Your Guide to the Latest Baby Crib Safety Standards

You might care about this because the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, is making updates to how full-size baby cribs must be made to keep babies safe. The CPSC has issued a rule that changes the mandatory safety standard for these cribs. This rule means that crib manufacturers will need to follow the newest version of a voluntary safety standard, called ASTM F1169-25. This update is part of a regular process required by law. The original mandatory standard for cribs was set in 2010. Since then, it has been updated several times as the voluntary standard changed. The latest changes in ASTM F1169-25 are important. They add new rules for cribs that have mesh or fabric sides. These new rules aim to stop a child from getting stuck between the mattress and a mesh side. The updated standard also changes some of the requirements for crib accessories. These changes help make sure that full-size baby cribs stay as safe as possible for infants. The new rule will officially start on August 1, 2026. However, this could change if the CPSC receives strong negative comments by early June 2026. The CPSC believes these changes make cribs safer. What is particularly interesting about this update is how it addresses new product designs in the baby crib market. Baby cribs with mesh or fabric sides are becoming more common. This new standard directly creates rules for these types of cribs. It makes sure that safety keeps up with new ways cribs are being made. Specifically, the rule adds requirements for solid barriers to stop babies from getting trapped. This trapping could happen between the mattress and a mesh side. This shows the CPSC's commitment to reacting to potential new hazards as products change. It also improves how crib accessories must be made. The new rules help prevent injuries that might not have been fully covered by older standards. This update means that families can be more confident in the safety of both traditional and newer style full-size cribs. People who would be most interested in this legal document include businesses that make or import full-size baby cribs. These companies must understand and follow the new safety requirements to sell their products legally. Parents and other caregivers of infants would also find this information relevant. They care about ensuring the safety of the cribs their children use. Retailers who sell full-size baby cribs will also want to be aware of these updated standards. This helps them ensure they are selling compliant and safe products. Additionally, organizations that advocate for child safety or test product safety would be interested. They often follow changes in regulations like these very closely.