U.S. CPSC Updates the Safety Standard for Infant and Cradle Swings

Vol. 1534 | 26 Apr 2026

The CPSC has updated the safety standard for infant and cradle swings, incorporating ASTM F2088-25. The revised rule strengthens sleep hazard warnings, requires clearer warning labels, and emphasizes the need to remove infants if they fall asleep in the swing.

In a continued effort to protect infants from sleep-related tragedies and injuries, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a direct final rule updating the mandatory safety standard for infant and cradle swings (16 CFR Part 1223) on April 20, 2026. The updated regulation incorporates the newly revised standard, ASTM F2088-25 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant and Cradle Swings.

The updated rule will go into effect on July 25, 2026.

Key Safety Enhancements in the Update

While the structural testing methods for swings remain largely unchanged, ASTM F2088-25 introduces critical modifications to the warning labels and instructions designed to directly target the most severe risks associated with infant swings: suffocation and falls.

1. Stricter Sleep Warnings to Prevent Suffocation: The updated standard strengthens the language surrounding sleep:
   1. The new standard explicitly directs caregivers to remove the baby from the swing immediately as soon as they fall asleep:

“SUFFOCATION HAZARDS:

Babies have suffocated when swings are used as a sleep product.

• Stay near and watch baby during use. This product is not safe for sleep or unsupervised use. If baby falls asleep, remove baby and place baby on a firm, flat sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet.
• Never use blankets or swaddles when using this product.”
  1. A new example warning label specifically dedicated to sleep hazards:

“SUFFOCATION HAZARD: This product is NOT SAFE FOR SLEEP. NEVER use blankets or swaddles when using this product.”

2. Enhanced Restraint Visibility: The new standard mandates bold, capitalized text for certain warnings which make the warning much more conspicuous.

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