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USA: ASTM publishes new infant bathers standard – ASTM F3343-19

FEBRUARY 2019 - Relevant for: TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

On 15 February 2019, ASTM published a new safety standard - ASTM F3343-19¹, which provides safety and labeling requirements for Infant Bathers.

Topics to note:

• The standard was developed by CPSC to address certain fatal and non-fatal incidents associated with the use of infant bathers.
• As defined by the standard - an Infant Bather is a stand-alone product intended to provide support for an occupant who cannot sit upright unassisted (approximately 0 to 6 months) in a reclining position during bathing by a caregiver but not intended to retain water.
• In addition, the standard includes:
• Generally, an infant bather is used in an adult tub or in or next to a sink.
• The standard provides the following requirements:    
  • General Requirements
    • No hazardous sharp points or edges
    • No small part choking hazards
    • Any paint or surface coating must comply with 16 CFR 1303
    • Resistance to collapse
    • No scissoring/shearing/pinching hazards
    • No finger entrapment hazards associated with openings in any rigid materials
    • Protective components shall not yield any hazards
    • Warning label permanency requirements
    • Product must comply with requirements set forth within the CPSIA
    • Toy components must meet Toy Safety Standard ASTM F963
  • Performance Requirements
    • Restraint system
    • Structural integrity
    • Specific requirements for suction cups
    • Disassembly/collapse while lifting
    • Stability
    • Fabric/mesh integrity
• In addition, the standard includes:
  • All applicable Test Methods
  • Marking and Labeling Requirements
  • Instructions Literature Requirements

[1] 1. ASTM F3343-19