WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously (3-0) to approve a new federal mandatory safety standard to improve the safety of infant swings to prevent injuries and deaths to children.
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 old and can hold up its head without help;
- 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.
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