MAY 31, 2024: Upcoming changes to the F2236 soft infant carrier standard were discussed during the May subcommittee meetings at the ASTM International headquarters.
These changes will impact not only those companies that sell into the US, but also companies that sell into countries like Australia and Canada, who require that products sold in their jurisdiction meet international standards.
The changes discussed included:
- flammability requirements
- testing requirements for non-toy accessories
- warning labels
We expect the standard to be officially updated within the next several months, at which time we anticipate the US CPSC will adopt the changes in their regulations governing soft infant carriers.
When the update for the sling standard, F2907, was published in 2022, the CPSC voted on the changes within 3 months of the date of publication, and product manufacturers and importers had an additional 3 months before changes became federal law.
What this means for product manufacturers
We recommend that manufacturers anticipate the changes to the F2236 soft infant carrier standard in two key ways.
First, be mindful that the warning label requirements will be changing. When printing your labels and product instructions, only print a few months’ supply at a time so that you don’t end up with a large stock of components that are no longer compliant with the law.
Second, review any and all component products and accessories currently sold with your baby carriers. Consider how you currently ensure compliance of those items, and review your product compliance plan accordingly.
The role of the BCIA in monitoring changes to the F2236 soft infant carrier standard
When the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance was formed in 2010, several of our founding members were already members of the ASTM F2907 infant sling standard subcommittee. At that time, the standard had not yet been finalized and published. These same people were also members of the F2236 soft infant carrier subcommittee.
Since then, a BCIA member has continuously served as chairperson for both the F2236 and F2907 subcommittees. Currently, Erik Childs of ErgoBaby chairs both the soft carrier and frame pack subcommittees, and Kristi Hayes-Devlin, BCIA director, chairs the infant sling carrier subcommittee.
During these meetings, the BCIA advocates for changes to the standards that will both improve infant safety while also considering the needs and limitations of the microbusinesses and kitchen table manufacturers in the baby carrying industry.
By staying in regular contact with both our members and with key educators and policymakers in the babywearing field, we are uniquely positioned to have a 360 degree understanding of any risks, incidents, or changes within baby carrier product field.
In addition, by participating in the ASTM process, we can support our members in complying with US and international law.
In fact, this is one of the most valuable benefits of BCIA membership.
How the BCIA will support product manufacturers with changes to the F2236 soft infant carrier standard
Many BCIA members rely on the F2236 warning label templates and the satin soft infant carrier warning labels that we sell. We will continue to offer compliant templates and labels for soft infant carriers to BCIA members.
As with the F2907 sling standard updates, we will have webinars and informational materials to help our members navigate the changes to the F2236 soft infant carrier standard.