Consumer Affairs wishes to advise the public that a new U.S. federal mandatory safety standard aimed at helping to keep infants and toddlers from drowning while in infant bath tubs went into effect on October 2, 2017.
This means that it is now illegal to sell infant bath tubs in the United States that were manufactured on or after that date, if they do not meet the new federal safety standard, which includes:
- Larger warning labels;
- Latching and locking mechanism requirements;
- Static load testing;
- Drowning and fall warnings, markings, and instructions.
The proposed rule establishes a safety standard for infant bath tubs under the Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act, section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
The federal standard incorporates the most recent ASTM International 2017 voluntary standard, ASTM F2670-17.
Between 2004 and 2015, there were 31 infant deaths associated with infant bath tubs reported to US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Thirty of the 31 deaths involved drowning when a caregiver was not present. Additionally, Commission staff estimates that 2,300 infant bath tub-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during this same time period.
Hazards Addressed:
- Drowning/near-drowning because the child was left alone in the tub
- Protrusions/sharp edges or points/lacerations
- Product failures
- Entrapment issues
- Slippery tub surfaces
- Mold/allergy issues
- Other issues, including battery-related incidents
Even with the new standard in place, CPSC advises parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant bath tubs and to follow these safety tips.
- Never leave young children alone, even for a moment, near any water.
- Always keep a young child in a bath tub within arm’s reach. If you must leave, take the child with you.
- Don't leave a baby or toddler in a bath tub under the care of another young child.
- Learn CPR. It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.