Infant Swings Safety Update

Lately the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been releasing new safety standards on baby and children’s products.  The latest focus has been on infant swings.  Here is the newest safety regulations that were unanimously voted in:

Infant swings are stationary juvenile products with a frame and powered mechanism that enables an infant to swing in a seated position. An infant swing is intended for use with infants from birth until a child is able to sit up unassisted. Cradle and travel swings are also included in the standard.

The new federal standard, which incorporates provisions in the voluntary standard ASTM F2088 – 12a, requires the following:

• a stronger, more explicit warning label to prevent slump-over deaths. The warning advises consumers to use a swing in the most reclined position until an infant is 4 months or older

  Infant Swing image from CPSC previous recall

• a stability test that prevents the swing from tipping over;
• a test that prevents unintentional folding;
• tests on restraint systems, which are intended to prevent slippage and breakage of the restraints during use;
• the cradle swing surface to remain relatively flat, while in motion, and while at rest;
• electrically-powered swings to be designed to prevent battery leakage and overheating.;
• toy mobiles to be designed to ensure that toys do not detach when pulled;
• swings with seats angles greater than 50 degrees to have shoulder strap restraints; and
• dynamic and static load requirements to ensure that the infant swing can handle specified loads without breaking.

Between May 2011 and May 2012, CPSC received reports of 351 infant swing-related incidents that occurred between 2009 and 2012. Two of the 351 incidents resulted in fatalities, and 349 incidents were nonfatal; 24 of the nonfatal incidents resulted in injuries.

The effective date for the mandatory infant swing standard is May 7, 2013. The Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act, Section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, requires CPSC to issue safety standards for durable infant or toddler products, including infant swings. In addition to infant swings, CPSC has issued mandatory safety standards for full-size and non-full-size cribs, play yards, children’s bed rails, baby bath seats, baby walkers, and toddler beds.

Thank a huge thank you to the Consumer Product Safety Commission for helping mandate the regulations for the infant swings and all baby products!

Information and Image were provided by Consumer Product Safety Commission

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