16 CFR Part 1219 Safety Standard for Cribs

16 CFR Part 1219 is a mandatory safety standard for full-size baby cribs. This standard aims to reduce the risk of injury and death associated with cribs, ensuring that product design, construction, testing, and labeling meet stringent safety requirements.

Main requirements:

Scope of application

Suitable for full-size crib (mattress interior length approx. 51 inches, width approx. 27 inches).

Includes newly manufactured, imported, sold or leased cribs (for domestic or commercial use).

Structural safety

Sidebar strength: prevents the crib siderail from breaking or deforming, avoiding the risk of jamming or choking.

Slat spacing: no more than 2 inches (about 6 cm) to prevent the baby's head or body from getting stuck.

Mattress support: securely fixed to prevent collapse or shifting.

No protruding parts: Avoid snagging or scratching clothes.

Materials and surface coatings

The use of lead-based paints or other toxic substances is prohibited.

Wood, plastic or metal materials need to be durable and have no sharp edges.

Testing requirements

Mechanical Properties Test: Simulates stability during child activity, rocking or climbing.

Durability Testing: Ensures compliance with safety standards after multiple uses.

Labels and alerts

It must be permanently marked:

Manufacturer name, model, date of manufacture.

Meets ASTM F1169-19 (cited as a standard requirement).

Instructions for safe use (e.g. "Do not use a broken or modified crib").

Prohibited design

Drop-Side Rails: Drop-Side Rails are completely prohibited due to their susceptibility to infants getting stuck or falling.


Compliance and enforcement

Manufacturer/Importer Responsibility: Must pass a third-party testing Children's Product Certificate (CPC).

Penalties: Violating standards can lead to product recalls, fines, or legal action.

Association with other standards

Refer to ASTM F1169-19 "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full-Size Baby Cribs".

Complements 16 CFR Part 1220 (non-full-size crib standard) and Part 1130 (Durable Infant Product Registration).

Consumer advice

Check the CPSC certification label when purchasing.

Avoid using used cribs (especially those manufactured before 2011 and may contain prohibited designs).