CPSC Sets New Safety Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is establishing a new safety standard for soft infant and toddler carriers. CPSC’s final rule adopts without change the ASTM standard F2236-14 for all soft infant and toddler carriers manufactured or imported on or after Sept. 29, 2014. The new standard covers fabric carriers designed to carry an infant or toddler in an upright position in close proximity to the caregiver and are generally for children between 7 and 45 pounds. It includes both structured and nonstructured carriers.
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The new standard does not cover slings (including wraps) and framed backpack carriers. Slings may be used to carry children in a sideways position, so they have different safety concerns. Framed backpack carriers include a rigid frame and are only for carrying children on the caregiver’s back.
The original proposal for the safety standard on soft infant and toddler carriers faced opposition from then-Commissioner Nancy Nord (see 13040416). Nord said CPSC doesn’t have the authority to regulate soft infant and toddler carriers because they aren’t durable goods that are used for at least three years.
(Federal Register 03/28/14)