ASTM F2194 Bassinets and Cradlres

ASTM International Publishes Revised Standard for Bassinets and Cradles

In July 2012, ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), announced the publication of a revised safety standard for Bassinets and Cradles. The revised standard, designated as ASTM F2194-12, provides new safety requirements as well as an update to current requirements for Bassinets and Cradles.

Background
ASTM F2194 is the Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and Cradles. A Bassinet/Cradle is a small bed designed exclusively to provide sleeping accommodations to infants. The Bassinet\Cradle shall be supported by free standing legs, a wheeled or rocking base, or can swing relative to a stationary base. Additionally, this standard is applicable to Bassinet/Cradle accessories. A Bassinet/Cradle accessory is a supported sleep surface that can be attached to a crib or play yard.

The ASTM F2194-12 version was published in July 2012. This revised version of the standard replaces the previous ASTM F2194-11 version. The changes within the 2012 version will increase the safety of Bassinets/Cradles and have been recently discussed with the Bassinet/Cradle ASTM subcommittee and with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for inclusion in the final rules for Bassinets/Cradles according to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) Section 104(b).

The Final Rules for Bassinets/Cradles, as directed by the CPSIA, are still being discussed but the tentative release date is scheduled for end of year 2012.

Summary of Changes within ASTM F2194-12:

• No product shall contain an occupant restraint system in the occupant area when used in a bassinet/cradle mode
• Inclusion of 7.5 inch side height requirement above mattress
• Inclusion of enclosed opening requirement for fabric sided products
• Added maximum deflection angle of 20° for bassinets that contain a rock/swing feature
• Added rest angle requirement of 7° for bassinets that have rock/swing capability
• Increased the font height size for the “SUFFOCATION HAZARD” Warning

Additional Information 
To purchase a copy of the ASTM F2194-12:  http://www.astm.org/Standards/F2194.htm