Feeding and play
Seats, swings and carriers are for awake time.
High chairs, strollers, slings, rockers, swings, bouncers and teethers, and the one rule they share: they’re not for sleep.
High chairs and strollers
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High chair standard since 2019
High chairs made or imported on or after June 19, 2019, must meet federal requirements for stability and restraint systems and carry fall hazard warnings.
Source: CPSC news release: New Federal Standard to Improve Safety of High Chairs Takes Effect (June 2019)
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The tray isn't a seat belt
Always use a high chair's safety straps and adjust them to fit snugly. The tray doesn't hold a child in, so don't rely on it, and don't let kids climb into or stand on the chair.
Source: CPSC news release: New Federal Standard to Improve Safety of High Chairs Takes Effect (June 2019)
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What the stroller standard targets
The federal stroller and carriage standard addresses hinges that have pinched, cut or amputated children's fingers, plus broken wheels, parking brake failures, locking problems, restraint failures and stability problems.
Source: CPSC news release: New Federal Safety Standard for Carriages and Strollers (March 2014)
Slings and carriers
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Sling suffocation risk
CPSC warns parents to be careful using slings with babies younger than 4 months. Sling fabric can press against a baby's nose and mouth, and a curled, chin-to-chest position can restrict the airway.
Source: CPSC news release: Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers (March 2010)
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Keep baby's face in view
When wearing a baby in a sling, make sure their face isn't covered and stays visible, and check on them often.
Source: CPSC news release: Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers (March 2010)
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Sling carrier standard
Sling carriers must meet the federal standard at 16 CFR part 1228, which incorporates ASTM F2907-22.
Source: eCFR: 16 CFR Part 1228, Safety Standard for Sling Carriers
Rockers, swings and bouncers
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Rockers are never for sleep
In June 2022, CPSC and Fisher-Price warned of at least 13 infant deaths from 2009 to 2021 in Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler and Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers. Rockers should never be used for sleep, and babies shouldn't be left unsupervised or unbuckled in them.
Source: CPSC news release: CPSC and Fisher-Price Warn Consumers About 13 Deaths in Rockers (June 2022)
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Asleep in a seat? Move them
If a baby falls asleep in an inclined or upright product, move them to a firm, flat sleep surface such as a crib, bassinet or play yard.
Source: CPSC news release: CPSC and Fisher-Price Warn Consumers About 13 Deaths in Rockers (June 2022)
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Swings and gliders aren't for sleep
Never use swings, gliders, soothers or rockers for infant sleep, and don't add bedding. Fisher-Price recalled about 2.1 million Snuga swings in October 2024 after five infant deaths when the swings were used for sleep.
Source: CPSC recall: Fisher-Price Recalls More than 2 Million Snuga Infant Swings (October 2024)
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Bouncers go on the floor
Always use a bouncer on the floor, never on a countertop, table or other raised surface. Buckle the restraints snugly, even if baby falls asleep, and stay close.
Source: CPSC news release: New Federal Standard for Infant Bouncer Seats Takes Effect (March 2018)
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Never on a bed or sofa
Don't put a bouncer on a bed, sofa or other soft surface. Babies have suffocated when bouncers tipped over onto soft surfaces.
Source: CPSC news release: New Federal Standard for Infant Bouncer Seats Takes Effect (March 2018)
Teething
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Pick a firm rubber teether
The FDA suggests rubbing sore gums with a clean finger or giving a firm rubber teether that isn't liquid-filled. Don't freeze the teether, and supervise so it doesn't become a choking hazard.
Source: FDA Consumer Update: Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children
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Skip teething necklaces
The FDA has reports of infant and child deaths and serious injuries, including strangulation and choking, from teething jewelry such as amber teething necklaces.
Source: FDA Consumer Update: Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children