Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards¹

INTRODUCTION

This consumer safety specification addresses incidents associated with non-full-size cribs/play yards that were identified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Incidents identified by the CPSC and addressed in this standard include asphyxiation due to entrapment in mesh drop side units left with a side down, strangulation by entanglement on protruding hardware, strangulation by button entrapment in mesh openings, strangulation due to failure of the center hinge on a top rail, collapse or failure of the locking devices, collapse of the floor or sides, and choking on vinyl bitten from the top rail. This specification also addresses wooden non-full-size crib injuries or deaths due to entanglement on corner post extensions, dislodgment of slats resulting from breakage or failure of glue joints, collapse of mattress support, detachment of screws, dislodgement of teething rails, and entanglement on cords or strings.

This specification is not intended to cover non-full-size cribs/play yards that are either blatantly misused or abused. This specification is written within current state-of-the-art of non-full-size crib/play yard technology and is intended to be updated if substantive information becomes available that necessitates additional requirements or justifies revision of existing requirements.

1. Scope

NOTE 1 — This consumer safety specification includes the following sections:

[See Table of Contents]

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards: ²

• D1424 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
• D1683 Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven Apparel Fabrics
• D3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
• D5034 Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
• F963 Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
• F1004 Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion Gates and Expandable Enclosures 2
• F1487 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use
• F2388 Consumer Safety Specification for Baby Changing Tables for Domestic Use

² For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

2.2 EN Standards: ³

• EN 716–1:1995 Cots and Folding Cots for Domestic Use
• EN 12227–1:1999 Playpens for Domestic Use

³ Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

2.3 ISO Standard: ⁴

• ISO 8124-1:2000 Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties

⁴ Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1 rue de Varembé, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland.

2.4 Federal Regulations: ⁵

• 16 CFR 1303 Ban of Lead-Containing Paint and Certain Consumer Products Bearing Lead-Containing Paint
• 16 CFR 1500 Hazardous Substances Act Regulations including sections:
  • 1500.3 (c) (6) (vi) Definition of “Flammable Solid”
  • 1500.44 Method for Determining Extremely Flammable and Flammable Solids
  • 1500.48 Technical Requirements for Determining a Sharp Point In Toys and Other Articles Intended for Use By Children Under Eight Years of Age
  • 1500.49 Technical Requirements for Determining a Sharp Metal or Glass Edge in Toys or Other Articles Intended for Use By Children Under Eight Years of Age
  • 1500.50-1500.52 Test Methods for Simulating Use and Abuse of Toys and Other Articles Intended for Use By Children
• 16 CFR 1501 Method for Identifying Toys and Other Articles Intended for Use By Children Under Three Years of Age Which Present Choking, Aspiration, or Ingestion Hazards Because of Small Parts
• 16 CFR 1509 Requirements for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs

⁵ Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401.

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

4. Calibration and Standardization

5. General Requirements

5.1 Corner Posts:

5.6 Scissoring, Shearing, or Pinching:

5.8 Latching and Locking Mechanisms:

5.9 Openings:

NOTE 2 — Rationale: The minor dimension of 0.210 and the major dimension of 0.375 is to prevent finger and toe entrapments in accessible holes and slots in juvenile products intended for children 6 to 24 months of age. These dimensional requirements are currently the standard for many juvenile products. This subcommittee is not aware of incident data that would support a change to these dimensions.

Adding the phrase “through a wall section of a rigid material less than 0.375 in.” simplifies the testing procedure and is similar to existing international standards and Specification F963. International standards (EN 716–1: 1995 and EN 12227–1:1999) state a depth of 10 mm (0.394 in.) which is similar to the proposed 0.375 in. thickness. The thickness of 0.375 is also greater than existing toy standards Specification F963 and IS0 8124-1:2000, which is only 0.062 in. thick.

The evaluation is limited to holes and openings that are accessible inside the play yard or accessible to a child outside the play yard. The areas of a play yard or non-full-size crib that are not accessible are those components and surfaces on the underside of the floor and support structure that are some distance in from the outer perimeter, for example, tubing, center floor support hub, and the hardboard mattress support.

