CEN/TC 252 - Child use and care articles

This document specifies safety requirements and test methods for products which provide a sleeping accommodation and are intended for the purpose of carrying a child in a lying position by means of handle(s) by using one hand and for stands which could be used in conjunction with these products (see B.2), intended for domestic use.
These products are intended for a child who cannot sit unaided, roll over or push up on its hands and knees, with a maximum weight of 9 kg. Hereafter, in this document these products are called "carry cots" and include all types of carry cot with rigid or non-rigid sides.
The following child products do not fall within the scope of this document: products for children with special needs; child products which are medical devices and child products that accommodate particular issues with child development such as prematurity or macrosomia.
NOTE   If a product has or can be converted into other functions, additional European Standards can apply.

Product information given in standards has a direct impact on safety. It should contribute to avoiding risks to the child. However, product information is not intended to compensate for design deficiencies and does not in itself make a product safer but is a means for the manufacturer to communicate with the user. Reasonable foreseeable misuse and risks of the product should be made explicit and adequate warnings be given.
All product information should be in the language(s) of the country in which the product is sold. It should be presented so that it is unambiguous, legible and easy to read and comprehend.
A risk analysis should be applied to identify those hazards for which safety-related product information is required.

This document specifies safety requirements and the corresponding test methods for fixed or folding reclined cradles intended for children up to when they start to stand up.
This document applies also to car seats complying with UN ECE R44 or UN ECE R129 that can be used as reclined cradles according to manufacturer’s instructions.
This document does not apply to reclined cradles when used as swings.
If a reclined cradle has several functions or can be converted into another function the relevant European standards apply to it.

This document specifies safety requirements and the corresponding test methods for fixed or folding reclined cradles intended for children up to when they start to try to sit up.
This document applies also to car seats complying with UN ECE R44 or UN ECE R129 that can be used as reclined cradles according to manufacturer’s instructions. If usage as reclined cradle is not included in the product information or marketing material, car seats are excluded from the scope of this document.
If a reclined cradle has several functions or can be converted into another function the relevant European standards apply to it.

This document provides guidance information on mechanical hazards that should be taken into consideration when developing safety standards for child care articles. In addition, these guidelines can assist those with a general professional interest in child safety.

This document specifies requirements for child seats intended to be mounted on cycles and electrical power assisted cycles with a cut off speed of up to 25 km/h (i.e. according to EN 15194), their attachment system and accessories intended to be attached to the seat in order to transport children with a weight from 9 kg up to 22 kg and who are capable of sitting unaided.
NOTE 1   Some European countries have special legislation for child seats for cycles. Compliance with this document might not meet this legislation.
NOTE 2   Where a child seat or any part of the child seat has several functions or can be converted into another function, other relevant standards might be applicable.
NOTE 3   Additional rationales are presented in Annex E for inclusion of some of the requirements given in this document.

The purpose of this CEN Technical Report is to provide replies to requests for interpretations and clarifications of:
—   EN 1273:2005, Child use and care articles — Baby walking frames — Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 1888:2012, Child care articles — Wheeled child conveyances — Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 1888-1:2018, Child care articles - Wheeled child conveyances - Part 1: Pushchairs and prams;
—   EN 1930:2011, Child use and care articles — Safety barriers — Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 12586:2007, Child use and care articles — Soother holder — Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 12790:2009, Child use and care articles — Reclined cradles;
—   EN 12221 1:2008, Changing units for domestic use — Part 1: Safety requirements;
—   EN 12221 2:2008, Changing units for domestic use — Part 2: Test methods;
—   EN 1466:2004+A1:2007, Child care articles — Carry cots and stands — Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 14350 2:2004, Child use and care articles — Drinking equipment — Part 2: Chemical requirements and tests;
—   EN 1400:2013+A1:2014, Child use and care articles — Soothers for babies and young children;
—   EN 14372:2004, Child use and care articles — Cutlery and feeding utensils — Safety requirements and tests;
—   EN 16120:2012, Child use and care articles — Chair mounted seat;
—   EN 16120:2012+A2:2016, Child use and care articles — Chair mounted seat;
—   EN 14350-1:2004, Child use and care articles — Drinking equipment - Part 1: General and mechanical requirements and tests;
—   EN 16232:2013, Child use and care articles — Infant swings.
—   EN 17022:2018, Child care articles - Bathing aids - Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 17072:2018, Child care articles - Bath tubs, stands and non-standalone bathing aids - Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 12586:2007+A1:2011, Child care articles - Soother holder – Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 14350:2020, Child care articles – Drinking equipment - Safety requirements and test methods;
—   EN 13209-1:2004, Child use and care articles - Baby carriers - Safety requirements and test methods - Part 1: Framed back carriers;
—   EN 13209-1:2021, Child care articles - Child carriers - Safety requirements and test methods - Part 1: Framed back carrier.

