ISPA-led effort yields new safety requirements
Crib mattresses are safer today thanks to the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA). The mattress industry trade association led the way in developing a new ASTM voluntary crib mattress standard, which sets a size requirement for crib mattresses and establishes a test method to confirm this size. The new Standard offers a safer sleep environment for babies and infants. It requires that crib mattresses include a label with safety warnings to advise consumers to make sure their crib mattress properly fits within a crib and warnings to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The new standard was crafted to address safety concerns over possible gaps between the crib mattress and the crib that could create an area where a baby could become entrapped or could suffocate. “The mattress industry took the lead in addressing this important safety issue,” noted ISPA Vice President of Government Relations & Policy, Christopher Hudgins. “This new standard will mean that parents and infants can sleep comfortably at night knowing their new crib mattress meets he latest safety requirements.”
ISPA established and lead a working group of its members and other crib mattress producers to develop an initial draft of the standard.
The draft standard was then submitted to ASTM where ISPA, regulatory agencies and consumer advocates developed the consensus Standard issued today.
This new standard will be voluntary although many, if not all, crib mattress manufacturers are expected to meet the standard. The Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association currently has a certification program for products that meet ASTM standards and is creating a certification for crib mattresses. ASTM is a standard setting body that uses a committee stakeholder process to establish safety and other product standards. Formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards. ASTM has developed numerous safety standards on children’s products including standards for cribs, bassinets and other products. The process allows all stakeholders, including industry, consumer groups and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to take a role in developing the standard.