The requirements to not apply to mattresses with a thickness greater than 2 ½ in. because the occupant is unlikely to be able to access the mattress support under such a thick mattress.

5.11 Labeling:

5.16 Mattress:

5.17 Mattresses for Rigid Sided Products (see Fig. A1.11 and Fig. A1.12):

5.17.1 Mattress Thickness:

5.19 Bassinet/Cradle Accessories – Missing Accessory Attachment Components:

NOTE 3 — Rationale: The Bassinet/cradle missing accessory attachment components requirements were included to address IDI110825CAA2853 involving a bassinet accessory used in a play yard where accessory attachment components were omitted during the assembly, installation and use of the bassinet accessory. The omission of such critical components may result in a hazardous condition. The requirement allows for visual cues for the bassinet accessory during testing including collapse or surface tilt of at least 30°. These requirements were considered obvious cues to the consumer to indicate that the product is not assembled or installed correctly. Children weighing less than 4 lb are typically not released from the hospital consequently the 4-lb mass is based on the minimum expected weight of the youngest occupant.

6. Performance Requirements for Rigid Sided Products

6.2 Crib-Side Height (see Fig. A1.11 and Fig. A1.12):

6.3 Spacing of Unit Components:

6.3.2 Nonuniformly Spaced Components:

6.4 Hardware:

6.5 Fasteners:

6.5.1 Wood Screws:

6.6 Construction and Finishing:

• Teething rail test
• Cyclic testing
• Crib side latch testing
• Mattress support system vertical impact testing
• Mattress support system testing
• Crib side testing
• Slat/spindle strength test

6.11 Plastic Teething Rail:

6.13.1 Dropgate or Other Moveable Side Latch Testing:

6.13.2 Foldable Side or End Latch Testing:

6.16 Crib Side Test Requirements:

7. Performance Requirements for Mesh/Fabric Products

NOTE 4 — Mesh/fabric products that include a rigid side, end, or floor should be tested in accordance with Section 6 on that side, end, or floor.

7.6 Mesh Requirements:

7.7 Fabric Material Requirements:

7.7.1 Fabric Strength:

7.8 Mesh/Fabric Assembly Requirements:

NOTE 5 — Samples required in this section should be taken from a new product assembly or representative raw materials, or both.

7.9 Mattress Vertical Displacement:

NOTE 6 — Rationale: The requirements in 7.10 for Top Rail Configuration are intended to address entrapment hazards associated with frames folding and creating a “V” shape when in their use position.

7.11 Top Rail to Corner Post Attachment:

NOTE 7 — The requirements in 5.8 for Latching and Locking Mechanisms do not apply after completion of this test.

8. Test Methods

NOTE 8 — All wood blocks are fabricated from 1 in. (25 mm) nominal thickness lumber having a finished thickness of ¾ in. (19 mm) unless otherwise specified.

8.1 Component Spacing Test Apparatus:

8.3 Test Requirements for Cutouts:

NOTE 9 — Edges are identified by the letter designations for surfaces that lie on either side of the edge.

8.4 Plastic Teething Rail Test for Rigid Sided Products:

8.4.1 Equipment:

8.4.2 Procedure for Plastic Teething Rail Test:

8.5 Cyclic Test:

8.5.1 Horizontal Cyclic Testing:

NOTE 10 — An appropriately designed apparatus for applying the 27 lbf to the crib assembly must be designed to maintain the 27 lbf for the duration of the cyclic testing. The resistance of the crib assembly may change with repeated cycling requiring a different deflection distance to achieve the constant application of 27 lbf.

8.5.2 Vertical Cyclic Test:

NOTE 11 — An appropriately designed apparatus for applying the 27 lbf to the crib assembly must be designed to maintain the 27 lbf for the duration of the cyclic testing. The resistance of the crib assembly may change with repeated cycling requiring a different deflection distance to achieve the constant application of 27 lbf.