This document specifies the minimum safety requirements and test methods for strap and/or fabric assemblies for restraining children from birth up to 48 months of age. These products are provided with a rein for use when the child is walking and/or with detachable straps for use in child care articles which are fitted with specified attachment points.
This document does not cover backpacks with a leading rein which are covered in EN 13210-2. This document does not apply to the following:
-   restraint systems permanently fitted as an integral feature of child care articles;
-   restraint systems intended for children with special needs; or
-   restraint systems for use in motorized and power driven vehicles.
If the product has other functions not covered in this document, reference should be made to the relevant
European standard.

This document specifies the minimum safety requirements and test methods for children's harnesses incorporating backpacks and/or toys with a leading rein for restraining children when walking, with the ability to walk competently and for use up to 48 months of age.
If the product has other functions not covered in this document, the relevant European standard can be consulted.

This document specifies safety requirements and test methods for children’s bath tubs and stands and for non-standalone bathing aids that are designed and intended to be used only in conjunction with a children’s bath tub.
This document does not cover children’s bath tubs and stands and non-standalone bathing aids designed for children with special needs.
NOTE 1   Standalone bathing aids are covered in EN 17022.
NOTE 2   Where the product has several functions or can be converted into another function it is due to comply with relevant standard(s).

This document specifies safety requirements and test methods for standalone bathing aids intended to be used in a bath tub.
This European Standard does not cover bathing aids designed for children with special needs.
Bathing aids that are intended to be used only in conjunction with a child’s bath tub are not covered by this standard.
NOTE 1   Non-standalone bathing aids that are intended to be used only in conjunction with a child’s bath tub are covered in FprEN 17072:2018, Child care articles - Bath tubs, stands and non-standalone bathing aids - Safety requirements and test methods.
NOTE 2   Where the product has several functions or can be converted into another function it is due to comply with relevant standard(s).

This European Standard specifies safety requirements relating to the materials, construction, performance, packaging and product information for soothers.
This European Standard is applicable to products that resemble or function as a soother. Some soothers may be marketed with other functions. This standard is applicable to these products (some examples are given in Annex C).
This European Standard does not apply to products designed for specialist clinical medical applications, e.g. those relating to Pierre-Robin Syndrome or premature babies (see Annex C).
The standard is not applicable to feeding teats. Safety requirements and test methods for feeding teats are included in all parts of EN 14350 [2], [3].

This document provides guidance information on chemical hazards that should be taken into consideration when developing safety standards for child care articles. In addition, these guidelines can assist those with a general professional interest in child safety.

This European Standard specifies safety requirements and test methods for table mounted chairs, intended for children who are able to sit unaided up to a maximum weight of 15 kg.

This Technical Report, contains the general safety philosophy and a guideline on safety assessment that experts are recommended to use when drafting standards.
It also contains an Annex A with a collection of available anthropometric data and details of the abilities of children from birth to 48 months of age.
The general safety philosophy given in this part is based on the principle that child use and care articles should be designed to be safe.
Children with special needs have not been taken into account while drafting these guidelines. ISO/IEC Guide 71 can be consulted to ascertain any further requirements to address the hazards and risks associated with children with special needs.
These guidelines do not cover all types of hazards and risks, such as inappropriate use of products, inadequate supervision of children and products used in a non-domestic situation.
Attention is drawn to the importance of ensuring that all other potential hazards relevant to the product are fully addressed e.g. hygiene, the effects of electrical power etc., where other safety standards may apply.

This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for locking devices fitted by consumers in a domestic environment for cupboards and drawers for restricting access by young children.
NOTE   Child resistant locking devices only intended to be installed by professionals or that are an integral part of the cupboard and drawer system are beyond the scope of this standard.

This European Standard specifies safety requirements and test methods for chair mounted seats intended to be positioned on an adult chair to raise the sitting position of a child able to sit unaided up to an age of 36 months or a maximum weight of 15 kg.
This European Standard does not apply to cushions, pads and to products only aimed at restraining the child on a chair without raising the child's sitting position.

