Bassinets and Cradles

The regulation seeks to minimize the risk of death and injury associated with the use of bassinets and cradles, including those related to infant falls, entrapment, or structural and design problems.

The regulation was originally published at 78 FR 63019 and codified at 16 C.F.R. part 1218. The regulation incorporates by reference ASTM F2194, and 16 C.F.R. § 1218.2 identifies the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2194 that is mandatory.

Read-only copies of ASTM standards that are incorporated by reference can be viewed at ASTM’s electronic Reading Room.

A bassinet/cradle is a small bed designed primarily to provide sleeping accommodations for infants that is supported by freestanding legs, a stationary frame/stand, a wheeled base or a rocking base, or that can swing relative to a stationary base. While in a rest (non-rocking) position, a bassinet/cradle is intended to have a sleep surface less than or equal to 10 degrees from horizontal.

ASTM F2194 also includes requirements pertaining to bassinets that are accessories to play yards or non-full-size cribs. These accessories must meet both the bassinet and cradle standard in addition to the standard for the primary product, like a play yard or non-full-size crib.

The requirements for bassinets and cradles per ASTM 2194 are as follows:

• General requirements
  • Lead in paints – see also our lead in paint business guidance page
  • Hazardous sharp edges or points – 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
  • Wood parts
  • Scissoring, shearing, and pinching
  • Unintentional folding
  • Openings
  • Labeling
  • Fasteners
  • Corner posts
  • Toys – any toy accessories must meet the applicable requirements for children’s toys
  • Bassinet/cradle accessory to play yard/non-full-sized crib
  • Occupant restraint system
• Performance requirements
  • Spacing of rigid sided bassinet/cradle components
  • Openings for mesh/fabric sided bassinet/cradle
  • Static load
  • Stability
  • Sleeping pad
  • Protective components
  • Bassinets with segmented mattresses: flatness test
  • Fabric sided enclosed openings
  • Rock/swing angle
  • Removable bassinet bed attachment – modification by CPSC, see 16 C.F.R. § 1218.2(b)(5)

For details on the individual requirements, firms should review the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2194 as referenced at 16 C.F.R. § 1218.2. 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 with 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.