Toddler Beds

The regulation attempts to minimize entrapment incidents associated with bed end structures, the space between the guardrail and side rail, and the mattress support system. Entrapment of a child’s head or neck can result in asphyxiation. The regulation also addresses corner post extensions, which may catch pacifier cords, ribbons, necklaces, or clothing that a child may be wearing and that may be caught on a projection. 

The regulation was originally published at 76 FR 22019 and codified at 16 C.F.R. part 1217. The regulation incorporates by reference ASTM F1821, and 16 C.F.R. § 1217.2 identifies the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F2388 that is mandatory.

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

A toddler bed is a bed sized to accommodate a full-size crib mattress having minimum dimensions of 51⅝ in. (131 cm) by 27¼ in. (69 cm) and is intended to provide free access and egress to a child not less than 15 months of age and who weighs no more than 50 lbs. (27.7 kg).

The requirements for toddler beds per ASTM F1821 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
  • Paints and surface coatings – see also our lead in paint business guidance page
  • Wood parts
  • Scissoring, shearing, and pinching
  • Protective components
  • Openings
  • Labeling
  • Corner post extensions
• Performance requirements
  • Mattress support system
  • Mattress support system attachment and side rails integrity
  • Mattress support system openings
  • Guardrails
  • End structures and side rails
  • Partially bounded openings
  • Spindle/slat static load strength

For details on the individual requirements, firms should review the latest Commission-accepted version of ASTM F1821 as referenced at 16 C.F.R. § 1217.2. 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 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 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.