EN 12790-2 Child Care Products - Part 2: Reclining Cribs for Infants Until They Can Stand Up

The European standard “EN 12790-2 Child care products - Reclining cribs - Part 2: Reclining cribs for children until they can stand up” describes the safety requirements and relevant test methods for fixed or foldable reclining cribs until children can stand up.

This standard also applies to car seats conforming to UN ECE R44 or UN ECE R129 standards that can be used as reclining bassinets according to the manufacturer's instructions. This standard does not apply to reclining bassinets used as swings. If the reclining bassinet has multiple functions or can be converted to another function, the relevant European standards apply.

The reclining crib must meet the requirements of the EN 12790-1 standard. To meet the requirements of this standard, the reclining crib must be additionally tested according to the items listed in this standard below.

Tests are carried out according to the clauses given in the EN 12790-1 standard, and additional tests of this standard are performed on the same sample together with the relevant clauses of the EN 12790-1 standard.

Reclining cribs are essential tools for comforting and supporting young children, but as babies become more active, the risks associated with these products also increase. The EN 12790-2 standard addresses these enhanced safety needs. This standard complements the EN 12790-1 standard, which focuses on infants until they begin to sit up. Together, they incorporate current testing methodologies and expanded hazard assessments to reflect real-world use by more active children. The EN 12790-2 standard targets cribs for children who have passed the attempts at sitting but are not yet able to stand independently (typically up to 12-18 months or 18-20 kg in weight). These products often feature rocking, bouncing, or adjustable features, and the standard ensures they remain safe during the increasing movements of children.

The EN 12790-2 standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods for stationary or foldable reclining cribs designed for children up to the onset of attempts at standing. It applies to freestanding cribs or multifunctional products where the reclining crib mode is marketed as such. For convertible products, compliance must also include other relevant standards (e.g., high chairs covered by the EN 14988 standard, if applicable). Car seats compliant with UN ECE R44 or R129 are included only if explicitly designed for reclining crib use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

This standard should be used in conjunction with EN 12790-1, which provides the essential requirements. Products exceeding the age and weight limits fall under other standards, such as EN 16890 for high chairs. This two-part approach broadens the scope, addressing the progression of child developmental stages.

EN 12790-2 is based on the framework of the EN 12790-1 standard, but introduces stricter criteria for hazards posed by more active toddlers, including increased mechanical stresses and stability challenges. The requirements cover chemical, thermal, mechanical, electrical, and informational categories.

• Chemical hazards: It complies with EN 12790-1 standard and limits the migration of hazardous elements (e.g. heavy metals, formaldehyde) according to EN 71-3 standard, and also imposes restrictions on azo dyes and aniline to prevent skin or ingestion risks.
• Thermal hazards: Maintains limits on flame spread (maximum 50 mm/s) and surface temperatures to prevent burns, and applies updated flammability tests for textiles and filling materials.
• Mechanical hazards: Given the increased mobility of children in this age group, mechanical guards are more robust.
• Pinch and gaps: The probes test for larger openings (e.g., head and leg pinching up to 12 cm) and provide tighter tolerances for scissor and cutting mechanisms to withstand the strength of a toddler.
• Fall and restraint systems: Mandatory five-point safety harnesses or equivalent, tested with higher forces (up to 18 kg mass). Seat angles must not exceed 10 degrees from the horizontal to prevent tipping during climbing attempts.
• Squeeze and choking hazards: Extended cord length limits (220 mm) and small part tests were performed using a 31 mm cylinder, taking into account removable toys or accessories that older children might use.
• Risks of suffocation: Enhanced requirements for breathable materials and packaging adhesion tests, along with warnings against unattended use.
• Structural integrity: Dynamic fatigue test with long-term swinging or bouncing simulation and loads of 27 kg (more than 9 kg according to EN 12790-1 standard). Toy rods and components must withstand a force of 50 N.
• Stability and base design: Advanced stability tests on 10-degree inclines using 18 kg of mass and anti-tipping requirements for uneven terrain. Non-slip feet are mandatory.
• Additional features:
• Motorized mechanisms: For vibrating or sliding functions, speed limits and overload protection are specified, along with electrical safety in accordance with EN 60335-1 standard.
• Sound levels: Limited to 70 dB to protect hearing during prolonged use.

Tests under the EN 12790-2 standard use standard conditions, such as 23 degrees Celsius temperature, 50 percent humidity, and more impactful instruments to mimic infant behavior.

• General installation: Products are assembled according to the instructions and conditioned for 24 hours.
• Mechanical tests: Impact hammers apply 30 J of energy for durability; stability involves tilting with a rotating mass. Larger conical probes are used in the trapping process.
• Chemical analysis: Spectrophotometer for element migration after simulated saliva/sweat exposure.
• Acoustic measurements: Microphones according to EN ISO 3744 standard for sound pressure.

These methods guarantee repeatability, provided there is no deformation exceeding 5 mm or force exceeding the specified limits.

In conclusion, the EN 12790-2 standard, by working in conjunction with the EN 12790-1 standard to cover the entire early childhood spectrum, strengthens reclining cribs for growing infants.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the “EN 12790-2 Child care products - Reclining cribs - Part 2: Reclining cribs for infants until they start to stand up” standard.