CPSC proposing new rule on sling carriers

[Diana Pham]

Hi all. It seems like many of you are fashion designers but if any of you happen to be involved with making baby carriers, the CPSC is proposing a new rule regarding sling-style carriers in that ASTM f-2907 standards would become mandatory rather than be voluntary as it currently is.

The comment period is currently open just for your information so if the proposed rule affects you, I encourage you to take a look and submit comments if you have any.

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Regulations-Laws--Standards/Rulemaking/Final-and-Proposed-Rules/Sling-Carriers/

[Esther]

It's interesting. CPSC has co-opted the term "voluntary" but it doesn't really mean that. The CPSIA and CPSC regulations have the full force of law in that they can hand down fines for violations and even put you out of business for whatever reason. The maker of Buckyballs has been fighting the CPSC for years, losing millions of dollars in his defense of a product never intended or regulated as a children's product. All because children MIGHT come into contact with it and be hurt. The same can be said for a lot of products.

[Diana Pham]

Esther I could go on for days about the absurdity D. In Canada, baby walkers are completely banned because parents were misusing them. And in the US, the Nap Nanny has been recalled because parents were misusing them and put their children in danger. I mean, if I put my baby in a car seat unbuckled and put it on the kitchen counter and he falls, that's not because car seats are inherently dangerous.

I'm just glad they haven't outlawed breastfeeding.