Tests have shown quite different results for Nitrosatables and that the tests are not reliable. The objective of the work will be to find a better way to determine Nitrosatables

This European Standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods for soft carriers without a framed support incorporating integral leg openings designed to carry a child when attached to the carer’s torso.
Soft carriers are designed to allow the carer a hands free operation when standing and/or walking. These soft carriers are for use up to a maximum weight of 15 kg. If the soft carrier has functions not covered in this European Standard, reference should be made to the relevant European Standard.

This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for consumer fitted finger protection devices intended to be mounted on hinged doors in the domestic environment inside buildings in order to prevent crushing injuries to children as a result of the door closing.
A finger protection product is based on at least one of three protection methods: hazard shielding, shut prevention or shut controlling.
NOTE 1   Products intended to maintain the door in a fixed position and friction hinges are not covered by this European Standard.
NOTE 2   Finger protection devices intended to be installed by professionals or that are an integral part of the door system are beyond the scope of this European Standard.

This Technical Report addresses thermal hazards and is intended to provide guidance for the reduction of these hazards when drafting standards for child use and care articles.

This Technical Report covers a product which is designed to carry a child solely on the carer’s torso, which does not have integrated openings for the child’s limbs and is designed to allow the carer a hands-free operation when standing and/or walking.
An integrated leg opening is an opening for the child’s legs which exists in the product prior to installation on the carer’s torso. A leg opening which is formed when the carer wears the product is not an integrated opening.
Children’s slings are not covered by EN 13209-1 and EN 13209-2.

This part of EN 12221 specifies test methods that assess the safety of changing units.
It should be noted that the effect of ageing and degradation of materials is not included.

This part of EN 12221 specifies safety requirements for changing units for domestic use for children with a body weight no more than 15 kg.
EN 12221 only covers the function of the item as a changing unit. If the changing unit can be converted or used as another function it shall comply with other relevant standards, e.g. cots, storage furniture, etc.
The changing unit may be foldable and can be fitted with a child bathtub or other additional items.
Changing pads are only covered by this standard when they form a part of the changing unit.

This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for locking devices fitted by consumers for restricting the opening of windows and balcony doors by children younger than 51 months and intended to prevent the passage of young children.
Devices that only lock the window in its completely closed position are excluded from the scope of this standard.
NOTE   Child resistant locking devices intended to be installed by professionals are beyond the scope of this standard; for such products refer to EN 13126-5.

This European Standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods for child safety barriers for domestic indoor use which are designed to be fitted across openings to limit a child's access inside the home and to prevent young children up to 24 months of age passing through.
This European Standard does not apply to products designed to be fitted across windows.

This European Standard specifies safety requirements relating to the materials, construction, performance, packaging and labelling of soother holders (see B.1).
It includes test methods for the mechanical and chemical requirements specified.
This European Standard specifies safety requirements relating to the materials, construction, performance, packaging and labelling of soother holders (see B.1).
It includes test methods for the mechanical and chemical requirements specified.
All products that are intended to connect a soother for babies and young children with any other product are included in the scope of this European Standard.
This European Standard is intended to provide safety requirements for soother holders which are generally comprised of a strap with the holder at one end which retains the soother whilst the other end has a clasp that attaches to the child’s garment.
Where a soother holder has been classified as a toy or considered to have significant play value then the soother holder will have to meet the essential safety requirements for toys as stated in the Toy Directive (88/378/EEC) in addition to those in this European Standard. The addition of decorations or providing animal shaped fasteners should not automatically make the soother holder a toy; however the addition of a toy component to the soother holder will require that both the soother holder and the toy meet the essential safety requirements as stated in the Toy Directive. Where there is doubt concerning classification of a soother holder as a toy then advice should be sought from an EU Toy Notified Body or the Member State’s Competent Authority for toys (see B.2).

This document specifies safety requirements relating to the materials, construction, performance, packaging and labelling of cutlery and feeding utensils. All products which are intended to be used by a child aged up to 36 months to eat by itself or with the assistance of another person are included in the scope of this document. This includes products which have a different primary function, but have a secondary function intended to allow a child to use the product to eat by itself or with the assistance of another person.
It does not apply to pre-prepared food containers, or to cutlery and feeding utensils designed for specialist medical applications or for use under medical supervision.
It includes test methods for the mechanical and chemical requirements specified and requirements relating to the instructions of use.
There are some products designed as a toy or with features that resemble a toy. These products shall additionally meet the relevant requirements of EN 71.
This document is not applicable for drinking equipment (feeding bottles, teats, spouts, and cups) which is covered by EN 14350-1 and EN 14350-2.

