EN 12790:2026
(Main)Child care articles - Reclined cradles and infant swings
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies safety requirements and the corresponding test methods for reclined cradles intended for children from birth up to when they start to stand up and infant swings intended for children from birth up to when they start to try to sit up.
This document is also applicable to car seats complying with UN R44 or UN R129 that can be used as type A or type B reclined cradles and/or infant swings according to the instructions for use. If usage as a type A or type B reclined cradle and/or an infant swing is not included in the product information or marketing material, car seats are excluded from the scope of this document.
This document does not apply to reclined cradles or infant swings designed for children with special needs, and/or which fall under the scope of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (medical devices).
If a reclined cradle or infant swing has several functions or can be converted into another function, the relevant European Standards apply.
Swings falling under the scope of EN 71 8 are excluded from the scope of this document.
NOTE For the rest of the document, the word "product" will be used when referring at the same time to reclined cradles and infant swings.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 29-Sep-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 252 - Child use and care articles
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 252/WG 1 - Seating and body care
- Current Stage
- 6055 - CEN Ratification completed (DOR) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 26-Jul-2026
- Due Date
- 24-Oct-2024
- Completion Date
- 26-Jul-2026
- Directive
- Harmonized Standard2001/95/EC - General product safety
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Overview
EN 12790:2026 - Child care articles: Reclined cradles and infant swings is a European standard developed by CEN (European Committee for Standardization) that establishes safety requirements and test methods for reclined cradles and infant swings. Designed for infants from birth until the stage when they try to sit up (for swings) or start to stand up (for cradles), the standard aims to ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability in these child care products.
This unified standard supersedes EN 12790-1:2023, EN 12790-2:2023, and EN 16232:2013+A2:2023, harmonizing the testing and requirements for both product categories and reflecting up-to-date safety practices. The requirements also address car seats certified under UN R44 or R129 if marketed for use as a reclined cradle or swing.
Key Topics
Scope and Applicability:
- Covers reclined cradles and infant swings for children from birth up to standing (cradles) or sitting (swings) age.
- Applies to certain car seats when used as cradles or swings according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Excludes products intended for children with special needs or classified as medical devices under EU regulations.
Safety Requirements:
- Addresses mechanical hazards, entrapment risks, falling, stability, and hazards from moving parts.
- Details limits on chemical hazards such as migration of elements, formaldehyde, and aniline in materials.
- Specifies requirements and testing for thermal hazards, including flammability and resistance to surface flash.
- Includes strict guidelines for sound pressure levels on products with sound-generating features.
Testing Methods:
- Comprehensive test methods for structural integrity, stability, and durability.
- Protocols for testing small parts, protrusions, and product folding mechanisms.
- Precise measurements using specified test masses, gauges, and probes.
Product Information:
- Standards for marking products, providing safety instructions and purchase information, and including clear instructions for assembly, correct usage, and maintenance.
Applications
Manufacturers and Designers:
EN 12790:2026 helps manufacturers design and produce reclined cradles and infant swings that meet the latest European safety and quality requirements. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can demonstrate product compliance when marketing across the EU and EFTA markets.Test Laboratories:
Laboratories use EN 12790:2026 as the basis for safety assessments and conformity testing. Certification bodies rely on its methods to verify product safety before granting CE marking or other approvals.Retailers and Importers:
Distributors can reference EN 12790:2026 to ensure they source only compliant and safe child care articles, mitigating risks related to product liability and consumer safety.Consumers:
Parents and caregivers benefit from enhanced peace of mind, knowing that reclined cradles and infant swings conforming to this standard meet rigorous safety benchmarks for chemical, mechanical, and thermal hazards.
Related Standards
EN 71-2:2020 Safety of toys - Part 2: Flammability
For testing the flammability of textiles and other materials.EN 71-3:2019+A1:2021 Migration of certain elements
Regulations for chemical safety in materials accessible to children.EN 16232:2013+A2:2023
Previously addressed infant swings; content now merged into EN 12790:2026.EN 12790-1:2023 / EN 12790-2:2023
Prior standards for reclined cradles, both now replaced by the new edition.UN R44 & UN R129
Car seat standards referenced when seats are used as reclined cradles or infant swings.EN 71-8
Excludes swings covered under this standard for activity toys.
By referencing and implementing EN 12790:2026, stakeholders help ensure that child care products such as reclined cradles and infant swings meet essential safety requirements. This harmonized approach fosters consumer confidence and enables seamless access to the European market.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 20-Mar-2024
- Effective Date
- 14-Jun-2023
- Effective Date
- 14-Jun-2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12790:2026 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Child care articles - Reclined cradles and infant swings". This standard covers: This document specifies safety requirements and the corresponding test methods for reclined cradles intended for children from birth up to when they start to stand up and infant swings intended for children from birth up to when they start to try to sit up. This document is also applicable to car seats complying with UN R44 or UN R129 that can be used as type A or type B reclined cradles and/or infant swings according to the instructions for use. If usage as a type A or type B reclined cradle and/or an infant swing is not included in the product information or marketing material, car seats are excluded from the scope of this document. This document does not apply to reclined cradles or infant swings designed for children with special needs, and/or which fall under the scope of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (medical devices). If a reclined cradle or infant swing has several functions or can be converted into another function, the relevant European Standards apply. Swings falling under the scope of EN 71 8 are excluded from the scope of this document. NOTE For the rest of the document, the word "product" will be used when referring at the same time to reclined cradles and infant swings.
This document specifies safety requirements and the corresponding test methods for reclined cradles intended for children from birth up to when they start to stand up and infant swings intended for children from birth up to when they start to try to sit up. This document is also applicable to car seats complying with UN R44 or UN R129 that can be used as type A or type B reclined cradles and/or infant swings according to the instructions for use. If usage as a type A or type B reclined cradle and/or an infant swing is not included in the product information or marketing material, car seats are excluded from the scope of this document. This document does not apply to reclined cradles or infant swings designed for children with special needs, and/or which fall under the scope of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (medical devices). If a reclined cradle or infant swing has several functions or can be converted into another function, the relevant European Standards apply. Swings falling under the scope of EN 71 8 are excluded from the scope of this document. NOTE For the rest of the document, the word "product" will be used when referring at the same time to reclined cradles and infant swings.
EN 12790:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.190 - Equipment for children. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12790:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12790-2:2023, EN 12790-1:2023, EN 16232:2013+A2:2023. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 12790:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2001/95/EC, 2023/988/EU; Standardization Mandates: M/264. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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