16 CFR Part 1226 Safety Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers

Core purpose

Minimize the risk of injuries and fatalities associated with the use of soft infant carriers, including risks such as carrier malfunctions, infants falling out of the carrier, infants slipping out due to excessively large leg openings, and failure of restraint systems.

What is a “soft infant carrier”?

According to the definitions in 16 CFR Part 1226 and ASTM F2236, a soft infant carrier is defined as:

Structural Characteristics: Products typically composed of stitched fabrics, with soft materials serving as the primary structure.

Usage method: The caregiver “wears” it on their body. Infants and toddlers are placed in a carrier. The combined weight of the infants and the carrier rests on the caregiver’s single or both shoulders.

Wear location: Can be worn on the front, side, or back of the caregiver’s body. Infants and young children can face the caregiver or be facing away from them. Target audience: Designed to accommodate full-term infants to toddlers, typically in a standing position, with close contact with the caregiver. The weight range typically applicable is from 7 pounds (3.2 kg) to 45 pounds (20.4 kg).

Testing and certification requirements

Third-party testing:

Soft infant carriers must undergo testing by a third-party laboratory accredited by the CPSC to ensure compliance with 16 CFR Part 1226/ASTM F2236-24 standards and all other applicable child product safety regulations.

Children’s Product Certificate (CPC):

Domestic manufacturers or importers must issue a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) based on third-party testing results. The Certificate’s Part 2 (Reference Standards) must clearly state: “16 CFR part 1226 – Soft infant and toddler carriers.”