WASHINGTON -- New mandatory safety standards for toddler beds were unanimously approved  by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
 
Thenew federal standard builds upon the ASTM voluntary standard for toddler beds (F1821-09) and adds additional protections to prevent injuries to children. Among other things, the new standard requires the following:

• The upper edge of the guardrail must be at least 5 inches above the toddler bed's mattress.
• Spindle/slat strength testing for toddler beds must be consistent with the testing required for crib spindles/slats.
• Separate warning labels to address entrapment and strangulation hazards must appear on toddler beds.

CPSC is aware of 122 incidents from 2005 through 2010, including four deaths and 43 injuries associated with toddler beds.

The CPSC's action follows even more stringent action on cribs, including last year's vote by the federal safety agency to ban drop-side cribs.

Posted by Rich Christianson