U.S. CPSC Approves 16 CFR 1226 Safety Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers
Vol. 760 | April 15, 2014
As part of the rulemaking process required by Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently voted unanimously (3-0) to approve the new federal rule 16 CFR 1226 Safety Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers
The final rule adopts the existing industry standard, F2236-14 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers, published by ASTM International, without any modifications.
A soft infant and toddler carrier as defined in the standard is:
“a product, normally of sewn fabric construction, which is designed to contain a full term infant to a toddler, generally in an upright position, in close proximity to the caregiver. In general, the child will weigh between 7 and 45 lb (3.2 and 22 kg). The soft infant and toddler carrier is normally “worn” by the caregiver with a child positioned in the carrier and the weight of the child and carrier suspended from one or both shoulders of the caregiver. These products may be worn on the front, side, or back of the caregiver’s body with the infant either facing towards or away from the caregiver.”
By defining soft infant and toddler carriers as above, the standard makes a distinction between the other carriers in the market, specifically slings and framed backpack carriers, while clarifying the scope.
Key safety issues addressed by the new federal safety standard include:
- Leg opening requirements
- Dynamic and static load requirements
- Fastener strength and strap retention requirements
The effective date of the final rule, 16 CFR 1226, is September 29, 2014. Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers manufactured or imported on or after this date shall meet the requirements of this rule.
For questions, please contact Laxmi Ravikumar (laxmi.ravikumar@intertek.com, 847-871-1056).