Infant Bath Seats

The regulation seeks to prevent deaths and injuries, particularly drowning and near-drownings, when a bath seat is used with an infant.

The regulation was originally published at 75 FR 31691 and codified at 16 C.F.R. part 1215. The regulation incorporates by reference ASTM F1967, and 16 C.F.R. § 1215.2 identifies the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F1967 that is mandatory as well as any modifications.

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

More information is available on our infant bath seats business guidance page.

An infant bath seat is used in a bath tub, sink, or similar bathing enclosure and provides support, at a minimum, to the front and back of a seated infant during bathing by a caregiver. This does not include products designed or intended to retain water for bathing, such as infant bath tubs.

The requirements for infant bath seats per ASTM F1967 are as follows:

• General requirements
  • Hazardous sharp points and edges – 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
  • Lead in paints – see also our lead in paint business guidance page
  • Latching or locking mechanisms
  • Scissoring, shearing, and pinching
  • Openings
  • Protective components
  • Toys – any toy accessories must meet the applicable requirements for children’s toys
  • Labeling
• Performance requirements
  • Stability
  • Restraint system
  • Static load
  • Specific requirements for suction cups
  • Leg openings
  • Installation components

For details on the individual requirements, firms should review the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F1697 as referenced at 16 C.F.R. § 1215.2. 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 children’s products 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.
• Third-party testing: Children’s products must be tested for compliance to 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 to 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.