This European Standard specifies the minimum safety requirements and test methods for vertically suspended baby bouncers for domestic use, for children who can support their head unaided and up to a maximum weight of 12 kg.
This standard does not include products that allow the child to lay down such as vertically suspended moses baskets and carrycots.
This standard does not include baby bouncers designed for children with special needs.

This document specifies safety requirements relating to the materials, construction, performance, packaging and labelling of cutlery and feeding utensils. All products which are intended to be used by a child aged up to 48 months to eat by itself or with the assistance of another person are included in the scope of this document. This includes products which have a different primary function, but have a secondary function intended to allow a child to use the product to eat by itself or with the assistance of another person.
It does not apply to pre-prepared food containers, to containers intended for storage only, or to cutlery and feeding utensils designed for specialist medical applications or for use under medical supervision (see B.1).
It does not apply to single-use cutlery and feeding utensils.
It includes test methods for the mechanical and chemical requirements specified and requirements relating to the product information.
There are some products designed as a toy or with features that resemble a toy. These products shall additionally meet the relevant requirements of EN 71 (see B.2).
This document is not applicable for drinking equipment (feeding bottles, teats, spouts, and cups) which is covered by EN 14350:2020.
There are some products which are designed to be also used as Drinking Equipment or have a drinking function. These products shall additionally meet the requirements of EN 14350:2020.

This document specifies the safety requirements and test methods for child safety barriers for domestic indoor use which are designed to be fitted across openings to limit a child's access inside the home and to prevent young children up to 24 months of age passing through.
This document does not apply to products designed to be fitted across windows.
If the safety barrier has other functions not covered in this document, reference is made to the relevant European standard.

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 reclined cradles according to manufacturer’s instructions. If usage as reclined cradle is not included in the product information or marketing material, car seats are excluded from the scope of this document. This document does not cover reclined cradles or infant swings designed for children with special needs and/or falling 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 to it. Swings falling under the scope of EN 71-8 are excluded from the scope of this European Standard.
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 Technical Report  specifiesthe  safety  requirements  and  test  methods applicable for tricyclelike vehicles providing a transportation function.
When  a  product  includes  some  combination  of  the  belowpushchairfeatures  this leads to  consider  a tricycle offers a transportationfunction
-A minimum height of the backrest of 340 mm -(a high backrest for the child)
-A harness for the child, bumper bar
-Possibility to disengage child steering
-Possibility to semi-recline or recline the child’s seat
-Padded seat
-Reversible child’s seat
-Possibility is provided to affix bags, backpacks and other accessories,
-Footrest
NOTE: A learner tricycle, unlike a convertible tricycle stroller, has basic features such as a —
(a)handle for parental control and assistance;
(b)handlebar for use by the child tolearn to steer with the pedals disengaged; and
(c)waist and crotch harness on a seathaving a low back support;

This document specifies chemical requirements and reference test methods for child care articles within the scope of CEN/TC 252.
Excluded from the scope are soothers (EN 1400), soother holders (EN 12586), drinking equipment, (EN 14350) and cutlery and feeding utensils (EN 14372).
NOTE   A non-exhaustive list of standards for child care articles covered by TC 252 is given in Annex A. An up-to-date list can be found on the CEN website:   https://standards.cen.eu/dyn/www/f?p=204:105:0

Product not covered by EN 1888 when used for jogging activities (to be completed)

This document specifies the safety requirements of pushchairs when used for running/jogging or skating (excluding ice skating), intended for the transport of one or two children up to 15 or 22 kg each.
Pushchairs intended to transport the carer while pushing (e.g. the combination of longboard and stroller) are excluded from the scope of this document.
This document applies in conjunction with and in addition to the European standards EN 1888-1:2018+A1:2022 or EN 1888-2:2018+A1:2022 and it cannot be used separately.
If the product has several functions or can be converted into another function, the relevant European standards apply to it.

This document specifies safety requirements for changing units, changing pads and changing unit accessories for domestic use for children with a body weight of no more than 15 kg.
This document only covers the function of the item as a changing unit. If the changing unit can be converted or used for another function (e.g. cots, storage furniture, bath tubs and stands, etc.), other relevant European Standards apply.
The changing unit can be foldable and can be fitted with a child bathtub or other additional items.