8.6 Side or End Latch Test, or Both, for Rigid Sided Products:

8.6.3 Movable Side Latch Tests:

8.6.4 Hinged Drop Gate Latch Test:

8.6.5 Test Procedure for Latches to Prevent Folding of a Foldable Side or End:

8.7 Mattress Support System Vertical Impact Test for Rigid Sided Products:

8.7.2 Apparatus:

8.7.3 Procedure:

8.8.1 Equipment:

8.8.2 Test Procedure:

8.9 Crib Side Test:

8.9.4 Crib Side Cyclic Tests:

8.9.5 Crib Side Static Test:

NOTE 12 — Rationale: During the development of the spindle/slat testing procedure, consideration wasn’t given to testing crib sides that fold either for access to the occupant or for storage and transport. While the defined testing support requirements work adequately for a crib side with no moving segments, this method does not clearly define testing procedures for segmented sides.

8.11 Side Deflection and Strength Tests for Mesh/Fabric Products:

8.11.2 Test Method:

8.12 Floor Strength Test for Mesh/Fabric Products:

8.12.2 Test Method:

8.13 Locking Mechanism Test:

8.14 Mesh Opening Test:

8.14.1 Equipment:

8.15 Test for Strength of Mesh and Integrity of Attachment:

8.15.2 Test Method:

8.16 Mesh/Fabric Attachment Strength Test Method:

8.17 Test for Stability of Product:

8.18 Permanency of Labels and Warnings:

8.21 Removal of Protective Components:

8.21.4 Tension Test:

8.22 Vinyl Thickness Measurement:

NOTE 13 — Rationale: The ring gage comes from Specification F1487, 6.2.2 for testing for protrusions with the thickness and inside diameter modified.

The amount of weight used in Fig. A1.31 is 4.4 lb (2 kg). It is the force required for the compression of the jugular veins in the neck.⁶

At approximately 6 months of age, a child may possibly pull himself to a standing position, using objects for support. Eleven inches is at least half the height of a 5th-percentile 6-month-old.

⁶ Deppa, Shelly Waters. “Characteristics of a Catch Point Incidents Contributing to Strangulation on Crib Toys and Other Children’s Products.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1992, p. 10.

8.26 Entrapment Tests:

8.27 False Latch:

NOTE 14 — Rationale: There is no force specified for erecting the top 16 rails because it was agreed a reasonable force will be used as specified in the instructions. To quantify the term “immediate,” a time of 2 s was used. The false latch evaluation uses a 4.5 kg (10 lb) force because the force is attempting to overcome friction in the latch mechanism, not test the strength of the top rail.

8.28 Mattress Vertical Displacement Test:

NOTE 15 — Rationale: The 5.25 in. measurement was selected because it is the approximate height of the small head probe (5th percentile, 6-month old child; see Fig. A1.7). The entrapment hazard is present if a child can fit their head between the side of the product and the raised mattress or removable segmented floor structure, and then fit their head under the mattress pad. It was decided that measurement of the horizontal distance between the raised mattress and the sides of the product would be more difficult to obtain due to the varying flexibility of the side walls typically found in play yards. Greater certainty is achieved measuring the vertical distance that a mattress or removable segmented floor structure can be raised. Compliance to either of the two conditions should result in elimination of the hazard. Therefore, measurement of the vertical distance a mattress or removable segmented floor structure can be raised is used to determine if the hazard is present, since it is the more reliable and repeatable of the two measurements.

8.29 Top Rail Configuration Test:

8.29.1 Minimum Space when Folded:

NOTE 16 — Rationale: The 1.5 in. (38 mm) dimension was obtained from Surface A of Test Template B in Consumer Safety Specification F1004. Both here and in F1004-09 this dimension defines the width of a partially bounded opening below which the risk of neck entrapment is unacceptable. The rationale of F1004-09 states: “The dimensions of Test Template B are supported by the rationale contained in a CPSC memo drafted in 1985. This template has evolved from earlier templates of similar shapes and dimensions. As it now measures, it should address head/neck entrapment in V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings as its primary function.”

