CPSC Final Rule: Safety Standard for High Chairs

UNITED STATES – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the final rule for a Safety Standard for High Chairs.

Definitions

High chair is defined in ASTM F404-18 as a free standing chair for a child up to 3 years of age which has a seating surface more than 15 inches above the floor and elevates the child normally for the purposes of feeding or eating. The ASTM standard further specifies that a high chair may be sold with or without a tray, have adjustable heights, or recline for infants.
High chairs are available in various designs, including four-legged A-frame styles, single-leg pedestals, Z-frame styles, and restaurant-style. Construction materials often include a plastic, wood, or metal frame, and a padded fabric seat. Some designs include a tray or mounted toy accessories, fold for storage and transport, or convert for continued use as a child grows.

Age/Weight/Developmental Range

Regulation Number

Effective Date

Standard Referenced

Hazards Addressed

Specific components issues including the frame, seat, restraint system, armrest, tray, toy accessories, and footrest.
Design, stability and other general product issues
Fall hazards for when a child attempts to climb into or out of the high chair, for when the chair tips over when a child pushes back or rocks while in the high chair or when a component of the high chair (e.g., restraint, tray, lock) fails or disengages.

Why It Matters

The CPSC received 1,842 reports of high-chair related incidents that occurred between January 1, 2011 and September 30, 2017, including 2 deaths and 271 injuries. The majority of incidents involved children between 7 and 18 months old.

This rule will make it illegal to sell products in the U.S. that do not meet the regulation.