CPSC Approves Federal Safety Standards For New Baby Shower Chairs

Washington, D.C., the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently approved a new federal safety standard for baby shower chairs.

The federal standard for baby bathing products is CPSC's first safety guidelines for infant products under the guidance of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSIA).

In the new federal standard, a series of measures have been adopted to improve the voluntary standards of the existing ASTM, such as improving the stability to prevent rollover, strictly controlling the angle of the prop of the seat to prevent the baby's legs from slipping in, and requiring a striking permanent label to remind parents and caretakers. The bathing seat is not a safety device. The baby should not be left alone in the shower seat when it is unattended.

In addition, the federal standard is also combined with the voluntary standards of CPSC's sharp corners and edges, small parts, and lead content in paints.

Baby shower seats used in flume or bathtub must provide back or front end support to infants in bathing, suitable for infants aged 5 to 10 months.

From 1983 to November 2009, there were 174 cases of infant death related to bathing chairs, and 300 other related injuries.

Many of these accidents occur when babies are unattended, and even a small amount of water may lead to addiction.

After collecting relevant information, CPSC staff found that there is no mandatory standard for infant shower seat in the market.

The standard will take effect six months after the Federal Register.

Manufacturers or importers of shower chairs will be required to adopt new mandatory standards after that date.

It is reported that CPSC staff are developing federal mandatory standards related to 20 other durable products, including cradles, cribs, baby walkers, etc.