8.29.2 Top Rail V-Shape Configuration Test:

8.29.2.2 Test Procedure:

1. Place the product in the manufacturer’s recommended use position with the first segment of one top rail assembly intentionally unlocked and the second locked. Other than the intentionally unlocked top rail segment, the product shall be in the manufacturer’s recommended use position. Fig. A1.35, for example, depicts a double hinge/latching device with one top rail segment locked and one top rail segment unlocked.
2. Reposition loose fabric or other pliable material as needed to avoid interference with the angle measurement. Suspend 10 lbm (4.5 kg) from a 1 in. (25 mm) wide strap on the unlocked hinge, maintain for 10 s (see Fig. A1.35), and then remove allowing the product to reposition itself without any external assistance.
3. Measure the angle created in (2) within 3 in. (76 mm) of the point at which the rail segment and hinge/latch device meet.
4. Repeat (1)–(3) for all other combinations where one top rail segment is locked and the other top rail segment(s) is unlocked.

NOTE 17 — Rationale: Applying and releasing 10 lbm to the unlatched top rail is an expedient method to simulate a false latch scenario. It also settles the product into a uniform configuration making angle measurements possible that can be repeated consistently and reliably across laboratories.

8.30 Top Rail to Corner Post Attachment Test:

8.30.3 Load Application Procedure:

NOTE 18 — Rationale: Corner brackets of recalled products in CPSC’s possession failed this test with an applied moment of 20-24 ft-lbs. This test replicated failures found in the field, and is being used to verify the robustness of the connections between the top rails and the corner brackets. The 40 ft-lb (53 Nm) moment equates to a safety factor of 2 (2 × 20 ft-lbs = 40 ft-lbs.) It is recognized that the load applied does not result in a pure torque. Applying a pure torque to a fully assembled unit’s top rail without cutting or removing any mesh or fabric covering is prohibitively complex. Also, the possible top rail configuration variety would necessitate unique fixtures for each top rail shape decreasing test repeatability and consistency across laboratories. Therefore the method of loading in 8.30.3 is used for its simplicity and repeatability. Clamp surface design – shape, materials, etc. – is intentionally not specified, and surface area is given as a range, to accommodate the expected wide variety of hinge/locking mechanism designs.

8.31 Bassinet and Cradle Accessory – Sleep Surface Collapse/Tilt:

9. Marking and Labeling

9.1 Labeling:

9.2 Warning Statements—Each Product Shall have Warning Statements:

NOTE 19 — Addressed means that verbiage other than what is shown can be used as long as the intent is the same or information that is product-specific is presented.

9.3 These Warnings Have Specific Location Requirements:

⚠WARNING
Strangulation Hazard

Always attach {describe attachment} securely. If {describe attachment} is not secured, child in play yard/non-full size crib can lift or shift {describe attachment} and get neck trapped between {describe attachment} and non-full size crib/play yard frame.

⚠WARNING
Statement describing the hazard

Never leave {describe attachment} in place when child is in non-full size crib/play yard.

9.3.2 Mesh Drop Top Rails Warning Requirements:

WARNING—NEVER LEAVE INFANT IN PRODUCT WITH SIDES DOWN.

Infant may roll into space between pad and loose mesh side causing suffocation.

9.3.3 Suffocation Warning:

⚠ WARNING

Infants can suffocate

NEVER add a mattress, pillow, comforter, or padding.

⚠ WARNING
See (insert statement indicating to the user where to find the warning) for warnings

⚠ WARNING
Failure to follow these warnings and the instructions could result in serious injury or death

Make sure latches are secure.

Top support member must be installed prior to use.
Failure to install may result in child falling out of product.

Replace teething rail if damaged, cracked, or loose.

Use ONLY mattress/pad provided by manufacturer (which must be at least in. long by in. wide and not more than in. thick).

The statement in parentheses applies only to rigid sided product.

1. For nonrectangular cribs:

Check proper fit of mattress. Should be not more than __ inches thick. The maximum gap between mattress and inside of crib border (or edge) should be no more than 1 inch.

The blank is to be filled in with a dimension complying with 5.17.

10. Instructional Literature

Read all instructions BEFORE assembly and USE of product. KEEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE. (THE STATEMENT “KEEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE” shall be emphasized.) The statement “KEEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE” is not required if the instructions are permanently affixed to the product.

