CPSC Approves Rules Banning Inclined Sleepers and Crib Bumpers

Trade Update • August 10, 2023

n a significant move towards safeguarding infant safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently approved two final rules to enforce the bans on inclined sleepers for infants and crib bumpers as outlined in the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021 (SSBA). These rules, which came into effect on November 12, 2022, aim to protect infants from potential hazards and create a safer marketplace for parents.

Inclined Sleepers

The first key aspect of these regulations pertains to the prohibition of inclined sleepers for infants. The CPSC’s final rule defines an “inclined sleeper for infants” as a product featuring an inclined sleep surface greater than ten degrees, intended, marketed, or designed to provide sleeping accommodations for an infant up to 1 year old. This definition covers products that pose a potential risk to infants due to their design, which could lead to dangerous sleep positions and potential breathing issues. The ban extends to the sale, manufacture, distribution, and importation of such products within the United States.

Crib Bumpers

The second rule addresses crib bumpers, which are materials intended to cover the sides of a crib. The rule defines crib bumpers as any material designed to prevent injuries to crib occupants from impacts against the crib sides or to prevent access to openings in the crib sides, thereby averting any entrapment risk. Included within this definition are padded crib bumpers, supported and unsupported vinyl bumper guards, and vertical crib slat covers. However, non-padded mesh crib liners are explicitly excluded from this definition, as they are considered safe alternatives.

Enforcement and Outreach Efforts

Since the inception of the SSBA, the CPSC has been diligently working to enforce the new regulations. The commission has undertaken comprehensive outreach efforts to educate manufacturers, importers, and sellers about the requirements and their compliance obligations. This ongoing effort involves direct communications, online resources, and other activities, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed about the ban on inclined sleepers and crib bumpers.

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