U.S. – Final rule on Infant Support Cushions (16 CFR 1243)

Vol. 1430 | 15 Nov 2024

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new safety standard for infant support cushions (16 CFR 1243), effective April 23, 2025. This standard includes requirements to prevent suffocation and entrapment, such as no sharp edges, specific labeling, and performance criteria like a maximum incline of 10 degrees. Manufacturers must provide clear instructions and warnings regarding product use and limitations.

The following is the summary of the Safety Standards:

General requirements

1. No sharp point and edge
2. No small part
3. Lead in paints shall comply with 16 CFR 1303
4. Toys shall comply with 16 CFR 1250
5. Permanency of labelling and warnings
6. Convertible products shall comply with the suitable consumer product safety standards

Performance requirements

1. Shall not include a restraint system
2. Seam strength must be met
3. Bounded opening shall not allow complete passage of the small head probe unless it allows the complete passage of the large head probe
4. Maximum incline angle shall not exceed 10 degrees
5. Firmness
6. Sidewall angle shall be greater than 90 degrees

Labelling requirements

The following information shall be found on the products and packaging:

1. The name, place of business and telephone number of the manufacturer, distributor, or seller
2. A code mark or other means that identifies the date of manufacture

The size of the warning statements is:

1. The safety alert symbol and signal word: >=0.2 inches
2. The remainder of text: >= 0.1 inches

All infant support cushions are required to contain the following warnings

(Product without tummy time)

(Product with tummy time)

Instructions shall be provided. It shall include information on assembly, maintenance, cleaning and use.

The instructions shall address the following additional warning:

1. Read all instructions before using this product.
2. Keep instructions for future use.
3. Do not use this product if it is damaged or broken.
4. Instructions shall indicate the manufacturer's recommended maximum weight, height, age, developmental level, or combination thereof, of the occupant for which the infant support cushion is intended. If this product is not intended for use by a child for a specific reason, the instructions shall state this limitation.

Effective date: The Safety Standard shall enter into force on 23 April 2025.

For more information please contact: Carl Tso (carl.tso@intertek.com).