1. Include an assembly drawing;
2. Include a list and description of all parts and tools required for assembly;
3. Include a full-size diagram of consumer assembled the required bolts and other fasteners.

If refinishing, use a nontoxic finish specified for children’s products.

11. Keywords

ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)

A1. FIGURES

A1.1

FIG. A1.1 Example of Bassinet/Cradle Accessory Attachment Component

FIG. A1.2 Illustration of Requirements for Crib Corner Post Extensions

FIG. A1.3 Product Frame Components

FIG. A1.4 Top Rail Assembly With Central Hinge(s) That Move Vertically Downward

FIG. A1.5 Opening Example

FIG. A1.6 Accessory That Attaches to the Play Yard on one Side and Rests on the Play Yard on the Other Side

NOTE 1 — Dimensions are based on a 5th percentile 6-month-old child. Gage may be modified to facilitate testing to allow for pulling of the gage.

FIG. A1.7 Small Head Probe

NOTE 1 — The 9.0 in. diameter is based on the back-of-head to tip-of-chin dimension for a 97th percentile 3-year-old.

FIG. A1.8 Large Head Probe

FIG. A1.9 Evaluation on the Underside of Accessory

FIG. A1.10 Entrapment in Restraint Straps

FIG. A1.11 Moveable Sides for Rigid Sided Products

FIG. A1.12 Stationary Sides for Rigid Sided Products

FIG. A1.13 Loading Wedge

NOTE 1 — Dimensions: 1.5 by 1.5 in. (38 by 38 mm) cross section with 3 in. (75 mm) minimum length with ⅛ in. (3 mm) radius corners. Material: Aluminum with a smooth finish.

FIG. A1.14 Horizontal Spacing Probe

FIG. A1.15 Headform Probe

FIG. A1.16 Test Requirement for Cutouts

FIG. A1.17 Teething Rail Test

FIG. A1.18 Side Latch Test

FIG. A1.19 Typical Test Frame

FIG. A1.20 Profile of Impact Mass

FIG. A1.21 View of Impact Mass

FIG. A1.22 Spacer Block

FIG. A1.23 Spacer Block

NOTE 1 — Force may have to be applied from underside or drill hole for scale accessories, if support is of solid material.

FIG. A1.24 Typical Mattress Support Detail

FIG. A1.25 Typical Side Assembly Test Fixture

FIG. A1.26 Two Methods for Testing in Accordance with 8.11.2.4

NOTE 1 —Ballast Loads:
Shelves: 1 to 3; 14.91 lb (6.75 kg) each.
Base: As required to make up total weight of 51.6 lb (23 kg).

FIG. A1.27 Stability Test Device

FIG. A1.28 A ¾-in. (19-mm) Diameter Clamp

FIG. A1.29 Tension Test Adapter/Clamp

FIG. A1.30 Ring Gage

NOTE 1 — Material: steel and #18 seine twine/mason line

FIG. A1.31 Weight Gage

FIG. A1.32 Test over Top Rail

FIG. A1.33 Example of Folded Product whose Top Rails cannot be Made Parallel

FIG. A1.34 Horizontal Spacing Probe Inserted Between Top Rail Segments per 8.29.1.4

NOTE 1 — Mass in this example is comprised of two 5 lbm iron plates.

FIG. A1.35 Double Latching Device with One Latch Unlocked and 10 lbm Suspended from Hinge

NOTE 1 — Test Template B shall be constructed of a smooth, rigid material not less than ⅛ in. thick.

FIG. A1.36 Test Template B

FIG. A1.37 Moment Arm Formed by Applying a 20 lbf 24 in. From the Centerline of the Top Rail

FIG. A1.38 Axis of Rotation Parallel to Top Side Rail

FIG. A1.39 Test Mass Positioned for Bassinet/Cradle Accessory Sleep Surface Test

FIG. A1.40 Bassinet/Cradle Accessory Sleep Surface Test Angle Measurement

A2. DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR PROTRUSIONS

A2.1 Purpose and Scope

A2.2 Guidelines

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