ASTM Publishes New Infant Bathers Standard

Introduction

This safety specification was developed in response to data collected by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and it attempts to minimize hazards associated with Infant Bathers.

For purposes of this consumer safety specification, 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. An Infant bather is generally used in an adult tub or next to a sink.

The safety standard for Infant Bathers sets forth 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

Marking and Labeling Requirements

All Infant Bathers shall comply with the specified requirements for warning statements on the product, packaging, and within the instructional literature.

Additional Information: To purchase a copy of the ASTM F3343-19: https://www.astm.org/Standards/F3343.htm