This document specifies safety requirements relating to materials, construction, performance, packaging and labelling of soother holders.
NOTE 1   See B.1.
It includes test methods for the mechanical and chemical requirements specified.
This document covers products for children from birth to 36 months of age, alike the soothers to which these items are connected to.
This document is intended to provide safety requirements for soother holders. All products that allow the attachment of a soother intended for babies and young children to any other object are included in the scope. The soother holder has a holding device at one end for the soother, a garment fastener that attaches to any other product, e.g. the child’s garment and a connecting device linking these parts. The safety requirements of products that a soother holder attaches to are not considered in this standard.
Where a soother holder is considered to have significant play value, the soother holder is expected to meet the safety requirements for toys as stated in the Toy Directive 2009/48/EC [6] in addition to those in this document.
NOTE 2   See B.2.

This document specifies safety requirements and test methods for baby walking frames into which a child is placed, and intended to be used from when the child is able to sit up by itself until the child is able to walk by itself.
This document does not apply to baby walking frames for therapeutic and curative purposes and to those baby walking frames relying on inflatable parts to support the child.
Toys (e.g. ride on toys, push-along toys, usually intended for children able to walk unaided) are not covered by this document.
If a baby walking frame has several functions or can be converted into another function the relevant European standards apply to it.

This European Standard specifies safety requirements and the corresponding test methods for infant swings intended for children up
to a weight of 9 kg or unable to sit up unaided.
If an infant swing has several functions or can be converted into another function, the relevant European Standards apply to it.
Swings falling under the scope of EN 71-8 are excluded from the scope of this European Standard.

This European Standard specifies the additional safety requirements and test methods for pushchairs, designed for the carriage of one or more children, above15 kg and up to 22 kg each.
This European Standard applies in conjunction with and in addition to the European standard EN 1888-1 and it cannot be used separately.

This European Standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods for pushchairs and prams, designed for the carriage of one or more children, up to 15 kg each and up to 20 kg for any integrated platform on which a child can stand.
This European Standard does not cover toys, baby carriers fitted with wheels; pushchairs and prams propelled by a motor and pushchairs and prams designed for children with special needs.
Where a pushchair or pram or any part of the pushchair or pram has several functions or can be converted into another function it is due to comply with relevant standard(s).

This document specifies the safety requirements and test methods for child safety barriers for domestic indoor use which are designed to be fitted across openings to limit a child's access inside the home and to prevent young children up to 24 months of age passing through.
This document does not apply to products designed to be fitted across windows.
If the safety barrier has other functions not covered in this document, reference should be made to the relevant European standard.

A-deviation on flammability related hazards of the EN 16120:2012 - Child use and care articles - Chair mounted seat

Technical changes relating to the test beam (cl. 4.11).

Amendment to cover the new kind of carrycots

This standard specifies safety requirements and test methods for chair mounted seats intended to be fixed on an adult chair to raise the sitting position of a child able to sit unaided up to an age of 3 years or a maximum weight of 15 kg.
The standard does not apply to products only aimed at restraining the child on a chair without raising the child's sitting position.

This European Standard specifies safety requirements relating to the materials, construction, performance, packaging and product information for soothers.
This European Standard is applicable to products that resemble or function as a soother. Some soothers may be marketed with other functions. This standard is applicable to these products (some examples are given in annex C).
This European Standard does not apply to products designed for specialist clinical medical applications, e.g., those relating to Pierre-Robin Syndrome or premature babies (see annex C).
NOTE   It is recommended that soothers excluded from the scope of this European Standard should meet those requirements that can be applied.
The standard is not applicable to feeding teats. Safety requirements and test methods for feeding teats are included in all parts EN 14350.
Modification to Clause 9.5.2, Test method

This part of EN 12221 specifies safety requirements for changing units for domestic use for children with a body weight no more than 15 kg.
EN 12221 only covers the function of the item as a changing unit. If the changing unit can be converted or used as another function it shall comply with other relevant standards, e.g. cots, storage furniture, etc.
The changing unit may be foldable and can be fitted with a child bathtub or other additional items.
Changing pads are only covered by this standard when they form a part of the changing unit.

The Soother Holder Standard, EN 12586:2007 pays great attention to the possible strangulation hazard arising from the use of a soother holder. A restriction on the length of the soother holder is explained in the Rationale B 7.
However a possible design has recently come to light which could circumvent this requirement and because of the extreme hazard presented requires, in our opinion, an immediate amendment to the standard.
The amendment will also correct an error made regarding the warning and especially with the Slovenian language.