standards associated with bicycles, please contact Len Morrissey at lmorriss@astm.org or ASTM International at www.astm.org

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