CPSC Updates Safety Rules to Keep Baby Swings Safer
Published Date: 4/20/2026
Rule
Summary
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is updating the safety rules for infant and cradle swings to match the newest 2025 safety standards. This change affects manufacturers and sellers, making sure swings are safer for babies starting July 25, 2026. No big costs are expected, but companies need to follow the new rules or face penalties.
Free Policy Watch
New rules are filed every week. Most people never see them.
Pick a topic. PRIA watches every federal rule and tells you when one hits your household.
Pick a topic to get started
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
New Front Suffocation Warnings Required
ASTM F2088-25 requires a new separate front label that includes statements such as "Babies have suffocated when swings are used as a sleep product" and "Never use blankets or swaddles when using this product." These new warnings and their required front placement take effect July 25, 2026 and aim to better alert caregivers about suffocation risks.
New Visibility Test for Warnings
ASTM F2088-25 adds a Suffocation Hazard Visibility Test (section 7.17) that checks the front warning label is visible to a caregiver while a secured infant dummy is in the swing, including with accessories in place. The test uses equipment already required for testing and must be met by products manufactured after July 25, 2026.
ASTM F2088-25 Becomes Mandatory
Starting July 25, 2026, the CPSC requires that all infant and cradle swings comply with ASTM F2088-25, the revised voluntary standard. This mandatory change applies to products manufactured after the rule's effective date and means manufacturers and sellers must meet the new standard or face enforcement action.
Third-Party Testing Still Required
Manufacturers and importers of infant and cradle swings must continue to obtain CPSC-accepted third-party testing and certify compliance for children’s products. The rule takes effect July 25, 2026, and CPSC says existing accredited labs competent for ASTM F2088-24 are capable of testing to ASTM F2088-25.
Cradle Swings in Rest Mode Follow Bassinet Standard
ASTM F2088-25 clarifies that swings in the rest (non-rocking) position that provide sleeping accommodations are out of scope for the swing standard and must comply with Consumer Safety Specification ASTM F2194 for bassinets and cradles. This clarification applies when the rule takes effect on July 25, 2026.
Federal Preemption of State Rules
When the ASTM F2088-25-based CPSC rule takes effect on July 25, 2026, it preempts any state or local requirement dealing with the same risk of injury unless the state requirement is identical to the federal standard. Businesses must follow the federal standard for covered swing risks.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in