Children’s Clothing Regulations

The Issue:

In 1996, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) modified the children’s sleepwear flammability standards to permit the sale of children’s sleepwear made from non-flame resistant material for sizes 0-9 months or that meet certain snug-fitting dimensions. In 1999, the CPSC reaffirmed this rule with additional labeling requirements. Years of data continue to support the facts that this sleepwear is safe. Although efforts were made in previous Congress’s to overturn this standard, no such efforts have been made thus far in the 110^th Congress.

Additional Information:

Drawstring

Side By Side Comparison

Sleepwear
Frequently Asked Questions, A Children's Sleepwear Regulatory Summary

New Guidelines for Children's Sleepwear
Download the Sleepwear Regulations for sizes up to 6X.
Download the Sleepwear Regulations for sizes 7 to 14 .

Background Information on Children's Sleepwear Standards

AAFA on the Issue:

AAFA strongly supports the retention of the 1996 children’s sleepwear amendments. In order to keep the lines of communication open between the CPSC and AAFA members, AAFA’s Childrenswear Division hosted a reception with the now former CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton on March 9, 2006. Mr. Stratton offered remarks and took questions concerning children’s apparel issues. A follow up meeting was held at the CPSC headquarters in June 2006 with former Chairman Stratton and his compliance team to discuss children’s apparel and general wearing apparel issues AAFA companies are facing.

The Latest News:

07.31.07

On July 31, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection approved several bills to address consumer product safety for children. One bill, H.R. 1699, deals with product registration cards, requiring certain manufacturers to present registration forms at the time of purchase that facilitate recalls of certain infant and toddler products. The bill does not pertain to apparel or footwear at this point.

A second bill, H.R. 2474, provides for an increase in the maximum civil penalty (up to $10 million) for violations of the Consumer Product Safety Act. If passed, this raise in penalty will be “phased-in” over a period of 2 years.

11.1.04

National Burn Center Reporting Database First Year Report on Clothing-Related Burn Injuries to Children.